Feb 24 • 10:36 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

France Blocks Access to US Ambassador for Government Members After Snubbing Foreign Meeting

France has blocked US Ambassador Charles Kushner's access to government members following his absence from a meeting to discuss his controversial comments on the death of a far-right youth.

The diplomatic relations between the US and France have been strained following the controversy surrounding the death of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old member of a far-right group who was killed in Lyon after being assaulted by left-wing activists. The incident led to heightened tensions, especially after US Ambassador Charles Kushner failed to attend a scheduled meeting with the French Foreign Ministry where he was expected to clarify his remarks regarding Deranque's death. This absence has prompted Paris to take the unusual step of denying him access to French government officials.

Kushner, a prominent figure due to his family ties to former President Donald Trump, has found himself at the center of a diplomatic fallout. His failure to address the situation has not only sparked outrage among French officials but has also raised questions about US foreign policy in relation to far-right extremism and its implications for international relations. The French government expressed its frustration, arguing that engagement and dialogue are essential in addressing sensitive issues that involve national tragedies and political narratives.

This incident illustrates the ongoing complexities of US-France relations, highlighting how domestic political issues can spill over into international diplomacy. With rising extremism on both sides of the political spectrum, the diplomatic community is watching closely how this situation unfolds and what it means for future interactions between the two nations. The ramifications of Kushner's remarks and actions will likely influence discussions beyond this incident, impacting the broader narrative around far-right movements and government responses in both countries.

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