White House spokesman Josh Earnest has indirectly compared new British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to Israeli envoy Ron Dermer when asked if the US administration would be able to work with someone who has been vocally critical of Obama.
“I got questions of this variety when Prime Minister Netanyahu had announced that Ambassador Dermer would be the Israeli envoy to the United States. What I said in that situation is what I’ll say here,” Earnest says.
This file photo taken on October 28, 2014 shows Mayor of London Boris Johnson boxes with a trainer during his visit to Fight for Peace Academy in North Woolwich, London, on October 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL)
He then goes on to highlight the fact that the US and UK’s special relationship “transcends any single personality.”
“The decision we will make is to seek to deepen and strengthen our special relationship with the UK, regardless of who serves in a position as prominent as foreign minister,” he says.
Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer presents his credentials to President Barack Obama at the White House, December 4, 2013. (photo credit: Twitter/Amb. Ron Dermer)
Johnson, an eccentric former London mayor, known for his gaffes and buffoonery, was chosen Wednesday by Theresa May as the top diplomat to lead the country out of the EU. Among other outspoken remarks, he has refered to Obama as the part-Kenyan President [with an] ancestral dislike of the British Empire,” and compared Hillary Clinton to “a sadistic nurse in a mental hospital.”
Dermer too has been known to be critical of Obama and the White House, though while using less salty language.
Earnest also said Obama had called to congratulate new British Prime Minister Theresa May.
“The president certainly looks forward to working with Prime Minister May in the six months he has remaining in office,” Earnest said.
— with AFP
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