On an unusual visit, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres was on Tuesday in the city of Doha in the highest-level visit of an Israeli to the Gulf region in more than ten years.
Peres is to spend two days in the Qatari capital, where he will appear on "Doha Debates," a BCC television debate show overseen by Qatar's first lady, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, to which he was invited to participate in.
He will reportedly answer "tough and controversial questions" from 300 Arab students, according to the AP. He is expected to answer questions on the state of the peace process with the Palestinians, the potential for prisoner exchanges, Israel's recent war with Lebanon, and the region's nuclear issues. He reportedly also plans to speak at the Doha campus of Georgetown University.
Peres will not meet with any Qatari officials on the trip, as it is not an official diplomatic visit. However, he is expected to have opportunities to talk with leaders in attendance during the filming of the television show, scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Peres was also the last major Israeli official to travel to any Gulf Arab country when he visited Qatar in 1996 when he served as Israel's prime minister.
Though none of the six Gulf Arab countries have political relations with Israel, Qatar maintains low-level ties with the Israel and houses am Israeli trade mission in Doha.
Israel is hoping to enlist Qatar's help in winning the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held by Hamas.
The appearance on "Doha Debats" will be broadcast on Saturday and Sunday by BBC World.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
