The significance attached to the general concepts and fundamental principles of diplomatic etiquette is to the extent that sometimes disagreement over the question of which foreign policy chief must, for example, first stretch out his/her hand to shake hands with the opposite side, has led to the disruption of a major international agreement.
Islamic Republic of Iran, as a member of the United Nations, is obliged to implement formalities, customs and diplomatic etiquette and expects the same from those who travel to Iran for diplomatic reasons.
One of the basic principles and fundamental rules of protocol or the etiquette of diplomacy in foreign travel includes attending to the culture and customs of the host country and generally the opposite side; This is an international practice to respect and observe the customs and traditions of the host country which may even be broadly inconsistent with the cultural context of the visiting person.
The dos and don'ts of a social life exist based on the fixed and common patterns in all societies; how they are implemented in a special culture is according to the values and beliefs of the community.
Thus, although all societies may assume some behaviors polite and some others impolite, they are defined only by the culture of each community, so that good behavior and manners in a category may not be acceptable in any other category.
The issue is highly regarded in Iran’s cultural context, because Iran is an Islamic country with special diplomatic codes, maybe not existing in many other countries, including Islamic dress code, handshakes between women and men, ban on alcohol use and etc.
Greeting in certain countries have national overtone. Handshake is the main form of greeting in Iran, however, it is forbidden to shake hands with women.
Clothes are also an essential element, because it is a part of appearance. It should be modest and conservative and women must wear hijab in their meetings with Iranian officials in Iran’s territory.
Foreigners should respect national traditions in food. They should avoid drinking alcohol, which is prohibited strictly in Iran.
However, unfortunately, in recent years, communicating with some European and Western diplomatic and political figures have brought about some problems according to which even basic diplomatic etiquette that should be observed by foreign guests have been easily ignored and violated in Iranian territory raising many criticisms in different ways.
For example, Senior Foreign Office official Deborah Bronnert represented the British government at the reopening of the Iranian embassy in London without covering her head.
Emma Bonino, the Italian foreign minister, had resisted covering her hair during a trip to Iran after her plane landed in Tehran. Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, explained her that compliance with hijab is a part of the ceremonial protocols for female diplomats visiting Iran, and if she did not abide by them, all of her scheduled appointments would be cancelled. Reportedly, Benino covered her hair and left the plane.
Dutch politician Marietje Schaake is the most famous case who appeared in public meetings and ceremonies in Iran with an improper outfit for formal setting and totally incompatible with the rules and traditions of Iranian dressing codes.
The hijab law Article 102 passed by Iranian Parliament says: “Women within the Islamic Republic, be they Iranians or foreigners, Muslims or non-Muslims, must comply with hijab requirements while in public places and public view. In 1997, the law was developed further in Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code.
Despite such explanations for demanding that foreign diplomats observe cultural requirements in Iran, some ignore and disrespect the law and norms.
This is also true about consuming alcohol in Iran. The import, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden on religious grounds, with exceptions only for certain recognized Iranian religious minorities- not foreigners.
Three years ago, a drunk employee of Saudi Arabia Embassy in Tehran Yaser bin Muhammad Ali Yami killed an Iranian driver and wounded another in a fatal car accident in Tehran. Four bottles of alcoholic beverage was found in the employee’s car. Iranian officials deported him from the country and asked Saudi government to punish the offender and pay compensation for vioaltions.
In the latest episode, Japanese Ambassador Hiroyasu Kobayashi was briefly detained and questioned by Iran’s security forces on April 28 when he and his wife attended a dinner hosted by a local acquaintance and at which alcohol was served.
Prohibition of alcohol consumption, wearing hijab for women, shake hands and public display of affections between a man and a woman, and some other codes are parts of a culture and social codes in an Iranian society and the law supports and protects them as well.
This is true for the Iranian representatives as well. They are not allowed to attend events serving alcohol. Recently Iranian President Hassan Rouhani refused to dine at the Elysée presidential palace because wine was served during the meal. Although Iran had requested a halal menu, which customarily means no alcohol, France was unwilling to break with the tradition surrounding official state lunches and dinners.
However, his visit to Italy went much more smoothly with officials keeping alcohol off the menu at state dinners and even covering up its ancient nude statues in Rome as they signed £12bn worth of business deals. Iranian officials did not request the statues be covered up but were said to appreciate the gesture.
Everyone, including Iranians, foreign diplomats, and tourists should obey and respect the etiquette, formalities, rules, and cultural principles of the country, regardless of the fact that it is incompatible with their own culture and norms.
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