11.The BiH Border Service.The Council regards the control of BiH borders as a matter of vital importance to the sovereignty of BiH, and to BiH's ability to be a reliable partner for other European countries and the international community as a whole. In accordance with Article IV (6) of the Bonn PlC Conclusions, the Council strongly endorses the proposal by the High Representative to strengthen the policing and administration of BiH's international borders by the creation of a multi-ethnic BiH Border Service. The Border Service will be responsible for the integrity of BiH's borders and the manning of border posts. Trained to international standards, they will be charged with ensuring legal entry to and exit from BiH, safeguarding BiH against the infiltration of crime, including drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and upholding international commitments, such as sanctions as well as assisting the customs authorities in their duties. The Council:

• urges the BiH authorities to move swiftly to set up the BiH Border Service, in co-operation with the High Representative and UNMIBH;
• pledges to support the BiH Border Service with start up funds and the provision of expert staff for training purposes at the request of the High Representative;
• calls for an initial contingent of the BiH Border Service to be operational at selected major border crossings by 1 October 1999.

12. The Council:

• urges the High Representative, if necessary with the assistance of the UNIPTF and SFOR, within the limits of their mandates, to take measures as necessary to ensure that public officials co-operate with the establishment of the BiH Border Service.

13. Relations with Croatia and the FRY.The Council once more deplores the continuing failure of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to establish unconditional diplomatic relations. The Council repeats its call upon Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to treat the opening of embassies in Belgrade and Sarajevo as a priority.

14. The Council welcomes the establishment of a joint Border Commission between the Republic of Croatia and BiH. Consistent with the decision taken by the Inter-State Council for Co-operation on 22 November, the Council urges both countries to refer any present or future border issues to this body for speedy resolution. The Council welcomes the positive role of the High Representative in facilitating this process.

15. The Council welcomes the Agreement between Croatia and BiH on the use of the port at Ploce and the Agreement between Croatia and the Federation of BiH on special relations. The Council expresses satisfaction that these Agreements are fully consistent with the Peace Agreement and the Constitutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation of BiH and the Republic of Croatia as applicable. It welcomes the role played by the OHR and the United States in brokering these Agreements. The Council calls on the respective bodies of the parties thereto to approve these Agreements without delay. The Republic of Croatia and the Federation of BiH pledge to implement without delay the Agreement on Special Relations by developing the Annexes to this Agreement with transparency and to the mutual benefit of both

<39>