President George W. Bush has talked with British Prime Minister Tony Blair about taking a role as a Middle East peace envoy after he leaves office next week.
US Assistant Secretary of State David Welch, the State Department's top diplomat for the Middle East, met Mr Blair in London yesterday, and the White House and State Department have lauded the prime minister's credentials.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also expressed support for Mr Blair playing a role in the Middle East.
James Wolfensohn, a former president of the World Bank, stepped down in April as international Mideast envoy for the Quartet of peacemakers - the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia. The position envisioned for Mr Blair was said to be an enhanced version of that role.
A State Department would not say whether the United States wants Mr Blair to take the job but indicated there is a need for a new Mideast envoy.
That person would work to help the Palestinians strengthen their political and economic systems and institutions in preparation for an eventual independent Palestinian state, he said.
AP
