The Security Council,

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

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.