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WASHINGTON: A rare public confrontation between two Western allies unfolded at the United Nations Security Council on Monday evening when the United States delegation walked out as the French ambassador began speaking.
The dramatic gesture followed a sharp diplomatic exchange over human rights, the United Nations system and Washington’s decision to oppose the extension of the mandate of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.
While Washington and Paris exchanged sharp accusations over human rights and the future of the UN system, Pakistan chose not to enter the dispute, focusing instead on the Ukraine war and the need for diplomacy.
The US protest was triggered by criticism from France after a General Assembly vote on extending Turk’s four-year mandate. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 144 countries voting in favour. The United States was among only 10 countries that opposed the extension.
