Blair feels 'sense of hope' in Middle East
Tony Blair today spoke of his “sense of hope” that the deadlock in the Middle East process could be broken.
Speaking in Ramallah following talks with the Palestinian leadership, Mr Blair said he was encouraged by their welcome for his plan to hold an international meeting in London early next year to help develop Palestinian political, economic and security institutions.
At a press conference following talks with key Palestinian figures including presidential candidate Mahmoud Abbas, Mr Blair said making progress was of enormous importance.
Mr Blair continued: “I think that everyone is very well aware that this is an important time and it is an important opportunity.
“I think there is a great sense of hope that there can be progress. But as we all know, having the hope is one thing, translating it into reality is another.
“I hope that this London conference can play some part in that.”
Mr Abbas, the interim Palestinian leader, welcomed the London conference, saying it would be a first step toward reviving stalled peace talks.
Following his meeting with Mr Blair – which saw both men pay their respects at the grave of Yasser Arafat – Mr Abbas told a joint press conference: “We believe this conference will be a first step in achieving and consolidating the peace process.
“This conference will be an important opportunity for us Palestinians to pursue our work in reform.”
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