France says EC has no mandate to attend "Board of Peace" talks

Confavreux added that France was "surprised" by the EC's reported attendance, emphasizing that the commission "does not have a mandate from the European Council to attend and participate in this meeting."

PARIS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- France on Thursday voiced surprise over reports that the European Commission (EC) took part in a meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's so-called Board of Peace, stating that the European Council had not authorized the commission to attend.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said the Board of Peace should concentrate on the situation in Gaza. He noted that France would refrain from participating as long as uncertainties remain regarding the board's mandate and scope.

Confavreux added that France was "surprised" by the EC's reported attendance, emphasizing that the commission "does not have a mandate from the European Council to attend and participate in this meeting." He said the EC would be expected to clarify its involvement after returning.

According to U.S. media reports, Trump hosted the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday.

Trump officially launched the board on Jan. 22 during a charter-signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Several major countries and longstanding U.S. allies have declined to join the initiative. ■