IRNA: Iran would not attend Paris book fair this year in protest at France's invitation of the Zionist regime as a guest of honor in the fair, it was announced on Saturday.
The fair is to be held in the French capital from March 14-19.
Iran was a regular participant of Paris book fair each year but this time it has refused to take part in the event protesting at the presence of the Zionist regime, Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Ali-Pour told IRNA.
On February 27, Lebanon announced a boycott of the book fair after its organizers said that 39 Israeli writers were invited to the event.
The 50-nation Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISECSCO), had earlier called for a boycott of the event by Islamic states.
"The crimes against humanity that Israel is perpetrating in the Palestinian territories... constitute, in themselves, a strong condemnation of Israel, making it unworthy of being welcomed as a guest of honor at an international book fair," the group said.
The Tunisian publishers' union also announced on Friday its refusal to take part in the Paris book fair.
Twenty-five Egyptian groups, as well as the Union of Algerian Writers and Yemen's Public Book Authority have also said they will not attend the fair. [Source: Iran not to attend Paris book fair in protest at Israel presence >>>]
Mark Alexander (Paperback)
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