France warns of an unprecedented diplomatic crisis with the US and Australia 0
(Dan Tri) – France’s Foreign Minister said the country is falling into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis with the US and Australia after a historic agreement on submarine cooperation.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (Photo: Tehran Times).
`The fact that for the first time in the history of relations between the US and France, we have recalled the ambassador for consultations is a serious political action that shows the extent of the current crisis between the two countries and with Australia as well.`
France on September 17 recalled two French ambassadors to the US and Australia back to Paris for consultations, two days after US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced an agreement.
The French government said it felt `betrayed` when Australia canceled an estimated $65 billion deal with France to build 12 conventional submarines, instead reaching a new deal with the US and UK on powered submarines.
Immediately after the leaders of the US, UK and Australia announced the AUKUS agreement, the French Foreign Minister and Defense Minister issued an angry statement.
The French diplomat described the recall of the ambassadors as a `symbolic` action intended to `show how disgruntled France is`.
The French Foreign Minister said yesterday that `a serious crisis` was taking place between the allies.
Foreign Minister Le Drian said French President Emmanuel Macron has not yet spoken to US President Joe Biden about the controversial submarine deal.
Mr. Le Drian also criticized Britain’s opportunism when joining forces with the US and Australia in the new agreement.
`We have recalled our ambassadors in Canberra and Washington to reassess the situation. With Britain there is no need. We know their constant opportunism. So there is no need to recall the ambassador
French Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault also said that the AUKUS agreement `is a huge mistake, a very bad way of handling the partnership`.
America and Britain sought to placate France.
AUKUS is considered to be aimed at curbing China’s influence in the region, but has `displeased` France.
