Trump to sign deal establishing "Board of Peace" on Thursday – ABC News
US President Donald Trump is expected to hold a signing ceremony for a deal establishing a "Board of Peace" at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday 22 January.
Source: ABC News
Details: ABC News, citing US officials, said invitations to the "Board of Peace" had been sent to more than 50 world leaders over the weekend. A White House spokesperson said around 30 countries are expected to join.
Some US allies have reacted cautiously to the initiative, either withholding public support for the board or turning down Trump's invitation, as they question the need for an alternative to the United Nations.
Quote from Trump: "I think the board of peace will be the most prestigious board ever, and it's going to get a lot of work done that the United Nations should have done.
And we'll work with the United Nations. But the 'Board of Peace' is going to be special. We're going to have peace."
Details: Asked on Tuesday at the White House whether the board would replace the UN, Trump replied: "It might."
France, Norway and Sweden either declined or expressed serious reservations about the board, while Germany, the UK and Italy have remained noncommittal.
The Kremlin confirmed this week that Russia had also received an invitation, despite its ongoing war against Ukraine.
The full list of invitees has not been released by the White House. It is unknown how many countries will sign the agreement during Thursday's ceremony.
A draft charter reviewed by ABC News states that the "Board of Peace" would have a broader mandate as an international organisation and peacekeeping body, aiming to resolve global conflicts and secure lasting peace, similar to a US-led alternative to the United Nations.
Trump is expected to lead the board and could potentially hold the position for life.
Quote from an American official: "The Chairmanship can be held by President Trump until he resigns it. A future US president, however, may choose to appoint or designate the United States' representative to the Board."
Previously: Trump has invited 49 countries and the European Commission to join a "Board of Peace" for Gaza. Ukraine is among the invitees, but has not yet responded.
Background:
- It was reported earlier that Russia and Belarus are among the countries that have been invited to join Trump's "Board of Peace".
- On 20 January, self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko became the first world leader to sign an official confirmation that his country would accept Trump's invitation to join the "Board of Peace".
- According to Trump's plans, the "Board of Peace for Gaza" is to be created under the broader umbrella of the "Board of Peace". Trump intends to ask countries to pay US$1 billion for permanent membership.
- Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia is willing to contribute US$1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the US to Trump's "Board of Peace for Gaza".
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