Blair welcomes Geneva middle east initiative

Blair welcomes Geneva Accord middle east initiative

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the Geneva Accord - an initiative that Mr Blair hoped would show that Israelis and Palestinians remain capable of finding partners for peace and working together.

Mr Blair said: "At this time both peoples need hope. This initiative gives them a chance to look beyond current difficulties to what might be achievable with goodwill on both sides.

"The detail is not for us to comment on, but I hope that the initiative will stimulate debate; remind people of why peace is worth working for; show that Israelis and Palestinians remain capable of finding partners for peace and working together; and encourage them back to the negotiating table.

"The roadmap never described a settlement, just how to get there. So imaginative thinking about the endgame doesn't cut across it - it complements it.

"Tackling security remains the essential first step towards this or any other settlement."

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