Summons of US Ambassador to France: "Interference" and "Unacceptable Remarks," Government Denounces
Charles Kushner criticized Emmanuel Macron's "lack of sufficient action" against anti-Semitism. On Monday, Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister of Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, wanted the ambassador to "withdraw" his remarks.
By Le ParisienIn a letter addressed to the head of state, obtained Sunday by Agence France Presse, the American ambassador to France, Charles Kushner , expressed to the President of the Republic "his deep concern at the surge in anti-Semitism." "France firmly refutes these latest allegations," responded the Quai d'Orsay, a few hours after the publication of this letter, announcing the summons of the American ambassador on Monday .
Invited on TF1 this Monday morning, Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister of Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, barely had time to react to this news before a break on the set interrupted the interview . "The comments made are unacceptable. We summoned him to explain the contents of this letter and to remind him of international law, we do not interfere," the minister said.
In his letter, the American ambassador echoes Benjamin Netanyahu's argument. "Statements that vilify Israel and gestures in recognition of a Palestinian state encourage extremists, foment violence and endanger Jewishness in France," argues Charles Kushner, who is also the father of Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner . "Today, there is no longer any room for equivocation: anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism, period."
When it comes to combating anti-Semitism, France has "no lessons to learn," Laurent Saint-Martin emphasizes. "Emmanuel Macron said that we must fight anti-Zionism , which is a new form of anti-Semitism."
Following these "erroneous and unacceptable" remarks, the Minister of Foreign Trade believes that "it would be right to withdraw them" and that Charles Kushner "is fighting the wrong target, the wrong battle": "Americans and French people should come together rather than divide."
The United States, a staunch supporter of Israel, does not approve of France's recognition of the State of Palestine, scheduled for September. But recognizing Palestine means "finding a lasting two-state peace solution," Laurent Saint-Martin points out.
Le Parisien
