OneVoice, Tony Blair, and a Mideast Quintet?

OneVoice Israeli & Palestinian youth leaders met with Tony Blair earlier today in Jerusalem, to discuss the role of civil society in carrying the peace process forward. At the meeting, OneVoice leaders proposed the formation of a "Mideast Quintet," the fifth arm of which would be Israeli & Palestinian civil society groups.

OneVoice has found a steadfast ally in Mr Blair, and is honored by his support.

Last month, while giving evidence on Palestinian Development before a British Parliamentary committee, Blair was asked whether people should support and invest in moderate Israeli & Palestinian civil society groups.  Blair responded:

I think it is a very worthwhile exercise for them to work on. If you take an organisation, for example, like One Voice, which is for the young people, who are lovely young people, if that is the future on both sides it would be bright. I think it is very important to encourage a sort of civil society exchange at the same time, and I think that those are things that are easy to do and very worthwhile.

Here are some pictures from today's meeting: