Prishtina, on 09 October2012 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Sami Kurteshi accompanied by Deputy Ombudspersons and his associates welcomed in a particular meeting the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo Dr. Jakup Krasniqi, who was accompanied by his Advisers and support staff. The meeting was focused on work, challenges and difficulties that the Ombudsperson Institution is facing in the course of fulfilling its mission.
The Ombudsperson thanked the Speaker of the National Assembly for the visit and considered this visit as an evidence of support by the National Assembly to the Ombudsperson Institution in fulfillment of constitutional and legal mission for protection and monitoring of Human Rights and Freedoms of the individual. During the meeting, Mr. Kurteshi explained the organizational structure of the institution and the fields in which the work of the institution is concentrated. He emphasized that the personnel of the Ombudsperson Institution provides with a response every person addressing the Ombudsperson Institution by not leaving any space for administrative silence which is unacceptable in an modern administration and by proving on the other hand that the institution is there to serve the citizens.
The Speaker of the National Assembly thanked Mr. Kurteshi for a warm welcoming and congratulated the Ombudsperson and his staff on achieved results and also encouraged them to continue to fulfill constitutional and legal obligations. “The Constitutional Court and the Ombudsperson Institution are more specific independent institutions because the National Assembly participates directly in the selection of these institutions”, said Mr. Krasniqi. He remained that in transitional societies, establishment of democracy and enforcement of order and law constitute a big challenge, so the role of the Ombudsperson in this respect is irreplaceable. Therefore, the Speaker suggested the Ombudsperson Institution to closely cooperate with the Committees of the National Assembly, especially with the respective Committees.
The Speaker ensured the Ombudsperson that the institution, in the future will enjoy the support of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.
The visit of the Speaker of National Assembly to the Ombudsperson Institution occurred within the cooperation and mutual contacts that the National Assembly has with the independent institutions which directly report to the Assembly. The Chapter XII of the Constitution sets forth the Ombudsperson Institution as an independent institution which directly reports to the National Assembly.
This round table is a part of activities for advocacy and public awareness against violence towards women. In this light will be emphasized the role of the Ombudsperson in struggle for gender equality and combating discrimination, as well as cooperation with the civil society and media in this respect by providing a general view regarding challenges and achievements together with the representatives of the institutions at the central and local level.