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Obama plans Blair talks in London
Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama has added a meeting with former British PM Tony Blair in London to tap his ideas on climate and energy issues.
Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama has added a meeting with former British prime minister Tony Blair to his programme in London on Saturday, his campaign team said.
A senior advisor said that Obama will meet Blair in the ex-premier's capacity as International Middle East peace envoy, but is also keen to tap his ideas on climate and energy issues.
The talks will take place ahead of Obama's meeting with current British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and opposition Conservative Party leader David Cameron, which will end his week-long international campaign swing.
"He will be seeing former prime minister Blair primarily in his role as representing the (Middle East) quartet. That will be a very useful exchange, particularly because he will be coming straight from the region," the advisor said.
Another aide, awaiting Obama's arrival from Iraq for a visit to Jordan and Israel, added that the Illinois senator also wanted to hear Blair's views on environmental issues.
"Former prime minister Blair is obviously doing a lot of work on energy and climate. Senator Obama is very concerned about the energy crisis, and global energy challenge. That will also be a big part of their discussions."
