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Blair 'to be named as peace envoy to the Middle East'
Last updated at 00:07am on 26.06.07Tony Blair was last night poised to be named as the international peace envoy to the Middle East.
The role would place the outgoing Prime Minister at the centre of peace negotiations between rival Palestinian factions.
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Tony Blair: expected to be named as the international peace envoy to the Middle East
He might even play a part in trying to broker the release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston.
The appointment has been rumoured for weeks. But it could be announced as early as today, after officials met in Egypt overnight to rubberstamp the role.
However, yesterday question marks remained over how much political capital Mr Blair has in the region, particularly among Arab leaders.
Many of them are known to have viewed him as George Bush's 'poodle' since the Iraq war, because Mr Blair supported the US President's invasion.
In addition, the Palestinians insist that Mr Bush is biased towards Israel, which could leave Mr Blair tainted.
Critics in Russia and Europe have also cited Iraq as a hindrance to Blair's ability to win Arab trust.
Nevertheless, all the indications were that Mr Blair would get the job of envoy for the socalled 'Quartet' of Middle East peacemakers – the US, EU, United Nations and Russia. Mr Bush proposed the move.
It was discussed by officials at a meeting of the Quartet in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheik last night.
Sources said the outgoing Premier was given a clear run for the post after Moscow decided not to oppose the move.
The appointment is expected to be made in Jerusalem later today, at a special meeting of officials representing US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.
Mr Blair would not take up the job immediately, but is likely to begin in the autumn, according to a Middle East source.
He would be paid a salary by the Quartet – which could be as little as £100,000 a year, a significant drop from the £188,000 he earned as Prime Minister.
There was also speculation that his chief of staff Jonathan Powell would be appointed as an aide.
Mr Blair's role would focus on the Palestinian side of the conflict rather than negotiations between Israel and Palestinians.
At the top of his agenda will be an attempt to forge a Palestinian state, despite Hamas's takeover of Gaza.
But an official for the Islamist Hamas group said that 'the experience of our people with Blair was bad'.
His appointment as Quartet envoy 'may even make things worse', said the official, Sami Abu Zuhri.
Mr Blair would be expected to work closely with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, whom he has met several times in Ramallah, the source said.
Like his predecessor James Wolfensohn, former head of the World Bank, he will work out of an office in Jerusalem but intends to be based in London.
Downing Street refused to comment last night, but Mr Blair's spokesman gave a strong hint that he would be appointed as envoy by telling reporters 'not to get ahead of yourselves' – a coded phrase often used to describe future announcements.
His spokesman added: "I don't speak for ex-Prime Ministers." Deputy US State department spokesman Tom Casey said: "In terms of the who or greater details... we'll let the Quartet get together and make those determinations."
An EU diplomat said: "There are consultations going on between members of the Quartet and the UK about appointing Tony Blair as Quartet envoy to the Palestinians.
"I cannot say whether there is a result, but I expect a result possibly on Tuesday when the Quartet envoys meet, perhaps even sooner."
Mr Wolfensohn resigned earlier this year in frustration over Israel's unwillingness to comply with US proposals.
Reader views (7)
The newly appointed president of the Council of Europe (the Antichrist) shall confirm a seven year peace treaty between the Arabs, and the Israelis.
The Middle East peace treaty is the white horse is the first horse of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
- Robert Muir, Cranbourne North, Australia
Someone out there definitely has a sense of humor although I can't see the Middle East laughing much.
- Trevor Roll, London
What a joke - the man doesn't know his backside from his elbow!
- Judith Stewart, Leeds, UK
What a joke - a Peace Envoy when he is responsible for the War in Iraq? He is responsible for the loss of life far greater than when Saddam Hussan was in power. I didn't support Saddam Hussan but as an ex WO1 Army the loss of our servicemen and woman hard to swallow. You also have to remember Dr Kelly and the thousands of Armerican soldiers killed and Ireq nationals who have fled the country or died. I believe he will achieve nothing like he achieved nothing in the UK.
- Graham Jesty, Wakefield
Oh Good, does that mean he will leave our country and take the letterbox with him?
- Ann, Surrey
Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming.
- Andy, London
Good to hear that, true to form, Tony Bliar is spending his last full day in office sucking up to celebrities instead of running the country.
- Marianne, SW France
