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World / Middle East

Macron says Iran misunderstands France’s “balanced” position in region

Published: 17 Nov 2017 - 07:13 pm | Last Updated: 20 Nov 2021 - 01:42 am
France's President Emmanuel Macron (2L) speaks on his cell phone while leaving the luncheon during the European Social Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden, on November 17, 2017. AFP / Jonathan Nackstrand

France's President Emmanuel Macron (2L) speaks on his cell phone while leaving the luncheon during the European Social Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden, on November 17, 2017. AFP / Jonathan Nackstrand

Reuters

GOTHENBURG, Sweden: President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that Iran misunderstood France’s “balanced” position in the region, which centred on not taking sides between Sunni and Shi’ites, adding that Tehran should be less aggressive in the region.

Speaking in Gothenburg, Macron said he wanted Iran to clarify the strategy around its ballistic missile programme.

Macron also said he would welcome Saad al-Hariri in Paris on Saturday as Lebanon’s prime minister and expected him to return to Beirut in the “coming days, weeks.”

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Ingrid Melander)