A formal lunch aimed at strengthening ties between France and Iran has been cancelled, as the French refused the Iranian president's request for an alcohol-free meal. The meeting was arranged for next week in Paris between President Francois Hollande and President Hassan Rouhani.
Making the food and drink as per Iran's request is contrary to France's Republican values, Elysee Palace officials said. However, the Elysee sought for a compromise by suggesting for a breakfast meeting instead, which the Iranians rejected under the circumstances of the suggestion being "too cheap," according to the Daily Mail.
This is not the first instance in which politicians have been known to create feuds. Two years ago, the Swedish ambassador to Iran sparked outrage two years ago by crossing his legs in front of then president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who promptly responded by crossing his own legs to show his angst.
Rouhani's visit to France comes after a multi-nation deal was struck between the Islamic republic and the world powers, according to Newsmax.
"The leaders have missed out on a great opportunity to meet in the relaxed environment of a meal," a diplomatic source told French radio.
France, which is known for its culinary credentials, is known for its impeccable collection of wines, of which some of the best are stores in the Elysee Palace.
The meeting will now be a "working visit," that will happen next Tuesday, after the Iranian president meets with the Italian president, Pope Francis and other Italian dignitaries over the weekend, according to Inquisitr.
Although neither of the leaders were personally involved in the decision over the lunch meeting, the meeting between them is quite important for their respective countries. France will be having extensive trade relations with Iran, as the latter is about to have the heavy sanctions that were imposed on it lifted. Rouhani will be the first Iranian president to make a trip to Europe in a decade, and his visit to Paris is part of a four-day tour that begins on Nov. 14.
