Poland and Italy have announced that they will not join US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” 24NewsHD TV reported.
The governments in Warsaw and Rome confirmed on Wednesday that they would stay out of the body, while other US allies are expected to be included in the list of participants.
Russia and Belarus have reportedly been invited to join the board, a move that has prompted unease in several Western capitals.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told a government meeting that Poland would refrain from participating due to “certain national reservations” regarding the structure and format of the proposed board.
“Taking into account some national doubts about the shape of the board, under these circumstances, Poland will not take part in the work of the Board of Peace, but we will continue to analyze it,” Tusk said.
He emphasized that Poland’s strategic relationship with the United States remains a priority.
“Our relations with the United States have been and will remain a priority.
If circumstances change in a way that would justify participation in the board’s work, we will not rule out any scenario,” he added.
Italy also confirmed it would not join the initiative, though officials did not provide detailed reasons.
The inclusion of Russia and Belarus in the proposed body appears to have contributed to the cautious response from several Western nations.