Decisions toughest part of job - Blair

Abu Dhabi: British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday called for the creation of a "global culture" which recognises that people share the same God and share the same values.

Speaking to students of the Zayed University, he also said that the toughest part of his job was taking decisions. "Whatever decision you take, it will upset someone," said the prime minister, who was addressed by one student as
Mr Tony.

Blair who has been panned for being America's stooge, defended his policies in the region saying that he had made tough choices, however unpopular.

The prime minister who was in Abu Dhabi on the final leg of his tour to the region lauded the "imaginative" leadership of the UAE and its "open attitude" to the world.

He also warned that extremists are getting outside help to destroy Iraq and must be stopped.

"It's neither the majority of the Iraqi people nor our soldiers who are causing the violence," he said. He reiterated the fact that British soldiers are in Iraq to keep the peace.

"We shouldn't let extremists say this is a war between Islam and Christianity. It is a war between moderates, whether Christians, Muslims or Jews, and extremists," he added.

Blair added that there is no clash between civilisations. "There is a clash about civilisations," he said.

"These are over values shared by people no matter where they come from and no matter what religion they follow. Such values as respect, equality, justice and fairness. We can create a global culture by having an open view to the world," he said.

Pointing out that Britain had suffered a terrorist attack, he said, "We know that extremists are a minority. Muslims in the UK share the same values that other people in the British society share," he added.

The prime minister said extremists kill innocent people in the name of Islam. "I know Islam forbids killing of innocent people," he said.

Blair arrived here on an official visit to the UAE and which is part of a regional tour aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process.

Blair remarked on the UAE's progress, saying it was due to the "imaginative leadership of the Rulers of the Emirates."

"The UAE has witnessed incredible development" he said, adding that despite its oil wealth, the economy does not depend only on oil.

Blair was accompanied to the university by Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy; Eisa Saleh Al Gurg, the UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Edward Anthony Oakden, the British Ambassador to the UAE.