Reply #11: Blair takes job with JPMorgan, will continue Mideast role [View All]

[Robbien]

Source: AP

LONDON (AP) - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair took a job as an adviser to JPMorgan Chase & Co. on Thursday _ a part-time post that his spokesman says will not affect his role as a Mideast peace envoy.

Blair will give JPMorgan's senior management team «strategic advice and provide insights on global issues,» said Ruti Winterstein, a Blair spokeswoman in Israel. The appointment will not infringe on his duties with the so-called Quartet _ the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia, she said.

. . .

The Financial Times quoted Blair as saying in an interview that he expected to agree to «a small handful» of similar appointments with other companies in different sectors. «I have always been interested in commerce and the impact of globalization,» he was quoted as saying. «Nowadays, the intersection between politics and the economy in different parts of the world, including emerging markets, is very strong.

. . .

Blair, who stepped down as Britain's prime minister last year, was in Israel on Thursday, where U.S. President George W. Bush was on a three-day visit to show support for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks following seven years of violence. Blair is scheduled to meet Bush on Friday.

Since leaving office, Blair also has joined the international conference circuit, receiving US$500,000 (¤340,000) for one speech in China.

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