DOHA: The Sheraton Doha was in near lockdown mode yesterday as a tight security ring was thrown around the GCC Summit venue. Military personnel, the Internal Security Force (Lakhwaiyya), police and plainclothes officers were out in full strength.
A helicopter made occasional sorties overhead to keep an eye on proceedings below.
The Corniche had also been cordoned off as were many roads close to the conference venue.
Traffic was diverted along side roads with police taking over from traffic lights, waving drivers ahead or stopping them as the case may be.
The opening session was closed to all media, many of whom were disappointed as the agenda distributed stated the Emir's speech would be made in open session.
Journalists from here and overseas could be seen huddled around a television in the media centre which was showing the proceedings inside live.
Other media personnel simply hung around hoping for a quote or a sound bite from anyone passing by who looked remotely like a figure of authority.
The buffet lunch laid on by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a particular hit with journalists who have gathered here. Meal over, most lounged about simply waiting for something to happen.
Photographers, however, got a break as they were permitted into the opening session for a photo opportunity of the leaders sitting at a round table. They were soon followed by the television cameras.
Several floors at the Sheraton have also been sealed off with not even housekeeping staff allowed in.
The Four Seasons Hotel where some leaders and senior officials are staying was also under strict surveillance with car trunks being opened and checked for anything suspicious.
Parking, even for those with passes to the Summit, was a major problem and people had to walk some distance to reach the conference venue.
© The Peninsula 2007
