Erbil International Book Fair, a Cultural Oasis amid the War on Terror, Opens

Thousands of new titles and publications in Arabic, Kurdish and English went on display today as the 11th Erbil International Book Fair opened in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The President of Kurdistan Region, his Excellency Mr Masoud Barzani, inaugurated the fair as people from various backgrounds – governmental, political, institutional, religious and the youths – flocked to participate in the opening and to take their first glimpse at the annual event.

In opening remarks, the Governor of Erbil, Mr. Nawzad Hadi, stressed the importance of the book fair in encouraging reading and advocating peace amid the war on terror.

Thousands of people are expected to visit the fair, which runs through 15 April.

UN Iraq has a stand in the fair, where leaflets, brochures, booklets and promotional material belonging to UNAMI and UNCT are on display and are being distributed.