PARIS: The Paris book fair opens on Thursday under the cloud of a boycott by seven Muslim countries in protest against the choice of Israel as guest of honour at the French-speaking world’s largest literary event.

The international fair, featuring 39 Israeli writers and publishers, was due to be officially opened by visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres, who described the boycott as “the most ridiculous thing I have heard in my life.” 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 Organisation.

The Morocco-based organisation 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 honour,” ISESCO said.—Reuters