BOSNIA: HIGH REP. WON'T ALLOW POLITICALLY MOTIVATED REPLACEMENTS

SARAJEVO, Oct 15 (Hina) - The international community's High Representative in Bosnia has confirmed he will not allow politically motivated replacements of state administration officials which might be attempted by authorities to be established after recent elections. #L# Talking to reporters in Sarajevo on Tuesday, Paddy Ashdown said he had already notified representatives of all major political parties about his decision, which will be explained in more detail in the next few days. The ban on politically motivated replacements refers to persons performing influential duties in government bodies, representing the country abroad or appointing civil servants, Ashdown said. His decision explicitly refers also to the most responsible offices in Bosnia-Herzegovina's police and secret services, as well as in the two entities' armies. The High Representative said his objective was not to protect persons appointed by the outgoing authorities. All those not doing their job, regardless of who appointed them and when, will be subject to replacement, he said. Politically motivated purges in state services were a regular occurrence in post-war Bosnia. (hina) ha sb