Oman boycotts Paris book fair

Muscat: Oman is the latest country to boycott this year's Paris book fair after Israel was invited as guest of honour.

The country withdrew its name from the list Sunday after the Arab League urged its members to shun the event, due to take place in mid-March. Oman has taken part in the event twice before.

The book fair has whipped up a controversy in the Arab World. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria have all so far declined to attend.

Thirty-nine Israeli writers have been invited to mark the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Jewish state.

Fair organizers have said their aim is to honour world literature and promote dialogue between cultures.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) has urged its 50 members to pull out from the fair, saying that Israel is committing crimes against humanity against Palestinians.