Blair proposes committee to to coordinate security and movement in the West Bank

Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair yesterday proposed the formation of a committee to monitor and promote security coordination made by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.  The formation of the committee would become an element in the former British Prime Minister's wider desire to bring about rapid, tangible improvements in the lives of West Bank Palestinians. Blair is understood to believe that building Palestinian grass-root support for the diplomatic process is essential for its success. At the same time, Blair has told Israeli officials that he understands that Palestinian efforts to stop terrorism are also essential for progress.  Blair is understood to want to see firm Palestinian action against Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the coming months, which he hopes will make possible a significant easing of Israel's restrictions on Palestinians in the west Bank, particularly in the removal of roadblocks and travel restrictions. Blair hopes that the committee would be led by Defence Minister Ehud Barak and PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

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