On again off again, Doha economic conference on schedule finaly

Originally published September 9, 1997

A senior Qatari official announced today that Doha would host the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economic conference due to be held in November.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Emadi, Qatari ambassador and assistant co-ordinator general of the MENA conference, said: "The conference is on schedule."

Meanwhile the state-owned Qatar General Oil Corporation allocated $364,000 to sponsor the MENA gathering.

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Palestinian self-rule Authority have stated recently that they would boycott the Doha conference. The conference has suffered from widespread Arab criticism because an invitation is extended for Israel to attend. The nations object to Israel's attendance while peace talks are at an impasse.