Leg-crossing Swedish ambassador angers Iran
Published: 8 Dec 12 14:33 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/44936/20121208/
Sweden's newly appointed ambassador in Tehran has reportedly upset Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - by crossing his legs during a meeting.
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It is unclear, though, whether the president himself was offended by the ambassador's cross-legged pose or whether this was, in fact, the interpretation of events by Asriran.com. Photos from the meeting show Ahmadinejad himself sitting cross-legged, too.
Armenian website Panorama translated the Iranian website's report, which explains that crossing one's legs "contradicts international diplomatic norms".
The report continues: "Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, for his part, himself crossed his legs in response to the impoliteness of his interlocutor."
Photographs from the meeting indeed show Tejler sitting cross-legged, his right foot pointing slightly upwards.
The Atlantic Wire has published this explanation, from the University of West Florida, of why it is a taboo in Muslim culture to show the soles of one's feet.
"Pointing the soles of the feet towards someone is impolite because the soles of the feet (shoe) are considered dirty, closest to the ground, closer to the devil and farther away from God. When in the presence of Muslims, be careful not to raise or cross your legs in such a way that the sole of the foot faces others in the room."
The website of the Swedish Embassy in Tehran confirms that the ceremony and meeting took place in on December 3rd but has no mention of the ambassador's and the president's sitting poses.
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If you know Persian to read asriran you see it is the other way around!
First of all an Iranian diplomatic relation specialist in that website claims this behavior is insulting in European culture hence this is unacceptable!! Otherwise nobody knew it can be insulting in Iran! So this Atlatic Wire paranoia is out of touch!
Second, since when a diplomatic relation specialist represents Iran ?!
Clearly a case of 'lost in translation'.
Are you sitting comfortably? Good!
Mr Ali M. Bidar, International diplomatic relation expert continues: "This way of sitting in Europe is only acceptable during a meeting with a diplomat of the same level and not higher. So this behavior can be criticized"
So obviously thelocal editor hasn't read the original news they are referring to!!!
In fact since nobody in Iran understands how this act can be insulting , the reporter in the asriran has to ask an expert and mention that it is wrong in Europe!!!
One more thing to beware of - according to modern Islamic symbology - the neck-tie is supposed to represent the cross ( from Islam's point of view, that detestable cross - which represents a crucifixion that really didn't really take happen - according to the Qur'an.)
So, to cause least offence and to show maximum respect for Islamic sensitivities - the dress code should be appropriate for the occasion...
With a little practice, the abominable left hand will not be used in the prescence of the host - in any Muslim country.
Respect begets respect - when in Rome etc...
How about respect for the swedish's traditions when they feed, house and cloths you sorry behinds huh?
Perisans are not ARABs and Arabs are not Persians! Please read some books and then drop comment!
Perisans are not ARABs and Arabs are not Persians! Please read some books and then drop comment!
The USA goes to great lengths on preparing specially written fluff pieces which are then printed as genuine reporting. try reading RT news instead.
@ underskyofsweden
Jostein never said persian were Arabs. He said Persians were Arab client peoples, not Arabs.
Re-read his post please, before acting a besserwisser.