Former British leader Blair to teach at Yale University

WASHINGTON, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Yale University announced Friday that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will teach there later in the year.

Blair, who led the British Labour government for 10 years, has accepted the appointment as the Howland Distinguished Fellow for the next academic year, the university said in a statement.

"The appointment of Mr. Blair provides a tremendous opportunity for our students and our community," Yale President Richard C. Levin said.

"As the world continues to become increasingly inter-dependent, it is essential that we explore how religious values can be channeled toward reconciliation rather than polarization," Levin said. "Mr. Blair has demonstrated outstanding leadership in these areas and is especially qualified to bring his perspective to bear."

Blair will also lead a seminar on issues of faith and globalization at Yale and participate in a number of events around the campus, the university said.

His work at the university will relate to the work of his Tony Blair Faith Foundation to be launched later this year to promote understanding among Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

After resigning on June 27 last year, Blair continued to be active in public affairs including taking on the assignment of special envoy to the Middle East for the United States, the United Nations, Russia and the European Union.

Yale's Howland Distinguished Fellowship, founded in 1915, is open to "citizens of any country in recognition of some achievement of marked distinction in the field of literature or fine arts or the science of government," the university said.