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.

Mr Blair will now fly to Washington by Concorde next week to brief President George Bush on his talks, before jetting straight back to London on Wednesday night for an expected meeting with Israeli President Ariel Sharon on Thursday.

Mr Blair, asked if there was now a new blueprint for the peace process, said last night: ‘‘At the moment there are all sorts of ideas being discussed but that is something that has to be discussed privately.’’

Mr Blair believes his visits, though sometimes controversial, were worthwhile in establishing a dialogue with some of the key players in the region, saying he could either stand aside or ‘‘get your hands dirty’’ and try to resolve issues through negotiation.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Washington next Wednesday afternoon is bound to raise hopes that the Middle East peace process could be re-started, ending the fresh spiral of violence that has recently engulfed the region.