Hassan Rouhani refused a state dinner with French President Francois Hollande

  10 November 2015    Read: 1006
Hassan Rouhani refused a state dinner with French President Francois Hollande
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani refused a state dinner with French President Francois Hollande because the French side refused to offer a menu without alcohol, i24news reported.
Rouhani`s visit to Italy and France is a pretty big deal in international politics, as it`s the first time the Iranian president has travelled to Europe in the last decade, IRNA said.

The Islamic Republic`s visit to Europe comes before the country`s official talk in Italy which is part of the July 14 nuclear accord between Iran and P5+1 group.

According to IRNA, Rouhani would also meet with Pope Francis while in Italy.

And prior to such an important diplomatic event that could potentially shape global politics, Rouhani`s dinner with Hollande was cancelled because the two sides couldn`t agree on whether alcohol could be served during the meal.

Iranian representatives requested a halal menu without alcohol, but the French declined the offer stating that they didn`t want to forgo their traditions, French radio RTL said.

One wonders how the French president would have treated his allies from the Persian Gulf countries if they requested a menu without pork at an official state dinner with the French government.

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