France Apologizes to US Over UN Human Rights Spat

France has apologized for a diplomatic spat with the US at the UN, after criticizing the US's vote against extending the term of the UN human rights chief. The apology was made by the French UN mission on September 11.

The French mission had criticized the US's vote, stating 'The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore'. This statement was made in response to the US voting against extending the term of UN human rights chief Volker Turk on July 24. The US was one of 10 countries to vote against extending Turk's term, including North Korea, Russia, and Nicaragua.

The US appreciated the apology, with a US State Department official stating 'We note and appreciate France’s statement and look forward to working together to further shared values and interests'. The apology was seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute, which had also held up the approval of Aurelien Lechevallier as France's next US ambassador.

Lechevallier is currently French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot's chief of staff. The US had been holding up his appointment due to the dispute. The US representative had also walked out of a UN Security Council meeting in protest of the French ambassador's comments.

## Why it matters The diplomatic spat between France and the US highlights the importance of human rights in international relations. The US's vote against extending the term of the UN human rights chief was seen as a significant departure from its traditional stance on human rights. The apology from France and the appreciation from the US demonstrate the willingness of both countries to work together despite their differences.

The dispute had also raised concerns about the impact on the relationship between the two countries. However, the apology and the appreciation from the US suggest that both countries are committed to maintaining their historical alliance and working together to advance peace, stability, and prosperity.