US diplomats walk out on France at UN over human rights criticism
US diplomats walked out as French counterparts spoke at a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Monday, following US opposition to reappointing UN human rights chief Volker Turk. The walkout reflects strained relations between President Donald Trump and President Emmanuel Macron, and wider US-Europe tensions over NATO, troop deployments, and Greenland. Deputy US ambassador Dan Negrea accused France of feigning 'moral outrage.'
Key facts
- US diplomats walked out during French speech at UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine
- Walkout followed US opposition to Volker Turk's second term as UN human rights chief
- Turk's reappointment on Friday got overwhelming support, including from France
- Deputy US ambassador Dan Negrea accused France of feigning 'moral outrage'
- Tensions reflect strained relations between Trump and Macron
- Wider issues include NATO commitment, US troop deployments in Europe, and Trump's desire to control Greenland
- Macron has taken a lead in building up Europe's military and ensuring a nuclear umbrella
- Negrea said US has stood by France in every conflict but will no longer tolerate grandstanding
Entities
Institutions
- United Nations
- UN Security Council
- NATO
- France
- United States
- Britain
Locations
- United States
- France
- Europe
- Greenland
- Denmark