Source: Blic
GRECO is one of the most renowned international anti-corruption initiatives, and the recommendations given by its experts have an outstanding importance in the fight against corruption. Particularly, for countries with big corruption. I was therefore really satisfied, as a commissioner for information, that one of the recommendations for Serbia given in October 2006, was to organize and carry out the training of the government officers about the rights of citizens from the Law on Free Access to Information, on the national level also, as well as the campaign for the purpose of informing the wider public about the law. Namely, although this is a legal obligation, except for the activities of the Commissioner with the non-governmental organizations and OSCE, nothing has practically been done in this respect, which has diminished the anti-corruption effects of the law.Unfortunately, the recommendation, as is the case with the majority of the 25, has not yet been executed. Considering that the deadline is end of 2007, everything should be done to improve the matter. Because if even the obvious benefit confirmed in practice had not been a sufficient incentive to take action following these recommendations, it should not be forgotten, that the membership in GRECO obliges an appropriate attitude. The execution of the recommendations is not a matter of good will, they are obliging. Besides, GRECO functions under the coverage of the Council of Europe, currently presided by Serbia. Now, when we are continuing negotiations with EU, it is important to send clear messages, that we really do understand that the society, a member of which we wish to be, expects from everybody, and particularly of the leader, even only a formal one, to perform his obligations. Rodoljub Sabic, Commissioner for Information.
