The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday that it intends to take measures concerning the images that went viral on social media of the Iraqi ambassador to Jordan, Haider Al-Adhari, and his wife with Lebanese recording artist Ragheb Alama.
In a statement issued Saturday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmad Al-Sahaf said: "We are following, with great interest, what has been circulated on social media, including images of the ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The ministry draws the attention of the media and public opinion to the fact that it will take appropriate measures in this regard and as soon as possible, in a manner that enhances the values of Iraqi diplomacy.”
Ambassador Adhari and his wife had been widely criticized after the pictures with the Lebanese star spread online. Many found the pictures “inappropriate,” as many Iraqis are sensitive to these kinds of images and believe them to be “indecent.”
The controversy began when Ragheb Alama tweeted photos from the meeting with the caption: “I thank His Excellency the Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan, Mr. Haider Mansour Al-Adhari and his wife, Mrs. Maysam Al-Rubaie, for being generous, for their wonderful hospitality, and for welcoming and receiving me kindly. Meeting you in this intimate atmosphere that's full of love and joy was a delight.”
