London names new British envoy to Western Balkans

Sir Stuart will assume the post after resigning as the NATO military committee chairperson. The embassy's statement added he had served as the UK Defence chief-of-staff.

The new Jonson's envoy will cooperate with the leaders and others across the Western Balkans and with the UK allies in the US and Europe in supporting and empowering the regional stability, the embassy said.

Peach's work would also include promoting strong democratic institutions and open societies, helping tackle serious and organised crime issues and other common security challenges, and encouraging the resolution of inherited issues such as war crimes and missing persons.

"In this regard, the United Kingdom will also continue to lead work on promoting gender equality and the implementation of the Initiative for the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sir Stuart activities will support the work of the High Representative, Christian Schmidt, who continues to enjoy the full support of the United Kingdom. As for Serbia and Kosovo, he will work with our partners to support the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, with the mediation of the European Union," the British Embassy's statement said.

"The Western Balkans face the greatest threat to its stability and security in two decades. We have a duty to do everything we can to preserve the progress made in peace and dialogue - we must not allow any return to the violence and divisions of the past. Sir Stewart's extensive experience and expertise will strengthen international efforts to protect peace and promote Euro-Atlantic integration in this key region," Johnson said.

The head of British diplomacy, Elizabeth Truss, said that the appointment of a special envoy was a clear indicator of Britain's commitment to the Western Balkans and the defence and promotion of freedom and democracy in the region.

The British ambassador to Serbia, Shan McLeod, also welcomed the appointment of Sir Stuart Peach as Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

The political situation in the Western Balkans was discussed at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Riga and would be on the agenda of the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Liverpool, as announced earlier this week, the embassy statement added.