[legal-professionals] Simultaneous translation systems delivered to Kosovo courts

PRISTINA, 12 June 2002 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo handed over two 
Simultaneous Translation Systems (STS) to the United Nations Mission in 
Kosovo (UNMiK) Department of Justice to equip Kosovo Courts. One STS was 
installed in the District Court of Mitrovica/Kosovska Mitrovica, the second 
one will equip Gjilan/Gnjilane Court after the renovation of the building 
is completed.

The two translating systems were bought using funds donated by the British 
Government to equip the Kosovo Judicial Courts. The state of the art 
Brahler STS equipment purchased is highly regarded as one of the best 
electronic translation systems. Until recently, the OSCE lent its own 
translating systems to the Courts when requested to do so.

An STS links interpreters who translate statements concurrently with the 
proceedings so all parties in the courtroom can hear the statements in a 
language they understand. The three primary languages translated in Kosovo 
Courts are English, Albanian and Serbian. In some cases it is also 
important to translate the statements of the International Judge, who may 
use a fourth language.

Compliance with international legal standards requires all interested 
parties during legal proceedings to hear and understand the procedure and 
testimonies in their respective case.

As part of its institution building commitments, the OSCE is working on the 
re-establishment of a judicial system based on democratic principles in 
accordance with international human right standards.


Poul Smidt
Spokesperson
Press and Public Information Section
OSCE Mission in Kosovo