Norway refuses to join Trump's "Board of Peace"

Norway's Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik has said the country will not join a "Board of Peace" proposed by US President Donald Trump, stating that it cannot participate in an initiative that undermines the principles and foundations of the United Nations.

Kravik said in an interview with Aftenposten Norway's participation in Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative, in its current form, would be inappropriate.

"It is absolutely clear that we cannot be part of an institution that calls into question the role of the UN and existing international law. That would be entirely impossible for us and not only for us but for the vast majority of at least European states as well as many others for whom the UN and international law are the backbone of their foreign policy," Kravik said.

Bloomberg reported earlier that French President Emmanuel Macron declined an invitation from Trump to join the "Board of Peace" he is establishing.

Under Trump's plans, a "Board of Peace" for Gaza would be established within the broader framework of his new "Board of Peace".

Bloomberg reported that Trump is seeking US$1 billion from countries hoping to secure a permanent seat on the Board of Peace he plans to establish, which is seen as a possible alternative to the United Nations.

Trump has invited a number of European countries, Canada, as well as Russia and Belarus, to join the "Board of Peace".