Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., May 09, 2008 Iyyar 4, 5768 | | Israel Time: 04:19 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Italian president defends decision to open book fair for Israeli writers By The Associated Press ROME - Italy's president on Monday defended his decision to open a book fair in Turin honoring Israeli writers, despite calls for a boycott by some Arab and Italian intellectuals angered by the event. President Giorgio Napolitano's planned appearance at Thursday's inauguration of the fair is in line with his participation in many cultural events, his office said in a statement. Advertisement Controversy has been brewing for months over the event, mirroring similar protests against the Paris Book Fair in March, which also showcased works by Israelis. Italy's presidency was reacting mainly to the Italian media quoting Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan as saying Monday that Napolitano's plan to open the Turin fair is a mistake. "His presence shows that this is a political event, and not only a cultural event," the ANSA news agency quoted Ramadan as saying at a news conference in Turin. Ramadan also accused Napolitano of labeling as anti-Semites all those who criticize Israel, ANSA reported. The presidency's statement rejected as false Ramadan's assertion. "Criticizing Israel's policies is completely legitimate," it said. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Stronger than its ills The 60th anniversary celebrations are accompanied by a bad taste. Rise in racism Israeli Arabs say institutionalized racism has increased.

Read & React Bradley Burston: Sixty years of Nakba, sixty years of nothing Responses: 322 PA official: No Israeli partner in light of latest Olmert probe Responses: 197 Haaretz Editorial: Israel stronger than its ills; Mideast peace is still possible Responses: 138 Rosner's Domain: Obama and the Jews: is 61% enough? Responses: 98 Peres: I didn't imagine Qassams would be fired from Gaza after pullout Responses: 230 More Headlines 01:50 Olmert suspected of accepting illicit funds from U.S. businessman 23:55 ANALYSIS / The PM seems crushed in face of allegations 02:50 BACKGROUND / Olmert's financier, a fundraiser who prefers to avoid the limelight 02:46 Following PM probe revelations, MKs call for his resignation 03:21 IDF to probe paratrooper's accident during Independence Day air show 03:16 Tensions rise in Beirut in clash over Hezbollah's telecom network 22:14 FM Livni: Israel ready to make sacrifices for peace 17:34 British PM: Israel`s creation one of the 20th century`s `greatest achievements` 23:09 Hamas: Gaza-Egypt border to open for three days 18:31 Thousands take to streets and parks as Israel celebrates 60 years of statehood 18:06 Olmert said ready to bring about peace agreement with Syria 22:49 Five police officers and two Arab MKs hurt as clashes erupt at Naqba Day protest 01:06 Two Israeli tourists thought missing in Burma cyclone found unharmed Previous Editions Select Day 08 may 07 may 06 may 05 may 04 may 02 may 01 may 30 apr 29 apr 28 apr 27 apr 25 apr

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer The interest rates haven't changed But your profits will! Learn Hebrew online with Israel's best teachers Sign up for a trial lesson today Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved