Daniel Bernard (13 September 1941; Lyon – 29 April 2004; Paris) was a French diplomat who served as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Algeria. He is remembered for a controversial remark about Israel.
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Controversial remark
Reported remark
In 2001, Daniel Bernard came to public attention when, as French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, he was quoted as saying: "All the current troubles in the world are because of that shitty little country, Israel." The diplomat added, "Why should the world be in danger of World War III because of those people?"
The remark was reported to have taken place during a conversation with Conrad Black of The Daily Telegraph at a private dinner party Black was hosting. Bernard's comment was then later repeated in an article written by Black's wife, Barbara Amiel, in The Daily Telegraph.
Initially, Bernard stated that he could not remember making it, but later insisted that what he said had been thoroughly distorted. Bernard's press secretary stated, "He does not deny the remarks, he just says first of all what he said was distorted." He also stated that he was outraged that a private discussion was reported by the media and clearly stated that he would not apologise.