Tony Blair urges Mideast peace talks resume

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told Al Arabiya Wednesday that peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians should resume as fast as possible.

In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya’s morning show Sabah Al Arabiya, Tony Blair, in his capacity as the official envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East, stressed that going back to the negotiating table is the only way to reach the two-state solution and to freeze settlement construction.

As a representative of the United Nations, United States, the European Union, and Russia, Tony Blair said from Dubai that the most important effort he is currently engaged in is strengthening Palestinian institutions in both the West Bank and Gaza as well as working hard to enhance economic development in both parts of the occupied territories.

Blair noted that an economic progress is already becoming noticeable in the West Bank and that attracting private sectors and providing investment opportunities will play a major role in boosting the economy.

The former PM is also conducting a series of negotiations to change policies in the West Bank. While in Ramallah two days ago, Blair discussed the possibility of removing several checkpoints and facilitating Palestinian movement.

American plans

When asked about U.S. plans to solve the Palestinian issue within the coming two years, Blair explained that this could only be done through a fast resumption of peace talks and an emphasis on a two-state solution.

For Palestine to reach statehood, Blair added, several pending issues need to be resolved, the most important of which are the refugees, security, and water supplies, then, the problem of settlements which can be tackled.

Blair praised the two-year plan set by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad which focuses on the enforcement of law and the development of health and education sectors.

Blair noted that on the Palestinians’ part, there has to be a strong emphasis on the serious negotiations and a strong commitment to the agreements reached.

As for the Americans, he elaborated, they need to focus on Israel’s security concerns and reach a formula that defines the future Palestinian state in a way that enables it to sustain its existence in addition to reaching an agreement on the status of Jerusalem.

The $5 billion donation to Gaza that has yet to reach its destination is due to lack of progress on Gilad Shalit issue, the Israeli soldier captured by Hamas in 2006, Blair explained.

He also emphasized the importance of lifting the blockade imposed on Gaza in order to allow the entry of basic needs and to help restore the damage the strip suffered in the aftermath of the latest Israeli aggression.

Blair finally stressed the importance of solving internal divisions amongst Palestinian factions explaining that this will make peace talks easier and ensure results are implemented faster since there will only be one unified party negotiating with Israel.


(Translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid).