Geneva to host follow-up to Durban conference in 2009

Diplomats have agreed that Geneva will host a second UN anti-racism conference, also known as "Durban II", after months of wrangling over the venue. The meeting will be the follow-up to a 2001 conference in the South African city that descended into turmoil and prompted a walkout by the United States and Israel. Pro-Israel advocates have urged the US to follow Canada's lead in boycotting the second conference. Officials at the UN's European headquarters said Monday the meeting will take place April 20-25 next year.