Blair won't have power to mediate on peace

By David Blair in New York
Last Updated: 3:28am BST 30/06/2007
Tony Blair with Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas
Tony Blair's ambitions for his new role as a Middle East envoy were brought down to earth yesterday after America made it clear that he will have no power to mediate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Instead, the State Department said that Mr Blair will be confined to improving the institutions of the Palestinian Authority.
One former US adviser predicted swift "frustration" for Mr Blair and likened his role to carrying a "tin cup" around the world, raising funds for the Palestinians. >>>cont

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