OSCE Mission supports new regional Ombudsman offices

SKOPJE, 19 October 2005 - The OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje today welcomed the opening of a regional Ombudsman Office in Tetovo, which will serve people both in Tetovo and in nearby villages. This office is one of six being opened this month throughout the country.

The new regional Ombudsman Offices will increase public access to the institution and will further promote citizens' understanding of the Ombudsman's role in the protection of their rights.

Ambassador Carlos Pais, Head of the OSCE Mission, expressed his satisfaction during the opening ceremony.

"We are pleased to support the Tetovo office as well as regional offices in Strumica, Kumanovo, Bitola, Stip and Kicevo, which are important for the efficient functioning of the Ombudsman. Promoting the role of an enhanced Ombudsman institution is an integral part of the OSCE's ongoing work in the area of rule of law in the country," he said.

The Regional Ombudsman Deputies were appointed in July 2005. They have already begun to accept cases from citizens at the regional level.

The national Ombudsman, Izdet Memeti, said that he was pleased with the increased presence of the institution: "We greatly appreciate the support from the OSCE Mission, the Canadian International Development Agency and the Italian Government in equipping these offices. With them and the complimentary public awareness campaign we will significantly increase the ability of the Ombudsman Institution to serve the country's diverse population."

The establishment of an Ombudsman institution was foreseen in the Ohrid Framework Agreement and was formalized by the country's Constitution and a Law on the Ombudsman. The enhanced Ombudsman Office has a specific focus on non-discrimination and equitable representation of communities.