More than 30 countries have agreed to join Trump`s "Peace Council"
More than 30 countries have already confirmed their readiness to join the "Peace Council" initiated by US President Donald Trump. This was reported on 21 January by Reuters, citing a senior White House official. In total, the United States sent invitations to about 60 countries, including Russia, Belarus and China.
According to Reuters, some countries confirmed their participation not on their own initiative, but to avoid a possible deterioration in relations with Trump. According to the agency's interlocutors from Latin America, the Middle East and Europe, joining the "Peace Council" is perceived more as a necessity than as a free choice. One of the Western delegates recalled Washington's previous steps to raise tariffs, as well as the US's tough stance on Iran, Venezuela, the Gaza Strip and Greenland.
The charter of the new body is expected to be signed on 22 January during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump himself is expected to become the chairman of the Peace Council. According to the White House, the executive committee will include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The draft charter has raised concerns among some European leaders. According to the document, key decision-making powers are concentrated in the hands of the council chair. Trump will only be able to leave the position at his own request or with the unanimous consent of the members of the executive committee. European diplomats note that EU countries will consult with each other, but each country will make its own final decision based on national interests.
According to Radio Liberty, as of 21 January, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the UAE, Vietnam and a number of other states have already agreed to participate in the Peace Council. Seven Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Qatar, have stated that they support the goal of achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and post-war reconstruction of the region.
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron intends to decline the invitation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot explained that participation in the "Peace Council" is incompatible with Paris' international commitments, primarily within the UN. Sweden and Norway have also declined to participate, while Italy and Germany have yet to make a decision. Berlin called the initiative unnecessary, stressing that instead of creating new bodies, the role of the UN should be strengthened.
USA, Donald Trump, Davos, Rubio, Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, Macron, UN
