The US Ambassador To The Netherlands Refused To Answer A Question In A Very Awkward Press Conference

Get the Full Story“This is the Netherlands, you have to answer questions.”

Arriving in the Netherlands for his new post, he held a press conference with some Dutch journalists.

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They had some questions. Well, just one actually. And it got awkward.

Washington Post Via washingtonpost.com

The new ambassador was asked about his previous comments, telling reporters he had already made a statement. I am not revisiting the issue, he told the room.

Roel Geeraedts, with Dutch channel RTL Nieuws, followed up on the original question.

He referenced a quote by John Adams, America’s first ambassador to Holland, who said he hope only “honest” men would serve in the position. “If you’re truly an honest and wise man, could you please take back the remark about burned politicians or name the politician that was burned in the Netherlands?” Geeraedts asked. Hoeskra again tried to avoid the question, responding: “Thank you.”

Which obviously did not satisfy Geeraedts, who asked again.

John Thys AFP Getty Images

Then, another reporter asked for some specifics: Can you mention any example of a Dutch politician who was burned in recent years?

And another: “Why don’t you answer the question?”

“This is the Netherlands, you have to answer questions,” said yet another reporter.

Washington Post Via washingtonpost.com

So far, the only comment the ambassador has given was posted on his Twitter on 23 December. In it, he stated: “I made certain remarks in 2015”. He added that he regretted the “exchange” with Nieuwsuur, and issued an apology.

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