France Regrets UN Post Criticizing US Rights Record as Envoy Delayed

France’s permanent mission to the United Nations expressed regret for an online post that criticized the United States’ commitment to human rights after the two countries took opposing positions in a General Assembly vote. France said the disagreement concerned a single vote and did not undermine the countries’ alliance or cooperation on peace, stability and prosperity. Washington welcomed the statement, saying it looked forward to advancing shared values and interests. The dispute had prompted the U.S. State Department to delay approval of Aurélien Lechevallier, French President Emmanuel Macron’s choice for ambassador to Washington. The vote involved opposition to extending Volker Türk’s term as U.N. high commissioner for human rights.