OSCE supports conference on reforming Moldova's prosecution service
CHISINAU, 7 July 2010 - Sharing best working practices in strengthening the independence and professionalism of Moldova's prosecution service was the focus of an OSCE Mission-supported conference that took place today at the National Institute of Justice.
The conference brought together 50 representatives from the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Office of the President of Moldova, the Superior Council of Magistrates, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Ombudsman Office, the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, civil society organizations working on justice issues, diplomatic missions and international organizations.
"Legal and de facto independence is the cornerstone of an effective prosecution service and the right to a fair trial. The OSCE is committed to helping Moldova reach international standards in this important sphere," said the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Moldova, Claus Neukirch, in his opening remarks.
Leading authorities from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia presented successful judicial reform experiences in the Baltic States. Discussions focused on the legislative and regulative framework of the prosecution service, independence in taking procedural decisions, relations between the prosecutor and other trial participants, and public access to prosecution activities.
The conference, titled Challenges and New Approaches to the Prosecution Service, follows on the OSCE's Trial Monitoring Programme to Moldova. Subsequent activities in 2010 and 2011 will include the preparation of a needs assessment for legal framework development and support in implementing recommendations resulting from this conference.