By KUNA
Gaza : Any peace agreement that might be concluded between the Israelis and the Palestinian must “guarantee Israel’s security,” said Quartet Middle East Special Envoy Tony Blair, after a meeting with the US President in Jerusalem on Friday.
When asked if he agreed with Bush, who said on Thursday that he thought his goal of an a peace deal before his term of office ends next January was possible, the former UK premier said ” … it is absolutely possible to have a peace deal by the end of the year if people want to make it happen.” Israeli media quoted Blair as reiterating his support to Israel’s security. “I am a strong supporter of the State of Israel, and this should only happen under terms which guarantee Israel’s security,” he said “I think given the determination there is to succeed and given the desire on the part of the American leadership, the Israeli leadership, the Palestinian leadership to see it happen, I think people could be surprised this year,” Blair was quoted as saying.
In statements yesterday, Bush who is due to leave Israel for Kuwait later today, said, “There should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967.” On giving the Palestinian people a state, he said, “I think there is nothing more important in the battle against … extremism and terrorism” deep-rooted in many parts of the world.