Saudi Arabia to attend Annapolis conference

Cairo: Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations decided yesterday to attend next week's US-sponsored Middle East peace conference, but the Saudi foreign minister insisted he would not allow "theatrics" like handshakes with Israeli officials, saying the gathering must make serious progress.

Participation by Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal was a key goal of the United States to show strong Arab support for the conference in Annapolis, Maryland.

It appeared Syria would also attend, since the Arab decision was a collective one.

But, asked about Syria's attendance, Arab League chief Amr Mousa said "final arrangements" had to be made.