France apologises for human rights criticism that sparked US walkout
The Permanent Mission of France to the UN in Geneva expressed regret over its July 25 X post questioning the US commitment to human rights.
France's UN mission in Geneva has expressed regret over a social media post that criticized the United States for voting alongside Russia and North Korea against extending the term of UN human rights chief Volker Turk. This criticism sparked a diplomatic incident, causing the US to walk out of a UN Security Council session while France was addressing the council.
The US is reportedly considering blocking France's choice for the next ambassador in Washington. France's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva clarified that the post, which occurred on July 25, 2026, was intended to question the US's commitment to human rights, not to undermine the protection of human rights. France's Foreign Affairs Ministry has not provided further comment, while the US State Department has yet to respond to a request for information.
The apology could facilitate the approval of Aurelien Lechevallier, France's nominee for the next ambassador to the US, by Washington. Lechevallier, a former aide to the Elysee Palace, is currently serving as the chief of staff to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, with Paris aiming for his appointment by September.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- France apologises for human rights criticism that sparked US walkout freemalaysiatoday.com
- France apologizes to US over UN human rights post dispute english.ajel.sa
