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Quartet at loggerheads over scope of authority for Mideast envoy
Representatives from the four bodies comprising the Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators failed to reach an agreement on Tuesday regarding the mandate to be given to outgoing British prime minister Tony Blair, slated to become the Quartet's special regional envoy.

Representatives from the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations had met earlier in Jerusalem and discussed Blair's appointment for three hours.

Sources in Jerusalem reported that the four representatives could not reach an agreement because the U.S. and the UN supported the appointment, while Russia and the EU had reservations. The Russians feel that the appointment would serve to appease the Americans and the EU fears that its standing within the peace process would be compromised. Diplomatic sources reported that the EU especially fears the role of its foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, in the peace process, will be diminished.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/875253.html

Blair set for Middle East role

Tony Blair is expected to be named as envoy for the Quartet group of Middle East negotiators as he steps down as Britain's prime minister.

Members of the group - the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia - met in Jerusalem on Tuesday to discuss the appointment.

Marc Otte, the EU's Middle East envoy, said after the meeting that Blair was the only candidate under consideration for the post but that the Quartet was awaiting final approval from Russia.

"The deal is not done," Otte said. The Russian envoy had to consult with his superiors, he added.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/79DD3151-C628-4B2D-8C61-8904F389D4B3.htm

[cbclark4]

Blair named Middle East envoy

Tony Blair has been appointed as envoy for the Quartet group of Middle East negotiators after he stepped down as Britain's prime minister.

Members of the group - the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia - confirmed the position on Wednesday.

The decision came after Russia agreed to drop its reservations over the appointment.

Michele Montas, Quartet spokesman, said: "Following discussions among the principals, today the Quartet dealing with the Middle East is announcing the appointment of Tony Blair as the Quartet's representative."


http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/CB9B3802-87A9-483B-ACF5-C07034C0E73A.htm