Mrs. Mubarak opens Bologna Fair for Children's books

Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, Chairperson of the Egyptian Council for children's books, opened on Wednesday the 39th session of the international fair for children's books.

This is the first time that an Arab or international figure is being invited to open the fair since it was set up in 1963.

Some 2,047 publishers representing 70 countries are taking part in the three-day fair.

Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, Wednesday said that the world stands today at a crossroad between continuing the present situation of selfishness and isolation and the illusion of monopoly or wisdom and a position which deepens belief and real conviction in diversity and the right to differ.

Addressing the main international seminar of the Bologna International fair of children's books, Mrs. Mubarak said that the first position is responsible for violence, war, annihilation suffering and misery.

The second position provides a sole ethical choice for the coming generation, namely to adhere to the culture of dialogue, amity and cooperation.

Moreover, Mrs. Mubarak said the Israeli occupation authorities have not allowed Egyptian aid access into the Palestinian territories.

In statements following her opening of a Children's Book Fair, Mrs. Mubarak said there are intensive contacts with the international federation or the Red Crescent and Red Cross societies to help the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) deliver aid to the Palestinians.

She urged peaceful co-existence in the middle east and the spread of tolerance and understanding between the peoples of the region.

Mrs. Mubarak had early Wednesday given two interviews to Channel I of the Italian TV and La Stampa newspaper.

Mrs. Mubarak also attended on Wednesday a luncheon banquet hosted by the Bologna exhibitions authority in her honour.