Success of Doha economic summit in question

Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Youssef Bin Alawi on September 7 played down the possibility of the success of the upcoming Doha economic summit.

Bin Alawi said the conference will be no more than an information manifestation if it is held while the Middle East peace process is in its present state.

Bin Alawi said he expected Arab participation in the conference to be very weak.

Meanwhile, Qatari sources announced that Qatar postponed sending out invitations to participate in the Doha conference until the end of the meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) due to be held on September 13.

The sources stressed that the holding of Doha conference depends on the GCC's decision and the results of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's coming visit to the region.