Blair returns from Middle East diplomatic mission

British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived back in London early today after his Middle East diplomatic mission - holding out the prospect of a fresh start to the peace process in the region.

‘‘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,’’ said the British premier as he flew home from visits to Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the past 48 hours.