Blair named West Asia peace envoy

The post of quartet representative had been vacant since former World Bank chairman John Wolfensohn left in frustration in May 2006.

President George W Bush welcomed the appointment of his close ally to the post.

Representatives of the quartet—the EU, Russia, UN and US—had discussed naming Blair as their troubleshooter at talks in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Montas said that as “quartet representative, Blair will mobilise international assistance to the Palestinians, working closely with donors and existing coordinating bodies.”

The 54-year-old former British premier will also “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,” a quartet statement said.

Blair was also tasked with developing plans to “promote Palestinian economic development, including private sector partnerships, building on previously agreed frameworks, especially concerning access and movement.”

He was to be supported in his new job by a small team of experts based in Jerusalem.

Speaking before Parliament for the last time as prime minister, Blair said: “The absolute priority is to try to give effect to what is now the consensus across the international community that the only way of bringing stability and peace in West Asia is a two state solution.”

He said this means, “a state of Israel which is secure and confident in its security, and a Palestinian state that is not merely viable in terms of its territory but in terms of its institutions and governance.”

“I believe it is possible to do that but it will require a huge intensity of focus and work,” Blair added.