French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected US President Donald Trump's offer to join the "Peace Board" tasked with overseeing further steps in Gaza, his office said on Monday.
The decision was made due to concerns that the "Peace Board", headed by Trump, would have broad powers beyond the transitional government of the Gaza Strip and would undermine the United Nations framework, writes Politico, the Telegraph reports.
The statement noted that the board's charter "goes beyond the Gaza framework and raises serious questions, particularly regarding the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be questioned."
And regarding a possible decision by France, there has been a reaction from Trump.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump dismissed the French leader's influence, declaring: "Nobody wants him because he's going to be out of office very soon," while suggesting that punitive economic measures would eventually force Macron to the negotiating table.
Recall that Trump announced the establishment of the board - which he described as "the largest and most prestigious board ever assembled at any time, in any place" - as a key part of his 20-point plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
Trump's "Peace Board" is facing a particular controversy that is developing over the $1 billion fee that member countries are expected to pay if they want to remain as permanent members beyond three years.
Canada will join but will not pay for the permanent seat, Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
Trump has also extended invitations to join the board to Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as Albania, Argentina, Egypt, Hungary, India, Turkey and Vietnam.
Despite Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has also received an invitation, the Kremlin said on Monday.
Saudi Arabia has also been invited to join the board, according to a Saudi official, who said the kingdom is considering the invitation.
The board's executive committee will include, among others, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Ajay Banga, the head of the World Bank. /Telegrafi/
