WORLD / Middle East
Blair as Middle East representative
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-06-28 02:01
The Middle East Quartet -- the United Nations, the European Union, the
United States and Russia, named former British prime minister Tony Blair
on Wednesday as their representative to promote peace in the region, UN
spokesperson Michele Montas said.
"Following discussions among the principals, today the Quartet dealing
with the Middle East is announcing the appointment of Tony Blair as the
Quartet representative," Montas told a noon press briefing at the UN
headquarters.
Montas, reading a statement issued by the Quartet, said Blair, "who is
stepping down from office this week, has long demonstrated his commitment
on these issues."
"As Quartet representative, he will mobilize international assistance to
the Palestinians, working closely with donors and existing coordination
bodies," she said.
Blair will "help 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," the statement
said.
The former British premier will "develop plans to promote Palestinian
economic development, including private sector partnerships, building on
previously agreed frameworks" and " liaise with other countries as
appropriate in support of the agreed Quartet objectives," it said.
He will be supported in the new post by a small team of experts, based in
Jerusalem, to be seconded by partner countries and institutions,
according to the statement.
Envoys of the Quartet had a three-hour meeting Tuesday in Jerusalem to
discuss issues concerning the recent developments in the region,
including the naming of Blair as their special envoy.
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