Turin, 29 Jan.(AKI) - The Union of Arab Writers has written a letter of protest at the designation of Israel as a guest of honour for the next edition of the Turin International Book Fair, Italian daily Corriere della Sera reports.

The letter slams Israel's invitation to the event - timed to mark the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state - at a time when its economic blockade is crippling the Gaza Strip, according to prominent Iraqi author Younis Tawfik, quoted by Corriere della Sera.

The Union of Arab writers has also written a letter to the Union of Italian writers, asking it to clarify its position over Israel's invitation to the Turin book fair - Italy's largest.

"In any case, this is a book fair, this is not the United Nations, it is not a political office. The Israeli writers that we invited are usually critical toward their government," said the director of Turin's book fair, Ernesto Ferrero in a response.

"The fact that other writers are talking about their freedom of expression, seems to me incredible," he added.

Arab writers association president Mohammed Salmawy has stated that taking into consideration Israel's siege of the Gaza Strip, the choice of the country as a guest of honour is must be considered a 'provocation'.

But Tawfik, who now lives in Turin, and is a member of Italy's Consulta Islamica, a government appointed consultative body for the country's Muslim community, does not support the boycott.

"The boycott does not aid the Palestinian or the Arab cause. Its only effect will be solidarity with Israel," he said.

"I favour bringing Israelis to the Turin book fair, talking to them and seeking dialogue."

"Next year the guest of honour will be Egypt. "What should Israeli writers do? Boycott it?

The book fair is slated to take place from 8-12 May in the northern Italian city.