LONDON (AP) — Former political foes Tony Blair and Britain's new Foreign Secretary William Hague held talks Friday on new U.K. government's approach to the Middle East peace process.
Blair, who as Labour Prime Minister defeated Hague — then the Conservative Party leader — in a 2001 national election, met with the new foreign policy chief in London.
"The goal of peace in the Middle East is one of the most important goals on which it is possible to work in the world," Hague said, following a 60-minute meeting.
Blair, who became envoy for the Quartet of Middle East peacemakers — the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia — after leaving office, said he hoped Gaza would benefit from the partial easing of a blockade imposed by Israel.
"We have a chance now to change policy in Gaza and open it up for the transfer of the goods and daily items that people need to make their lives better there," Blair said.
Israel agreed to ease the blockade due to international pressure after its deadly commando attack against a Gaza-bound flotilla killed nine pro-Palestinian activists in May.
Hague said Thursday that "time is running out to secure a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," urging a new impetus toward peace talks.
He said Friday that the Gaza blockade was "unacceptable and unsustainable," but acknowledged "some progress has now been made in making sure some goods can get in."
Blair said Hague and Prime Minister David Cameron’s new coalition government had "an important part to play out in the Middle East."
In rare praise for his political rivals, the former British leader said he had worked well with his one-time opponents since they took office in May. "Actually I’ve found the interaction in the last few weeks immensely useful," Blair said.
