Tony Blair is visiting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar for a series of meetings ahead of the Palestinian donors’ conference in Paris later this month.

Speaking after his talks with King Abdullah in Riyadh, where the two discussed international efforts to push forward the peace process, Mr Blair said:

"We feel the need to keep the pressure to get action and to get the changes we need to make the peace process work."

Mr Blair said that the Palestinians need help to support themselves and develop their institutions, adding that the Annapolis conference last month had already revived hope about returning to the peace process.

“The Paris conference, to be held on December 17th, would help the Palestinians plan their future... This will be a chance for the international community to ensure support for the Palestinian people,” he said.

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