Romania is holding talks with the American side on the Romania’s participation in the Peace Council to be held on February 19, President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday.

„We are still in talks with the American side, and the subject of the discussion is what the status of a country that at this moment can only be an observer, such as Romania, could be. I mean, what is the format of the discussion and what is their role in this meeting? Depending on the response of the American side, we decide whether to go or not,” the president explained, before attending an informal retreat of the European Council at Alden-Biesen Castle, Belgium.

Dan added that Romania is also conducting talks with other European states on this subject and estimated that a decision will be taken this week.

„Of course we are talking, but the answer is provided by Romania. (…) Everything is in a flux, because the American side is also reconsidering against the answers they received. So probably this week we will make the decision.’

Asked if Romania will not join the council, given that the countries with an observer status will have a rather secondary role, Dan said that it is important for Romania to participate, given its traditional ties with Israel and the Arab states.

„It depends, because, as you know, the situation in Gaza is important for Europe. Romania traditionally has relations with Israel and with the Arab countries in the area. So, it is important for us to be there, but it depends on conditions.”

Dan also said that there is a possible overlap between the UN Charter and this Peace Council.

„That is why, discussions – which I estimate will be complicated – take place, we can only be observers,” said Dan.

On February 8, Dan announced having received an invitation to participate in the first meeting of the Peace Council, which takes place in Washington on February 19, specifying that the decision on Romania’s participation will be taken following consultations with American partners.

„As I said before, Romania welcomes the efforts of the U.S. Administration to promote peace,” the president wrote in a social media post back then.

According to him, after receiving the invitation, Romania started talks with the United States to clarify the compatibility of the Council Charter with the international commitments already pledged. AGERPRES