Germany calls in Iranian ambassador over Merkel snub

May 31, 2011, 9:41 GMT

New Delhi/Berlin - Germany on Tuesday called in the Iranian ambassador to Berlin, after Iran refused to allow the plane of Chancellor Angela Merkel to fly through its airspace.

'I've never experienced anything like it,' said Merkel, who arrived on an official visit to India two hours later than planned. 'Neither had the pilots.'

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, currently visiting Australia, said Iranian ambassador Ali Reza Sheikh Attar had been ordered to report to the Foreign Ministry in Berlin.

Iran's actions showed a 'disrespect towards Germany, which we cannot accept' and were a 'breach of all international conventions,' he said.

Merkel's plane had to turn back and spend two hours circling over Turkey early Tuesday when Iran refused permission to fly through its airspace. It later allowed the plane through.

According to Germany, the flight had been given the green light before its departure late Monday. The reason for the withdrawal of permission was not clear.

A second plane carrying other government ministers and secretaries of state to the Indian capital New Delhi was allowed through with no delay.

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