Livni heading to Qatar, expected to discuss captives
Foreign minister to deliver keynote address at Doha Forum, discuss deal to secure abducted troops' release
The visit will mark the first time a senior Israeli minister attends such forum, which will be attended by more than 600 figures and journalists from the Arab world and international community.
The convention will be attended by senior Arab figures, including the Lebanese parliament's speaker and Syria's deputy foreign minister. Other participants include Turkey's prime minister, Algeria's president, and the foreign ministers of Gulf States.
Kuwaiti newspaper al-Jarida reported earlier this week that Livni's visit is aimed at advancing a deal that would secure the release of abducted IDF soldiers Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, and Ehud Goldwasser.
Truce with al-Jazeera?
Meanwhile, other media reports said that Livni may discuss the possibility of holding contacts with Damascus. As noted, Syria's deputy foreign minister will take part in the Doha Forum, but Israeli officials say that no meeting has been set between the Syrian official and Livni.
Another participant in the convention is al-Jazeera's director. The Qatar-based network has been boycotted by Israel over allegedly unbalanced reports. During the convention, the sides may attempt to iron out their differences via the mediation of senior Qatari officials.
Livni is also scheduled to hold a series of personal meetings with some convention participants, but the Foreign Ministry declined to provide any further details on the meetings.
