A diplomatic dispute between the United States and France escalated at the United Nations on Monday after American diplomats walked out of a Security Council meeting when the French ambassador began speaking.
The move came after France criticized Washington over its vote against extending the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, a decision that placed the United States among a group of countries, including Russia, North Korea, Nicaragua and Mali, that opposed the renewal.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Dan Negrea said the delegation left in protest against what he described as France’s “condescending and disrespectful” rhetoric toward the United States.
He accused Paris of adopting a “hypocritical posture” by criticizing Washington while claiming to defend international values.
The dispute followed comments from France’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva, which said the United States had moved away from its historic role as a supporter of human rights after voting against the renewal of Volker Türk’s mandate.
The UN General Assembly later approved the extension of the High Commissioner’s mandate by a large majority, with 144 countries voting in favor, including all European Union members.
France defended its position, saying it was acting to protect the independence of the United Nations and promote the principles of the UN Charter, human rights and international peace.
French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont said relations between the two countries had deep historical roots, recalling France’s role in the creation of the United States, while insisting that Paris would continue defending multilateral institutions.
The confrontation reflects broader tensions between Washington and European allies over issues including NATO, U.S. military commitments in Europe and disagreements over international conflicts.
A walkout by a permanent member of the UN Security Council is a rare diplomatic move and highlights the growing strain in transatlantic relations.
Rwandatribune.rw
