Plaid Cymru Chief Executive Karl Davies admitted the US terrorist attacks had cast a "sombre shadow" over the agenda of the party's annual conference.

The key debate on the opening day of the conference in Cardiff is set to be the crisis in the Middle East.

A minute's silence is planned for Friday and an emergency debate on global terrorism has been tabled for Saturday.

Plaid is calling on the UK government to re-think its policies on the Middle East and Saturday's National Executive proposal urges military restraint.

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The tone of the conference is expected to shift away from internal wranglings over Welsh-speaking communities and the role of the leadership to global considerations.

Mr Davies told BBC Wales that the party had considered abandoning the conference amid the deepening global crisis.

"It has been extremely difficult, it is only now that it is being appreciated how this is having an impact on everyone and the possible job losses in Wales.

"New wounds are becoming apparent."

Plaid's National Executive Committee confirmed on Wednesday night that the conference would go ahead.

"One of the reasons why we decided to go ahead was reports coming back that all those who are likely to be at the conference would appreciate that it will be a sombre event," said Mr Davies.

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"The way that people conduct themselves and address the conference will have to be measured in the light of events."

Mr Davies said Plaid had discussed the conference issue with the Scottish National Party and Plaid decided not to alter potentially sensitive debates on Star Wars and the Middle East, which had been put on the agenda before the crisis began.

There will be an emergency debate on Saturday about global terrorism in the wake of the attacks in New York and Washington.

On other issues, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Adam Price will urge the party on Thursday to show caution over entry into the euro.

The economy in Wales, decriminalisation of cannabis for medicinal use and the party's opposition to further nuclear energy plants in Wales are also tabled for debate on Thursday.