Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has summoned the US ambassador to Brussels, according to Prévot's spokesperson speaking to VRT NWS.
The reason for this is Ambassador Bill White's sharp criticism of the Belgian government. White called on our country to stop the ‘ridiculous and anti-Semitic persecution of three Jewish circumcisers in Antwerp’. Prévot does not accept this criticism.
Minister Prévot's statement:
Any suggestion that Belgium is anti-Semitic is false, offensive and unacceptable. Belgium condemns anti-Semitism with the utmost determination. The fight against anti-Semitism, and against all forms of hatred and discrimination, is an absolute priority for our country.
Everyone must be able to practise their religion without fear of violence, discrimination or persecution. That is a cornerstone of our constitutional state. It is non-negotiable.
Belgian law allows ritual circumcision when performed by a qualified doctor under strict health and safety standards. The specific case referred to is the subject of a judicial investigation. I refrain from commenting on ongoing proceedings.
Labelling Belgium as anti-Semitic is not only wrong, it is dangerous disinformation that undermines the real fight against hatred.
As for the statements made by the American ambassador, they are unacceptable.
An ambassador accredited to Belgium has a responsibility to respect our institutions, our elected representatives and the independence of our judiciary. Personal attacks on a Belgian minister and interference in judicial matters violate the basic norms of diplomacy.
The ambassador has been summoned for a meeting this Tuesday.
Belgium is open to dialogue with all partners. However, interference in our democratic institutions and unfounded accusations cross a line that cannot be crossed. Respect for sovereignty works both ways.