Paris, France – The French Foreign Ministry reported that US Ambassador to Paris Charles Kushner did not appear at the ministry on Monday evening, after being summoned over comments made by the administration of US President Donald Trump regarding the death of a far-right student. This information is according to Agence France-Presse.
- Official decision to restrict communication
- Foreign Ministry: Dialogue is possible through diplomatic channels
- Alternative representation and absence of American commentary
- Background of the summons: Post on the “X” platform
- Washington condemns political violence
- Details of the Lyon incident
- Barrot: No to exploiting the tragedy politically
- A wider debate and a reminder of the precedent of summons
Official decision to restrict communication
The French Foreign Ministry explained that Minister Jean-Noël Barrot had requested that Kouchner “no longer be allowed” direct contact with members of the French government. Furthermore, he also stated that Kouchner’s absence reflected “a clear lack of understanding of the basic requirements of the duties of an ambassador who has the honor of representing his country.”
Foreign Ministry: Dialogue is possible through diplomatic channels
The Foreign Ministry added that it “remains possible, of course” for the ambassador to carry out his duties. In addition, he can also come to the French Foreign Ministry headquarters to conduct the “necessary diplomatic talks” to resolve the “inevitable” disagreements. Notably, these disagreements exist within the framework of a friendship that has lasted for nearly 250 years.
Alternative representation and absence of American commentary
A diplomatic source said Kushner sent a U.S. embassy official in his place, citing “personal commitments.” The U.S. embassy could not be reached for immediate comment.
Background of the summons: Post on the “X” platform
According to reports, the summons came after Barrot criticized American comments that the embassy had reposted on the “X” platform. These comments concerned the death of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque. He died from a severe head injury sustained during an attack at a demonstration in Lyon on February 12.
Washington condemns political violence
It is worth noting that the US administration condemned the “political violence of the extreme left” and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Details of the Lyon incident
Far-right activist Quentin Deranque, 23, died from severe head injuries sustained in a violent attack by far-left members on February 12.
Barrot: No to exploiting the tragedy politically
The agency reported that Barrot said on Sunday in a radio statement: “We reject any exploitation of this tragedy for political purposes,” adding that France “does not receive any lessons regarding violence,” especially from those he described as “international reactionaries.”
A wider debate and a reminder of the precedent of summons
It is worth noting that the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, commented on the killing of Duranc, which sparked a dispute between her and the French President, Emmanuel Macron. As a result, he asked her to stop “commenting on what happens to others.”
The US ambassador to France, who took up his post last summer, was also summoned to the Foreign Ministry in late August. This followed criticism that Paris deemed unacceptable regarding the “lack of sufficient action” to combat anti-Semitism. The US chargé d’affaires attended in his place that day.
