BEIRUT, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Christie's auction house has removed two paintings by Lebanese artist Ayman Baalbaki from its London sale this week following complaints, according to emails seen by Reuters, with the artist criticising the decision as a form of "discrimination". Both are no longer available on the website for Christie's auction on modern and contemporary Middle Eastern Art. A third piece by Baalbaki, depicting red flags seemingly on fire, remains on sale. A Christie's spokesperson said: "Decisions relating to sales remain confidential between Christie's and our consignors." The email said it was "normal policy" to remove pieces "if a work receives multiple complaints" in order to avoid "damaging press".

---

Persons: Ayman Baalbaki, Al Moulatham, Baalbaki, Maya Gebeily, Abdelhadi, Alison Williams Organizations: Reuters, Eastern, Hamas, Thomson Locations: BEIRUT, London, Christie's, Israel, Gaza, Beirut, Frankfurt