President Mubarak Wednesday 21/11/2007 received Tony Blair, the Envoy of the International Quartet with whom he reviewed ways of making Annapolis conference a success.

Ambassador Soliman Awwad, the Presidential Spokesman said during the meeting, the second of its kind with Blair , President Mubarak stressed the importance of easing down the sufferings of the Palestinians and improving the daily lives of the Palestinians as a condition for rallying the necessary Palestinian support for the peace efforts.

He said President Mubarak reiterated Egypt's support for the new mission of International Quartet Mideast peace envoy Tony Blair to bolster the Palestinian economy.

Blair's mission aims at implementing Palestinian economic projects and providing financial support for building the institutions of the Palestinian Authority to pave the way for the establishment of a future Palestinian state, Presidential spokesman Awwad said.

Awwad's statements came following Mubarak's meeting with Blair in Sharm El-Sheikh

President Mubarak expressed hope that the Annapolis peace conference, due later this month, would succeed, the spokesman said.

Presidential Spokesman Soliman Awwad noted that the meeting between Mubarak and Blair was the second in Blair's capacity as chief of the international Quartet.

Blair reviewed with Mubarak the outcome of contacts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

The former British Prime Minister expressed hope the coming Annapolis meeting would be rendered a success.

The two sides agreed to continue consultations.

Mubarak made it clear the suffering of the Palestinians should be alleviated.

On Egypt's participation in the Annapolis peace meetings, Awwad said Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit will represent Egypt as the meetings are held at the ministerial level.

Asked why Egypt announced Abul-Gheit's departure date ahead of a meeting to be held at the Arab League on Thursday, Awwad said the Arab League meeting was not meant to consider whether to participate, but to forge a unified Arab stance before the Annapolis conference.