US officials criticize Bosnia leaders over flood aid, saying tragedy used for party advantage

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – U.S. diplomats say after May's devastating floods, international agencies have done more to help the recovery efforts than local leaders who have used this humanitarian tragedy for "cronyism, party advantage, backroom deals and blame shifting."

The head of USAID in Bosnia, David Barth, and defense attache Scott Miller, made the accusations on Friday and said October's elections are an opportunity to change the situation.

The prime minister's office declined to comment on the remarks.

Floods wrecked the agriculture industry, infrastructure, farms, buildings and homes in 40 percent of Bosnia. Victims haven't yet seen much of the 800 million euros (more than $1 billion) international donors pledged in July, because Bosnia's politicians haven't offered concrete recovery plans or ideas.