Sir Paddy has been selected as the European Union's candidate to replace Wolfgang Petritsch, who leaves the position as UN High Representative next May.

BBC: Ashdown candidate for UN Bosnia job

Robertson was speaking to reporters after meeting Wolfgang Petritsch, the international high representative in Bosnia, where plans to scale down NATO's presence has provoked unease.

CNN: NATO eyes Bosnia cuts

Petritsch said he was reassured that NATO remained committed to keeping peace in Bosnia and that any cuts would be made in consultation with his administration.

CNN: NATO eyes Bosnia cuts