Olmert urges tennis player Ram to cancel Dubai trip

Prime minister wonders how come Israeli player agrees to participate in tournament that denied Peer's entry, while US champion Roddick boycotts event in protest

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert urged Israeli tennis player Andy Ram on Sunday not to attend a tournament in Dubai scheduled to open Tuesday. Ram was granted a visa to the Arab country this week, after the country's refusal to grant visa to another Israeli player, Shahar Peer, triggered international condemnation.

 

The affair started two weeks ago, when the tournament's organizers declined Peer's visa application and prevented her from taking part in the event. The World Tennis Organization in response issued a $300,000 fine for the tournament and threatened to have it cancelled unless assurances for Peer's participation next year are granted.

 

Peers' fellow players in the women's round have also voiced their support, and US player Andy Roddick went as far as announcing he will be boycotting the men's tournament altogether.

 

In light of the immense pressure exerted on them and threats that the tournament may be called off, organizers decided last week to grant Ram a visa. The Israeli player was planned to leave for Dubai on Monday to attend the men's doubles games.

 

Ram's tennis partner: It's right thing to do

During Sunday's cabinet meeting, which focused on anti-Israeli sentiments worldwide, Olmert criticized Ram's decision to attend the event.

 

"Just recently Dubai barred Shahar Peer from entering the country. We now hear that Ram has been granted a visa. Meanwhile, an American champion (Roddick) announced he would not participate in the tournament because Shahar Peer was denied entry, and he's not even Jewish.

 

"I call on Andy Ram to reconsider his participation. Someone needs to advise this young man, whom I know to be a patriot and a Zionist, not to go there at all."

 

Ram chose not to comment on the prime minister's words, but his playing partner Yoni Ehrlich said: "I understand the conflict. A lot of people asked how come Roddick wasn't going while Andy is. But people need to understand that this is the right thing to do.

 

"It is a victory for us and for Andy that he's going… him not going would only exhibit weakness on our behalf. Had he decided not to go, everyone would be mad at him," he added.