Vargas Llosa undeterred by Argentine critics

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa plans to preside over the opening of Argentina's premier book fair next month despite protests against him.

Prominent Argentine intellectuals have said Vargas Llosa is an extreme rightist whose selection to inaugurate the Buenos Aires International Book Fair is offensive, given the country's history of dictatorship.

Nevertheless, Vargas Llosa told reporters in Mexico on Thursday that "Unless the invitation is withdrawn, I will attend."

Vargas Llosa's works include "Conversation in the Cathedral" and "The Green House." He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 2010. Mexico is to bestow him with its Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor given to foreigners, on Friday.