Quartet's statement announcing Tony Blair's appointment as special envoy to the Middle East 

Date: 28 / 06 / 2007 Time: 15:37

Bethlehem - Ma'an - 

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been named as the new Middle East envoy for the Quartet - comprised of the US, Russia, the EU and the UN.

Below is the full text of the Quartet's statement announcing Blair's appointment on Wednesday:

"Quartet Principals noted that recent events in Gaza and the West Bank make it more urgent than ever that we advance the search for peace in the Middle East.

The Quartet reaffirms its objective to promote an end to the conflict in conformity with the roadmap and expresses its intention to redouble its efforts in that regard.

The urgency of recent events has reinforced the need for the international community, bearing in mind the obligations of the parties, to help Palestinians as they build the institutions and economy of a viable state in Gaza and the West Bank, able to take its place as a peaceful and prosperous partner to Israel and its other neighbours.

To facilitate efforts to these ends, following discussions among the Principals, today the Quartet announced the appointment of Tony Blair as the Quartet representative.

Mr Blair, who is stepping down from office this week, has long demonstrated his commitment on these issues.

As Quartet Representative, he will:

-mobilise international assistance to the Palestinians, working closely with donors and existing coordination bodies

-help to identify, and secure appropriate international support in addressing the institutional governance needs of the Palestinian state, focusing as a matter of urgency on the rule of law

-develop plans to promote Palestinian economic development, including private sector partnerships, building on previously agreed frameworks, especially concerning access and movement

-and liaise with other countries as appropriate in support of the agreed Quartet objectives

As representative, Tony Blair will bring continuity and intensity of focus to the work of the Quartet in support of the Palestinians, within the broader framework of the Quartet's efforts to promote an end to the conflict in conformity with the roadmap.

He will spend significant time in the region working with the parties and others to help create viable and lasting government institutions representing all Palestinians, a robust economy, and a climate of law and order for the Palestinian people.

Tony Blair will be supported in this work by a small team of experts, based in Jerusalem, to be seconded by partner countries and institutions.

The Quartet representative will report to and consult regularly with the Quartet and be guided by it as necessary.

The Quartet looks forward to welcoming Mr Blair at its next meeting."

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Robert Fisk's article, "How can Blair possibly be given this job?" is reproduced here.

 

Blair's appointment as Middle East envoy welcomed by Olmert and Abbas, criticized by Hamas 

Thursday June 28, 2007 11:00 by R. P. - IMEMC and Agencies

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's appointment as special envoy to the Middle East has been welcomed by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, but criticized by Hamas.

The appointment, confirmed Wednesday despite objections from Russia and the EU, will make Blair the representative of the quartet of the US, UK, EU and Russia. Blair will initially focus on issues of Palestinian governance, economics, and law and order, rather than on mediating the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. However, it is possible that his role will expand in future.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called Blair "a true friend of the State of Israel" and stated that Israel would "cooperate with him to the fullest." The Palestinian Authority also publicly welcomed the appointment, with President Mahmoud Abbas saying that Blair had assured him of his commitment to a peaceful two-state solution. The appointment was fully supported by the Bush administration.

Hamas member Ghazi Hamad, an aide to Ismail Haniyeh, criticized Blair as "always adopting the Israeli and American position," saying Blair was "not honest and was not helpful in solving the conflict in the Middle East."

Blair's predecessor, former World Bank president James Wolfensohn, quit in frustration in April 2006. His role had focused solely on the economy and the transition ahead of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Blair stepped down as UK Prime Minister on June 27 after serving ten years in the position.

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