403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Former Diplomats Accuse French FM of Spreading Disinformation
(MENAFN) More than 150 former ministers, diplomats, and ambassadors from around the world have accused the French foreign minister of spreading disinformation regarding Francesca Albanese over remarks she was reported to have made about Israel, according to reports.
“In an era of escalating global disinformation, it is deeply concerning that the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, has relied upon and amplified manipulated content in remarks concerning Ms. Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the diplomats wrote in an open letter issued Wednesday.
The letter came after Barrot called last week for Albanese’s resignation over comments she was alleged to have made about Israel at a Gaza-focused conference. The signatories described the version of her remarks that circulated publicly as a “digitally distorted version.”
They said the amplification of disputed or manipulated material by a senior official raises “serious concerns” about verification standards and the protection of independent UN mandate holders.
“This issue extends beyond any individual mandate-holder. It raises broader concerns about the integrity of multilateral institutions and the responsibility of Member States to ensure that UN experts can carry out their mandates free from political interference or disinformation,” the letter added.
Warning that disinformation erodes trust in multilateral institutions and creates divisions among member states, the diplomats stressed that public officials bear a “heightened responsibility” to verify information and exercise restraint when addressing UN experts.
“This controversy must not divert attention from the mass killing of civilians and the catastrophic humanitarian and human rights crisis in Gaza. Leaders have a collective responsibility under international law to protect civilians, prevent further atrocities, and ensure accountability,” they added.
“In an era of escalating global disinformation, it is deeply concerning that the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, has relied upon and amplified manipulated content in remarks concerning Ms. Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the diplomats wrote in an open letter issued Wednesday.
The letter came after Barrot called last week for Albanese’s resignation over comments she was alleged to have made about Israel at a Gaza-focused conference. The signatories described the version of her remarks that circulated publicly as a “digitally distorted version.”
They said the amplification of disputed or manipulated material by a senior official raises “serious concerns” about verification standards and the protection of independent UN mandate holders.
“This issue extends beyond any individual mandate-holder. It raises broader concerns about the integrity of multilateral institutions and the responsibility of Member States to ensure that UN experts can carry out their mandates free from political interference or disinformation,” the letter added.
Warning that disinformation erodes trust in multilateral institutions and creates divisions among member states, the diplomats stressed that public officials bear a “heightened responsibility” to verify information and exercise restraint when addressing UN experts.
“This controversy must not divert attention from the mass killing of civilians and the catastrophic humanitarian and human rights crisis in Gaza. Leaders have a collective responsibility under international law to protect civilians, prevent further atrocities, and ensure accountability,” they added.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment