The new British government, made up of the Conservative and Liberal Democratic parties, will be strongly engaged in the Balkans and probably insist on the appointment of a special international community representative to the region, a former high representative to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Paddy Ashdown, has said.

In an interview with Thursday's edition of the Bosnian daily Dnevni Avaz, the Liberal Democrat Ashdown dismissed the possibility of being in the new British government.

For Bosnia-Herzegovina it is excellent news that William Hague will be the new foreign secretary, Ashdown said, adding that he and Hague, although from different parties, had the same attitude towards Bosnia.

Hague has a clear picture of what needs to be done in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Whoever sees Bosnia-Herzegovina as a fully integrated state within the current borders which makes headway towards Europe has a true friend in Hague, Ashdown was quoted as saying.

He said the new British government would have many pro-Europe ministers, but euro-sceptics as well.

I don't know how that will reflect on Europe, but I do know that Secretary Hague feels it is necessary to appoint someone to follow the whole situation in the Balkans, Ashdown was quoted as saying, adding this was why the appointment of a special representative only to Bosnia-Herzegovina was not being considered.

Asked if he would accept the post of special envoy for the Balkans, Ashdown said it had not been offered to him yet, but that if it was, he would consider it.