OHR: CORRUPTION UNDOUBTEDLY EXISTS IN B-H

SARAJEVO, Aug 17 (Hina) - The Office of the High Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina (OHR) believes that corruption continues to be a huge problem in that country, OHR's spokeswoman Alexandra Stiglmayer told journalists on Tuesday. At a press conference held in Sarajevo, Stiglmayer confirmed that an article published in the "New York Times" about corruption in B-H was correct. The American daily referred to the misuse of about US$1 billion which was intended for reconstruction purposes. Stiglmayer reported that this figure could even be higher but that it was not misappropriated directly but rather through the misuse of public funds and state budget resources. The New York Times writes about the "BH banka" which was established by a wealthy family close to government circles and which recently went bankrupt after some 20 million German marks went missing including the funds of numerous international organisations which dealt with this particular bank. Following a request by the Council for the implementation of the Peace Agreement (PIC), the OHR set up a special department to combat corruption however, its results are not well known yet. Stiglmayer claimed that the department has disclosed several cases of corruption however, due to the inefficiency of the courts these cases have not been finalised yet. She said that there is no doubt that the courts in that country are victim to political influence which prevents an effective battle against corruption. One of the last tasks conducted by former high representative Carlos Westendorp was to instigate legislature which would shake up the judiciary in the country. One such measure being considered is "witness protection" programmes as exist in Western countries. (hina) sp