France issues discreet apology to lift US block on new ambassador to Washington
The French diplomatic service's appointment of Aurélien Lechevallier, who is close to President Emmanuel Macron, had been frozen in the US due to a July 25 statement in which the service criticized Washington's stance on human rights. An official statement of contrition was issued on Friday.
The French United Nations mission expressed regret over an online post criticizing the United States' vote during a UN General Assembly meeting, with US officials stating that Washington welcomed the statement. France's permanent mission to the UN published the apology on Friday, acknowledging a post on X that criticized the United States' commitment to human rights.
The French mission emphasized that the difference in positions between the two countries concerned a single vote, and not the defense of human rights. The statement reassured that public disagreements on one vote do not hinder close dialogue with the United States or question their historical alliance. Washington appreciated the French statement and expressed readiness to collaborate on shared values and interests.
The US State Department is currently delaying the approval of France's next ambassador to Washington, Aurelien Lechevallier, due to the dispute. Lechevallier, currently a chief of staff to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, is awaiting US approval. The disagreement arose after the United States voted against extending Volker Turk's term as UN human rights chief, joining countries like North Korea, Russia, and Nicaragua.
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