USAID Forum Promotes Dialogue between Vlora Citizens and the Court

VLORA, JULY 11, 2008     Today, USAID’s Rule of Law Program, in partnership with the Vlora District Court, held a community forum to promote dialogue between citizens and the court. At the event, judges, citizens, lawyers, prosecutors, civil society organizations and media representatives shared ideas about how the court in Vlora can improve transparency and accountability to its citizens.

Delivering opening remarks, the USAID program’s director, Mr. Fred Yeager, said this event aimed to “explore methods and techniques for successfully stimulating interaction, dialogue and greater understanding between the courts and the public in Vlora and in other districts.“ Through this dialogue USAID hopes to improve the quality of services delivered by the courts and also increase the understanding of the community about the work that the courts do.

Also attending, the court’s Chief Judge, Mr. Artur Malaj, noted his court’s recognition of their important public service role. 

USAID’s program works with the Vlora District Court and nine other selected courts in Albania to improve court efficiency, accountability and openness.

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