France apologises for criticising US’ human rights record after backlash

France’s permanent mission to the UN expressed regret over a social media post questioning Washington’s commitment to human rights

The French UN mission said it regretted an online post criticising how the United States voted during a UN General Assembly meeting, with US officials saying on Saturday that Washington appreciated the statement.

France’s permanent mission to the UN published the apology on Friday, saying it regretted a social media post criticising the US’ commitment to human rights.

“France and the United States recently took different positions on a vote at the United Nations General Assembly. This difference concerned one vote, and not the defence of human rights,” the mission said in an English statement on its website.

“Public differences of opinion on one vote do not stand in the way of close dialogue with the United States, and do not call into question our historical alliance, nor our ability to work together to advance peace, stability and prosperity, including within multilateral forums,” the statement said.

The mea culpa was well-received by Washington, which has been holding up the appointment of France’s next US ambassador as a result of the dispute.

“We note and appreciate France’s statement and look forward to working together to further shared values and interests,” a US State Department official said on condition of anonymity.