Prime Minister Tony Blair touted his invitation for Palestinians to discuss reforms in London next month as a crucial step on the road to Palestian statehood. The January 13-14 conference has the aim of "ensuring that Palestinian reform is effective," Blair wrote in the government daily Al-Ahram. "Reform is about nation-building," he added in explaining the invitation to Palestinian leaders that has been widely maligned in Israel.

Blair said that advancing reforms would promote the "roadmap" for peace drafted by the diplomatic "quartet" of the European Union, Russia, United Nations and United States, which envisions the creation of a Palestinian state by the end of 2005.

"I believe that the international community should use the intervening period to boost the chances of the roadmap being implemented successfully once a new Israeli government is in place," Blair said.

The prime minister was alluding to Israel's refusal to consider the roadmap finalised at a December 20 quartet meeting in Washington until following the Jewish state's January 28 national elections.

Blair explained he had asked Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, whom both Washington and Israel consider a persona non grata, to appoint the Palestinian Authority's delegates to the conference.

Blair said he has also extended invitations to "senior figures from within Palestinian civil society" and members of the quartet, in addition to Egyptian, Saudi and Jordanian representatives.

"Of course strengthening Palestinian democracy and rebuilding civil and security structures is only one element of a comprehensive Middle East settlement. But it is nonetheless an important element, because it is a prerequisite for success," said Blair who announced the talks on December 16.

PHOTO CAPTION

British Prime Minister Tony Blair addresses the media during a joint press conference held with the President of Syria, Bashar Assad at 10 Downing St, London, Monday Dec.16 2002. (AP Photo/Dave Caulkin/Pool)