The United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia declared the appointment Wednesday of Tony Blair as their representative to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians. A statement from the so-called Quartet of international mediators indicated the former British prime minister will seek to mobilize international assistance to the Palestinians and develop plans to promote Palestinian economic development.
Blair will also seek international support to address the needs of Palestinian government institutions, "focusing as a matter of urgency on the rule of law," the statement said. According to AFP, Blair's new role was announced shortly after he stepped down as prime minister and was succeeded by his former finance minister, Gordon Brown.
