Negotiating salaries

Hi All-

Another question about job offers and salaries! Two weeks ago I had an interview for a specialist's position with one of the government agencies in Doha and today they rang me to ask when I could fly out to Doha for a formal interview. I am, however, a bit concerned about the possibility of negotiating the very low salary package they have offered me . The information I have so far received from the HR person is confusing and conflicting. The first time we discussed the salary package , he told that the package is not final and that it is open to negotiations and that I should wait until I have had the formal interview. Last week, however, when he called to ask about the possibility of flying out to Doha for a formal interview, he told me that the salary package is final and that is non-negotiable.

I have done some research on salary scales and grades for governement employees and found that what I am being offered is the minumum salary for my current grade. What surprises me most is the fact that the HR person never told me about this system-I told him on several occassions that all the jobs I have applied to have standard salary ranges. Their lack of transparency is making quite suspicious of their intentions.

what do you think would be the best course of action in this situation? Should I insist on getting the salary issue sorted and finalised before flying out to Doha for the formal interview? or should I just wait until I get there and then try to negotiate the package with the director?

Any advice you could provide would be very much appreciated!