BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair is this week expected to be confirmed as an international envoy for the Middle East, The Financial Times reported yesterday.

The Quartet of Middle East negotiators - the US, the EU, the UN and Russia - are expected to confirm Blair's appointment as the group's new envoy at a specially convened meeting in Jerusalem today, the newspaper said.

"Blair's appointment has been 150 percent approved," an unnamed source, described as aware of negotiations over Blair's new role, was quoted as saying.

"The Jerusalem meeting is all about arranging the logistics, making final arrangements and getting the announcement out."

Blair's official spokesman declined to comment on Blair taking on the role.

US President George Bush has reportedly strongly backed Blair for the new job.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has expressed support for the idea that Blair could play a role in the Middle East.

The international envoy would work to help the Palestinians strengthen their political and economic systems and institutions in preparation for an eventual independent Palestinian state. - AFP