The President of France Emmanuel Macron yesterday informed the United Nations that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a move back to an age of what he described as ‘imperialism’.
‘What we have witnessed since February 24 is a return to the age of imperialism and colonies. France refuses this and will work persistently for peace,’ he informed the UN General Assembly.
‘Who is a hegemon now if not Russia?’ he asked.
Macron addressed the General Assembly hours after Russian allies said they would call referendums on annexation in occupied parts of Ukraine, a move denounced by Western powers.
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European countries and the United States have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia but a number of developing nations have sought more of a middle ground and fear that the Ukraine crisis is overshadowing other concerns.
‘Those who are silent now on this new imperialism, or are secretly complicit with it, show a new cynicism that is tearing down the global order without which peace is not possible,’ Macron said.
Macron had last Friday tagged Britain as being an ally no matter who is in charge after the favourite to take over from Boris Johnson had refused to openly accept if the French leader was a ‘friend or foe’.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss had been asked the question at a campaign event in the Conservative party leadership race late Thursday.
‘If I become prime minister, I would judge him on deeds, not words. The jury’s out, she said to applause from Tory grassroots members.
On a visit to Algeria, Macron played down the comments.
‘The British people, the United Kingdom, is a friendly, strong and allied nation, regardless of its leaders, and sometimes in spite of its leaders or the little mistakes they may make in grandstanding,’ he told reporters.
Britain and France are notably allies at the heart of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization political and military alliance and also on the United Nation Security Council members.