OSCE Mission to Skopje supports international conference marking 50th anniversary of Constitutional Court
SKOPJE, 19 September 2014 – Some 80 constitutional court judges from 21 European countries, representatives of the the European Commission for Democracy through Law of the Council of Europe (Venice Commission), the European Court of Human Rights, as well as legal practitioners from the country and abroad will participate at an OSCE-supported three-day conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Court in Skopje.
Participants will discuss the modern challenges of constitutional judiciary, and, in particular, will address the principle of division of powers and the assessment of constitutionality and the legality of bylaws.
The event is jointly organized by the Constitutional Court, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and the South-east Europe Rule of Law Programme of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
“An independent and impartial judiciary, serving as guardian of the constitution, is probably the single most important aspect of a functioning democratic system,” said the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Ralf Breth. “An independent and impartial judiciary protects the weak from the powerful, the minority from the majority, the poor from the rich, and at times, the citizens from the excesses of government.”
President of the Constitutional Court Elena Gosheva added: “From the 50-year history of practicing constitutional justice in the country, we may rightfully conclude that the experience gained so far is an excellent foundation for the new challenges and modern needs. Irrespective of all changes and challenges, our highest goal remains to be the principal pillar of modern life, which is the reinforcement and protection of the constitutional system and constitutional rights of all citizens.”