The prime minister has welcomed an American pledge to push forward the stalled Middle East peace process.

President Bush announced that he would publish a "road map" setting out how a two state solution to the conflict can be achieved.

It will be based on recognition of Israel's security and right to exist, and a viable Palestinian state.

Details of the plans, drawn up by the "quartet" of American, Europe, the United Nations and Russia, will be announced when a new prime minister of the Palestinian Authority is appointed.

That move had been demanded by both America and Israel, who have condemned Yasser Arafat as tainted by terrorism.

In a press conference in Downing Street, Tony Blair said the Palestinian prime minister, expected to be Mahmud Abbas, could take office as early as next week.

Blair also said that pushing forward the peace process was a sign that as preparations for war with Iraq continue, the West was taking an even-handed approach to the Middle East.

"I have always said that the most important thing we can do is show even-handedness to the Middle East," he said.

"We are right to focus on Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction but we must put equal focus on the plight of the people who's lives are being devastated by lack of progress in the Middle East peace process."

The prime minister said he was pleased that progress was being made on the "vital issue", with Britain helping to push forward the Palestinian reform agenda.

He said the UK would "continue to use whatever influence we can to make sure that peace talks are started without delay".

"Publication of the roadmap represents the will of the international community to resolve this issue."

The conflict should be ended by 2005 if Palestinians reject terror and Israel accepts a democratic and viable Palestinian state, the prime minister added.

Amid scepticism over the timing of the announcement, with tensions rising over possible war with Iraq, Blair said it was possible to concentrate on both issues.

"The commitment not just from myself but from president Bush is to work in order to make sure that the roadmap is implemented."