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Tony Blair Quits As Middle East Envoy

Tony Blair Quits As Middle East Envoy

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair has resigned as Middle East peace envoy.

He will quit the unpaid role - which he took up immediately after leaving Downing Street in 2007 - next month.

The Quartet was formed following the 1991 Madrid Conference and comprises of representatives from the US, UN, EU and Russia.

It was created in an effort to mediate the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The Press Association cited a source as saying Mr Blair is "fully committed" to helping make progress on a two-state solution.

But he believes he can "best support these efforts through working with the key regional players, the USA, the EU and others, without any formal role".

Mr Blair was appointed following a request from the administration of US president George W Bush.

But he was criticised for his dual role as diplomat and businessman.

His clients included Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala and PetroSaudi, an oil company linked to the ruling Saudi royal family.