USAID TO SUPPORT MORE ACCOUNTABLE, TRANSPARENT AND EFFICIENT COURTS

ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT, ALBANIAN JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES AND USAID SIGNAL COMMITMENT TO JUDICIAL REFORM IN EXECUTING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

TIRANA, JANUARY 28, 2008–The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Justice, the High Council of Justice, and national judicial authorities, aiming to improve the quality of justice in Albania and to earn the public trust and confidence in the courts and other public institutions. 

USAID Mission Director Edward T. Landau, Minister of Justice Enkelejd Alibeaj, Vice-Chairman of the High Council of Justice Kreshnik Spahiu, Chief Justice and Chairman of the National Judicial Conference Thimjo Kondi and Executive Director of the Judicial Budget Office Luljeta Laze, signed the Memorandum.  U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers II delivered the keynote speech at the ceremony. 

As stated in the Memorandum, the purpose of the Rule of Law Program is intended to not only improve transparency, efficiency and accountability in the Pilot Courts, but also to illustrate high standards and principles of trial and appellate court performance in the areas of (a) transparency, accessibility and openness, (b) appropriate accountability and independence, (c) competence, fairness and ethics, (d) timeliness; and (e) public trust and confidence to other courts throughout Albania.

The project will assist 10 pilot courts. Assistance can include introducing a recording system to accurately keep trial records; developing or upgrading existing court websites with comprehensive information on court activity; publication of case decisions in both electronic and paper copy; improving archiving systems, standards, and procedures; implementing a community outreach strategy; establishing standards and structures to respond to inquiries from the public or media; reviewing court performance standards; improving case processing and standards including assignment systems; expanding access of judges to legal acts, statutes, and regulations through the use of databases; assistance in the use of the computerized case management information system; and supporting appropriate training to achieve improvements in efficiency, accountability and transparency.

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