Macron accuses U.S. of "breaking free from" int'l rules

Macron said the time has come to fully reinvest in the United Nations (UN), adding that its largest shareholder, the United States, no longer believes in the institution.

PARIS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that the United States is "gradually turning away" from certain allies and "breaking free from international rules."

Speaking in his annual address to French ambassadors, Macron said the time has come to fully reinvest in the United Nations (UN), adding that its largest shareholder, the United States, no longer believes in the institution.

His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump signing on Wednesday a memorandum directing his country's withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN bodies.

While reaffirming France's commitment to multilateralism, Macron acknowledged that "multilateral institutions are functioning less and less effectively."

The French president's comments also came after renewed U.S. statements expressing a desire to take over the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland. France has voiced firm support for Denmark and Greenland, stressing that decisions on Greenland's future rest solely with its people.

Separately, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly criticized recent U.S. military operations that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, warning that such actions undermine the foundations of international law and could have "serious consequences for global security, which will spare no one." ■