US President Donald Trump is seeking to soon announce the formation of a “Peace Council” under his chairmanship, with the mission of providing strategic oversight for the implementation of the comprehensive plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip. However, the council’s charter, announced by the White House, outlines global roles for the council that extend beyond the Gaza file, seeking to “ensure lasting peace in regions affected by or threatened by conflicts,” according to the text of the charter.
A number of countries have expressed reservations about this council, linking the matter to the concern that this entity could lead to the formation of a body that competes with or serves as an alternative to the United Nations.
The countries of the world invited by President Trump to join the council are divided between those agreeing to join and those opposing membership, while other countries have preferred to wait before responding to President Trump’s invitation, and others have expressed reservations about the role Washington intends for this council.
Who has agreed to join so far?
Bahrain and the UAE both stated on Tuesday that they have accepted the invitation extended by Trump to the leadership of the two Gulf nations to join the Peace Council chaired by Trump.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that King Mohammed VI will join the Peace Council as a “founding member.”
In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated last Sunday that he accepted the “honorable” invitation from his ally Trump to be a “founding member” of the council.
In Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced today via Facebook that he has accepted the American invitation.
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, also signed an agreement today to join the Peace Council.
A news agency reported yesterday, Monday, quoting the press secretary for the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, that the President received a US invitation to join the Peace Council and that Tokayev has accepted the invitation.
Which countries rejected the invitation?
Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted sources close to French President Emmanuel Macron stating that Paris is “not committed to fulfilling” the invitation to join the council at this stage, noting that France sees the need to address international conflict issues within existing multilateral frameworks, primarily the United Nations.
A third category: Studying their response or holding reservations
President Trump previously stated yesterday that he invited his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to join the Peace Council, while Moscow said it seeks to “clarify all details” with Washington before making a decision.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated today, Tuesday, that he received an invitation to join the Peace Council but “cannot imagine” participating in the council alongside Russia.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated today that his country will take a cautious stance toward the Peace Council announced by US President Donald Trump until Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip cease and the delivery of humanitarian aid is guaranteed.
The European Commission said its President, Ursula von der Leyen, received an invitation from Trump and is withholding her answer, while the German government emphasized the need for “coordination” with its partners.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Beijing has “received an invitation from the American side” without specifying its position.
In Canada, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said, “We are studying the situation. But we will not pay a billion dollars.” The Swiss Foreign Ministry stated that the country will conduct a “careful analysis” of the proposal and will hold consultations before determining its position, with a similar stance issued by Australia.
While the White House has not published the list of countries invited to join the Peace Council, many capitals have announced that their leaders received invitations but have not yet announced their positions. These countries include: Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Japan, Greece, Argentina, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Albania, Brazil, Paraguay, Slovenia, and Poland, in addition to India and South Korea.
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