BALKANS TO RECEIVE 11 BILLION DOLLARS IN NEXT SIX YEARS

WASHINGTON, June 18 (Hina) - Within the next six years international financial assistance to the Balkans could exceed 11 billion dollars, American experts have estimated. But while some say this amount is insufficient, others are recalling poor results of the region and claiming countries of the South East of Europe cannot usefully absorb such a generous help. About two million dollars worth of urgent infrastructure reconstruction projects are being realised within the Stability Pact for South East Europe. Out of the 34 projects 25 were accepted. The funds are being used in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia and Rumania. Yugoslavia is about to receive financial assistance. Countries in the region have complained the funds are being divided unfairly. Bosnia-Herzegovina got by far the most, about four billion dollars, but a good part of the money ended up in dubious projects, wallets of corrupt politicians or those who were supposed to monitor the spending. Corruption does exist, but just because individuals have misappropriated a part of the assistance we cannot not provide the necessary funds to the entire region, says Bruce Hitchner, chairman of the Dayton peace accords project. World Bank officials are certain more money is necessary to spur economic growth and set foundations for foreign investments. They note government assistance is insufficiently effective, nor is it the best way to stimulate economic life. Lacking developed stock markets, capital markets or profit strategies, countries of the region are left with direct foreign investments which have been scarce from the West. (hina) lml