Britain's most senior diplomat in Afghanistan is temporarily stepping down, it has been disclosed.
The Foreign Office said on Monday night that Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles - the UK's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan - was taking "extended leave". No reason was given for the move.
"He is expected back in the autumn," a spokeswoman said.
The disclosure comes ahead of important international talks next month in Kabul hosted by President Hamid Karzai and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
The Guardian reported that Sir Sherard - one of Britain's most experienced diplomats - had clashed with US and Nato officials in recent months over his belief that the military counter-insurgency strategy was not working and that peace talks with the Taliban should be opened.
A serviceman from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The marine died on Monday night in a blast in the Sangin District of Helmand Province. He is the 301st serviceman killed in the conflict. Next of kin have been informed.
Meanwhile, the 300th member of British forces to die in the Afghan war is due to be named.
The Royal Marine, from 40 Commando, died from his wounds in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Sunday morning with his family by his side. He was injured in a blast in the Sangin district of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan eight days earlier, the Ministry of Defence said.
Major Renny Bulmer, spokesman for 40 Commando, based in Taunton, Somerset, said: "Our thoughts are with his immediate family who were with him at the hospital. His courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him."
