Syrian singer Noor Mhana held a press conference before his appearance on the Carthage Stage on August 5th. 
According to the London daily Elaph, Mhana greeted the journalists that were present and welcomed their questions, yet he advised them to stay away from politics.
Mhana’s last appearance at the Carthage Festival was in the summer of 2004.
Mhana was questioned about the conflict between him and the Lebanese musician Melhim Barakat. He said that he feels sorry for Melhim, and that the ideas for most of Melhim’s songs are stolen from folklore tales.
Mhana was criticized for singing while Lebanon was being attacked. He explains that he could not cancel his performance before over 10000 fans that were waiting for him. He noted that the famous Lebanese artist Najwa Karam sang at the island Capri the same time.
Like his colleagues, Mhana did not reveal any details about his Carthage performance, only that he will be singing “Wahashtini” (I Miss You).
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
