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Blair to Stand Down in June
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Thursday he would step down on June 27, giving the Labour Party time to elect the party’s new leader who will also become the new premier. Mr. Blair did not name the successor, but all stakes are on Treasury chief Gordon Brown.
Tony Blair made the long-expected announcement in the district where he announced in 1994 his bid to lead the Labour Party. Mr. Blair was given a standing ovation by his supporters who had crammed into the tiny bar of Trimdon Labour Club to see him off.
The British prime minister stopped short of openly endorsing Treasury chief Gordon Brown as his successor. The Scot, who is evidently lacking his charisma and common touch, is widely expected to win election as the party’s new leader to become the next prime minister.
Mr. Blair’s ten years in office has transformed the Labour Party and helped to bring to a head three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Under the leadership of Messrs. Blair and Brown, the British economy has thrived.
But despite the accomplishments Tony Blair’s legacy seems to be dominated by an unpopular war in Iraq. In his farewell speech, Mr. Blair recalled his decision to support to the U.S. invasion in Iraq: “I decided we should stand shoulder to shoulder with our oldest ally, and I did so out of belief.”
British press is now busy, choosing a new job for Mr. Blair. Some say he may be appointed an envoy to the Middle East or focus on Africa relief in his Blair Foundation. The former prime minister may also go around the world with lectures, reaping some $20 million, The Daily Telegraph has calculated. The Financial Times reported Mr. Blair’s intention to work as president of the European Union.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of May 11, 2007
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