This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35413384

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Rouhani in Europe: Italy covers nudes for Iran president Rouhani in Europe: Italy covers nudes for Iran president
(about 3 hours later)
Italian hospitality for the visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stretched to covering up nude statues.Italian hospitality for the visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stretched to covering up nude statues.
Mr Rouhani and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi spoke at Rome's Capitoline Museum after Italian firms signed business deals with Iran.Mr Rouhani and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi spoke at Rome's Capitoline Museum after Italian firms signed business deals with Iran.
But several nudes there were hidden to avoid offending the Iranian president.But several nudes there were hidden to avoid offending the Iranian president.
Italy also chose not to serve wine at official meals, a gesture France, where Mr Rouhani travels next, has refused to copy.Italy also chose not to serve wine at official meals, a gesture France, where Mr Rouhani travels next, has refused to copy.
An Islamic republic, Iran has strict laws governing the consumption of alcohol.An Islamic republic, Iran has strict laws governing the consumption of alcohol.
Mr Rouhani is in Europe on a five-day tour seeking to boost economic ties after the implementation of a deal on rolling back Iran's nuclear activity saw sanctions lifted.Mr Rouhani is in Europe on a five-day tour seeking to boost economic ties after the implementation of a deal on rolling back Iran's nuclear activity saw sanctions lifted.
"Iran is the safest and most stable country of the entire region," the Iranian president told Italian business leaders."Iran is the safest and most stable country of the entire region," the Iranian president told Italian business leaders.
He also stressed growth would be key to combating extremism, saying "unemployment creates soldiers for terrorists".He also stressed growth would be key to combating extremism, saying "unemployment creates soldiers for terrorists".
Monday saw contracts worth around €17bn (£18.4bn; $12bn) signed between Iran and Italian companies. Monday saw contracts worth around €17bn ($18.4bn; £12bn) signed between Iran and Italian companies.
On Tuesday, Mr Rouhani also met Pope Francis, who urged Iran to work with other Middle Eastern countries against terrorism and arms trafficking, the Vatican said.On Tuesday, Mr Rouhani also met Pope Francis, who urged Iran to work with other Middle Eastern countries against terrorism and arms trafficking, the Vatican said.
Iran has been accused of funding militant groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.Iran has been accused of funding militant groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Mr Rouhani asked the pontiff to pray for him, and gave him the gift of a hand-made carpet.Mr Rouhani asked the pontiff to pray for him, and gave him the gift of a hand-made carpet.
He travels to Paris on Wednesday where more deals are expected to be announced. An agreement with Airbus for the purchase of more than 100 aircraft is due to be finalised.He travels to Paris on Wednesday where more deals are expected to be announced. An agreement with Airbus for the purchase of more than 100 aircraft is due to be finalised.