Dusan Protic and Jozef Kasa

Belgrade, July 24 - "The local self-governing draft law foresees direct election of the president of the municipality and the mayor, the two functions which constitute the executive, the introduction of an ombudsman office and substantial extension of municipal authority," the Deputy Justice and Self-Government Minister Dusan Protic told a press conference.

According to him, innovations in this field constitute the first significant step towards reform of the self-governing system of administration. Notwithstanding constitutional limitations, the jurisdiction of the municipal authorities will be extended primarily in the sectors of education and primary education in particular, public health care and social welfare, culture, sport and tourism.

With regard to the protection of individual and group rights, ombudsmanship is to be introduced, and the formation of a body for international relations has also been proposed.

According to the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Jozef Kasa, the local self-governing draft law has been released for public discussion.

"The release of the draft law for public discussion sets a precedent, however, we consider it essential that the people directly involved in local self-government pronounce their judgment and express criticism relating to this law," Kasa said.

According to him, its preparation was not a straightforward process and "people are wrong to criticize DOS of negligence." He added that the draft law could have been made with greater speed, but that it would not have been as effective as it now is.