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US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to join his new Peace Board that will oversee the next phase of the Gaza peace plan.
Trump confirmed Putin's invitation while speaking to reporters at the College Football Playoff National Championship in Florida, where Indiana defeated Miami.
“Yes, he's been invited,” Trump told reporters.
SIX COUNTRIES CONFIRM US INVITATIONS TO THE GAZA PEACE BOARD
President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The Kremlin said earlier on Monday that Putin had received the invitation, adding that it is now “studying the details” and will seek clarity on “all nuances” in communications with the US government.
France also received an invitation but does not plan to join the Peace Council “at this stage,” a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.
The French official said the issue is raising questions, particularly regarding respect for the principles and structure of the United Nations.
US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
Asked at the championship game if Macron was unlikely to join, Trump criticized his French counterpart and threatened tariffs for refusing to accept the invitation.
“Well, nobody likes him because he's leaving office very soon,” Trump said of Macron.
“I will put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he will join in,” he added. “But he doesn't have to join.”
LINDSEY GRAHAM MEETS DIRECTOR OF MOSSAD DURING TRIP TO ISRAEL
US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands. (REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool)
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Several other countries have also received invitations, including Israel, Canada, Belarus, Slovenia and Thailand.
Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary and Argentina have already accepted invitations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
