RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- In the latest chapter of the cartoon scandal, organizers of the international Jeddah Economic Forum said no Danish businessmen and economists will be invited.
The Director General of Public Relations at Jeddah's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faycal Batawil, said Tuesday the decision was taken "to express solidarity with the feelings of anger sweeping the Muslim world as a result of slandering Prophet Mohammed in Danish newspapers."
Protests swept the Arab and Islamic world in recent weeks to protest against the publication of cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammed as a terrorist in Danish, Norwegian and French newspapers.
The forum convenes Feb. 11-13 with the participation of political and economic figures from Europe, the United States and Asia, known for their vital contribution in the service of local and international economies.
Organizers said last month the forum, the first to be held after Saudi Arabia joined the World Trade Organization at the end of 2005, will be held under the slogan of "economic development capacities in the world."
A statement said participants, including heads of state, will discuss "complications of social diversity and their obstructing impact on economic developments in the world."
The forum has been held annually since 2000 in Jeddah, the oil-rich kingdom's business center.
