Trump Withdraws Canada’s Invite to ‘Board of Peace’
US President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join his newly established ‘Board of Peace,’ marking yet another chapter in the ongoing tensions between the North American neighbors.
– In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, addressing Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently sparked headlines with remarks about a potential rupture in the US-led global order.
– Canada had signaled its willingness to join the board but communicated it would not foot the $1 billion (£740 million) membership fee proposed by Trump for permanent member nations.
An Overview of the ‘Board of Peace’
– The board, which grants Trump expansive decision-making authority as its chairman, is being introduced as a new international organization aimed at conflict resolution, with a particular focus on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
– Despite this, the proposed charter notably lacks any mention of the Palestinian territory and appears structured to replace certain United Nations functions.
Membership Details
– Approximately 60 nations have received invitations to join, with about 35 already committing, including:
– Argentina
– Belarus
– Morocco
– Vietnam
– Pakistan
– Kazakhstan
– Uzbekistan
– Kosovo
– Hungary
– Egypt
– Turkey
– Qatar
– Jordan
– Indonesia
– Saudi Arabia
– However, none of the permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, Russia, or the UK—have agreed to participate thus far.
Concerns and Responses from Global Leaders
– The UK has conveyed concerns about the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially in light of ongoing conflict in Ukraine since the 2022 invasion.
– France has stated that the current charter is incompatible with its international commitments, particularly regarding UN membership.
– European Council President Antonio Costa expressed skepticism about the board’s scope but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the US on initiatives related to Gaza. He noted, We have serious doubts about a number of elements in the charter of the Board of Peace related to its scope, its governance and its compatibility with the UN Charter.
Canada’s Position
– Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent speech at the World Economic Forum earned him a rare standing ovation, where he encouraged middle powers to unite against economic coercion from larger nations—implicitly critiquing Trump, though he refrained from naming him.
– Shortly after, Trump retorted at the same forum that Canada benefits from numerous freebies from the US, asserting, Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.
– In response, Carney emphasized Canada’s independence by stating, Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadians.
Conclusion
Trump’s recent withdrawal of Canada’s invitation to the ‘Board of Peace’ underscores mounting tensions and diverging perspectives between the US and Canada. As the international community watches closely, questions arise about the board’s overall effectiveness and the implications for global governance. While some nations embrace the new initiative, reluctance from major global powers highlights ongoing challenges in achieving a unified approach to conflict resolution.