The Conservatives have backed the prime minister's efforts to help the Middle East peace process.

The party's foreign affairs spokesman Alan Duncan told ePolitix.com that both Britain and the US must continue pressure on the Palestinians and Israelis.

"I think Tony Blair has been an important broker but crucially it's clear that George Bush means it and he's going to see it through, and that is one of the things that gives me grounds for optimism," says Duncan, who visited the region last week.

As part of his visit to the region, Duncan met the new Palestinian prime minister Abu Mazen and gives a positive assessment of the man who is now a key player in the peace process.

"I think he's in, realistically, a strong position as someone to do business with...And given they need trust on both sides, he's a good interlocutor for the road map to have a chance."

He also strongly rated the chances of success for the road map currently under discussion.

"There'll be bumpy moments along the way, but most of the ingredients needed for a settlement, needed for an agreement, are there and have been since Camp David, so fingers crossed all round," he said.