BRIDGE OVER UNA TO BE RECONSTRUCTED WITH $900 000 U.S. ASSISTANCE

( Editorial: --> 3000 ) ZAGREB, Aug 11 (Hina) - The United States is to finance the reconstruction of a bridge over the Una River between the towns of Dubica in central Croatia and Bosanska Dubica in north-western Bosnia-Herzegovina. A statement released by the American Embassy in Zagreb on Tuesday said the reconstruction of the bridge was part of the US administration's support for the renewal of both Croatia and BH. It said the bridge's re-opening would again enable people and goods to be transported between the two countries and stimulate their economic growth through stronger bilateral trade and a reduction in transport costs. The US also expects the reconstructed bridge, which links Croatia and Bosnia's Serb republic, will support the return of refugees to their homes. Both sides of the bridge suffered heavy damage during the war and it was closed to traffic. The total cost of the reconstruction is estimated to be $900,000 which will be financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Bosnian Serb Premier Milorad Dodik was to attend an official works starting ceremony in Bosanska Dubica at midday today. The renewal of the Dubica-Bosanska Dubica bridge is part of USAID's wider programme for the renewal and economic development of Croatia which also includes reconstruction of the bridge over the Sava River between the eastern Croatian city of Slavonski Brod and Bosnia's northern town of Bosanski Brod, the US Embassy statement said. (Hina) mbr 111532 MET aug 98