Peres opens Paris book fair as Muslims boycott 39 featured Israeli writers

PARIS - The Paris Book Fair opened yesterday in Porte de Versailles under the cloud of a boycott by seven Muslim countries in protest against the choice of Israel as guest of honor at the French-speaking world's largest literary event.

Scores of writers, publishers, editors and journalists attended the international fair, featuring 39 Israeli writers and publishers and officially opened by visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres, who described the boycott as "the most ridiculous thing I have heard in my life".

The large sign over Israel's pavilion, with a logo designed by David Tartakover collapsed, lightly injuring four people.

Algeria, Iran, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Yemen announced in advance they would shun the fair in response to a call from the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

The Morocco-based organization said last month it had urged the boycott to protest against Israel's actions against Palestinians.

"The crimes against humanity 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," ISESCO said in a statement.

Peres criticized those who want to boycott wisdom, saying they are only hurting themselves. Security officers lined the streets surrounding the fair venue on Paris' southern edge and packed the hall where Peres spoke.

The fair's organizer, Serge Eyrolles, said, "Books must not become a dangerous sport."

Each year the international fair puts the spotlight on one country. This year it has invited 39 writers from Israel, including David Grossman, Amos Oz, A.B. Yehoshua and Aharon Appelfeld, Haim Guri, Zruya Shalev and Gavriela Avigdor-Rotem.

A similar controversy is brewing about the May book fair in Turin, Italy, which is also highlighting Israeli works.

"It's sad and a shame ... we're not talking about Kalashnikovs here. We're talking about books, the language, words, said Martine Heissler, who was helping run a stand at the fair for Tribune Juive, a monthly for the French Jewish community.

She said the 39 Israeli writers being honored are mainly from the political left and support Palestinian statehood. Once more, it's a closing instead of an opening.

Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai said, "I think it's ridiculous because most of the writers are from the left, and for dialogue. If these people are boycotted, who will you speak to?"

The central Israeli stand, labeled with a black tree with leaves consisting of Hebrew lettering, stood next to Germany's stand, and near those of Romania and Brittany.

Critics argued that it celebrates the 60th anniversary of Israel, though organizers said it was coincidence, and that Israel has asked to be honored for five years in a row but there was a waiting list.

"It is not books that we should fear", David Martinon said at a news conference yesterday.

The fair opens to the public today and closes on Wednesday.

Peres' appearance at the book fair comes near the end of his five-day state visit to France - a sign of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's effort to rebuild frayed ties with Israel.

Sarkozy's spokesman called for calm.

Shiri Lev-Ari contributed to this story.