CHICAGO (IslamOnline) - In what some are calling the bending of a traditional rule, Japan, which will be hosting Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, will not serve any wine at a state banquet held in his honor.
The Japan Times reports that the Japanese government and the Imperial Household Agency, which is hosting the dinner, have agreed to entertain Khatami without wine during his upcoming visit to the country.
The decision was made after Khatami reportedly threatened to cancel his planned visit to Japan if the host country did not agree to his demand to keep wine off the dining table.
One senior Foreign Ministry official, requesting anonymity, told the Japan Times, "When we entertain guests, we should not do whatever they dislike."
In keeping with its traditional protocol, wine has been served at state lunches and dinners for visiting foreign dignitaries hosted by the King and the prime minister.
Even though wine was served at the tables of guests from other Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, they chose not to consume it. However, no other country had previously threatened to cancel a visit to Japan over the issue.
According to news reports, a similar row broke out between Iranian and French officials over wine being served at a state banquet in France. It was finally agreed by the two countries to leave meals off the official agenda.
