Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has described his new role as special envoy to the Middle East as 'a huge challenge'.
Mr Blair will now act as an ambassador for the Middle-East Quartet of the US, the UN, the EU and Russia. The group has been seeking to implement a roadmap' for Israeli-Palestinian peace since 2003.
In an interview this morning, he outlined plans to travel to the region next month to 'prepare the ground for a negotiated settlement'.
Mr Blair, whose appointment as Middle East envoy was confirmed hours after he stood down as British Prime Minister, reiterated his view that a two-state solution was the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He insisted that Israel must be confident in its security and Palestinians must have a viable state, 'not merely in terms of its territory but also in terms of its institutions, its capability'.
The former British Prime Minister's immediate goal will be to mobilise assistance for the Palestinians and help them develop their institutions and economy.
Meanwhile, the US has played down expectations of any quick breakthrough in the Middle East following the appointment.
While the Bush administration pushed for Mr Blair to be given the position, a White House spokesman said people should be realistic about what he can achieve.
The Western-backed Fatah group led by President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the appointment.
However Hamas, which is now in control of Gaza after forcing out rival Fatah fighters loyal to Mr Abbas, condemned the move.
A spokesperson claimed Mr Blair would not do anything to support Palestinian interests, 'but will do everything to support the Israeli occupation'.
