Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Antonia Aguilar - University of New Mexico / Talk Radio News

Former Prime Minister of the U.K. Tony Blair called for a two-state solution to the decades old conflict between Israel and Palestine Tuesday during an appearance before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

"If one day, Israel can be secure, recognized, understood and respected by the nations which surround it; if one day the Palestinian people can have their own state and can prosper in peace within it and beyond it, we will bring more than peace to people who have lived too long with conflict,” said Blair. “We will lift the scourge of extremism and bring hope to the world."

According to Blair both leaders already agree on a two state solution and the only step missing is a formal discussion wherein both parties trust each other and act accordingly.

“It isn’t that sensible, well-intentioned people could not sit down and negotiate their way through the issues of borders, refugees, even Jerusalem," said Blair. "The challenge arises from the breakdown of trust,” said Blair.