In normal circumstances corruption takes money and at this moment it takes lives, US Ambassador Eric Nelson said commenting on controversial procurement procedures that raised the alarm in Bosnia amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It is very important to pay attention to such issues and it is excellent that both media and prosecutors are dealing with them, said the ambassadors speaking to Voice of America (VOA).
There is no doubt, he continues, that profiteers will use such situations but it is questionable whether they will be adequately sanctioned.
The ambassador stressed it as important to make all the donations arriving during the pandemic transparent so that citizens know where and how the aid is going to be used.
VEZANE VIJESTI
Nelson recalled that the US has already financially assisted Bosnia since the beginning of the pandemic, noting that economic recovery will be a true challenge in Bosnia.
Many countries have suffered losses in economy, many people lost jobs and economies will have to adjust to that, he said, adding that “there is no time for excuses” and that reforms must start so that the country moves forward.
A month ago, Nelson joined other ambassadors in Bosnia urging all institutions in the country to make the prevention of corruption an integral part of the fight against COVID-19.
