PARIS, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday voiced unsatisfaction after U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner failed to attend a summons by the French Foreign Ministry, saying diplomatic representatives must respect established protocol.
Speaking to French media France Info, Barrot said that when one has the honor of representing one's country in France, one need to respect diplomatic customs and responds to summonses from the foreign ministry.
Barrot described the ambassador's absence "a surprise," pointing to Kushner's "personal responsibility" in the matter. He noted that summoning an ambassador when explanations are required is a routine diplomatic practice.
"This in no way affects the relationship between France and the United States," Barrot said. "However, it will naturally affect his ability to carry out his mission in our country."
The French minister reiterated that France does not accept foreign interference in its domestic political debate and said the purpose of the summons was to seek clarification.
The summons followed statements by the U.S. embassy on social media about the death of Quentin Deranque, a French far-right activist, which French authorities viewed as inappropriate.
On Friday, the U.S. Embassy said on X account that "violent left-wing extremism is on the rise, and its role in Quentin Deranque's death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety."
On Monday, France restricted Kushner's access to senior government officials after he failed to attend a summons from the French Foreign Ministry.
According to French media reports, Deranque was seriously injured during a clash between rival radical groups at a conference in Lyon on Feb. 12. The event was organized by a member of the hard-left party La France Insoumise (LFI). Deranque later died from his injuries. ■