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Blair says Mideast cease-fire elements in place

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-12 20:19

CAIRO, Egypt _ Special Mideast envoy Tony Blair says elements are in place for a cease-fire to end the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) and Middle East special envoy Tony Blair shake hands during their meeting in Jerusalem January 11, 2009, in this handout picture released by Israel's Government Press Office. [Agencies]

Related readings:  Israeli offensive continues for 16th day  Olmert says too early for cease-fire in Gaza  Situations for Children in Gaza 'desperate'  Fierce battles rage as Israel penetrates deeper

The former British prime minister was speaking from Cairo where he met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, following meetings in Israel.

He told reporters Monday that "the elements of an agreement" for a cease-fire "are there," adding that they are being worked on "very hard."

Blair is the Middle East envoy for the Quartet, the US, EU, Russia and the U.N., supervising the Middle East peace process.

He added any plan to end fighting must also halt weapons smuggling to Hamas and open Gaza's borders.

Israel attacked the Gaza Strip on December 27 to end rocket fire by Hamas. Some 870 Palestinians have died so far.