I do not fear replacement
ExpiredI do not fear replacement
N. CALUKOVIC, 25 December 2006
Serbia has “celebrated” two years since the National Parliament for the first time in its history appointed the first Information Commissioner and joined the league of modern democratic countries. Analysing the results achieved in this period, Commissioner Rodoljub Sabic, talking to the daily Novosti, says that it is not exactly his place to evaluate his own work. - I'll just say that, according to the reports of independent non-government monitoring agencies, as well as OSCE, Council of Europe and EU Commission, the results are good. Very good, in fact.
What was your biggest challenge?
- In spite of all my efforts, I did not succeed in getting the responsible authorities to activate mechanisms of accountability and supervision or propose some necessary complementary laws, such as those regulating classification of confidential information, protection of privacy, or opening of secret files.
How many citizens have so far complained to the Commissioner about a government body failing to adhere to the Free Access to Information of Public Importance Act?
- In 2005, over 450 cases were registered by the Commissioner's Bureau. This year, there will probably be around 2000, most of which are citizens' complains.
Have any citizens benefited from their complaints?
- Some 65 per cent of complaints have already been resolved. I know that many people have benefited from that.
The Constitutional Act prescribes the appointment of the new Commissioner immediately after the parliamentary elections. Do you fear replacement?
- The Constitutional Act is vague - it is not exactly clear if it envisages the appointment of the new Commissioner or not. In any case, I do not fear replacement.
Who would want you to leave?
- Those who want to hide from the public their own incompetence, misuses, crimes and corruption.
POPOVIC AND BULATOVIC
Which public official - do you think - sets an example for respecting the law?
- It's Aleksandar Popovic.
And who, according to you, needs improvement in the area?
- Rade Bulatovic.
