France’s permanent mission to the United Nations has expressed regret over a post criticizing a US vote during a UN General Assembly meeting, in a move expected to help clear the way for approval of France’s new ambassador to Washington.
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In a statement issued Friday, France’s permanent mission to the UN in Geneva said it “regrets” the post published on July 25 on X that questioned the United States’ commitment to human rights.
“France and the United States have recently taken different positions on a vote at the United Nations General Assembly. This divergence concerned only a single vote and was unrelated to the defense of human rights,” the mission said in an English-language statement published on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
“Public differences of opinion over a single vote do not stand in the way of close dialogue with the United States, nor do they call into question our historic alliance or our ability to work together to promote peace, stability and prosperity, including in multilateral forums,” it added.
The admission was welcomed in Washington after the United States suspended the approval process for France’s new ambassador over the dispute.
“We have taken note of France’s statement and appreciate it. We look forward to working together to advance shared values and interests,” a US State Department official said.
The State Department had frozen approval for Aurélien Lechevallier, whom French President Emmanuel Macron nominated as ambassador to Washington, succeeding Laurent Bili.
Lechevallier currently serves as chief of staff to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
US approval of a French ambassadorial nomination is normally a routine procedure, but it had remained on hold since the dispute erupted.
On July 24, the United States was among 10 countries that voted against extending Volker Türk’s term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, joining countries including North Korea, Russia and Nicaragua.
After Washington strongly opposed extending Türk’s mandate, the French mission posted on X: “The United States was a beacon for human rights. It is no longer.”
Türk has repeatedly criticized US policies under President Donald Trump.
The criticism prompted an immediate reaction from Washington. Days later, the US ambassador walked out of a UN Security Council meeting when the French ambassador took the floor, in protest against the remarks.
The US State Department subsequently blocked the approval process for Lechevallier’s appointment.
Source: (AFP)
