Mauritania summons Iranian ambassador over actions "outside diplomatic norms"

The Mauritanian Foreign Ministry in Nouakchott summoned Iran's ambassador on Monday, protesting his unannounced weekend visit to rural areas.

• The Foreign Ministry conveyed a formal protest to Ambassador Javad Abu Ali over "actions and movements inconsistent with diplomatic norms and traditions."
• The summon followed the ambassador's weekend visit to a village and rural areas of Mauritania without notifying the competent authorities.
• The ministry called on accredited foreign representatives to respect the limits of their duties and refrain from any activity that exceeds them.
• Gendarmerie questioned three people over hosting the ambassador, including the village host, an episode which local sources also linked to gunfire fired during his reception.
• The ministry stressed its commitment to sovereignty and non-interference and affirmed a desire to continue bilateral relations with Iran.