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Blair becomes Middle East envoy Blair becomes Middle East envoy
(about 1 hour later)
Tony Blair is to become a Middle East envoy working on behalf of the US, Russia, the UN and the EU.Tony Blair is to become a Middle East envoy working on behalf of the US, Russia, the UN and the EU.
The announcement comes just hours after he stood down as UK prime minister and shortly before it was announced he was to quit as a Member of Parliament. The announcement comes just hours after he stood down as UK prime minister and shortly before it was announced he was to quit as a member of parliament.
Earlier, Mr Blair said a "solution" to the problems in the Middle East was possible but that this would require "huge intensity and work". Mr Blair said a "solution" to the problems in the Middle East was possible but that this would require "huge intensity and work".
Russia was thought to have opposed his appointment but has since agreed to it. Russia opposed his appointment initially but has since agreed to it.
During his final prime minister's questions on Wednesday, Mr Blair was asked about the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.During his final prime minister's questions on Wednesday, Mr Blair was asked about the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
'Absolute priority' Challenge
Mr Blair told MPs: "The absolute priority is to try to give effect to what is now the consensus across the international community - that the only way of bringing stability and peace to the Middle East is a two-state solution." He told MPs: "The absolute priority is to try to give effect to what is now the consensus across the international community - that the only way of bringing stability and peace to the Middle East is a two-state solution."
Diplomatic sources had suggested frosty relations between Russia and Britain were behind a delay in any announcement. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip nowadays
However, senior UN officials describe Mr Blair as a star player who will bring energy to the Middle East peace process. Mr Blair's appointment comes at a time of heightened tension in the region.
Earlier this month Hamas militants overran the Gaza Strip, defeating the Fatah movement led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Mr Abbas, who is supported by Western countries and Israel, now effectively controls the West Bank only.
He has sacked the Hamas-led unity cabinet and declared a state of emergency.
BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen says failure in the Middle East is more likely than success.
Israelis like Mr Blair because they believe he is on their side and Palestinians in the main do not trust him for the same reason, our correspondent adds.
'Peace maker'
But senior UN officials describe Mr Blair as a star player who will bring energy to the peace process.
Mr Blair, who had been UK prime minister since 1997, was replaced by Gordon Brown on Wednesday.Mr Blair, who had been UK prime minister since 1997, was replaced by Gordon Brown on Wednesday.
He has proved a controversial figure in the UK and elsewhere for his decision to lead the UK into the Iraq war.He has proved a controversial figure in the UK and elsewhere for his decision to lead the UK into the Iraq war.
But he has also been widely praised for his efforts in bringing the peace process to fruition in Northern Ireland.But he has also been widely praised for his efforts in bringing the peace process to fruition in Northern Ireland.
At prime minister's questions, Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley said: "I just want to say to the prime minister this one word: He has entered into another colossal task.At prime minister's questions, Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley said: "I just want to say to the prime minister this one word: He has entered into another colossal task.
"I hope that what happened in Northern Ireland will be repeated and at the end of the day he will be able to look back and say it was well worthwhile.""I hope that what happened in Northern Ireland will be repeated and at the end of the day he will be able to look back and say it was well worthwhile."