Lord Levy: Blair has made maximum progress in difficult conditions
Tony Blair has made “the maximum progress conditions would allow” on assisting the Palestinian economy over the past eight years, his former Middle East envoy has said.
The former prime minister turned Middle East Quartet envoy is reportedly in discussions about a change in the role he has held since leaving Downing Street.
His role is expected to become more regional but sources close to Blair told the Jewish News he was “not stepping away from the peace process”.
While a senior source in the US administration said the former Labour leader had been “a valued partner in trying to bring peace and we will continue to value his input and support”, senior diplomats told the Financial Times the move was “long overdue. He has been ineffective in this job. He has no credibility in this part of the world”.
But Lord Levy, who served as Labour’s chief fundraiser and as Blair’s Middle east envoy, told the Jewish News: “Under very difficult circumstances, Tony Blair has carried out his duties as Quartet envoy according to the brief that he had to work to.
“He has maintained good relationships with all sides during the most difficult of times and on the more specific brief he was given with regard to economic progress on the Palestinian side, he has made the maximum progress the conditions would allow.”
The Office of the Quartet representative works to support the Palestinians on economic development, good governance and improved movement as they seek to build the institutions and economy of a viable state.
The first Palestinian donors conference in 2007, chaired by Blair, raised a record-breaking $5bn while his office continues to lead on implementation of a strategic roadmap for investment in the territories. It also facilitated the opening of the Jalameh Crossing between the West Bank and Israel, enabling significant numbers of Arab Israelis to visit the PA and support the economic revitalisation of the northern West Bank. The Office also developed a tool for the Palestinian police that has aided coordination with Israel.
There is yet to be any formal statement from his official though an announcement could come later this week.
Sources close to Blair said there an ongoing debate over the “composition and role of the Quartet” – which is made up of the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia. “In addition to that, Blair himself initiated a discussion around a more enhanced role, which is likely to be more regional, though he will continue to work on the Palestinian economy,” they added. “The discussions are ongoing. He continues in his role and will do whatever he can to help the peace process.”
Critics have attacked the lack of progress achieved in the region and last year three former British ambassadors backed a campaign calling for him to be sacked and accused him of trying to ”absolve himself” of responsibility for the crisis in Iraq.
[polldaddy poll=8720985]
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
