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July 24, 2007

Blair Sees 'Sense of Possibility' in Middle East Mission
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=183EB4C:A6F02AD83191E1601BCA21B84B139DA79574F7DCC14957C0 Former British
prime minister tells reporters in Jerusalem his trip is a chance to
listen, to learn and to reflect Former British Prime Minister Tony
Blair, in his new role as Middle East envoy, says there is "a sense of
possibility" in the region.







Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (r) shakes hands with former
British Prime Minister and Mideast Envoy Tony Blair at Abbas
headquarters in Ramallh, 24 Jul 2007Mr. 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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