Iran leaders won't attend receptions serving alcohol: diplomat

Published November 11, 2015
"According to Islamic values and teachings, officials of the Islamic Republic do not participate in ceremonies where alcohol is served," said the diplomat, who is in charge of protocol at Iran's foreign ministry, according to ISNA news agency. — AFP/File
"According to Islamic values and teachings, officials of the Islamic Republic do not participate in ceremonies where alcohol is served," said the diplomat, who is in charge of protocol at Iran's foreign ministry, according to ISNA news agency. — AFP/File

TEHRAN: Iran's leaders won't attend events serving alcohol, a diplomat said Wednesday after French media reported that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani refused to attend a state dinner in Paris because wine was on the menu.

"According to Islamic values and teachings, officials of the Islamic Republic do not participate in ceremonies where alcohol is served," said the diplomat, who is in charge of protocol at Iran's foreign ministry, according to ISNA news agency.

RTL Radio reported this week that Elysee officials had cancelled plans for an official dinner for Rouhani hosted by Fench President Francois Hollande after Iran insisted it had to be alcohol-free.

Rouhani will travel to Italy and France on November 14-17 in a visit seen as an opportunity for rapprochement and renewed trade ties in the wake of July's landmark nuclear deal following years of strain between Tehran and the West.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb some elements of its nuclear programme in exchange for a lifting of United Nations (UN), United States (US) and European economic sanctions.

Rouhani is also set to meet Pope Francis during the Italian leg of his trip.

In October 1999, the reformist former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami also refused to attend a reception at the Elysee Palace because wine was to be served.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...