WESTENDORP TO DECIDE ON APPEARANCE OF BOSNIAN CURRENCY BY 20 JAN

( Editorial: --> 4985 ) SARAJEVO, Jan 16 (Hina) - The final decision on the graphic design of a transitional currency which would be used throughout Bosnia- Herzegovina will be reached by 20 January, a spokesman for the international High Representative said in Sarajevo Friday. Spokesman Simon Haselock said the High Representative yesterday tried to agree on possible solutions with Bosnian Serb representative at the Bosnian Presidency Momcilo Krajisnik, but made no progress. High Representative Carlos Westendorp decided to reach the decision himself by 20 January, on the basis of a suggestion made by Central Bank Governor Peter Nicholl. According to unofficial sources, the Convertible Mark, as the transitional Bosnian currency is officially called, will be printed in two forms to be used in Bosnia's two entities. The two forms will have certain differences, but many common elements as well. They will most probably bear the images of Bosnian writers. The French Government earlier committed itself to supplying means for printing the new currency which, in its appearance and protection elements, should resemble the German mark. (hina) ha jn 161604 MET jan 98