EBRD GRANTS LOAN FOR BH TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

( Editorial: --> 8848 ) LONDON, June 4 (Hina ) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has granted a DM 35.4 million loan to Bosnia- Herzegovina for the reconstruction and development of the local telecommunications network, the EBRD said in statement released in London on Thursday. Of this amount, the EBRD has granted 15.1 million to the Sarajevo Post and Telecommunications, DM 6.8 million to the Mostar Telecommunications Board and DM 13.5 million to the Republika Srpska Telecommunications. The international community has entrusted the EBRD to "mobilise and co-ordinate" international aid in reconstruction of telecommunication sectors in both Bosnian entities. Switzerland, Japan, Italy and the Netherlands have also granted loans amounting to DM 37.7 million which will be used to obtain support telecommunications equipment as well as a further DM 2.25 million for the establishment of a legal foundation supporting the "integration and functioning of telecommunications sectors in Bosnia-Herzegovina", the EBRD statement said. (hina) dgr/rml 041539 MET jun 98