The Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Francophone centrist) has confirmed a report in the daily ‘Het Laatste Nieuws’ on Thursday that that the Belgian ambassador in Tehran was summoned by the Iranian authorities earlier this week. The ambassador was summoned to give an explanation about a speech given by the Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist, photo above).
‘Het Laatste Nieuws’ reports that Mr Francken attended a big Iranian opposition rally in the German city of Munich. Mr Francken posted photos on social media of his participation at the demonstration that took place last weekend.
Mr Francken was accompanied by the federal MP Darya Safai (Flemish nationalist). Ms Safai has Iranian roots and is vehemently opposed to the theocratic regime in Tehran. The Belgian Defence Minister spoke at the gathering and expressed his support for the Iranian opposition.
On Thursday, the Belgian Foreign Minister’s office confirmed the Belgian ambassador to Iran had been summoned by the regime earlier this week. However, no further comment was made. The German ambassador in Iran was also summoned in connection with the rally in Munich.
Theo Francken “A peaceful and courageous people”
In a post on the social media platform X, Mr Francken confirms that he was present at the rally and also that he spoke there. “I spoke in Munich in front of 250,000 Persians to support a peaceful and courageous people that has been living for many years under the theocratic yoke of the ayatollahs and mullahs. I have been supporting them for years and will continue to do so.”
Mr Francken added that his participation in the rally had been discussed with the Foreign Minister in advance. The Belgian Defence Minister also stated that it isn’t not the first time the Belgian ambassador in Tehran had been summoned. According to Mr Francken, "this is ‘a tried and tested tactic of a regime that thrives on intimidation, blackmail and hostage diplomacy".