Blair Sees 'Sense of Possibility' in Middle East Mission
24 July 2007
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his new role as Middle East envoy, says there is "a sense of possibility" in the region.
Mr. Blair held talks Tuesday in the West Bank town of Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Earlier, he met with Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Mr. Blair told a news conference in Jerusalem that his trip was a chance to listen, learn and reflect.
Mr. Peres said he could not think of a better person to handle the complicated situation.
Mr. Blair is also holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Mr. Blair's office called his trip a "preliminary visit" to hear the views of key Israelis and Palestinians about issues that must be addressed.
Mr. Blair met Monday with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem.
Livni later said Mr. Blair's mission comes at a "critical" time in efforts to revive the long-stalled Mideast peace process. She also said the prospects for a Palestinian state depend largely on Palestinian leaders cracking down on militants.
The former British leader arrived in Israel Monday after meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdel Ilah Khatib.
In his role as envoy for the international Middle East quartet, Mr. Blair will try to prepare for an eventual Palestinian state by encouraging reforms and development. The quartet consists of the United States, Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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