RECONSTRUCTION OF MOSTAR'S MEDIEVAL BRIDGE TO START IN AUGUST

MOSTAR, July 1 (Hina) - The reconstruction of the medieval bridge (called the Old Bridge) in Mostar, southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, could start as early as next month, president of UNESCO's expert group for the reconstruction of the bridge, Leon Pressouyre, told reporters in Mostar on Thursday. Pressouyre, who is also the chairman of a Dayton commission for the protection of cultural heritage in Bosnia-Herzegovina, gave this statement after a Mostar meeting of the international expert group, which in the past two days discussed preparations for the beginning of reconstruction works. The reconstruction of the bridge and the town's historical centre is one of the most important UNESCO projects at the end of the 20th century, said Pressouyre. The medieval bridge will be completely reconstructed by the end of 2001, said World Bank representative to Bosnia Maurice Dickerson. The World Bank recently approved a US$4 million loan for that purpose. Since the cost of reconstruction will amount to US$15 million, the difference will be secured through donations, said Dickerson. (hina) rml