US Walks Out of UN Meeting Over France's Comments

On Monday, during a UN Security Council meeting focused on the war in Ukraine, the United States delegation, led by Dan Negrea, an alternate representative to the General Assembly, walked out in protest of comments made by France’s ambassador. Negrea condemned France's remarks that likened the US to North Korea and other authoritarian regimes concerning human rights votes, labeling it as “disingenuous grandstanding.” He stated, “That is why we walked out during France’s intervention.” This incident is notable as such walkouts are rare in the Security Council, where both the US and France hold veto power.

The tension escalated after the US voted against extending Volker Turk’s term as UN high commissioner for human rights, aligning with countries like North Korea and Russia. Following the US exit, Bonnafont remarked on France's historical role in supporting the US and emphasized France's commitment to the UN's mission of upholding human rights and peace.