Blair: Obama worried about Palestinian state declaration
Former British PM says Israeli position is "particularly dangerous in run-up to September," as Palestinians prepare for unilateral steps.
By JPOST.COM STAFF311_Tony Blair book cover photo(photo credit: Courtesy)
Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair said on Thursday that US President Barack Obama is concerned about the possibility of Palestinians unilaterally declaring statehood, AP reported.Speaking in London, Blair said that Obama is "frankly worried about the position that Israel is in."RELATED:Officials fear 'Palestine' declaration will bring boycott'Palestinians, Israelis must compromise on J’lem, refugees'The former UK prime minister reportedly said that Obama's initiative, in which peace talks would be based on pre-1967 lines, is "an attempt to fill a vacuum which he sees as dangerous, particularly dangerous for Israel in the run-up to September."Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu rejected Obama's plan, saying that the pre-'67 borders are "indefensible."The Palestinians have said that they plan to unilaterally declare statehood during the UN general assembly in September, leading numerous countries to support the establishment of a Palestinian state.
