London sends its man to the Balkans; "We must not allow violence"

LONDON -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Sir Stuart Peach as Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

London sends its man to the Balkans; "We must not allow violence"

LONDON -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Sir Stuart Peach as Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

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He states that the region is facing the greatest threat to its stability and security in the last two decades, and that we must not allow a return to violence and divisions from the past, the British government announced today.

"The UK is deeply committed to European security. The Western Balkans are experiencing the biggest threat to their stability and security in over two decades. We have a responsibility to do all we can to preserve the gains achieved through peace and dialogue – we cannot allow any return to the violence and division of the past. Sir Stuart’s extensive experience and expertise will reinforce international efforts to protect peace and promote Euro-Atlantic integration in this crucial region", Johnson said.

According to a statement from the British Embassy in Belgrade, Sir Stuart Peach has been appointed as part of Britain's ongoing commitment to stability and prosperity in the region, and as the prime minister's special envoy in the United States and Europe to support and strengthen regional stability.

His work will include promoting strong democratic institutions and open societies, helping to tackle serious and organized crime 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 the promotion of gender equality and the implementation of the Initiative for the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Sir Stuart Peach's activities will support the work of International High Representative Christian Schmidt, who continues to enjoy the full support of the United Kingdom.

As for Serbia and Kosovo, he will work with British partners to support the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, with the mediation of the European Union.

The statement added that together with international partners, the United Kingdom is working to address all threats to stability in line with the Dayton Peace Accords, which have boosted hard-earned progress in Bosnia-Herzegovina over the past 26 years and helps meet other regional challenges, including supporting Serbia's normalization and Kosovo and the fight against organized crime.

The head of British diplomacy, Liz Truss, assessed: "Sir Stuart’s appointment is a clear demonstration of Britain’s commitment to the Western Balkans and to the defense and promotion of 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 malign actors. Sir Stuart will play a key role in that work", she added.

The British Ambassador to Serbia, Sian Macleod, also welcomed the appointment of Sir Stuart Peach. "Sir Stewart is highly respected and will contribute to this role with his significant experience. He looks forward to working with leaders across the region, on behalf of the UK government and in close cooperation with British embassies, to support and strengthen regional stability and Britain's continued commitment to strengthening relations with the countries of the Western Balkans and the security and prosperity of this important region," she said.

Sir Stuart Peach will take on the role after stepping down as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee earlier this year, a role he held since 2018. He also formerly served as the UK Chief of the Defense Staff.