Italy Declines Invitation to Join Trump's Controversial 'Board of Peace'

Rome. Italy has indicated that it cannot join US President Donald Trump's controversial 'Board of Peace,' Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the ANSA news agency on Saturday. He stated that this is due to a significant legal conflict between the Italian Constitution and the committee's charter. However, he clarified that Italy remains ready to cooperate on peace initiatives.

Italy becomes the latest European country, following France, Germany, and the UK, not to join this committee. This committee was initially approved by the United Nations last year as a temporary body for post-war Gaza, but its jurisdiction was later broadened, and any mention of Gaza was removed.

Tajani cited Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which stipulates equality among states when joining any international body, but noted that the committee's charter grants Trump veto power with the final interpretive authority. Italy

Meanwhile, Tajani stated that Italy is prepared to provide police training in Gaza following a positive meeting in Milan with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. The committee is facing widespread criticism after demanding a $1 billion fee for permanent membership.

Its first meeting is expected to take place on February 19 in Washington, one day after a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu. Trump had sent invitations to 60 countries to join this committee; only 26 countries are currently on the list.