Blair: Peace in the Middle East is possible
Tony Blair has said that he believes that peace in the Middle East is possible.
Speaking after a breakfast meeting with President George Bush, Mr Blair praised the President for his role in getting the Israelis and the new Palestinian leadership around the negotiating table.
The Prime Minister spoke of a “renewed sense of vigour and optimism” and said there was now “every possibility” of trying to reach a settlement.
In his speech yesterday, President Bush restated his commitment to delivering a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The two allies are also thought to have discussed the reconstruction effort in Iraq, Africa and climate change.
Later today, Mr Bush will hold meetings with Nato chiefs today, as he continues his five-day tour of Europe.
Mr Bush is seeking to mend bridges with European countries like France and Germany after clashes over US-led military activity in Iraq.
The 2003 invasion of the Gulf state saw relations between the US and leading EU states hit an all time low.
The Bush administration is hoping that the president’s visit will secure more support from Nato countries for the reconstruction effort.
Yesterday, President Bush addressed the European Commission in Brussels and had dinner with French president, Jacques Chirac, who was one of the most outspoken opponents of the Iraq war.
The meeting was said to have been cordial, but the two leaders still disagree on a number of important issues, such as the EU proposal to lift the arms embargo against China.
Mr Bush meets Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi this afternoon, another key ally among European leaders.
Later this week he will hold talks with Russian president, Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, Mr Bush warned his Russian counterpart that “the sharing of power” and “the rule of law” were key values that needed to be observed.
