Clinton says Blair to play bigger role in Mideast peace process, support US envoy Mitchell

Clinton says Blair to play bigger role in Mideast

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is going to play a bigger role in efforts to get Israel and the Palestinians back to peace talks by intensifying his partnership with special U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell.

In a statement, Clinton said she had spoken to Blair on Thursday about developments in the region. As a result of that call, she said Blair would broaden his current role as representative of the so-called Quartet of Mideast peacemakers to assist Mitchell.

Blair took that position in June 2007 but previously had confined his activities to building support for the Palestinian Authority. He had not served as a mediator or negotiator.

(This version CORRECTS Tuesday to Thursday.)