BOSNIAN OFFICIALS DENOUNCE ARTICLE IN "NEW YORK TIMES"

SARAJEVO, Aug 18 (Hina) - The article recently published in The New York Times about widespread corruption in Bosnia-Herzegovina is based on lies with the aim of harming the interests of this country, foreign affairs advisor to the Bosnian-Muslim member of the Bosnian presidency Alija Izetbegovic. Speaking at a press conference in response to the recent Times article, Mirza Hajric told journalists that these "were all lies compiled to blaspheme the Bosnian government and not turn away foreign countries from further military and financial commitments in B-H". Hajric called on the Office of the High Representative to offer its stand and to confirm whether the article was published based on date issued by the OHR. He refused to comment though on whether claims that Bakir Izetbegovic, the Bosnian leader's son, is one of the richest and most influential men in the country. Sarajevo television telecast a statement issued by the co-chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H Haris Silajdzic who also denounced the Times article "The article has caused a great deal of damage to B-H at a time when we are attempting to gain the confidence of international financial institutions and investors", the statement read. (hina) sp