What's new

Report: Iran's Salehi briefly detained in Greek Cyprus

TheCommander

FULL MEMBER
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
561
Reaction score
0
Country
Turkey
Location
United States
salehi.jpg

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi

27 June 2012

Greek Cypriot authorities reportedly briefly detained the Iranian foreign minister after he arrived in Nicosia International Airport, a news report claimed.

Quoting Greek Cypriot media, TRT Türk reported that Ali Akbar Salehi, who is visiting Greek Cyprus upon the invitation of his Greek Cypriot counterpart, was arrested by authorities in the airport on charges of being on the European Union's list of “unwanted persons.” The airport's anti-terrorism office later released the Iranian foreign minister after Greek Cyprus' Foreign Ministry and foreign minister became involved in the issue.

Reports also said the scandal caused temporary tension, but that the mistake was fixed after Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozaku Markulli demanded the release of his Iranian counterpart.

Greek Cypriot media outlets noted that the Iranian minister, who was also the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, had been blacklisted by the EU and could only enter the country after receiving special permission from the Greek Cypriot foreign minister.

Markulli reportedly told airport authorities that Salehi's name was taken off the “unwanted persons” list in 2010 after he was appointed Iran's foreign minister. The media also reported that Greek Cyprus has offered an official apology to Iran, citing a “misunderstanding” and “mishandling” of the situation by airport authorities.

Report: Iran's Salehi briefly detained in Greek Cyprus
 
Oh I see Iran moving in to support the Greeks on the Cyprus issue to piss off Turkey... Interesting development.
 
Why is he even there?? And why was he invited by Greek Cyprus??
He went there to invite Cyprus to NAM summit I suppose,for inviting Turkey,he should go Ankara,not Nicosia.
Besides,the only country that recognizes Turkish Cyprus is Turkey,why should Iran FM go there?I'm not taking sides whether Turks are the good guys or the Greeks,I'm just talking International diplomacy here.
 
Back
Top Bottom