Blair stops off in Italy

Tony Blair has touched down in Genoa, Italy, for brief talks with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

British sources say the fleeting visit is another chance for the Prime Minister to have face-to-face talks with fellow leaders committed to the international coalition supporting the war on terrorism.

As he flew from Israel to Italy Mr Blair said, in a round of TV interviews, that there is now the possibility of an advance in the Middle East peace process.

He said: "I think there is the possibility - I wouldn't put it any higher than that - that we can prepare the ground to move the Middle East peace process forward."

Looking ahead to his visit to Washington next week, Mr Blair said he had no blueprint for talks, but added: "At the moment, there are all sorts of ideas being discussed, but that is something that has to be discussed privately."

Asked how he felt about taking risks for his own personal safety in visiting the Middle East, the Prime Minister replied: "There are risks, but there are risks for everyone. The world is a more dangerous place at the moment.

"The reason I'm doing what I am doing is that you can stand aside and let someone else do it, but I think this is a moment to get engaged."

After his brief talks with Mr Berlusconi, Mr Blair will fly back to London at the end of his latest whirlwind diplomatic mission.