Why France demanded to serve wine at meal with Iran's leader
(The Christian Science Monitor) This week Iranian President Hassan Rohani will become the first leader of the Islamic Republic to travel to Europe in a decade. And while he isn’t scheduled to arrive in France until Monday, his visit has already sparked outrage across the country.
The uproar has nothing to do with Iran’s nuclear program or potential business deals. Instead it was set off by Rohani’s refusal to dine at the presidential palace in Paris if wine is served at the meal.
France’s RTL radio reported that Iran requested a halal menu, which customarily means no alcohol. Yet France was unwilling to break with the tradition of serving French wine at official state lunches and dinners.
