More than 30 countries supported the “Peace Council”: what changes can Ukraine expect?
22 January 09:55
According to Reuters, citing an unnamed senior White House official, “about 35 countries” have agreed to join the “Peace Council” initiated by US President Donald Trump, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
Invitations were sent to leaders of about 60 countries, including Russia, Belarus, and China. Some of them are reluctant to reject Trump’s proposal for fear of damaging relations with him, the agency writes, having surveyed 16 politicians and delegates from Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“Officials from a number of regions said in private conversations that joining Trump’s ‘Peace Council’ feels more like a necessity than a choice,” the publication notes.
The charter of the “Peace Council” is to be signed in Davos on January 22.
The charter of the “Peace Council” is expected to be signed in Davos on January 22, and Trump himself will become the head of the new body. The executive committee will include, among others, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Some European leaders, according to Reuters, are concerned that, judging by the draft charter, decision-making powers in the “Peace Council” will be concentrated in the hands of Donald Trump. The latter will apparently be able to retain the position of chairman of the “Council” for life, since dismissal from this position is possible only at his own request or by a unanimous vote of the members of the executive committee.
Meanwhile, as an unnamed European diplomat explained to the agency, although EU countries will consult with each other on joining the Council, the final decision will be made individually by each state, depending on national interests.
Who refused to join the “Council”
According to Radio Liberty, as of January 21, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the UAE, Vietnam, and a number of other countries had agreed to become members of the “Peace Council.” In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron intends to decline the invitation, Reuters reports. As explained by the country’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, due to the charter of the “Peace Council,” France’s membership in this body would be incompatible with its obligations to other international organizations, primarily the UN.
Sweden and Norway have also refused to join the Peace Council. Meanwhile, Italy and Germany have not yet made a decision. The German government has criticized the Peace Council as “unnecessary.”
