OSCE Mission to Skopje supports course to improve access to information

SKOPJE, 28 August 2006 - A training course that aims to make it easier for journalists and others to gain access to public information started today with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

The course, organized by the local non-governmental organization Pro Media, helps the National Commission, charged with implementing the Law on Access to Information, to prepare for its task.

"Free access to information is vital for genuine freedom of the media and the democratic functioning of the state," said the Deputy Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Natalya Drozd. "It entitles citizens to request and receive information from the government, state and public institutions, thus guaranteeing transparency and accountability.

"Free access to information has tangible benefits, including enabling civil society to get involved in decision-making, increasing transparency and reducing corruption. As a result, public trust in government grows."

Janko Nikolovski, Head of the National Commission, welcomed the OSCE Mission's support.

"It is crucial that this law should be properly implemented. Essential to this is that all appropriate structures and mechanism are set up and function efficiently, all by-laws are adopted, and authorized officials, responsible for providing citizens with information are appointed and properly trained," he said.

The law, which was adopted in February 2006, is set to be implemented next month.