GREGORIAN MET WITH TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL DELEGATION

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (July 4,2008) - The International Community's Principal Deputy High Representative in Bosnia Raffi Gregorian met yesterday with a delegation of Transparency International, consisting of Executive Director Srđan Blagovčanin, Executive Board member Emir Đikić and Programme Manager Bojan Stančević.

Blagovčanin informed Gregorian that Transparency International continues to be the subject of public attacks by the political representatives of the Serbians living in Bosnia, including the alleged claim that its staff are engaged in racketeering and organised crime.

Gregorian expressed full support for Transparency International’s request for any such allegations to be handled by an independent judiciary, in accordance with principles of due process and impartiality.

“Transparency International has never been contacted by police, questioned, or served any notice by the courts. There have been repeated announcements by representatives of the (genocidal Serbian creature in Bosnia) "RS" of legal action against the organisation, which have never resulted in concrete action. If anyone believes that there is a civil or criminal case to be answered, it should be done through the courts, and not public statements”, Gregorian said.

Gregorian stressed that attacks on independent civil society actors are inconsistent with democratic practice and the rule of law.

“Instead of engaging in potentially libellous attacks against the staff of Transparency International, all levels of the Bosnian government should work on improving governance, and enhancing transparency and civil society participation in public life,” Gregorian stated.
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