KEY POINTS:
Tony Blair announced last night that he would step down on June 27 after a decade as British prime minister.
Here is some reaction from around the world:
*NEW ZEALAND
Prime Minister Helen Clark
"Mr Blair has been a good friend of New Zealand during his time
in office. I have thanked him personally and on behalf of the government for the many positive developments within the New Zealand-United Kingdom relationship that we've seen.
"Far from waning over distance and time, our relationship has been strengthening.
"Tony Blair's unflinching support for the right of New Zealanders to live and work in the United Kingdom has been particularly appreciated.
"The success and profile given to last November's dedication of the New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park Corner was the best possible illustration of the strength of the many ties that bind us. And the links between our Defence forces are strong to this day.
"During Tony Blair's decade at Downing Street, New Zealand has had a good friend and I have valued his friendship personally. I wish Tony Blair well for the future."
* UNITED STATES:
President George W. Bush:
"I will miss Tony Blair. He is a political figure who is capable of thinking over the horizon. He's a long-term thinker. I have found him to be a man who's kept his word which is sometimes rare in the political circles I run in.
"When Tony Blair tells you something, as we say in Texas, you can take it to the bank. We've got a relationship such that we can have really good discussions - so I'll miss him, he's a remarkable person and I consider him a good friend."
* EUROPEAN COMMISSION:
President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso:
"Tony Blair has taken Britain from the fringes to the mainstream of the European Union.
"He has done this by engagement, not by vetoes. He has brought to Europe energy, engagement and ideas and leaves an impressive legacy including his commitment to enlargement, energy policy, his promotion of action against climate change, and for fighting poverty in Africa.
* DENMARK:
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen:
"Britain has been under Tony Blair's leadership one of Denmark's closest international partners... working together in the EU or in international operations in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan."
* HUNGARY:
Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany:
"He greatly contributed to the transformation of Britain, that Britain today is again competitive, a country with a significant influence, and at the same time he left an indelible mark on the British left."
* NETHERLANDS:
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende:
"With Tony Blair's departure, a prominent leader disappears from the European and world stage."
"During tense moments, Blair was the binding force. Blair did not shrink from rowing against the current if he thought it was necessary."
* IRELAND:
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern:
"Tony Blair leaves a priceless legacy of peace and agreement in Ireland. I am privileged to have worked side by side with him on the peace process and on so many other issues as well.
"Tony Blair has been a friend to Ireland. And I am proud also to count him as a friend of mine."
* NORTHERN IRELAND:
First Minister Ian Paisley:
"There were many issues on which we did not see eye to eye and indeed he kept me out of Downing Street for several years.
"There is no doubt however that the Prime Minister's concerted efforts helped in ultimately securing devolution in Northern Ireland."
Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein President:
"Tony Blair has made a significant and crucial contribution to the Irish peace process. The Good Friday Agreement and the restoration of the political institutions would not have been possible without him."
* JAPAN:
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:
"Over ten years, he achieved many things. He dealt with economic growth and also education reform, and had strong support from the British people."
- REUTERS