BLAIR NAMED QUARTET REP.

Blair named Middle East troubleshooter.
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Tony Blair was Wednesday named envoy of the Middle East peace quartet tasked with spearheading efforts to create a Palestinian state, hours after he stepped down as British prime minister.

"Following discussions among the principals, today the quartet dealing with the Middle East is announcing the appointment of Tony Blair as the quartet representative," UN spokeswoman Michele Montas announced.

She said that as "quartet representative, Mr Blair will mobilize international assistance to the Palestinians, working closely with donors and existing coordinating bodies."

Blair, 54, will also "help identify and secure appropriate international support in addressing the institutional governance needs of the Palestinian state, focusing as a matter of urgency on the rule of law," a quartet statement said.

WHEN DID THE QUARTET BECOME EXCLUSIVELY ABOUT CREATING A PALESTINIAN STATE? ISN'T THAT PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. I THOUGHT THE PURPOSE OF THE QUARTET WAS TO ENCOURAGE PEACE. DOESN'T THAT MEAN WORKING FOR AN END TO TERROR, INCITEMENT, AND ASSURING ISRAEL'S SECURITY?

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