MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC STRANKA (PARTY), LDS, JABLANICA
AND
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INITIATIVE FOUNDATION D66 AND DEMOCRATEN66, ALMERE, THE NETHERLANDS

I. PARTIES

This document constitutes an agreement between LDS, Jablanica and Democraten66, Almere & IDI Foundation D66, The Netherlands.

II. PURPOSE

After a first visit to BiH in 1999 by a member of the Almere D66 branch in the Netherlands the idea of party-twinning was developed. The Almere D66 branch would start working closely together with a branch of an associated political party in one particular town in BiH. This would include organising exchange visits, exchange knowledge and stimulate active members to be trained as trainers. This information and experience could then be spread to other branches in the region. A further important aim as part of the mutual exchange would be the beneficial cultural exchange amongst people of different cultures but similar party backgrounds. Also in view of possible future developments towards BiH joining the European Union.

This particular programme is to be regarded as a pilot programme in order to test the possibilities of party-twinning within the framework of the activities of the IDI Foundation and of the European Liberal Project Group in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This pilot programme is financially made possible by the MATRA-programme of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In working together it will be useful to be directed by a set of internationally accepted guidelines for this kind of co-operation:

Democracy. Policies can only be responsive to people's needs if every citizen can participate in the formulation and implementation of policies through decentralized structures and with free access to information, and if democracy and human rights are respected.

Justice. Until just political, economic, and social institutions are achieved to counter inequalities, sustainable development cannot be assured.

Fairness. Global resources must be fairly shared, so that all people - regardless of gender, age, disability, class, caste, religion, race, or ethnic origin - can lead a decent life.

Tolerance. communities in the East and West should join forces in combatting racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance and social exclusion.

Joint Action. Community groups, local authorities, and NGOs each have special skills and expertise which, when brought together on the basis of mutual respect, reciprocity, and grassroots participation, can facilitate powerful collective action.

Interdependence. Communities in the East and West should join forces in the spirit of interdependence and self-reliance, with due respect for democratic and cultural values and the rights of minorities.

Sustainability. All life depends on the health of the earth' ecosystems, which are now being severely damaged. Lifestyles, spending patterns, production methods, and the use of natural resources should no longer be allowed to jeopardize the welfare of present and future generations.

III. ACTIVITIES

Project Activity:
How to set up a pre-electoral campaign:
Exchange of ideas, set-up, preparation, campaign plan, planning funding etc.

Project Activity:
Housing development and planning:
The procedures that are followed in land us planning, the decision making process, the part of the citizen in this process etc.
The funding and development of housing projects, the idea of a revolving fund etc.

Preparation future Activity:
Measures to generate and stimulate economic development and employment.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES

The parties are jointly responsible for the adequate implementation of planned activities and an adequate project and financial report of the twinning programme. All parties are jointly bound to prepare a report, including a summary and evaluation of the activities, which shall be drafted according to the guidelines of the IDI Foundation and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
All parties are jointly bound to prepare a financial report of the programme, in which all expenses are accounted for by invoices and receipts. For this purpose the guidelines by the IDI Foundation and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs are applicable.

V. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The costs of party-twinning will be covered by the International Democratic Initiative Foundation D66, based on a project budget awarded by the IDI board. Small local costs will be met by the local party branch. The participating party branch in BiH will be awarded a budget of DM 400,= for 2001 to be administrated by LDS in Jablanica.

VI. PERIOD OF AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION/TERMINATION

This Agreement will become effective when signed by both parties. The Agreement includes the activities performed during the time of the party-twinning pilot programme, 19 August 2001-31 December 2001. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties. If the pilot project is regarded successful by both parties, it is the intention of both parties to continue this partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (including new activities) in 2002 for at least another year.

DATE: SIGNATURE ______________________ LDS, JABLANICA

PLACE:   ____________________ D66, ALMERE ____________________ IDI FOUNDATION D66

Annex:

agreed tasks in order to implement the activities during the period until 31 December 2001

1. LDS, Jablanica writes a short (max. 4 pages) report on the subjects of Pre-electoral campaign and Housing development and land use planning in which the current situation is described and in addition issues or questions to be asked are described as concise as possible. This information should be handed in to D66 Almere by fax no later than 1 October. This will give D66 Almere time to prepare the discussions and suggestions.
   On the basis of this Almere will suggest a programme schedule which will be agreed by both parties.
2. Dune Cilic and one other party member (who speaks English reasonably well) will visit Almere from Thursday 25 October until Monday 29 October. Arrangements will be done if possible directly between LDS Jablanica en D66 Almere, but Friedrich Naumannstiftung as part of ELPG will provide assistance where necessary. D66 Almere will arrange flight tickets for collection at Sarajevo airport. An official invitation will follow as soon as the second name is known, in order to start administrative procedures (f.i. visa).
3. LDS Jablanica will receive and administer DM 400 for organization and administration costs during this pilot project. A report of the expenditure (if possible including receipts) will be provided to D66 Almere by 31 December 2001. D66 Almere will have to report on the total of the pilot project to IDI Foundation of D66.
4. Points of contact:
   Dune (Cilic) can be reached at the city council by fax: 00387 367 52 651, Monday through Friday from 0700 am to 1500 pm.

   Gretha Boom can be reached by fax:
   By phone:
   By e-mail:

   Margriet de Jong can be reached by fax: 0031 36 546 8184
   By phone: 0031 36 536 8778
   By e-mail: dejong@gonewalkabout.demon.nl

Terug