Muslims boycott Paris book fair

The Paris Book Fair opened on Thursday 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.

The international fair, featuring 39 Israeli writers and publishers, was due to be officially opened by visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres.

During the event four people were lightly injured after the Israeli booth at the International Paris book fair collapsed. The incident occurred after Peres entered the booth causing a fracas. The president was not injured.

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.