Berlin slams Iran ban of Merkel’s plane crossing

The German Foreign Ministry has summoned Iran’s Ambassador to Berlin to protest Tehran’s temporary ban on Angela Merkel plane flight over Iran.

Iran banned the over-flight early this morning when the German Chancellor was on her way to the Indian capital New Delhi at the head of a delegation of government ministers and businessmen.

The airliner was compelled to circle over Turkey for two hours as a result. It was only after Turkey-mediated talks that Tehran allowed the plane to fly over its territory.

The German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle points out in a statement that Tehran’s moves evidence a lack of respect for Germany, and are “absolutely unacceptable”.