LONDON, June 27 International mediators named Tony Blair an official peace envoy to the Middle East on Wednesday, the same day he stepped down as prime minister of Britain.
Hours after Blair said farewell to Parliament and Gordon Brown became the British prime minister, the announcement of Blair's new position was made by the United Nations, The New York Times reported.
U.S. President George W. Bush immediately gave his support to Blair, citing the former prime minister's dedication to Middle Eastern peace efforts.
"Tony will help Palestinians develop the political and economic institutions they will need for a democratic, sovereign state able to provide for its people and live in peace and security with Israel," a statement from Bush said. "I thank him for his willingness to give his time to this goal, which would be a historic step toward peace in the Middle East."
In his new role, Blair will work with the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations in promoting peace throughout the troubled region, the Times said.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
