France's U.N. mission in Geneva said it "regrets" a late-July X post that criticised the U.S. vote alongside Russia and North Korea against extending the mandate of U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk. The message prompted a U.S. walkout from a U.N. Security Council meeting and reportedly put Paris's ambassadorial nominee, Aurélien Lechevallier, at risk of being blocked. A State Department official welcomed France's statement, and the apology may pave the way for Lechevallier's approval.
France Says It 'Regrets' X Post That Provoked U.S. Walkout, Clearing Way For Ambassador Nominee
FILE PHOTO: French and US flags are seen prior to the arrival of US President at Paris Orly airport near Paris, on June 5, 2024, as he travels to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. JULIEN DE ROSA/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
PARIS, Sept 13 (Reuters) — France's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva said it "regrets" a social media post from late July that criticised the United States on human rights and sparked a diplomatic dispute that has delayed the arrival of France's next ambassador to Washington.
The post, published on X, highlighted that the United States voted alongside countries including Russia and North Korea against extending the mandate of U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk. Washington reacted angrily: U.S. delegates walked out of a U.N. Security Council meeting while France was speaking, and sources said the United States was considering blocking France's ambassadorial nominee.
"The Permanent Mission of France to the U.N. in Geneva regrets the 25 July 2026 message posted on X that called into question the U.S. commitment to human rights," the mission said in a statement published in English on its website.
The mission added that the disagreement "concerned one vote, and not the defence of human rights," stressing it viewed the matter as limited in scope. France's foreign affairs ministry declined to comment further.
A State Department official responded to a Reuters request for comment, saying: "We note and appreciate France's statement, and look forward to working together to further shared values and interests." The statement was earlier reported by French daily Le Monde.
The apology may clear the way for Paris's nominee to Washington, Aurélien Lechevallier, to receive U.S. approval. Lechevallier, a former Élysée aide, is currently chief of staff to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Paris had hoped to have him in post by September, a source said.
Reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris; additional reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak in New York; Editing by Andrew Heavens.
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