Iran says no date set for Khatami visit to France
TEHRAN, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Iran said on Monday that no date had been
set for a planned visit to France by Iran's reformist President Mohammad
Khatami, Iranian radio reported.
Foreign ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said the two countries were
discussing the timing of the visit.
Banking sources in Paris said last Thursday that the visit was due to
take place on October 26-27 in principle, though no definite date was
given.
A planned visit by Khatami to France was cancelled in March following
a spat over serving wine at official dinners.
Tehran snubbed the invitation after France rejected Iran's demand that
no wine be served at a state banquet, in accordance with Islamic rules.
Non-alcoholic drinks were also to have been served at the banquet.
``A definite date for Mr. Khatami's visit to France will be officially
announced after agreement between the two countries,'' Asefi said.
The trip may take the form of a visit to the Paris offices of the United
Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), with
sideline meetings with French leaders, according to French media.
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