join as soon as possible and supporting the efforts of the EU/BiH Consultative Task Force to develop BiH's administrative and legislative institutions.

15. The role of the High Representative: We re-affirm our strong support for the High Representative and his role, under the Peace Agreement, as the final authority in theatre in interpreting the civilian aspects of the Agreement, and, in particular, as the coordinator of the activities of the civilian organisations and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We support the High  Representative's expansion of his consultation and coordination through the PlC Steering Board with other coordinating bodies in his capacity as the senior representative of the international community in BiH. We fully endorse the broad and substantial powers given to the High Representative at the Bonn Peace Implementation Council. Without the use of that authority in the last twelve months, less progress would have been achieved. We recognise the  necessity to consolidate the High Representative's ability to make rapid  progress, especially in the field of the economy, as well as his ability to fully enforce his decisions. In order to enable the High Representative to carry out  his agreed actions, we acknowledge the need to ensure timely and adequate  funding of his Office.

16. We welcome the Parties' affirmation of their commitment fully to implement the programme set out in this Declaration and Annex.

[End of Document]

Annex: The Peace Implementation Agenda  

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