The French foreign minister has again lashed out at Australia and the United States over a failed billion-dollar deal for French submarines. In a television interview, Jean-Yves Le Drian accused the two countries tonight, among other things, of contempt and lies.
According to Paris, France has entered a diplomatic crisis with the US and Australia because Australia has abandoned a large purchase of French submarines. Instead, the country is going to do business with the United States.
Le Drian also did not have a good word for the United Kingdom, which is also involved in the deal. He accused the British of “consistent expediency”. He wants NATO to take responsibility for the failed deal.
According to the minister, President Macron has not yet had contact with his American counterpart Biden.
Le Drian previously spoke of “unacceptable behavior” from the three countries. Paris announced yesterday that the ambassadors are from the US and Australia recalled for consultation. According to the minister, it is the first time that France has done so. “This shows how deep the crisis between our countries has reached,” Le Drian said, referring to the US. “There has been hypocrisy, contempt and lies. You can’t act like that in a partnership.”
At his sudden departure from Australia, the French ambassador could not hide his horror:
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