Blair set for Middle East job

Published on Tuesday 26 June 2007 01:48

TONY Blair could today be confirmed as an international peace envoy to the Middle East.

The "Quartet" group, which brings together the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia, is believed to be ready to appoint the departing Prime Minister as its official envoy to Israel and the Palestinians.

Representatives of the Quartet are said to be meeting in Jerusalem to confirm Mr Blair's appointment.

The idea that Mr Blair, an architect of the war in Iraq, should become a Middle East peace envoy will inevitably attract criticism and scorn. But the appointment has been enthusiastically backed by George Bush and the Israeli government. Even Vladimir Putin - recently chided by Mr Blair - has not objected.

Downing Street again yesterday refused to discuss the prospect. Spokesmen have been quick to dismiss reports of other "retirement" jobs for him.

Should Mr Blair take up the post, there is considerable scope for friction with Gordon Brown, who replaces him in Downing Street tomorrow.

Mr Brown has signalled his intention to pursue a new agenda in the Middle East, putting increased emphasis on the economic development of the Palestinian territories.

Last night, it emerged John Prescott, Mr Blair's deputy, could also be in the running for a high-profile international post.

At a private meeting with Labour MPs at Westminster, Mr Prescott revealed he was considering a bid to lead the Council of Europe, a human-rights body unrelated to the EU.