Blair defends relationship with Bush

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on a Middle East peace tour, has defended his close relationship with US President George …

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on a Middle East peace tour, has defended his close relationship with US President George Bush, a stance that has cost him support in the region.

"The relationship with America is a strength," Mr Blair said after talks with leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Whether solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or developing the region's economies, he added: "People know ... it can't be done without America."

In talks with members of ruling royal family - including the president, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - Mr Blair urged this oil-rich Gulf state to help end the region's turmoil by supporting the beleaguered leaders of Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

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The Prime Minister sees the UAE as an important ally in the "arc of moderation" he hopes to encourage across the region.

The tiny state is holding its first-ever elections, with 6,700 hand-picked voters choosing members of a government advisory panel.

"These are tentative steps but welcome steps," Mr Blair's official spokesman said.

PA