The US ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, is currently barred from carrying out his full diplomatic duties after failing to attend a summons from the French foreign ministry. The dispute stems from a US statement regarding the death of a far-right activist in Lyon, Quentin Deranque.
Diplomatic Dispute Escalates
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Tuesday that Kushner “needs to be able to have this discussion with us, with [the foreign ministry], so that he can resume the normal exercise of his duties as ambassador in France.” Kushner did not appear at a scheduled meeting on Monday evening following the US embassy’s reposting of State Department comments on the case.
Initially, the French ministry requested Kushner be denied access to French government ministers, but would still be permitted to speak with foreign ministry officials. Barrot indicated on Tuesday that Kushner may now as well be blocked from communicating with government officials until he addresses his refusal to comply with the summons, which Barrot described as adhering to “basic” diplomatic customs.
Barrot emphasized that France does not accept interference in its national political debates. He also noted that Paris intends to discuss US sanctions against European figures, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Previous Instances of Friction
This is not the first time Kushner has missed a summons from the French foreign ministry. He also failed to attend a meeting in August after publishing an open letter criticizing the French government’s response to antisemitism. According to diplomatic sources, Kushner cited “personal commitments” as the reason for his absence from Monday’s meeting, sending a senior embassy official in his place.
The current dispute follows a separate diplomatic row between the US ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, and the Belgian government over an investigation into circumcisions. White has also announced that a Belgian politician has been barred from entering the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the French foreign ministry to summon Ambassador Kushner?
The summons was issued after the US embassy in Paris reposted State Department comments regarding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque.
Has the US ambassador responded to the summons?
Charles Kushner did not attend the scheduled meeting and instead sent a senior embassy official, citing personal commitments, according to diplomatic sources.
What is the current status of Ambassador Kushner’s access to French officials?
Currently, the French foreign ministry has requested that Kushner be denied direct access to French government ministers, and may extend this restriction to include foreign ministry officials until he explains his absence from the meeting.
As this situation unfolds, what impact will it have on the broader diplomatic relationship between the United States and France?
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