BH LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBLE FOR SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH - KAUZLARICH

SARAJEVO, Nov 27 (Hina) - The economic recovery of Bosnia- Herzegovina is extremely slow which could seriously jeopardise its future, the United States Ambassador in Sarajevo Richard Kauzlarich told a press conference in Sarajevo on Friday. He said that nobody in the country prevailed in efforts aimed at BH's transformation to a country of market economy, adding that resistance to such processes was present at all levels of authority. Kauzlarich noted that a special envoy of the US President, Richard Sclar, recently argued and justly criticised the general economic situation in BH and pointed to the responsibility of the state leadership for the situation. He also warned of its corruption. After an interview to Sarajevo's Open Broadcast Network, Sclar was harshly criticised by the Bosniak (Muslim) political leadership headed by Alija Izetbegovic, member of the BH Presidency.. Commenting on the message by Izetbegovic and his associates, "to get off their backs or prove his accusations", Sclar said that if the international community should "get off their backs", BH would collapse the same day. Corruption is undoubtedly a big problem in this country and it should be seriously dealt with, Kauzlarich noted. Some people in this country believe that the international community would continue providing assistance infinitely which is absolutely wrong, the US Ambassador said. According to him, Bosnia-Herzegovina must itself create conditions for self-sustainable economic growth. It is necessary to create conditions for locals to invest, only after which foreign funds can be expected, Kauzlarich added. Brave political decisions are necessary for economic reforms, as well as for other changes, he said. They do not exist, however, because politicians prefer to stand aside and take on no risks, and then criticise the International High Representative Carlos Westendorp, who is forced to make decisions in their place, Kauzlarich concluded. (hina) it/lml