Blair to 'toe' US line as Quartet envoy : Primakov

Moscow, July 10 (UNI) Former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov today warned that the newly-appointed special envoy of the Mideast Quartet, Tony Blair, will toe the US line on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

''I do not think that Tony Blair will become the Quartet's conductor. His role will consist of following the US line,'' Mr Primakov told RIA Novosti news agency. He said the Quartet's role had weakened considerably since its creation.

He said in the prevailing situation, the Quartet should work out a compromise formula jointly with representatives of the conflicting sides, the Palestinians and Israelis, and also with the participation of other Arab countries, making it incumbent on the conflicting sides to fulfil this resolution.

The Quartet should declare that if the decision was rejected, all of its members, representing great powers, would pull out of the peace process, Mr Primakov said.

Mr Blair's controversial Mideast track record reportedly prevented him from securing universal support in the Quartet, which includes the US, Russia, EU and the UN.

British newspaper, The Guardian and Western media had said that Russia was trying to block Mr Blair's candidacy for the Qaurtet's special envoy, a charge denied by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavorov.

The Quartet said the duties of its new envoy would involve raising aid, building government institutions for the Palestinians and promoting their economic development.

SYU XC SYU RR RK2138