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04/08/2006
Blair delays holiday plans over Middle East crisis
Prime Minister Tony Blair will delay his summer holiday plans in order to concentrate on efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Middle East crisis.
Mr Blair has been due to hand power over to his deputy John Prescott to join his family on a three-week break in the Caribbean.
However, he had faced criticism for insisting that he would go ahead with his holiday plans despite the continuing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.
The Prime Minister had said that he would remain involved in efforts to secure a United Nations resolution on a ceasefire by telephone and said that other world leaders were also taking holidays at the same time.
However, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has already delayed her holiday plans. At his monthly news conference at Downing Street on Thursday, Mr Blair dismissed reports of a rift between himself and Ms Beckett as "complete rubbish".
Downing Street said that Mr Blair believed that the next few days would be "critical" in agreeing on a resolution to bring about a ceasefire.
The UN resolution would pave the way for an international force to be deployed to southern Lebanon where it borders Israel.
Mr Blair has also been under pressure due to his refusal - along with US President George Bush - to support calls for an immediate ceasefire.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that his policy was aimed at securing a ceasefire on both sides of the conflict and said that any ceasefire would need to be sustainable.
(KMcA)
Mr Blair has been due to hand power over to his deputy John Prescott to join his family on a three-week break in the Caribbean.
However, he had faced criticism for insisting that he would go ahead with his holiday plans despite the continuing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.
The Prime Minister had said that he would remain involved in efforts to secure a United Nations resolution on a ceasefire by telephone and said that other world leaders were also taking holidays at the same time.
However, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has already delayed her holiday plans. At his monthly news conference at Downing Street on Thursday, Mr Blair dismissed reports of a rift between himself and Ms Beckett as "complete rubbish".
Downing Street said that Mr Blair believed that the next few days would be "critical" in agreeing on a resolution to bring about a ceasefire.
The UN resolution would pave the way for an international force to be deployed to southern Lebanon where it borders Israel.
Mr Blair has also been under pressure due to his refusal - along with US President George Bush - to support calls for an immediate ceasefire.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that his policy was aimed at securing a ceasefire on both sides of the conflict and said that any ceasefire would need to be sustainable.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
