TONY BLAIR IN CAIRO TO MEET WITH SISI

Tony Blair and Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Photo: archive — **Tony Blair and Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi**. Photo: archive

Cairo, 12 Dzulqa’dah 1435/7 September 2014 (MINA) – The former of British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived in Cairo on Sunday for a one-day visit.

Egyptian local media reported that the Quartet’s Peace Envoy to the Middle Eas will meet with several Egyptian officials, including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to tackle the Middle East peace process, as well as efforts by western countries to confront Islamic State.

Blair arrived on a private plane from Spain, according to navigational sources at Cairo International Airport, Egypt Independent quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Previously, Secretary of State John Kerry discussed Saturday the ISIS with the head of the Arab League, ahead of the group’s next round of discussions.

The Arab League is due to hold a ministerial meeting in Cairo on Sunday to address fast-moving changes in the region, Ahram Online reported.

Kerry and Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi “discussed the need for the Arab League and its members to take a strong position in the coalition that is developing against ISIL,” a senior State Department official said, using one of the acronyms by which the Islamic State is known.

They also spoke of “the importance of decisive action to stop the flow of foreign fighters, counter ISIL’s financing and combat its incitement,” the official added.

Both men agreed that Iraq is on the frontline in the struggle against IS “and that Iraq, the United States, the region, and the international community must stand together to assist Iraq in facing this threat,” the official said.(T/R04/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)