The art association in Syria gave permission to a number of Lebanese artists like Haifa Wahbe and Elissa to perform in Syria and to participate in Syrian music festivals. 
Recently, Lebanese artists were not allowed to participate in any of the Syrian musical festivals for the past two years. The previous head of the Syrian art association Obeid said that Lebanese performers were too provocative and their styles were not appropriate for the average viewer.
As for the new permission that has been granted, the association member Othman Othman released a statement that in the past some artists were not allowed to sing in Syria due to the fact that they did not pay all the required fees, which include taxes and so forth and not due to political reasons.
For now the names of artists that are included in the new list to enter Syria are Elissa, Haifa Whabe, Jad Shwairi, Marwa, Dana, Melissa, Nicola Al Asta, Dominque Horani, Ghasan Al Rahbani, Al Yas Al Rahbani and others.
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
