France has condemned the Iranian authorities’ decision to close its cultural centre in Tehran, announcing that it will summon the Iranian ambassador to Paris and take appropriate measures in response.
The centre, which offers French language instruction and cultural programmes, is affiliated with the French embassy in Tehran. Its closure follows an earlier incident in July when two French embassy staff members were assaulted.
In a statement released by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the spokesperson said, “This new attack on the French cultural presence in Iran, following the assault on two embassy staff in July, is unjustifiable and unacceptable.”
The ministry will formally request the Iranian ambassador to present himself in Paris and will pursue further diplomatic actions to address the closure.
French cultural centres abroad play a key role in promoting the French language and culture; the shutdown is expected to affect students and cultural exchanges in the region.
Article source: en.annahar.com | Image credit: en.annahar.com