France Finally Obtains Approval for New Ambassador to Washington
Aurélien Lechevallier has received the green light from U.S. authorities to take up the position of French ambassador to the United States, ending several weeks of diplomatic gridlock.
French diplomat Aurélien Lechevallier has obtained approval from U.S. authorities to become ambassador of France to Washington, according to reporting by France 24 on Tuesday. His nomination had remained in limbo since late July, amid a diplomatic rift between Paris and Washington.
According to the same source, this dispute was triggered by a critical statement published by the French mission to the United Nations regarding the human rights situation in the United States. This statement reportedly provoked a negative reaction from U.S. authorities, leading to the blocking of the validation of the new French ambassador's appointment for several weeks.
Agrément, the diplomatic procedure by which a host state officially accepts an ambassador designated by another state, is an essential step before that person can formally assume office. Without this approval, the diplomat cannot be formally installed in his position.
France 24 notes that this blockade had fueled tensions between the two countries, though it did not result in a rupture of diplomatic relations. The obtaining of approval thus marks the end of this episode of friction and allows Aurélien Lechevallier to take up his position as ambassador to Washington in the coming weeks.
Neither the French Foreign Ministry nor the U.S. State Department has so far issued a statement detailing the exact circumstances of this dispute or the terms of its resolution, according to available information.
Sources
- Après des semaines de brouille, le nouvel ambassadeur de France à Washington obtient son agrément — France 24 — Français
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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