WORLD BANK OFFERS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO BOSNIAN FEDERATION

SARAJEVO, May 21 (Hina) - World Bank vice president Johannes Linn on Tuesday called on the Bosnian Federation's government and assembly to step up the process of passing key finance legislation so that the World Bank could begin implementing reconstruction projects for Bosnia-Herzegovina. Linn told a press conference in Sarajevo that it was necessary to set up as soon as possible a common payment system, ensure the implementation of the customs law and adopt proposed bills on an agency for banking and privatization. The World Bank would earmark USD 90 million and the Dutch government would set aside further USD 20 million in aid to ensure the functioning of the Croat-Moslem Federation, he said. The World Bank has agreed to provide about USD 150 million for seven reconstruction projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina the value of which is estimated at USD 500 million. (hina) vm mm 212006 MET may 96