HIGH REP'S OFFICE IN BOSNIA REFUTES CLAIMS OF IRRATIONAL SPENDING

SARAJEVO, Nov 24 (Hina) - The Office of the High Representative (OHR) for the implementation of the Dayton peace accord refuted all claims that finances intended for office activity were being irrationally spent. OHR spokesman, Chris Riley, on Tuesday told a press conference in Sarajevo that claims by the German press were incorrect. He added the High Representative had requested financial auditing of the OHR's business, to make office activity as clear as possible. A financial verification done by the 'Price Waterhouse' auditing house showed that no illegitimate dealings were committed, Riley said commenting on reports in the German magazine 'Der Spiegel'. The OHR's HQ in Sarajevo confirmed that HR Carlos Westendorp's monthly salary is DEM 46,000, but stressed that this detail is specifically stated in the work contract signed between the HR and the European Union. Westendorp will seek an increased budget for his office, from ECU 22 million to 36 million, at a Council for the Implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement meeting in Madrid on December 15 and 16. Such a demand will be justified with the need to entice the return of refugees, the reorganisation of the judiciary, and the strengthening of rule of law, along with media reorganisation, and a hastier economic development. (hina) jn ab