OSCE Presence in Albania marks 10th anniversary

TIRANA, 27 March 2007 - The OSCE Presence in Albania marks its 10th anniversary today.

It was created by an OSCE Permanent Council decision on 27 March 1997 in response to the breakdown of law and order in the country. At that time it focused on providing advice and assistance to overcome the consequences of the collapse of state power, monitoring security issues, human rights, preparing and monitoring elections and democratization issues.

"In the last 10 years, Albania has made impressive progress, and the tasks and work of the OSCE Presence have substantially evolved as well," said Ambassador Pavel Vacek, the Head of Presence.

"Albania is on its way towards Euro-Atlantic integration, and the challenge for the Presence is how best to assist in key domestic reforms within our mandate and closely co-operate with the Government and other Albanian partners."

In 2003, the mandate of the Presence was updated, and since then it has also been involved in promoting democratization, the rule of law and human rights, and consolidating democratic institutions in conformity with OSCE principles, standards and commitments.

The Presence also works in the field of legislative and judicial reform, property reform, electoral reform, regional administrative reform, parliamentary capacity-building, anti-trafficking and anti-corruption, media development, promotion of good governance, the development of civil society and police assistance.

Albania has been a member of the OSCE since 19 June 1991.

The Presence has over 100 national and international employees and an annual budget of around 3.7 million Euro. It also manages voluntary contributions for projects in the order of millions Euro.