Bi-monthlyBulletin publication • Year XIV • No.85 • Jul - August 2017 ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES advocacyavokim shërbimeservices lobbyinglobim practicespraktika promotionpromovim for the interests of municipalities

Naim Ismajli: Dr. Bajram Rexhepi left an indelible mark on the building of inter-institutional cooperation reports between the levels of government in the Republic of Kosovo

Former-Prime Minster of Kosovo and former- President CONDOLENCE TELEGRAM of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities, Dr. Bajram The Association of Kosovo Municipalities Rexhepi has passed away at with grief received the news on the death 63 years old in a hospital in of Mr. Bajram Rexhepi – former Prime . Minister of the Republic Kosova and for- Bajram Rexhepi since April mer President of the Association of was in coma due to brain Kosovo Municipalities. On behalf of the Municipalities of the attack. Initially, he was and on my behalf, I admitted at the University express condolence to his family and Clinical Center of Kosovo friends for the early death of Mr. Bajram (QKUK) for health treatment, Rexhepi. however due to a heavy Association of Kosovo Municipalities health condition he was sent highly express the work and engagement to Turkey on 25 April 2017. of Mr. Bajram Rexhepi as the first Prime Otherwise, former AKM Minister of Kosova and President of the President Bajram Rexhepi, Association of Kosovo Municipalities in was born on 3 June 1954 in the period of 2008-2010 In which he was also the mayor of Mitrovica. Mitrovica. Rexhepi had gradu- President Rexhepi with his engagement and work has advanced the ated in the Faculty of Association of Kosovo Municipalities and local government in Kosovo and Medicine at the University of left an indelible mark on the building of inter-institutional cooperation Prishtina in 1979 and post- reports between levels of government in the Republic of Kosovo. graduate studies he had fin- ished in Zagreb in 1985. Sincerely, Naim Ismajli – President of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities (continues in page 2)

This number of bulletin is dedicated to the news by the Municipalities of Kosovo 2 Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 Association of Kosovo Municipalities

In 2002 he was elected as the first Prime Minister of the Government of Kosovo. Dr. Bajram Rexhepi was the Mayor of the Municipality of Mitrovica, President of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities (in the period of 2008-2010) and Minister of Internal Affairs. In the last period, Rexhepi had withdrawn from political scene and returned to his profession as a surgeon at the Regional Hospital of Mitrovica.

The Association of Kosovo Municipalities coordinates policies with the Ministry of Local Government Administration Through the initiative of AKM, MLGA in its legisla- tive agenda of 2017 has foreseen to initiate the drafting of the “Law on allocation for use and exchange of immovable property of municipality”, whose draft law was preceded by the drafting of the Concept Document For the “Law on allocation for use and exchange of immovable property of municipality” and which Concept Document has been approved by the Government of Kosovo.

AKM has organized a three-day workshop with the participation of representatives of AKM and MLGA property of municipality, the possibility of conduct- in order to coordinate the main policy stances in ing negotiations between the mayors and potential drafting the draft law in question. investors, the shortening of the procedures and the The main pillars or legal framework on which the deadlines that they will have impact on reducing AKM and MLGA agreed, will be based on a concept time for stakeholders to take property into use and document and will also be supplemented with other the main aim of the law will be improvement of the chapters aiming to regulate or clarify some situa- environment that will have a direct impact on local tions that have not been properly addressed by pre- economic development. vious law. AKM during the discussions on the three-day work- The purpose of the law will be the public interest, shop considers that the law will be in favor of the the elimination of bureaucracy regarding the proce- local level, it will serve to municipalities, businesses, dures for the allocation for use and exchange of the legal entities and its citizens. Association of Kosovo Municipalities Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 3 The forum with municipal authorities related to the development of municipal budget process for the period of 2018-2020

The Ministry of Finance, comments and recommen- in cooperation with the dations identified by the Association of Kosovo municipal representatives Municipalities and in sup- in this consultation process port of the OSCE Mission were focused on changes in Kosovo, organized a in: 1. Flexibility in Forum with Municipal Municipal Spending; 2. Authorities on Flexibility in Fund Development of Allocation; 3. Five-digit Municipal Budget Process for development of mid-term munic- code; 4.Respecting deadlines by 2018-2020 with the participation ipal budget planning in line with MF at fiscal year-end. One of the of representatives from the the Medium-Term Expenditure main requirements of the munici- Ministry of Finance, Directors of Framework 2018-2020 and pal authorities remains the allo- Municipal Budget and Finance advancing the concept of multi- cation by the Ministry of Finance Directorates, various representa- year project planning as well as of a special fund in support of the tives from other Ministries and capacity building for efficient plan submitted by AKM for the various experts of this field. The financial management at the local purpose of financial support for Forum aimed at discussing and level. Given the importance of the management and control of coordinating activities on the municipal budget planning, the stray dogs.

MUNICIPALITIES OF KOSOVO

The Municipality of Deçan/Decan is equipped with mobile market

In co-financing with the Municipality of Deçan/Decan, GLV “Gjeravica” and German GIZ (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) have made possible to the farm- ers of the Municipality of Deçan/Decan to be equipped with a mobile market. GLV ”Gjeravica” is implementing the “Mobile Market of Agricultural Producers in the Region of Drin”, co-financed from the German Agency for International Development- GIZ-Costira Program and the Municipality of Deçan/Decan, Peja/Pec and Istog/Istok. This project aims to support all agricul- tural producers from this region, by enabling them been offered to the sellers and promoter of agricul- to sell and promote their products in the most fre- tural products that were located in at the places quented spaces in urban centers and in the most mentioned below. For the importance of this proj- frequent touristic places of these municipalities. ect, the project coordinator Mr. Musë Mushkolaj, Hence, the project aims to offer local fresh products representative of German GIZ, Mrs. Elena Lauch and to local, tourists, market and restaurants con- the Director of the Economic Development Mr. sumers. Through this project, stands-tables have Betim Mataj had some speeches. 4 Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 Association of Kosovo Municipalities The Municipality of Drenas/Gllogoc develops the software prototypes to improve local governance

Deputy Mayor of Drenas/Gllogoc Mr. Gani Sylaj and the Executive Director of the NGO “Open data Kosovo (ODK)”, Mrs. Blinera Meta - Shala, have signed the memorandum of understanding for development of soft- ware prototypes aiming to improve local governance and democratization process from the Municipality of Drenas/Gllogoc by using the potential of new technologies, such a project financed by the European Union. The aim of this memorandum of under- standing is to set fields of cooperation between two parties within the project Tech4Policy (“Youth-Designed Digital Solutions to Promote Democratic Engagement and Support Evidence-Based Policy-Making”) and other projects that can be developed between ODK and Municipality of Drenas/Gllogoc, in which ODK supports the Municipality of Drenas/Gllogoc with software programs within the agreed cooperation.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Fushë-Kosovë/Kosovo Polje and GIZ The memorandum of understanding between the Municipality of Fushë-Kosovë / Kosovo Polje and GIZ (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) has been signed. This Memorandum develops projects aiming strengthening of spatial planning and land management which is financed by “Federal Ministry of Germany for Development and Collaboration”. The aim of this agreement is to ensure agreed and close cooperation between the parties to serve in improvement of capaci- ties of municipalities to perform better in the field of spatial planning for urban and rural areas of the territory of the municipality based in the requests of the Law on Spatial Planning. Association of Kosovo Municipalities Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 5 Municipality of Gjilan/Gnjilane launches the building of 2.5 million euros for the category in need

The Mayor of Gjilan/Gnjilane, Lutfi Haziri, along with Islam Cakaj, representative of the donor from Kuwait “Euro Sky”, have launched construction of the hugest Building in the Republic of Kosovo, which Municipality of Kaçanik/Kacanik serves for the different categories of citizens with- out family care. discuses on capital projects with This building will include The Center for Abandon the local administration Children, House of Elders, two dormitories, food area, one kindergarten, one ambulance and other OSCE Mission in Kosovo in cooperation with the small buildings, such as care for women that are Municipality of Kaçanik/Kacanik have organized the object of family violence, then day care building for debate with the municipal administrators where the children with special needs, etc. municipal capital investments and municipal budget planning for 2018 have been discussed. Deputy Mayor of Municipality of Kaçanik/Kacanik Remzi Elezi said that we are in the implementation phase of municipal projects, which will facilitate the life of citizens of the municipality and will create better conditions for their wellbeing. The deputy mayor also mentioned road infrastructure, invest- ments in education which includes building of three primary schools and the public kindergarten, build- ing of the river bed of Lepenc, increasing capacities In his speech, Mayor of Gjilan/Gnjilane, Lutfi Haziri, for water supply, construction of the building for said that today will launch construction of the build- social housing and many more projects. Moreover, ing with an amount of 2.5 million euro, for people in he emphasized that with the finalization of infra- need for state support and other citizens in general. structure, the municipality will have as a priority “This center will be used by orphan children, local economic development and treatment of women that needs to be protected, elders in need, sewage. Deputy Mayor thanked the ministries for children with different syndromes and other cate- financing of many projects and other local and inter- gories and investment amount is over 2.5 million national donors that are supporting in implementa- euro. This investment came in Gjilan/Gnjilane after tion of different project. too many talks and research in entire Kosovo. The On the other hand, municipal administrators were implementation time of this project will be shorter satisfied with municipal investments, however they than the time we have expected to start this proj- presented the needs of the community they repre- ect”, said Mayor Haziri, while he was thanking the sent. Local representatives requested investments donor “Euro Sky” and all of them that are working in road infrastructure including drains, sidewalks, with this special category of the society in public lightning, increasing water supply, invest- Gjilan/Gnjilane. ments in education infrastructure, investments in health, etc. Moreover, the administrators also men- tioned the problems of residents of those areas where the highway is being constructed. 6 Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 Association of Kosovo Municipalities Municipality of Lipjan/Lipljan along with the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo applies in the project for 460 thousand euros

Women and youth support of the Municipality of Lipjan/Lipljan was one of the main topics where Over 5 million euro have been Mayor Imri Ahmeti and Arian Zeka the Executive approved for the Municipality of Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo have discussed in a joint meeting. Hence, Istog/Istok they have discussed also on the project in the amount of 460,000.00 euro, such a project where Austrian Ministry of Finance, the program SoftLoan the Municipality of Lipjan/Lipljan will apply at the at and the Central Bank of Austria have approved the the European Union Office as a leader and the loan request from the Municipality of Istog/Istok to American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo will be finalize the project for the new water supply and the co-applicant. During this meeting Mayor Ahmeti increasing capacity for the existing water supply where the agreement in the amount of 5,094.247 euro is expected to be signed very soon.

The municipality of Kamenica / Kamenica with a Project for stabilization of communities

The municipality through the project for stabiliza- tion of communities which is financed by the and Director Zeka agreed that through the grants European Union Office in Kosovo and which is they will support women and the youth of the implemented by the International Organization for Municipality through professional trainings, intern- Migration (IOM) has signed the Memorandum of ships, self-employment and entrepreneurship. Understanding for implementation of the project for This project aims to support Economical regulation of the lightning in some villages of the Development of the Municipality by giving grants in municipality of Kamenica/Kamenica. The mayor the amount of 5,000.00 euro for 30 women and 30 Begzat Sinani thanked IOM for a great cooperation young citizens of the municipality, who will start by saying that each investment, project that is their new business and by offering professional implemented in our municipality is in the interest of training and an opportunity for each beneficiary to our citizens. do an internship in the partner companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo. Association of Kosovo Municipalities Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 7 Municipality of Mitrovica gives 105 scholarships for students

There are 105 students from the Municipality of Mitrovica/Mitrovica that have signed the contract as beneficiary of municipal scholarship for this year. The amount of the scholarship is 70 euro. The Mayor Agim Bahtiri awarded the scholarships to the students, who in this occasion said that the Commission for allocation of scholarships has Municipality of Malisheva / selected the best students. He congratulated the beneficiary students of scholarships and encour- Malisevo supports agriculture aged them for commitment and tireless work to development gain knowledge. Therefore, the municipality will continue to support students not only financially Within the subvention in agriculture, the but also by offering internships in different sectors. Municipality of Malisheva/Malisevo has started allo- After signing the contract, the students expressed cation of 150 small tractors for farmers of the their satisfaction with the allocation of these schol- Municipality of Malisheva/Malisevo, this subven- arships. Some of them have been grateful for the tion aims to support in development of agriculture support that the municipality is offering, as an addi- in our municipality. Mayor of Malisheva/Malisevo, tional motivation to continue studies and as a finan- Mr. Ragip Begaj and the Director of Agriculture Mr. cial relief for their families. Murat Hoxha were present and congratulated the beneficiary farms. “I believe this will help all of you in your daily activ- ities in agriculture and this was our objective. All of those who work and justify their work, for us as a local government is our duty to support and this is a development and creation of material goods for themselves and the country. I believe that the sup- port in agriculture will continue in the future and this is just a part of those subventions that we are giving continually” said among others Mr. Begaj.

Municipality of Novobërde/Novo Brdo with a Project in supporting the youth The Mayor Svetisllav Ivanovic has signed the agree- ment between the Municipality of Novobërdë/Novo Brdo and Helvetas to support the youth network of Novobërdë/Novo Brdo. Municipality of Novobërde/Novo Brdo, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation HIS and the Youth Network of Novobërde/Novo Brdo in the following period will work together in the project of Youth capacity building of Novobërde/Novo Brdo. Municipality of Novobërde/Novo Brdo will continue to stimulate the youth in their difficulties for a higher level of education that in the future to decrease the number of unemployment of youth, emphasized Ivanovic. 8 Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 Association of Kosovo Municipalities Municipality of Rahovec / Podujeva/Podujevo: Debate on Orahovac and Turkish KFOR in the Amendments of the Detailed Kosovo agreed to implement a Regulatory Plan – Center Zone number of projects At the Municipality of Podujeva/Podujevo is held the public debate on Amendments of the Detailed Mayor of Rahovec/Orahovac, Mr. Idriz Vehapi wel- Regulatory Plan – Center Zone in comed in a meeting the Major Erkin Kara, Podujeva/Podujevo. At the public debate, organized Commandant of CIMIK of Turkish KFOR, Captain by the Directorate of Urban Planning and Hakan Baca and Vice-Captain Iskender Alana. The Environmental Protection, the citizens were topic of the meeting was launching of cooperation informed on the amendments proposed in the between the Municipality of Rahovec/Orahovac and Amendments of the Detailed Regulatory Plan – CIMIK. Major Erkin Kara Commandant of CIMIK of Center Zone in Podujeva/Podujevo. Turkish KFOR in Kosovo has informed the Mayor Related to this document, the citizens and partici- Vehapi on the implemented projects in some of the pants in the debate were informed by Durim Salihu Municipalities of Kosovo, projects for the benefits of – Director of the Directorate Urban Planning and communities and that deal with the modification and Environmental Protection who gave the necessary extension of roads, renovation of different objects explanations. Director Salihu said that the amend- and modification of sports terrains. He added that ments of the Detailed Regulatory Plan – Center similar projects are planned to be implemented in Zone in Podujeva/Podujevo are done in harmony the Municipality of Rahovec/Orahovac, as well. On with the Municipal Development Plan. his behalf Mayor Vehapi congratulated CIMIK officials During the debate, the citizens asked questions and for the implementation of the projects for the bene- gave proposals related to this document, whereas fit of the citizens of the municipalities where these the Directorate Urban Planning and Environmental projects were implemented by saying that such proj- Protection following receiving of suggestions will ects that were implemented in other municipalities present this document at the Municipal Assembly are needed to be implemented in the municipality of for approval. Rahovec / Orahovac, as well.

Obiliq/Obilic and Vushtrria/Vucitrn signed the agreement for inter-municipal cooperation Mayor of Obiliq/Obilic Mr. Xhafer Gashi and the Mayor of Vushtrria/Vucitrn Mr. Bajram Mulaku met in a meeting and were informed that the implemen- tation of the project for cleaning the river ‘Sitnica’ is expected to begin soon. The implementation of this project will be done by the Ministry of Environment and will include cleaning of the river “Sitnica” in the entire area of both municipalities. Hence, in this meeting they agreed that in the following days they shall sign the memorandum of inter-municipal coop- eration in order to clean the river “Llap”. Moreover, avoided that affect the inhabitants and the lands that by cleaning these two rivers, many floods will be are in their vicinity of these two municipalities. Association of Kosovo Municipalities Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 9 Municipality of Prishtina/Pristina opens a competition for 50 apartments for the special program of housing

The municipality has ensured a special this Program are the families that program of housing for the families of don’t own apartment or house, those martyrs, missing people of KLA, KLA who are left without an veterans, civil war invalids, and sexual apartment/house, as a result of the war victims, civil war victims and their house damaged during the last war in families who have not find a solution Kosovo, families that possess houses for housing and that are in a bad eco- that are under the norms set for this nomic condition by giving them in use social and economic category and the apartments to create suitable living families that live in others facilities, by conditions. The right to benefit from renting or not renting.

Municipality of Skenderaj/Srbica simplifies procedures for compa- nies that open new jobs vacancies

At the proposal of the Deputy Mayor of Skenderaj/Srbica, Fadil Nura, the Municipal Municipality of Prizren and MCYS Assembly has decided to release from a con- signed two agreements of struction permit tax a local company that understanding will start building a Mayor prof.dr. Ramadan Muja and the secretary of factory for the produc- the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Veton tion of doors and windows. Firzi have signed two agreement of understanding In his presentation, Deputy Mayor Nura said that for investment in two facilities: sport polygon in the the Municipality of Skenderaj/Srbica is strongly area of Kurrilla and adaptation of the object of committed to support domestic and foreign compa- Jewish Community. nies aiming on production and opening up of new The beneficiaries of this agreement are the citizens jobs. He also said that the request for tax exemption of Prizren/Prizren, the sport polygon for the resi- for building permits comes from ‘Xani Dekor’ dents of the neighborhood of Kurrillë, it will be a Company, which is planning to open a factory for function facility which will be used by the youth of production of doors and windows and consequent- this neighborhood. In the agreement is foreseen ly will open about 30 new jobs. that MCYS will invest 60 thousand euro whereas the It is not the first time that the Municipality of municipality will participate with 5 thousands euro. Skenderaj/Srbica has created facilities for foreign The second agreement is the investment of MCYS and domestic manufacturing companies. He has for adaptation of the facility, by which our munici- acted in the same way also with the meat process- pality has given to the Jewish community. The facil- ing factory in Polac, which is in the final stage of ity needs to be internally adapted, regulated and construction of the facility, hence the Municipality functionalized for the activities of members of the has provided the necessary property and other Jewish Community. infrastructure for this factory. 10 Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 Association of Kosovo Municipalities Municipality of Shtime/Stime Suhareka/Suvareka signed twin- and EMA signed the cooperation ning agreement with the agreement Municipality of Serik of Turkey

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Municipality of Shtime/Stime and the Emergency Management Agency (AME) for co- financing in the Renovation Project of the Professional Fire and Rescue Unit in the Municipality of Shtime/Stime. Under this Agreement, the Agency for Emergency Management in this project will invest the amount of 11,818.58€ while the Municipality with the amount of 3,000.00 €. For the EMA, the agreement Municipality of Suhareka/Suvareka signed the twin- was signed by the Director General of the Agency, ning agreement with the Municipality of Serik from Mr. Fadil Kodra, and on behalf of the Municipality of Turkey, it was held a solemn event for signing of this Shtime/Stime the agreement was signed by Mayor agreement and a delegation of 30 members leaded Naim Ismajli. According to Mr. Bajram Gashi, com- my the Mayor of Serik, Mr. Ramazan Çalik and the mander of the Professional Fire and Rescue Unit in Executive Staff of the Municipality of Shtime/Stimlje, this project aims to improve the Suhareka/Suvareka and the Municipal Councilors basic infrastructure of the Firefighting Unit’s normal were present. Prior the sinning of the agreement, operation and to increase operational readiness to the Turkish delegation was welcomed by the Mayor the highest level in order to respond on time to Asllanaj where they discussed the interest of both emergencies related to the prevention and elimina- municipalities. Mayor Asllanaj has informed the tion of fire risks and in order to protect the lives of guests on the development of our Municipality, on people, property and the environment. the Kosovo infrastructure, economic development, businesses and our economic situation by which our citizens face daily. Hence, Mayor of Serik, Mr. Çalik talked about his Municipality and expressed his wish that both municipalities to collaborate in different fields in the future, especially in tourism, culture, economy and agriculture development. Municipality of Suhareka/Suvareka despite this twinning, it has a twinning agreement with the municipality of Felbach of Germany, Saranda of and Lilburn of USA.

New grants opportunities for the farmers in Ranillug

On the premises of the Municipality of Ranilluk/ Ranilug in Domorovc, with the organization of the Directorate of Agriculture and the humanitarian organization CARE was held the information meeting with the public on the project “Rural Initiatives of Sustainable Economy” finances by the Austrian dures to apply for the grants. The project includes Agency for Cooperation. The meeting aimed to pres- four municipalities: Ranilluk/Ranilug, Kamenicë / ent the activities to fulfill the requests and proce- Kamenica, Novobërda/Novo Brdo, Prishtinë/Pristina. Association of Kosovo Municipalities Bulletin No.85 • Jul - August 2017 11 The Austrian Embassy reviews the assistance to economic and rural development and tourism in the municipality of Shtërpcë/Strpce

In Viti/Vitina launches the application phase in the project “Generation of income”

During his visit to the Municipality of The application phase in the project “Generation of Shtërpcë/Strpce, the Ambassador of Austria, Gernot Income” has begun, such a project supported by the Pfandler, accompanied by a senior official of the Government of Duke of Luxembourg and Austrian Development Agency, Guther Zimmera and Municipality of Viti/Vitina, Foundation Kosovo- the representative of UNDP Kosovo met with the Luxembourg which aims co-financing of starting and leaders of the Municipality. existing business of this municipality. Some days ago During the meeting with the mayor of was held the informing session for criteria and appli- Shtërpcë/Strpce, Bratislav Nikolic and Deputy cation method in this project. To the participants Mayor, Ivica Tanasijevic, has been discussed on var- who are interested to benefit from the project ious issues related to cooperation in the fields of “Generation of the income”, the representative of economic and rural development, tourism develop- the Foundation Kosovo-Luxembourg Fisnik Beqiri ment and development of other branches of econo- talked on the importance of this project and men- my in our municipality. Following the meeting with tioned the flow of work and the processes in the the leaders of Shtërpcë/Strpce, Ambassador application phases. The director of the Directorate Pflanzer used the opportunity to visit some of the of the Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development users of the InTerDev project, which was funded by Mr. Veton Ademi was present at the meeting, as the Austrian Development Agency and which is well. implemented by UNDP in the municipality of Shtërpcë /Štrpce.

Vushtrria/Vucitrn is equipped with the Mobility Service in Traffic

The Municipality of Vushtrria/Vucitrn within the agreement of cooperation and partnership with USAID program “Advancing Kosovo Together” has signed the new agreement on financing the first project in the field of mobility in the amount of 47.000 euro. Within this program the plan is drafted, respective- ly the vision how the mobility will function in the municipality of Vushtrria/Vucitrn through clear objectives on increase of the safety scale in the special needs and organization of collective trans- entire road network, traffic signals, construction of port. sidewalks, release of existing sidewalks from differ- The signed agreement by the Mayor Mr. Bajram ent obstacles, creation of sufficient spaces for park- Mulaku means launching of the implementation of ing, modification of biking paths, modification of the first project listed in this plan. road infrastructure for movement of persons with “Model- regulation on cemeteries, provision of burial services, their arrangement and maintenance” isis preparedprepared

Collegium of Legal Officers (CLO) held its following meeting where the first draft of the “Model- reg- ulation on cemeteries, provision of funeral services, their arrange- ment and maintenance” was reviewed. Some days ago, AKM has organ- ized a three day workshop to draft the model regulation, as an AKM’s approach to provide col- laboration to municipalities through the organization of work- shops, seminars and various meetings aims to facilitate the work for municipalities so that they can have an alternative doc- ument from AKM and there is no purpose of imposition or require- ment for municipalities to neces- sarily approve these documents, it remains to municipalities to choose what they want. By the end of the meeting, an acknowledgement was awarded to the oldest member of the Collegium for Legal Officers, Mrs. was a member of CLO since its for her contribution and the sin- Qerime Koci from the establishment until her retire- cere collaboration shown with Municipality of Skenderaj, who ment. The AKM thanks Mrs. Koci the colleagues and AKM officers.

3 AKM has the status of an observer in Council of Europes Congress of Local ASSOCIATION OF KOSOVO MUNICIPALITIES and Regional Authorities in Europe. It is a permanent member of NALAS (Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South-East Europe), BULLETIN member of LOGON network, member of LOGIN network. Member is an Invited Association (similar to the status of an observer) in Committee of Year XIV, No.85 • Jul - August 2017 Europe for Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and member in ALDA Tel: 038 245-734; Fax: 038 245-733 (Association of Local Democracy Agencies). E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.komunat-ks.net