Democratization: Rule of Law cal scores or to serve commercial interests. The unnecessarily extensive powers of prosecutors in some countries to “oversee legality” create additional room for abuse. When one adds to this the insufficient independence of the judiciary, the executive branch has the ability to direct and influence the outcome of specific cases. The ODIHR provides a forum for the exchange of comparative experiences and expertise and the transfer of technical know-how, as well as policy advice to decision makers and legal professionals to promote professional standards for prosecutors (in combination with the judiciary). In co-operation with the Research and Training Centre of the Prosecutor-General’s Office in Armenia, the ODIHR provided training on international professional standards for prosecutors and supported initiatives aimed at prosecutorial reform, such as a joint publication on judicial systems in Europe and the United States. Together with the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the ODIHR conducted joint training courses for prosecutors, judges, and staff members of Armenia’s Justice Ministry to discuss the implementation of national legislation on alternative sanctions and supervision of conditional sentences, as well as international standards and best practices from other participating States. In response to a proposal from the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the ODIHR supported the Association of State Prosecutors of Montenegro in organizing a two-day seminar for approximately 100 Montenegrin prosecutors. The seminar promoted dialogue among legal professionals and government representatives with a view to enhancing the implementation of recent reforms in criminal law in Montenegro. Addressing the scarcity of legal literature in Montenegro, the ODIHR also provided financial assistance for the purchase of legal commentaries on Serbia’s Criminal Code for all prosecutors’ offices in Montenegro. Annual Report  31