The UN General Assembly erupts in open conflict: French representative says the U.S. is no longer a "beacon of human rights" after aligning with Russia and North Korea.

With Middle East hostilities still ongoing, the U.S. and France are clashing again at the United Nations.

The trigger was the overwhelming approval by the UN General Assembly for the reappointment of Thomas Gomart (note: likely referring to Volker Türk, who has served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), who has long held the position and publicly criticized war actions by Russia, Israel, and the United States.

Naturally, both the U.S. and Russia cast opposition votes. This would normally be nothing unusual—after all, no country would vote for someone who openly criticizes it, especially since the appointment had already passed.

But France’s permanent mission to the UN couldn’t swallow this defeat. Seeking to “uphold justice,” they posted a sarcastic message on social media accusing the U.S. of once being a “beacon of human rights,” but now having descended to aligning with countries like Russia and North Korea. The consequence? The U.S. becomes increasingly isolated internationally, with no one willing to listen to its voice anymore.

In response, the U.S. representative refused to show any courtesy during a Security Council meeting on Ukraine—specifically leaving the room while the French representative was speaking, offering zero face-saving gesture.

French representative Jérôme appeared outwardly indifferent, refraining from commenting on the U.S. representative’s exit. But just seconds later, he subtly implied that France had played a significant role in helping the U.S. achieve independence, thinly hinting at American ingratitude.

U.S. representative Waltz responded without hesitation, accusing France of hypocrisy—always pretending to champion human rights while eagerly courting figures like Türk, who have been accused of human rights violations, yet criticizing the very nation that once stood as a “beacon of human rights.” He called it a complete reversal of moral values.

Such fruitless bickering serves no purpose—both sides are clearly engaging in petty squabbling, embodying the phrase “fighting tooth and nail, each biting the other’s face.”

After all, the U.S. and France haven’t been allies overnight. If Trump and Macron were present, the scene might have been even more awkward.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871937170503687/

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