SECURITY COUNCIL AGREES TO DESIGNATION OF CARLOS WESTENDORP AS HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR BOSNIA PEACE AGREEMENT

12 June 1997

Press Release
SC/6381

SECURITY COUNCIL AGREES TO DESIGNATION OF CARLOS WESTENDORP AS HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR BOSNIA PEACE AGREEMENT

19970612 Resolution 1112 (1997), Adopted Unanimously, Reaffirms High Representative's 'Final Say' on Civilian Implementation Provisions

The Security Council this afternoon agreed to the designation of Carlos Westendorp, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations, as High Representative for Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, in succession to Carl Bildt.

Through its unanimous adoption of draft resolution 1112 (1997), the Council reaffirmed the importance it attached to the High Representative's role in monitoring implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its annexes, as well as giving guidance to and coordinating the activities of the civilian organizations and agencies involved in assisting the parties to implement the Agreement.

The Council reaffirmed that the High Representative had the final say in the interpretation of Annex 10 on civilian implementation of the Peace Agreement. It also reaffirmed that, in case of dispute, he may give his interpretation and make his recommendations, including to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina or its Entities, and make them known publicly.

In addition, the Council welcomed the conclusions of the Ministerial Meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council held in Sintra, Portugal, on 30 May and expressed its warmest appreciation to Carl Bildt for his work as High Representative.

The meeting, which was called to order at 12:06 p.m., was adjourned at 12:09 p.m.

Resolution Adopted

The resolution adopted by the Council reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Recalling its resolutions 1031 (1995) of 15 December 1995 and 1088 (1996) of 12 December 1996,

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6381 3787th Meeting (PM) 12 June 1997

"Recalling also the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Annexes thereto (collectively the Peace Agreement, S/1995/999, annex),

"1. Welcomes the conclusions of the Ministerial meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council held in Sintra, Portugal, on 30 May 1997 (S/1997/434, annex) and agrees the designation of Mr. Carlos Westendorp as High Representative in succession to Mr. Carl Bildt;

"2. Expresses its warmest appreciation to Mr. Carl Bildt for his work as High Representative;

"3. Reaffirms the importance it attaches to the role of the High Representative in monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement and giving guidance to and coordinating the activities of the civilian organizations and agencies involved in assisting the parties to implement the Peace Agreement, and also reaffirms that the High Representative is the final authority in theatre regarding the interpretation of Annex 10 on civilian implementation of the Peace Agreement and that in case of dispute he may give his interpretation and make his recommendations, including to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina or its Entities, and make them known publicly.

Steering Board Conclusions

In considering this issue, the Council had before it a letter from the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom forwarding the conclusions of the Ministerial Meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (document S/1997/434). In its political declaration of 30 May, the Board reaffirms its support and commitment to full implementation of the General Framework Agreement. It urges the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its representatives to stop blaming each other or the international community for the problems they encounter, and to work together constructively and in a spirit of reconciliation for their common good.

The Steering Board states that freedom of movement throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key provision of the Peace Agreement and the Constitution, and that no authorities had the right to impede the full freedom of movement of persons, goods services and capital. It underlines the importance of the municipal elections to be held on 13 and 14 September and welcomes the initiatives of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to ensure high standards and comprehensive supervision of the electoral process.

Other matters addressed by the Steering Board include security cooperation and arms control, full implementation of the constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, cooperation on war crimes and the necessity of economic reform. It also considers such issues on conditionality for refugee return, public security, human rights, trade and communications, succession negotiations and funding shortfalls.

* *** *