BEIRUT, 26 July 2005 — The Syrian News Agency falsely reported that Lebanese singer Alissa signed a contract with Blodan Hotel to hold a concert on Aug. 11 that was canceled due to numerous requests by the public.
A number of news agencies have since recycled the false report.
The report claimed that she recently took part in a protest in Lebanon demanding the withdrawal of Syrian forces.
The singer stressed that she never entered into any agreement with the said hotel, and had in fact apologized to them for not being able to hold a concert due to previous engagements.
Alissa stressed that she never made any public or private remarks against Syria, adding that her mother is Syrian, and she has close ties to the country.
The fact that she calls for independence from Syria does not imply that she is against Syria, she added.