Nicosia, along with several other capitals, is facing an acute diplomatic dilemma as intense pressure mounts from Donald Trump to sign the Charter of the proposed Peace Council for Gaza. The signing ceremony is scheduled for later today on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As of late Wednesday, Politis was informed that Cyprus would not be represented at today’s ceremony. Greek media reported that the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is also unwilling to sign documents that would legitimise a process seen as undermining the United Nations.
Initial enthusiasm gives way to unease
Cyprus received the invitation from the US president several days ago, with the initial reaction in Nicosia described as positive. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis publicly welcomed the move, portraying it as recognition of Cyprus’s regional role in the Middle East and as validation of its standing as a reliable and responsible actor for peace and cooperation.
That tone shifted rapidly following negative reactions from European diplomatic circles. It soon became clear that the initiative was widely viewed as a harmful development for the future of the UN and the international legal order.
According to information obtained by Politis, the invitation was accompanied by draft documents outlining the Charter, mandate and mission of the proposed Council. These texts suggest that the Peace Council would not be confined to Gaza but would function as a new international body, operating in competition with the UN and dealing with security and peace issues across multiple regions. Particular concern has been raised over provisions stipulating that Trump would serve as president of the Council for life, in a personal capacity rather than as US president.
A headache for the Foreign Ministry
The issue is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is conducting a detailed legal and political assessment of the documents. Officials are weighing Cyprus’s limited diplomatic leverage as a small state against the potential reaction of the US president should Nicosia decline the invitation.
Trump has already reacted sharply to France’s refusal to join the Peace Council, threatening 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne. However, rejections by other European countries, including Italy, Sweden and Norway, are seen as easing Cyprus’s position should it opt for a negative response.
Seeking cover through the EU
Politis understands that Cyprus, as the country holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, is coordinating closely with its European partners ahead of an extraordinary European Council meeting scheduled for today. A joint negative stance by EU member states would provide Nicosia with political cover and allow it to disengage from the process without standing alone.
Transatlantic relations have already been strained by the Greenland issue and by Trump’s recent threats towards Europe.
Former permanent representative of Cyprus to the UN and current member of the International Law Commission, Andreas Mavroyiannis, told Politis to the Point that it would be disastrous for Cyprus if President Nikos Christodoulides were to accept Trump’s invitation. He stressed that no serious democratic state should endorse a proposal that would create a body competing directly with the UN.
Mixed international responses
So far, the only EU member state to have accepted the invitation is Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, which has often diverged from the EU mainstream. Turkey announced that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan would attend the ceremony, rather than President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Canada has indicated it will not pay the one billion dollars reportedly required for permanent membership.
Ukraine appears inclined to reject the proposal after Russia was also invited, while China has confirmed receipt of an invitation without clarifying whether it will participate.
Growing backlash
Trump’s attempt to establish a new international body has triggered strong reactions. European diplomats, speaking anonymously to international news agencies, have described the initiative as a “mini-UN” designed to weaken and sideline the United Nations.
Many states argue that the move is misleading. While UN Security Council Resolution 2803 refers to a Peace Council for Gaza with a limited mandate and duration, the draft Charter circulated by the US goes far beyond those parameters, envisaging a permanent international organisation with a global remit.
For Cyprus, the decision remains unresolved, with officials weighing the risks of refusal against the consequences of endorsement in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.