Amin Maalouf withdraws his candidacy from the International PEN presidential election

International PEN presidential candidate, Amin Maalouf, has today announced his official withdrawal from his candidacy for International PEN President, the election of which is due to take place as part of the 75th International PEN Congress in Linz, Austria, next week. A statement was submitted to International PEN on the morning of October 13th giving health problems as the reason for his withdrawal. Maalouf will also, regretfully, be unable to take part in the Free the Word! festival of literature taking place in Linz between 22 - 24 October. Maalouf says ‘I have experienced some health problems during the last few weeks and I fear it would be unwise to take on any new task in the foreseeable future. Therefore I'll have to - with deep sadness - withdraw my name from the list of candidates for the presidency of International PEN. I am convinced that the colleague who will be chosen in Linz will be more than able to fulfill their duties with efficiency and grace. They know they could always count on my moral support.' Margaret Busby and John Ralston Saul will continue to run for the position of International President and the successful nominee will be announced on Wednesday 21st October.

For more information contact Emily Bromfield, Communications Director, +44 (0) 207 405 0338 emily.bromfield@internationalpen.org.uk