RAMALLAH, May 18, 2010 (WAFA)- Elvis Costello has announced on his website that ‘after considerable contemplation that I have lately arrived at the decision that I must withdraw from the two performances scheduled in Israel on the 30th of June and the 1st of July,’ Palestine Solidarity Campaign reported.

He continued: ‘there are occasions when merely having your name added to a concert schedule may be interpreted as a political act that resonates more than anything that might be sung and it may be assumed that one has no mind for the suffering of the innocent.’

Elvis Costello’s decision to cancel his concerts in Israel was taken just days after the announcement that Gil Scott-Heron was also cancelling his performance there.

Sarah Colborne, Director of Campaigns and Operations at Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said ‘we are increasingly seeing artists taking a stand against allowing themselves to be used by the Israeli state to normalize their occupation and apartheid policies against Palestinians. Principled artists understood it was unacceptable to play under the Apartheid South African regime in Sun City. Principled artists and performers are holding firm to such principles in the 21st century, taking a clear stand for peace and justice, and not performing under a regime in Israel which is engaged in an illegal occupation and denies Palestinians their basic human rights. We urged Elvis Costello to respect the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions on Israel, and our members and supporters also deluged him expressing their concerns. We are very pleased that Elvis Costello has taken such a stand.’

Elvis Costello signed off his announcement ‘with the hope for peace and understanding’. Elvis Costello’s decision not to perform in Israel brings us closer to that peace, understanding and justice which is so desperately needed.