DOHA, Oct 22: The World Trade Organization pushed ahead on Monday with preparations to hold a key ministerial conference in Qatar from November 9-13, sidestepping reports the venue may changed over security fears.

Our planning and our wish is to be here in couple of weeks to have a successful meeting for the ministers, WTO Director General Mike Moore told reporters.

But asked if he could confirm that meeting would definitely take place in Doha, he replied: “Of course, there are uncertainties, but our plan is to go ahead.

Moore, who spoke to reporters at the airport before flying out, said he was “confident” the conference would “achieve its goals with all the facilities offered by Qatar.

We are looking forward to being here in a couple of weeks for the ministerial meeting, he said.

Moore arrived Saturday to complete preparations for the meeting and held talks with Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassam al-Thani and other officials.

His comments confirmed what WTO Director of Administrative Services Jacques Emile Chabert told AFP in an intervew on Sunday.

The instructions I have are to finalise preparations for this conference,

There has never been any (plan) for a change (in the venue). There are just rumors, that’s all, he said.

Since the September 11 terror attacks in the United States, reports have spread that the WTO would switch the venue away from the close proximity of Afghanistan for security reasons.

The European Union and the United States said last week the choice of Qatar as host was under review. Singapore, Mexico and Davos have all been mooted as safe alternatives.

Chabert ruled out a last minute move. Technically-speaking, it is impossible to organise a conference (elsewhere) within three weeks, he said.

Chabert also praised Qatar’s efforts as impressive.

I couldn’t imagine that Qatar could give up. After all the contact I have had (with Qataris) I find their commitment the same as always.

Some 4,500 people are due to attend the meeting, including 600 non-governmental organisations and 700 journalists.

Qatar’s envoy to the United Nations, Nasser bin Abdul Aziz Al-Nasr, insisted Friday the conference should be held in Doha, as Qatar is among the safest countries in the world.

Qatar has also acquired great experience in the organization of international conferences, said Nasr, warning that transfer of the meeting would constitute a big victory for the terrorists.—AFP