Spain will not join Trump’s Board of Peace, sticks to UN system

MADRID – Spain will not take part in the

“Board of Peace” initiative

launched by US President Donald Trump to tackle global conflicts, saying that the decision was consistent with its belief in multilateralism and the UN system.

“We appreciate the invitation, but we decline,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters on Jan 22 after a European Union summit in Brussels.

Washington says the body will help broker and monitor ceasefires, organise security arrangements and coordinate rebuilding in places emerging from war. The concept stems from Mr Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

Missing from the

board’s launch ceremony

held at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland’s Davos on Jan 22 were traditional American allies such as Canada, Britain and all EU members, except Hungary and Bulgaria.

Mr Sanchez cited consistency with Madrid’s commitment to international law, the UN and multilateralism as the main reasons Spain was declining to participate.

He also said the Board of Peace does not include the Palestinian Authority.

Israel has joined the board, along with Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. REUTERS