Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday.FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images
Prime Minister Mark Carney is sounding a cautious note on his invitation to take part in U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” – even as other leaders balk at the hefty price tag and the list of countries Trump has invited to participate.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Carney said there are still many unanswered questions about the structure of the board, which is meant to oversee the next phase of the Gaza peace plan.
“We think there (are) aspects of the governance and the decision-making process that could be improved,” Carney said.
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“But we will work with others, obviously work with the United States, because we will do anything that we can to improve the situation, horrific situation there, and move on to a path to a … true two-state solution.”
Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan included the creation of a “Board of Peace.” That plan was endorsed by the UN Security Council in November.
Mr. Carney said on Sunday that he had agreed in principle to accept a Trump invitation to sit on the board
The board quickly became controversial when it was confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin had also been invited to take part, despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
It’s not clear how many leaders have been asked to join the board. Among those who have confirmed receiving invitations are the leaders of Israel, Belarus, Slovenia and Thailand, and members of the European Union’s executive.
A Palestinian girl walks past the rubble of houses destroyed in Israeli strikes during the war, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip on Saturday.HASEEB ALWAZEER/Reuters
Argentine President Javier Milei and Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña posted their invitations on their social media accounts over the weekend.
The widening list of countries invited to participate has led some global leaders to warn that the board’s mandate extends beyond the crisis in Gaza.
Trump has long been critical of multinational institutions and significantly cut U.S. funding to the United Nations. When asked Tuesday if he intends for the new peace board to replace the United Nations, the president said, “It might.”
World leaders have also questioned the board’s permanent membership fee of $1 billion. When asked about the price tag, Carney said Canada would be willing to provide funds directly to improve the welfare of Palestinians.
Earlier Tuesday, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told reporters in Davos that there are a lot of details to be worked out regarding Canada’s possible participation in the board.
“One thing which is clear is that Canada is not going to pay if we were to join the ’Board of Peace,’” Champagne said.
Trump, meanwhile, has suggested that rejecting the invitation could bring retaliation.
While leaving Florida Monday night, Trump was asked about French President Emmanuel Macron indicating that France may not join the board.
Trump claimed Macron would change his mind once the U.S. imposes a 200 per cent tariff on his country’s wines.
With reports from The Associated Press