Tony Blair’s Middle East role could be ‘reconfigured’

The ex-prime minister has represented the Quartet – the US, EU, UN and Russia – since 2007 in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

 

The Financial Times said Mr Blair hoped to “reconfigure” the role but wanted to remain involved in the peace process.

 

The paper quoted US sources saying his current role was “no longer viable”.

 

And it suggested the EU’s new foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also wanted the Quartet to be revamped amid frustration about the lack of progress in reviving negotiations after they broke down last year.

 

The FT said that no decision had been made but that Mr Blair’s future involvement in the Middle East might be clarified later this week.

 

One possibility, it suggested, was that he might take on a more regional role focused on liaising with countries such as Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia where he is regarded as having the most influence.

 

Read More: BBC News – Tony Blair’s Middle East role could be ‘reconfigured’