JUST CALL ON ME BROTHER, WHEN YOU NEED A HAND:

Blair defends Middle East peace efforts (The Guardian, December 22, 2004)

The prime minister, Tony Blair, today defended his plans for a Middle East conference in London next year, which will go ahead without Israeli participation.

Speaking at a Jerusalem press conference with his Israeli counterpart, Ariel Sharon, Mr Blair said the conference was designed to help Palestinians become a viable "partner for peace".

He admitted there had been "enough talks and discussions" on Middle East peace, but said his forum offered practical help towards Palestinian efforts to make democratic and economic reforms and to promote security in the region.

Remember all the stories seven weeks ago about Mr. Blair lean9ing on the President to push peace in the Middle East? Well, apparently he's leaning so hard he's completely adopted the Bush/Sharon line.

Posted by Orrin Judd at December 22, 2004 9:26 AM