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Paris – France has significantly curtailed the access of U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to the French government following a dispute over comments made by the U.S. State Department regarding the death of a far-right activist in Lyon. The escalating diplomatic tension centers on Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old who died from brain injuries sustained in a fight earlier this month, and the U.S. Government’s subsequent statements on the incident.
The French Foreign Ministry announced Monday that Kushner would no longer have direct access to government ministers, though he will be permitted to continue performing other diplomatic duties. This action follows Kushner’s failure to appear at a formal summons to discuss the State Department’s assertions about the case, which French officials have characterized as an attempt to exploit a national tragedy for political purposes. The situation underscores a growing rift between Paris and Washington over the handling of politically sensitive issues and the role of external commentary in domestic affairs.
State Department Comments Spark Outrage
The controversy began when the U.S. State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.” This statement, according to French officials, misrepresented the situation and inappropriately inserted the U.S. Government into a domestic investigation. Seven people have been handed preliminary charges, with prosecutors requesting charges of intentional homicide, aggravated violence, and criminal conspiracy, according to reports.
French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly condemned the State Department’s post, stating that France would not “allow this tragedy to be exploited for political ends.” He added, “We have no lessons to learn, particularly when it comes to violence, from international reactionary [forces].” Barrot had initially summoned Kushner to discuss the matter, but the ambassador did not attend, sending a senior embassy official in his place, citing personal commitments, France 24 reported.
Macron Calls for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
The death of Deranque, who was attacked during a confrontation on the fringes of a student meeting featuring a far-left lawmaker, Rima Hassan, has ignited political tensions in France ahead of next year’s presidential vote. President Emmanuel Macron called for calm on Saturday after approximately 3,000 people participated in a march in Lyon organized by far-right groups to honor Deranque.
The French government has rejected any attempts to politicize the tragedy, emphasizing that it is a matter for French authorities to investigate and address. A French diplomat, speaking anonymously, told POLITICO that Kushner’s actions demonstrated “this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of an ambassador who has the honor of representing his country.”
Kushner’s Previous Summoning
This is not the first time Ambassador Kushner has faced scrutiny from the French government. He was previously summoned in August over a letter he sent to President Macron alleging that France was not doing enough to combat antisemitism, NBC News reported. That incident highlighted existing sensitivities surrounding U.S. Diplomatic engagement on sensitive domestic issues in France.
The U.S. Embassy has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the latest developments. The State Department has maintained that its concern stems from the rise of “violent radical leftism” and its potential threat to public safety.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear what impact this diplomatic dispute will have on broader U.S.-France relations. However, it underscores the challenges of navigating politically charged environments and the importance of respecting national sovereignty in international diplomacy. The French government is expected to continue its investigation into Deranque’s death, while also seeking clarification from the U.S. Regarding its public statements on the matter.
What comes next will likely depend on whether Ambassador Kushner engages with French officials and addresses their concerns. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in maintaining strong international partnerships and the potential for miscommunication to escalate tensions.
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