San Diego Jewish World

                                            Tuesday Evening, June 26, 2007    

                                                                      Vol. 1, Number 57
 

British PM era ends for Tony Blair; does he now
step onto the Middle East stage as Quartet envoy?

By Donald H. Harrison

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on his last full day in office, encouraged worldwide speculation that he will accept a position as a special envoy for the Middle East Quartet comprised of the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia. 
However, he did not confirm that he will accept the position, and no amount of media badgering of spokesperson for people in the know around the world could produce the sought-for confirmation. 

If, in fact, Blair's new position is confirmed, it will come after he turns over the office of Britain's prime minister to Gordon Brown.

House votes to reopen Statue of Liberty to tours

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation authored by Rep. Anthony Weiner (Democrat, New York) to reopen the Statue of Liberty in her entirety for the first time since 9/11. Lady Liberty is the only national park that remains closed since the attacks.  

While the Statue’s base, pedestal, and observation deck were reopened in August 2004, her crown – and the observation deck it houses – remain closed.  Lady Liberty’s crown is the only site overseen by the National Park Service that has yet to re-open since 9/11.  The National Park Service overseas such sites as the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

The Interior Department’s failure to reopen Lady Liberty has had a profound impact on New York City’s economy.   Since her crown was closed to the public, the Statue has seen a 40.8% drop in visitors.  This loss of 2.24 million tourists has cost New Yorkers millions in lost economic benefits. 

  The preceding story was provided by the office of Congressman Anthony Weiner

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Nancy Harrison of Anderson Travel presents: Adventures in Cruising Watch this ad for different cruising photos; the adventures can be yours.  Call Nancy Harrison to help you book a cruise from San Diego or anywhere  at (619) 265-0808 or email her by clicking this ad.

Carnival Elation Mural by Israeli artist Calman Shemi San Diego  to Mexico cruising

                                                                            
Iran divestment campaigns praised by Olmert

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this morning met with Texas Governor Rick Perry  who is leading a delegation of Texas public officials and business people on a visit to Israel.

Gov. Perry updated Prime Minister Olmert on Texas's intention to enact special legislation to prevent any investments in Iran.  Texas has the 10th largest economy in the world and such a decision will influence the continuation of Iran's attempts to arm itself with nuclear weapons.
Olmert, Perry

The Prime Minister thanked the Governor for Texas's brave economic steps and added that economic sanctions will certainly influence the Iranian economy.  The Prime Minister also expressed the hope that continued and stepped-up sanctions would lead to a change in the Iranian position: "Sanctions are creating a momentum inside Iran that can affect the Iranian economy and Iranian policy."  He also emphasized the free world's moral obligation to isolate Iranian President Ahmadinejad, who is openly calling for the elimination of another sovereign state."Unfortunately, instead of preventing him from visiting world capitals, he is being received by heads of state."

Prime Minister Olmert briefed his guests on his meeting yesterday at Sharm el-Sheikh with Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen and on the chance for making progress with PA moderates, despite the harsh and brutal events that have taken place in the Gaza Strip.The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the creation of a better atmosphere in Judea and Samaria and the significant improvement in daily life there would strengthen the moderates and lead to an effective diplomatic process.

The two men also discussed the development of bilateral commercial cooperation especially in the biotechnology field given Texas's large biotech sector.  It was also decided to increase cooperation in research and development.

**

The preceding story combined information provided by the offices of Prime Minister Olmert and Governor Perry.

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Ban Ki-moon wants journalists to be forces for Mideast peace

TOKYO (Press Release)—Warning that recent violence has set back the Middle East peace process, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged media professionals and civil society representatives attending a United Nations-organized seminar in Tokyo to “explore creative approaches to spreading the message of peace and coexistence in these troubled times.”

“You meet at a very critical time,” Mr. Ban said in a message delivered by Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Kiyo Akasaka to the International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East.

“After years of occupation, violence and mistrust, Israeli and Palestinian societies stand further apart than ever before,” the Secretary-General lamented, adding “alarming rifts have also surfaced in internal Palestinian politics, as armed clashes between rival factions spread death and destruction across the Gaza Strip.”

The current outbreak of violence, while a cause for great dismay, should not lead to despair, Mr. Ban told some 100 participants attending the two-day event, organized by the UN in cooperation with Japan’s Foreign Ministry and the Tokyo-based UN University. Instead, it should serve to focus attention on finding a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

“We must take heart from the numerous opinion polls of recent years that point to consistently strong grassroots support in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories for peaceful coexistence within the framework of a two-State solution.”

In his keynote address to the meeting, Michael Williams, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, urged participants not to despair amid the current state of affairs. “We must instead look at what can be done to change current dynamics and channel energies in a more positive direction.”

To that end, the UN was working overtime to help address the serious humanitarian concerns emanating from the closure of the Gaza Strip, Mr. Williams added, in a message read out by UN University Rector Hans Van Ginkel. Reopening the crossings into Gaza required cooperation of all parties, and in that effort, the humanitarian imperative must be paramount, he stressed.

The annual seminar focuses on ways to re-engage Israelis and Palestinians in the search for a comprehensive and lasting political settlement. Participating in this year’s gathering are two members of the Knesset, Ronit Tirosh and Avishai Braverman, the Mayors of Ashdod and Hadera and a former Mayor of Ashkelon.

Palestinian participants include a former Minister of Culture, Almutawakel Nazzal, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, and the Mayor of Ramallah.

The preceding story was provided by the United Nations

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European Jewish Congress elects Kantor president

BRUSSELS (Press Release)—Moshe Kantor was elected president of the European Jewish Congress by the EJC General Assembly today with 55 votes against 30 votes for Pierre Besnainou, EJC’s first elected president. Eighty-seven delegates from 40 Jewish communities from throughout participated in the vote. There were two abstentions.

Moshe Kantor, the Chairman of the European Jewish Fund and president of the Russian Jewish Congress, told the assembly he was a “true believer in European Jewry” and evaluated that European Jews were strong enough to address the many challenges they are facing : anti-Semitism, assimilation and dangers Israel is
Kantor
facing : the Iranian nuclear threat and terror. “I will never compromise with the security of Jews in Europe and with the security of Israel.” Declared Moshe Kantor.

World Jewish Congress (WJC) newly elected president Ronald S. Lauder attended the general assembly with Matthew Bronfman, Chairman of the WJC Governing Board, and stressed the importance of the EJC.

“It is essential that the Jewish people remain united in a period where anti-Semitism is on the rise, a period where Israel is under siege by Hamas and Hizbollah, a period where the Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas which is encouraged by Iran,” said Lauder.

Lauder stressed the importance of education and the need to strengthen inter-religious meetings. The WJC President revealed that he has received a letter from Moroccan King Abdullah calling for strengthened ties between Muslims and Jews.

The preceding story was provided by the European Jewish Congress   

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ADL denounces World Council of Churches

campaign against Israel as 'moral outrage'

NEW YORK (Press Release) —The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called the decision by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to launch a global initiative against Israel, "a biased action and a moral outrage," saying the Church group "has abandoned the course of objective, credible advocacy." The WCC announced the decision at its International Peace Conference held in Amman, Jordan on June 21.

The one-sided initiative is the latest in a series of anti-Israel WCC activities.  Last year, the WCC issued a shocking statement that blamed Israel alone for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and pursued divestment against Israel.

 The preceding story was provided by the Anti-Defamation League
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IDF and UNWRA cooperate on Gaza relief effort

NAHAL OZ, Israel (Press Release) —Colonel Nir Press, the commander of the IDF Coordination and Liaison unit in Gaza, met Monday, June 24, with Mr. John Ging, head of UNWRA in the Gaza Strip. 

"This meeting is very important, as it is part of the coordination procedures with the international organizations that bring in goods and basic foodstuffs into the Gaza Strip," said Colonel Press, during the meeting.  "We must come up with solutions, together, for improving the provision of these goods.  At this point in time there is enough foodstuffs brought into the Gaza Strip, however, we must design plans to ensure there will not be a lack in the future."

"We came to meet Colonel Press and his team in order to discuss the access issue for our humanitarian assistance which of course has been made more difficult due to recent events in Gaza," added Mr. Ging.  "I am very pleased with the discussions that we had here today.  We enjoy an excellent relationship with Colonel Press and his staff and we are finding solutions to make sure that the humanitarian aid can come into Gaza.  Today's meeting was a constructive meeting and we have found practical solutions to make sure that the humanitarian assistance that is needed for the civilian population in Gaza can get through and I am very grateful for that."

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House committee seeks Japan's apology to WWII sex slaves

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)—Congressman Tom Lantos (Democrat, California) chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today applauded the overwhelming committee passage of legislation calling on the government of Japan to "formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner" for the suffering of “comfort women” during World War II. 

Lantos and his colleagues approved the measure, H. Res. 121, by a vote of 39-2.   Its author, Japanese-American Congressman Mike Honda (Democrat, California), attended the discussion and observed the final vote. 

“This resolution seeks admission of a horrible truth in order that this horror may never be perpetrated again,” Lantos (a Holocaust survivor) said as he introduced the resolution.  “But most importantly, it speaks out for the victims of this monstrous act, who were terrorized and brutalized by men at war.  It gives voice to these courageous women whom others have tried to silence through shame, bigotry, and threats of further violence. It is appropriate that this House stand up for these women, who ask only that the truth be honored.”

The resolution has more than 140 Congressional co-sponsors and can now be considered for a vote in the full House of Representatives.

“Japan has actively promoted historical amnesia,” Lantos said. “The facts are plain: there can be no denying that the Japanese Imperial military coerced thousands upon thousands of women, primarily Chinese and Koreans, into sexual slavery during the war. As such, the continued efforts by some in Japan to distort history and play a game of blame-the-victim are highly disturbing.”

Lantos stressed the importance of America’s relationship with Japan while offering his strong support for the resolution.

“Japan is clearly our greatest friend in Asia and one of our closest partners in the world,” Lantos said. “The U.S-Japan relationship is the bedrock of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.  Japan’s refusal to make an official government apology to the women who suffered as so-called ‘comfort women’ is disturbing to all who value this relationship.”  

“The true strength of a nation is tested when it is forced to confront the darkest chapters in its history, Lantos added.  “Will it have the courage to face up to the truth of its past, or will it hide from those truths in the desperate and foolish hope they will fade with time?”

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Commentary                Please send your letters to sdheritage@cox.net, or to San Diego Jewish World, PO Box 19363, San Diego, CA, (USA) 92119. Please include the name of the city where you live.

      
ZOA says Abbas admits that the Palestinians were not the original settlers in the Holy Land

NEW YORK (Press Release)— Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmoud Abbas, in a speech denouncing the murder and violence committed by Hamas forces in their take-over of Gaza, stated that Hamas had looted and set on fire a church which was older than the Palestinian Arab presence in the Holy Land, thereby admitting that Palestinian Arabs are not the original inhabitants. In a speech on Wednesday to the PLO Central Council, Abbas stated that Hamas has been "murdering, executing people on the street, throwing fighters from tall buildings, and looting security headquarters, public facilities and Christian houses of worship. [Indeed,] even the churches were not spared. One of the oldest churches in Palestine, which stood long before our arrival [in the region], was looted and set on fire. There are Christians among us, and they are our brothers, and now we discover that [according to Hamas] they are enemies and must leave [ Palestine]?!" ( Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), June 22).

 

The Jewish connection to the land of Israel goes back to biblical times and two Jewish commonwealths existed during biblical and post-biblical times. The original Christians were a breakaway from Judaism and date from Jesus' time. The Muslim Arabs, in contrast, arrived in the land only centuries later, in the seventh century, occupying Jerusalem in 638. Despite the wealth of historical knowledge existing of Jewish and Christian life in Israel, the PA officially asserts that there is no Jewish connection to Jerusalem, that the Jewish Temple never stood in Jerusalem, that Jesus was a Palestinian, and that Palestinian Arabs are descendants of earlier, Phoenician inhabitants of the land. Yasser Arafat declared once that Palestinian Arabs are descended from a non-existent Canaanite king named Salem, who supposedly preceded the Jewish settlement in the land:

 

• "Those of you who lit the intifada fire must now act as defenders of this young state, whose capital is Jerusalem. It is Bir Salem [the fountain of Salem]. Salem was one of the Canaanite Kings, one of our forefathers. This city is the capital of our children and our children's children. If not for this belief and conviction of the Palestinian nation, this people would have been erased from the face of the earth, as were so many other nations" (Arafat in an address in Jericho, August 18, 1994, cited by historian Martin Gilbert, New Republic, November 14, 1994).

 

At the time of the 2000 negotiations, then-Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami recounted that when Israel was offering to concede sovereignty over the Temple Mount to the Palestinian state, the PA was not prepared that the agreement should mention a historical connection between the Jewish people and that place ( Haaretz, July 7, 2004).

 

ZOA National Chairman of the Board, Dr. Michael Goldblatt said, "Although Abbas undoubtedly did not intend to let slip a statement that the Palestinian Arabs are not the original inhabitants of the land, he did just that in his speech. This is an important admission because it gives the lie to the Palestinian Arab claim that Jews are purely new arrivals whereas Palestinian Arabs are natives from time immemorial. Despite Abbas' admission, it is clear from recent events, like the destruction of churches and attacks on Christian institutions in Gaza in recent days that extremism, violence and chaos lies in store for all non-Muslims residing in a Palestinian Arab state, should one be created in the near future, a goal supported by so many governments, including the Bush Administration." |

This commentary was provided by the Zionist Organization of America
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Features

Jews in the News          
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 Like you, we're pleased when members of our community are praiseworthy, and are disappointed when they are blameworthy. Whether it's good news or bad news, we'll try to keep track of what's being said in general media about our fellow Jews. Our news spotters are Dan Brin in Los Angeles, Donald H. Harrison in San Diego, and you. Wherever you are,  if you see a story of interest, please send a summary and link to us at sdheritage@cox.net and we'll acknowledge your tip at the end of the column. To see a source story click on the link within the respective paragraph.
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*Sheri L. Bernstein, a San Diego native who now is project director for the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, tells columnist Diane Bell in today's San Diego Union-Tribune that the permanent exhibit is whimsical and "makes people of all ages smile."  Here is a link to Bell's column.

*A Los Angeles Times editorial is complimentary of Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer and the other Supreme Court members who voted in dissent on a 5-4 decision that said taxpayers may sue the government for violating the First Amendment if the infringement was by Congress, but not by the executive branch.  The editorial suggested that stood logic on its head. 

*Former Disney chief Michael Eisner's effort to acquire the Topps trading card company at $9.75 a share was dealt a setback when a judge permitted Topps' rival Upper Deck to offer $10.75 per share.  The story is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*Bernhard 'Buddy' Elias, 82, a cousin of Anne Frank, has donated 25,000 documents concerning the Holocaust diarist's life to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.  The gift marked the 60th anniversary of the publication of Frank's famous Diary of a Young Girl.  The Associated Press story by Arthur Max is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Democrat, Illinois), chairman of the House Democratic Campaign Caucus, has introduced legislation to cut off funding for the office of Vice President Dick Cheney following the latter's assertion that his office is not part of the Executive Branch and therefore not liable to an executive order requiring documents to be deposited with the National Archives.  A spokesperson for Cheney called Emanuel's legislation "partisan politics."  The Cox News Service story by Julia Malone is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*A California Appeals Court has upheld Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler in his ruling that attorney Sara Caplan must testify, or be jailed for contempt, concerning whether she saw evidence tampering during the investigation into the death of Lana Clarkson that led to record producer Phil Spector being tried for murder. Caplan, who claims attorney-client privilege, plans another appeal to the state Supreme court.  The Copley News Service story by Dan Laidman is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision of the Campaign Reform Act authored by Senators John McCain (Republican, Arizona) and Russell Feingold (Democrat, Wisconsin) that prohibited groups from mentioning the name of a federal candidate in broadcast commercials 30 days before a primary or 60 days before a general election.  The courts two Jewish justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer, were among the dissenters.  The Washington Post story by Robert Barnes is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre says the city has the right to tear down the top two floors of the Sunroad Enterprises building owned by Aaron Feldman immediately, if Mayor Jerry Sanders so chooses.  The story by Jerf McDonald and David Hasemyer is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune. An editorial cartoon on the subject by Steve Breen also ran in that newspaper.

*U.S. President George W. Bush was within the law when he appointed millionaire Sam Fox as ambassador to Belgium during a Senate recess that came after Fox's nomination was withdrawn in a controversy over his participation in the anti-John Kerry group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Government Accounting Office investigators have concluded. The Associated Press story by Sam Hananel is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*San Diego Sheriff Bill Kolender said that in the wake of three officer-involved fatal shootings in the Vista area, his department will accept outright 26 of 35 recommendations made by an outside investigating team from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs office, and will partially implement  seven others.  He said only two recommendations will not be followed.  The story by Tony Manolatos and Angelica Martinez is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*Los Angeles delicatessen founder Albert J. Langer, whose pastrami sandwiches sometimes were subject to rhapsodic praise, has died at age 94.  His obituary is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*Diego Rotman and Lea Mauas hope solid matter can imitate art.  They have made a drawing of the wall separating Israel and the Palestine Authority on old fax paper that fades over time.  They hope the wall will too.  Their art, on display at the Israeli Center for
Digital Art in Holon, Israel, is included in a feature by Tracy Wilkinson that appears in today's Los Angeles Times.

*Captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit says on a tape that his health is deteriorating in Hamas captivity.  Released on the anniversary of his abduction, the tape was seen by some as an effort by Hamas to upstage the Sharm el Sheikh summit on Monday that brought together Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, with Palestine Authority's President Mahmoud Abbas, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarek and Jordan's King Abdullah II.  The story utilizing various wire services was in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman is fighting a recommendation of a 30-year prison sentence on conviction on a number of bribery and obsruction of justice charges he says were engineered by White House political advisor Karl Rove and the Justice Department.  Siegelman is himself Catholic, but his wife Lori Siegelman and children are both Jewish. The story by Tom Hamburger and David G. Savage is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*Critics who believe he is too pro-development circulated recall petitions against Los Angeles City Councilman Jack Weiss, according to one story in the Los Angeles Times.  Another story by Richard Winton suggests Weiss is wooing Hollywood Hills residents by arranging for the city to post no-parking signs around the home of Paris Hilton, and to thereby discourage photographers from stalking the neighborhood.  

*Newly designated World Bank President Robert Zoellick went on a two-week tour of Africa, Europe and Latin America to get ready for his new position.  The Associated Press story by Jeannine Aversa is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.
 

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Islam: Religion of peace? News Sleuths Watching the media gathering and reporting the news of Jewish interest

Date: June 26, 2007
Time: 12:40 p.m.
Place: White House Press Briefing Center
Briefing officer: Press Secretary Tony Snow
Source: White House
Subject: Islam
 

Q The President goes to the Islamic Center tomorrow. Does he still believe that Islam is a religion of peace, and does he regret using the term last year "Islamic fascists"?

MR. SNOW: He believes Islam is a religion of peace. He also believes that it has been hijacked, in some cases, by people who use Islam as a shield for murdering people, who use it as a way of spreading terrorism rather than tolerance. And he will be making those points tomorrow.

Q What about the term "Islamic fascists"?

MR. SNOW: Again, I think -- look, there are some people out there who want to expose people in the name of Islam to a totalitarian way of life. And the President does not think that that is -- what is important to realize is that the President does not believe that is consistent with Islam.

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The Jewish Grapevine

DEAD SEA SCROLLS—A story in today's Los Angeles Times, setting the scene for Friday's opening of the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition at the San Diego Natural History Museum notes the exhibition has drawn fire from University of Chicago professor Norman Golb for not including in the lecture series representatives of scholars who believe the scrolls had been produced in Jerusalem then hidden in the desert near the Dead Sea.  Curator Risa Levitt Kohn is quoted as saying she doesn't believe it does the public any good to have too many theories, lest they conclude scholars don't know anything.

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Regional and Local

SEACREST HAPPENINGS (Press Release)—At left, Seacrest Village "royal couple", John and Alice  Morawetz at the recent Senior Prom in the independent living community, Goldberg  Residence Court.  Fine dining, good friends and great dance music made the evening fun for everyone!  At right, is the The Katzin Residence, the newest addition to  Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, which offers care for those diagnosed with  Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.  Opening July 24, tours are now  being given.  To schedule an appointment, please call the Marketing Department at (760) 632-0081.  
(Photos and caption provided by Seacrest Village Retirement Communities)
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JFS seeks 'Rides & Smiles' volunteers

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Since March of 2004, Rides & Smiles, an award-winning program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), has provided transportation for older adults, regardless of religious affiliation, to necessary medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other life necessities. 

Currently, there are over 80 older adults on the waiting list in need of transportation.  Additional volunteers are urgently needed to support the program’s growth and serve the large amount of older adults waiting to receive transportation assistance.  Volunteer drivers decide their own availability and choose the rides they wish to provide.  JFS provides mileage reimbursement and secondary auto insurance for all volunteer drivers. 

Rides & Smiles is the largest volunteer-based transportation service in San Diego County—providing nearly 350 rides per month to a over 300 riders by over 100 volunteer drivers.  The program was the recipient of the Palomar Pomerado Health 2005 Unity Award as well as the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club’s Centennial Project.   

To find out more about the program and volunteer opportunities, you are invited to visit the Rides & Smiles office for its Open House on Wednesday, August 29, from 9:00-10:30am with bagels and refreshments served.  The Open House is to honor the program’s new location at the Poway Senior Center at 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway, 92064, which was graciously offered to the Rides & Smiles program by the Poway Senior Center and the City of Poway. 

The move provides the Rides & Smiles program increased visibility in the North County area and allows opportunities for additional community partnerships.  The program depends heavily on community support for volunteers, funding, and venues for volunteer appreciation ceremonies and community events. 

For further information about the Open House or volunteer opportunities contact Marilyn Greenblatt, Rides & Smiles Program Coordinator, at (858) 391-0033 or visit www.jfssd.org.

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Free jazz and klezmer Wednesday night at Organ Pavilion

Dance~The Jewish  C~o~n~n~e~c~t~i~o~n                                    by Sheila Orysiek

I suppose should an Orthodox Jewish woman aspire to become a classical ballet dancer she would have to find a kosher pointe shoe; definitely niche market.  Bu then there’s the problem of a short tutu...

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People of the Books

  Hilda: memoir of creative, eventful, bittersweet life

  Hilda by Hilda Pierce; iUniverse Inc.; 239 pages; $18.95.

There is one minor quibble: A couple of examples of her artwork could have been included among the family photos that are sprinkled through the book. But overall her life story is very well worth reading.

TENNIS—Israeli tennis star Shahar Peer, the No. 16 seed, advanced in yesterday's first round at Wimbledon.  Peer defeated Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, 7-5 and 6-2.... On the other hand, teammate Tzipi Opziler lost one set 6-2 to Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands, and was winning the second set 7-6 when the match was called because of darkness.

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Tony Blair...
(Continued from above)

A reporter asked whether there was anything new on the deliberations of the Quartet, which had been meeting in Jerusalem.

Tom Casey, deputy spokesman for U.S. Secretary of State Condolleeza Rice, responded, "Don't have a lot more to ad for you, Matt, at least not on the subject I think you're most interested in.  Obviously, the Quartet did meet today.  Assistant Secretary (C. David) Welch represented the U.S. there. They did have a good discussion of the situation in the Palestinian territories. They did, as I mentioned earlier this morning, discuss as well the desirability of having an envoy for the Quartet who could work with the Palestinians on things like building the rule of law, expanding economic development, coordinating assistance, otherwise helping to build up Palestinian institutions and try and assist the new government under Prime Minister Fayyad to accomplish its main goal, which is taking care of the Palestinian people."

However, Casey said, "in terms of any kind of Quartet statement or announcements, including things potentially related to the envoy, I think we'll just have to wait for the Quartet to make its pronouncements on that.  And, again, as I told you this morning, I thing we're--you would be wise to look for that, come tomorrow."

Another questioner asked: "Does the U.S. believe Tony Blair would be a good envoy?"

"Well the U.S. certainly believes that Prime Minister Blair is  distinguished individual with a world record and history of support for bringing about a peaceful resolution of the Middle East," Casey responded. "He's a dedicated individual. He's someone who, as President Bush said in their latest Rose Garden meeting, is someone who is respected and listened to throughout the world. And certainly, it would--he would be an individual that, no matter what he applied his skills to, would certainly be a welcome presence. And we look forward to seeing what new roles and tasks he'll take on for himself once he finishes his term in office."

Another reporter took another stab at getting confirmation:  "Is it a mere coincidence on the calendar that Tony Blair finishes his political career in Britain tomorrow and the announcement is coming out tomorrow?"

"We'll just leave it at that," responded Casey. "The Prime Minister concludes his term tomorrow. And then we'll look to see what he has to say.  We'll also look to see what the Quartet has to say.  And I think at that point, you'll know what's coincidence and what isn't."

Meanwhile, at the United Nations briefing in New York, Michèle Montas, spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was facing similar questions.

"Michèle, I understand that in the next 48 hours the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, will be appointed Special Envoy to the Quartet on Middle East Peace," ventured one reporter.  "Does the Secretary-General think that he has the credibility and the ability to make decisive contributions to lasting peace in the Middle East?

Montas responded: "I cannot comment on that yet, because, as you know, the name is not official yet.  The Quartet principals are discussing it.  As soon as all Quartet principals have signed, of course you will have comments.

The media persisted: "He approves of the idea?  He likes Mr. Blair as a representative for ..?"

Said Montas:  I cannot comment at this point.

Subsequently, the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert got into the international guessing game, releasing the following statement: "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke with British Prime Minister, one day before the latter is due to leave office, and congratulated him on the occasion.  Prime Minister Olmert told his British counterpart that he is a true friend of the State of Israel and added that if he accepts the position of the Quartet envoy to the region, Israel would cooperate with him to the fullest." 

One normally wouldn't have put out a releaselike that out if Blair have said he wasn't going to take the job, but still that was far from confirmation.

Tomorrow, when the announcement is made, it will be fresh news.  But don't expect anyone to whistle in surprise.
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