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Tony Blair and PM Fayyad discuss the "dignity and justice" of Palestinian statehood

Quartet Representative Tony Blair and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad met today in Ramallah to discuss the "dignity and justice" of Palestinian statehood as part of a negotiated two-state solution.

Tony Blair congratulated Prime Minister Fayyad for the work he has been doing which means that Palestinian institutions are being built, capacity being developed, and that means successful negotiations could see the Palestinian state be a reality for people.

Tony Blair said: "What we've been talking about is how we take this further. Over the past few months very naturally there has been a focus on the proximity talks that have now begun. The question is how we now turn than into a negotiation that will lead to the two state solution we want to see.

"In this regard the continued work on developing the capacity and institutions of statehood, the progress on the rule of law, the progress on things like lifting access and movement restrictions, far freer flow of goods and people on the Palestinian side, all of the things can and should play a part in developing the conditions in which a good and successful negotiation can take place

"There is an immense amount to do, but one thing is clear: that a Palestinian state of course is the product of a negotiated settlement dealing with all of the issues that need to be dealt with, but that settlement is far more likely to take place and to be successful if in the meantime there is a ground up development of the institutions and capacity of government for Palestinian statehood.

"That is the work the Prime Minister is doing to his immense credit and he should and does enjoy the support of the international community in doing so."