Rouhani-Hollande lunch scrapped on 'demand of halal'

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Francois Hollande had to scrap their lunch at Paris upmarket restaurant after the Iranian requested a halal, alcohol-free meal.

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French officials reportedly said that serving traditional local food and wine went against Iranian values.

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The Dawn quoted that The Elysee Palace in Paris as suggesting the heads of state to share breakfast instead, but this was rejected as 'too cheap'.

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'The leaders have missed out on a great opportunity to meet in the relaxed environment of a meal' said a French official.

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Rouhani's visit to Italy was considered more stable as their officials kept alcohol off the menu at state dinners and even covered up ancient nude statues in Rome.