London - The British government has hailed the arrest of Bosnian Serb war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic as "good news" that will open up a brighter future for Serbia in Europe.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in a statement early Tuesday: "This arrest will help close the region's decades of conflict, and pave the way for a brighter, European future for Serbia and the region."

Paddy Ashdown, the former European Union (EU) High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, described the arrest as an "extremely important piece of justice for the world at large."

Karadzic had been involved in the "most terrible and black period of crime" since World War II, said Ashdown.

"It will mean a major breakthrough for the Balkans region. It is a major credit to Serbia and at last brings the prospect of justice for Bosnia," said Ashdown.

The liberal politician said he was, coincidentally, travelling to Sarajevo Tuesday and was looking forward to joining "celebrations" there at the arrest of the former Bosnian Serb leader. (dpa)