OHR Press Statement

The Bonn Peace Implementation Council has invited the High Representative "to establish a process leading to a decision on a new flag and symbols if the parties cannot agree on their own by 31 December 1997". With the imminent expiration of this deadline, the High Representative takes note that no agreement was reached amongst the parties on this issue.

The High Representative hereby declares his intention to establish, by 20 January, an independent commission composed of persons of reputable standing and guaranteeing a fair representation of the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The commission shall be asked to propose, by 31 March 1998, alternatives for the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative recommends that the results arrived at thus far by the appointed parliamentary commission serve as a basis for the deliberations.

The High Representative, following appropriate consultations, will give consideration to the question of which procedure would best ensure that the decision on the adoption of a flag is reached in a fair and democratic manner.

Press Statement, 31 December 1997