Hamas critical of Blair envoy role
As special envoy of the Quartet, Blair seeks to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict [EPA]28 June 2007
Hamas has condemned the appointment of Tony Blair as Middle East envoy after stepping down as Britain’s prime minister amid Israeli and some Palestinian support.
The Islamic movement which seized control of the Gaza Strip 12 days ago, criticised Blair's new role on Wednesday saying it was "not acceptable to Hamas nor to the Palestinians".
The Islamic movement which seized control of the Gaza Strip 12 days ago, criticised Blair's new role on Wednesday saying it was "not acceptable to Hamas nor to the Palestinians".
Blair will act as special envoy of the Quartet - the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia - which seeks to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The post has been vacant since James Wolfensohn, the former World Bank chairman, left in frustration in May 2006.
The post has been vacant since James Wolfensohn, the former World Bank chairman, left in frustration in May 2006.
'Not a man of peace'
In Gaza, Hamas voiced its concerns on the outgoing prime minister's new role.
In Gaza, Hamas voiced its concerns on the outgoing prime minister's new role.
Blair, who supported the American occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan, may not be a man of peace," Fawzi Barhum, the Hamas spokesman told AFP in Gaza.
"His appointment is not acceptable to Hamas nor to the Palestinians. He will not do anything to support the Palestinian interests but will do everything to support the Israeli occupation," he said.
"His appointment is not acceptable to Hamas nor to the Palestinians. He will not do anything to support the Palestinian interests but will do everything to support the Israeli occupation," he said.
On a trip to Amman, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, greeted news of the appointment of Blair and pledged to work with Blair towards achieving peace, an official said.
"President Abbas welcomes the nomination of Mr Blair as envoy of the quartet," Saeb Erakat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said.
"The president, who was consulted on the matter, has given the assurance that he will work with Mr Blair to arrive at a peaceful solution on the basis of two states," Erakat said.
He also said that Abbas was confident Blair’s appointment "will help boost the institutions of the Palestinian Authority and aid economic growth" .
'Capable man'
Meanwhile, George Bush, the American president, welcomed his closest ally to his new post.
"I am pleased that this capable man has agreed to continue his work for peace in the Middle East," Bush said in a statement.
"Tony will help Palestinians develop the political and economic institutions they will need for a democratic, sovereign state able to provide for its people and live in peace and security with Israel," Bush said.
"President Abbas welcomes the nomination of Mr Blair as envoy of the quartet," Saeb Erakat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said.
"The president, who was consulted on the matter, has given the assurance that he will work with Mr Blair to arrive at a peaceful solution on the basis of two states," Erakat said.
He also said that Abbas was confident Blair’s appointment "will help boost the institutions of the Palestinian Authority and aid economic growth" .
'Capable man'
Meanwhile, George Bush, the American president, welcomed his closest ally to his new post.
"I am pleased that this capable man has agreed to continue his work for peace in the Middle East," Bush said in a statement."Tony will help Palestinians develop the political and economic institutions they will need for a democratic, sovereign state able to provide for its people and live in peace and security with Israel," Bush said.
Reaction from Russia was more guarded with Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, saying that Moscow would support Blair's appointment if the other members of the quartet were in favour.
"If the whole of the quartet is in favour, we are going to welcome Tony Blair's contribution to efforts to normalise the situation in the Palestinian territories," Lavrov said.
In Paris, Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president applauded the appointment of Blair, lauding his "qualities as a statesman and his knowledge of the region".
Meanwhile back home, Gordon Brown, Britain's new prime minister, said he was "delighted", adding that his predecessor was "exceptionally well placed" to take on the role.
"If the whole of the quartet is in favour, we are going to welcome Tony Blair's contribution to efforts to normalise the situation in the Palestinian territories," Lavrov said.
In Paris, Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president applauded the appointment of Blair, lauding his "qualities as a statesman and his knowledge of the region".
Meanwhile back home, Gordon Brown, Britain's new prime minister, said he was "delighted", adding that his predecessor was "exceptionally well placed" to take on the role.
Labels: Blair, Palestine, UK, United States
posted by HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace at 4:18 PM
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