CUBA, January 31, 2007.- Writers and publishers are gearing up for the 16th edition of the Cuban International Book Fair to take place February 8 through 18 in Havana. The fair starts at the Morro-Cabana Fortress and later travels to 40 cities across the country until March 11.

Argentina is this year's international guest of honor .The fair will also pay tribute to Cuban poet, essayist and literary critic, Cesar Lopez (National Literature Prize in 1999), and to Cuban essayist and researcher Eduardo Torres-Cuevas (National Social Science Award 2000).

Cuban Book Institute vice president and Book Fair general manager, Maria Mederos, told the press in Havana on Tuesday that in all there would be 82 foreign book sellers representing 550 publishers from 28 countries. Cuba will present the work of 53 publishing houses.

Argentinean Ambassador to Cuba, Dario Alessandro, announced that Argentinean publishers will display books in a 516 square meter pavilion and that a large delegation led by Argentinean Secretary of Culture, Jose Nun, will participate in the event.

Special guests include, Nigerian Nobel Literature Prizewinner, Wole Soyinka; Mexican novelist, Elena Poniatowska; Pakistani journalist, Tariq Asi; Italian Gianni Vattimo; and a large official delegation of Argentine intellectuals and artists, which includes David Vinas, Horacio Gonzalez, Lilia Ferreira, Victor Ego Ducrot and Joaquin Lavado. Venezuelan Minister of Culture, Francisco Sesto, has also announced his presence.

The public attending the Cuban Book Fair will be presented with an ample program including colloquiums, lectures, and encounters with authors, historians, writers of children's literature, librarians and editors. Concerts, theatre and dance presentations, the children's pavilion and art exhibits are also part of the event. (Cubaminrex- RHC)