Qatar to Host G-77 Summit

DOHA, 13 June 2005 — Qatar is poised to host what it calls the biggest global summit in the Middle East, reviving a debate about whether the tiny gas-rich Gulf state is punching above its weight. Dozens of heads of state or government, in addition to some 800 journalists, will be among 5,000 visitors flocking to Doha for the second Group of 77 and China South Summit on June 15-16. Senior officials were to begin preparatory meetings yesterday, to be followed today and tomorrow by foreign ministers or their aides from the 132 countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean making up the coalition of developing countries.