Photo by EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga
After nearly eight years in the position, Tony Blair has resigned from his role as the Mideast envoy for the Quartet, according to an exclusive report from the Associated Press citing Israeli officials.The former British prime minister is said to have written a letter to United Nations head Ban Ki-moon notifying him of his resignation from the Quartet, a body that was established to act as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is made up of US, European Union, UN, and Russia representatives. The official reportedly told the AP that Blair will likely play an "informal" role promoting peace, particularly in regards to relations between Israel and the Arab world.Blair assumed the role as peace envoy in 2007 after wrapping up his second term as Britain's prime minister. According to the AP, Blair was in charge of developing the Palestinian economy and its institutions, but he struggled in the position. An official told the media outlet there was "frustration" of the limits to Blair's authorities.On his office's website, Blair highlights work done to remove dozens of Israeli-run checkpoints in the West Bank, while also claiming to have boosted tourism in the town of Bethlehem, located in the West Bank.The Associated Press contributed to this report.