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 expiration of this deadline, the High Representative announced his intention to establish an independent commission to propose alternatives for the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as outlined in his statement of 31 December 1997.
The High Representative hereby declares that the independent commission established on 12 January 1998 to propose alternatives for the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been requested to continue its work and propose alternatives for the Coat of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The commission has unanimously agreed to continue its work and at a first informal meeting to discuss the Coat of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina and has further agreed to submit its proposals for a Coat of Arms for Bosnia and Herzegovina to the High Representative by 15 April 1998.
The High Representative, following appropriate consultations, will then give consideration to the question of which procedure would best ensure that a decision is reached by the competent authorities, in a fair and democratic manner, by 15 May 1998 at the latest.