Blair might cancel book signings
2010-09-06 13:23
London - Tony Blair said on Monday he was considering cancelling a book-signing in London this week to mark the launch of his memoirs, over fears the event would be hit by protests.
Three people were arrested after eggs and shoes were thrown at Blair, 57, as he arrived to sign copies of A Journey at a bookshop in Dublin on Saturday and some of the 200 protesters clashed with police.
No injuries were reported and the missiles did not hit Blair.
Anti-war campaigners and the far-right British National Party have said they would now protest on Wednesday at the Waterstone's branch in Piccadilly in central London over Blair's decision to join the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
"I don't want to put the public to a lot of hassle, the police to a lot of cost for what after all is a book-signing," Blair told Sky News.
"I think it's sad if you can't go sign a book without people physically trying to prevent you.
"As we saw in Dublin there are hundreds more who want to come and have their book signed than want to cause protest."
Book selling well
Tight security was already planned for the event. Waterstone's said all bags and cellphones would have to be checked in beforehand.
Those attending have also been told not to try to solicit any personal messages.
In his memoirs, Blair - now an envoy for the Quartet of Middle East peacemakers, the United States, Russia, the EU and the United Nations - said he could have not have imagined what he called the "nightmare" that unfolded in Iraq.
He also echoed previous statements that the 2003 invasion was justified because Saddam Hussein posed a threat and could have developed weapons of mass destruction.
Speaking to media on Monday, Blair said the book was selling "fantastically well", although he is also facing an internet campaign which has been set up to try to disrupt sales.
A group set up on Facebook is calling for people to move copies into the "crime" section of bookstores.
"Make bookshops think twice about where they categorise our generations (sic) greatest war criminal," said the campaign, which has attracted almost 7 000 members.