"We have decided to boycott the fair after Israel was invited as the "guest of honour," Faris al-Saqqaf, chairman of the Public Book Authority said.

He said the move was "a response to a boycott call by the Arab League."

Yemen is the latest to withdraw from the fair after Saudi Arabia, Iran, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria.

Several pan-Arab and Islamic groupings, including the Arab League and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, have urged Arab and Muslim countries stay away from the fair, which is slated to open on March 14.

The boycott was triggered by a decision by the fair's organisers "to honour" 39 writers from Israel to commemorate the 60th occupation anniversary of the Jewish state.

Agencies

Güncelleme Tarihi: 04 Mart 2008, 18:23