The United Nations envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair, said Tuesday that he believed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision not to seek re-election was a reflection of deep frustration regarding the slow pace of peace negotiations.
Speaking to Army Radio while on a visit to Jerusalem, Blair called Abbas a man of peace, and said he worried the decision would harm any chance of toppling Hamas' power in the Gaza Strip.
"People are impatient to get into the negotiation regarding the Palestinian and Israeli states," Blair told Army Radio.
This frustration, Blair said, could be responsible for Abbas's resignation, yet he firmly believes that "Abbas wanted peace and to negotiate peace" and added that he was "still hopeful, but then again I always am."
Blair said he believes Israel and Abbas need each other in order to weaken Hamas' power in Gaza.
When asked what his thoughts were regarding the settlements, Blair said that he would rather not talk directly about the issue as there is not yet a signed agreement on that matter.
Still, he expressed hope that such an agreement would soon be signed and added that "the key thing is that they don't breach an agreement once it's made."
Blair stressed the fact that he is not in the region to talk about the diplomatic issues, but rather to "create for the Palestinians freedom of movement and better their living conditions."
When asked whether he is not discouraged by the ongoing conflict in the region, Blair said that he believes "it's so important that people reach peace, and it's worth fighting for."
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