Rights council chief regrets US sanctions on UN expert for criticism of US policy on Gaza

GENEVA, July 10 (AFP): The president of the United Nations rights council said Thursday he regretted Washington's decision to sanction an expert appointed by the body over her criticism of US policy on Gaza.

"I regret the decision of the United States Government to impose sanctions on Ms. Francesca Albanese," Swiss ambassador and UN Human Rights Council president Jurg Lauber said in a statement.

His comment came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced that Washington was sanctioning the outspoken UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories.