Britain has appointed one of its top military officials to represent the Western Balkans

 

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has appointed a Special Representative for the Western Balkans as part of the intensification of United Kingdom policy in the region, according to the official website of the United Kingdom Government.

Sir Stuart Peach will take over the role after stepping down as chairman of NATO's Military Committee earlier this year, a role he has held since 2018. He previously served as the UK's chief of staff.

  "As a special envoy of the Prime Minister, Sir Stuart Peach will work with leaders in the Western Balkans and other representatives of the region, as well as with allies from the United States and Europe, to support and strengthen regional stability. His work will also include promoting strong democratic institutions and open societies, helping to tackle serious and organized crime and other common security challenges, and supporting the resolution of inherited issues such as war crimes and missing persons.In connection with the latter, the United Kingdom will also continue to lead the work to promote gender equality and implement the initiative to prevent sexual violence in conflict. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Sir Stewart's commitment will support the commitment of International High Representative Christian Schmid, who continues to have the full support of the United Kingdom. In Serbia and Kosovo, he will work with our partners to support the EU-supported dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, "the statement said. 

  "The United Kingdom is deeply committed to European security. The Western Balkans have been facing the greatest threat to their stability and security for more than two decades. We have a responsibility to do our utmost to preserve the benefits of peace and dialogue - we cannot allow a return to the violence and division of the past. "Sir Stewart's vast experience and expertise will strengthen international efforts to preserve peace and promote Euro-Atlantic integration in this key region," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

  "Sir Stewart's appointment is a clear demonstration of the United Kingdom's commitment to the Western Balkans, as well as to protecting and promoting freedom and democracy in the region. I look forward to deepening our economic and security ties with the Western Balkans and working together to deter malicious actors. "Sir Stewart will play a key role in our commitment," said British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

 "As the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Northern Macedonia, I strongly welcome the appointment of Sir Stuart Peach as the Prime Minister's Special Representative for the Western Balkans. In direct cooperation with the British embassies in the region, Sir Stewart will work with the leaders of the Western Balkans and our allies to support and strengthen regional stability. His appointment is a strong signal of Britain's ongoing commitment to strengthening our ties with the Western Balkans and to the security and prosperity of this important region. I look forward to working with him, "said Rachel Galloway, the UK's ambassador to the Macedonia.