MOSTAR: CRO. GOVT. TO HELP FINANCE RECONSTRUCTION OF 'OLD BRIDGE'

MOSTAR, April 17 (Hina) - Croatian Ambassador to Bosnia Josip Vrbosic and the director of the World Bank in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Joseph Ingram signed a contract on Wednesday in Mostar, by which the Croatian government will co-finance the reconstruction of the town's 'Old Bridge' with some US$550,000. #L# Stressing that the reconstruction of the 'Old Bridge' was important for all citizens and nations in Mostar and the country, Ambassador Vrbosic said that in addition to funding from the Croatian government, the bridge would also be financed by other donor countries. The 'Old Bridge' in Mostar was brought down by the Croat Defence Council (HVO) with cannon fire in 1993 during Croat-Muslim conflicts. The bridge was built in the 16th century (1566) during Ottoman rule. It was built in oriental style and considered to be one of the most attractive architectural features in southeast Europe and as such drew a multitude of tourists from all over the world. The reconstruction of the arch of the 'Old Bridge' is expected to begin before the end of April and it is estimated that the reconstruction should take 18 months. The contractor of the bridge is Turkey's "ER-BU", selected in an international tender. The complete reconstruction of the bridge and surrounding area will cost about US$15.5 million. These funds will be used to reconstruct an additional three national, cultural-historical monuments - one Croatian, one Bosnian and one Serb. The Mostar city authorities will secure 10 percent of the funding while the remainder will be secured by the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and various foundations and donors. To date, Italy, Turkey, France and the Netherlands have earmarked funds for the reconstruction of the 'Old Bridge' and now Croatia has joined the list. UNESCO Director in Bosnia Colin Kaizer said that the reconstructed 'Old Bridge' in Mostar will belong to all nations in the country and the entire world. (hina) sp sb