Blair calls for intl community to back Abbas

RAMALLAH, West Bank, Dec 18 (Reuters) British Prime Minister Tony Blair today called on the international community to move quickly to support Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas following his call for fresh elections.

''If the international community really means what it says about supporting people who share the vision of a two state solution, who are moderate, who are prepared to shoulder their responsibilities, then now is the time for the international community to respond,'' Blair said at a joint news conference with Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

''I believe this is so critical and urgent over the coming weeks,'' Blair added.

REUTERS LL HT1652