Spain opts out of Trump’s Board of Peace: Here’s why

Spain has announced plans not to join Trump’s Board of Peace (BoP), which was formally launched on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed after an EU summit in Brussels, stating the country will not take part in the Board of Peace to reconstruct Gaza and tackle global conflicts.

“We appreciate the invitation, but we decline,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters.

Sanchez said the decision was consistent with its belief in multilateralism and the UN system.

Moreover, the country’s commitment to international law and the UN, and absence of the Palestinian Authority on board are the main reasons for not joining the BoP.

According to Washington, the board is not meant to challenge the UN. In fact, the body will help mediate and monitor ceasefire, rebuild the war-ravaged countries and places, and organize security arrangements.

Spain is not the first country which decided to decline Trump’s invitation. On Thursday, the UK also announced not to join the Board of Peace.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that the UK will not yet be signing up to the Board of Peace over concerns about Russian leader Vladimir Putin's possible participation.

When it comes to Canada, the US President has withdrawn an invitation for the neighbouring country in the aftermath of PM Mark Carney’s speech in Davos who warned of “a rupture in the US-led world order.”