Former British PM Tony Blair denies intention to be Trump’s Mideast envoy

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair intends to work in a private capacity in pushing forward Middle East peace, according to his spokeswoman. 

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair denies a report in The Mail that suggests he has spoken with President Donald Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner about taking on the role of Middle East envoy for the Trump administration.

“Mr. Blair has made no such ‘pitch’ to be the President’s Middle East envoy, neither has he had any discussions about taking such a role or any role working for the new President,” said Blair’s spokeswoman.

“(Blair) has been working on the peace process for 10 years. He continues to do so,” she continued. “He does so in a private capacity. He will continue to do it in that way.”

The Mail reported Blair discussed the prospective role after learning he met with Kushner on at least three separate occasions. After stepping down as British prime minister, Blair was the Middle East envoy for the Quartet for about 8 years. Comprising the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia, the Quartet was established in 2002 under the guidelines of the Road Map pushed by former US President George W. Bush.

For his part, Trump has appointed Kushner with the responsibility of brokering peace between Israel and the Palestinians, telling him before his inauguration that,“If you can’t produce peace in the Middle East, nobody can.” 

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News

BlairMiddle East QuartetTrump administration