THE PONTIS Foundation, which operates in the sphere of development aid, will train 30 young Iraqis in the workings of political parties and the non-governmental sector, as well as in diplomacy. The training will continue to June 2005
The first five Iraqi trainees have recently attended a three-week course in Slovakia, reported the TASR news wire December 14.
Trainees have visited the Slovak Parliament, the all-news TA3 TV channel and several political institutions and NGOs, Michaela Lednová, of the Pontis Foundation, said.
The Iraqis have also attended lectures by Slovak experts in the field of constitutional law, political science, media and civic studies, women's rights and ethnic studies.
The project is being supported by a grant provided by the International Republican Institute, an American organization.
The Pontis Foundation is already helping to improve development aid and democratization processes in the Balkans, Belarus and Cuba.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
TheSlovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the informationpresented in its Flash News postings.
