Donald Trump threatens to impose “200% customs duties” on French wines and champagnes, after Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to hitch his “peace council” | EUROtoday

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, threatened on Tuesday January 20 to impose 200% customs duties on French wines and champagnes in response to the refusal of his counterpart Emmanuel Macron to hitch his “peace council”.

Donald Trump responded: “He said that?” ​Well, nobody desires him, as a result of ​he’ll quickly be with no warrant.”. “I am going to put 200% customs duties on its wines and champagnes. And he will adhere to it. But he is not obliged to adhere to it »he told reporters in Florida on Monday evening US East Coast time.

Mr. Trump also confirmed having invited his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to join this peace council, which he wants to shape to work towards the resolution of conflicts in the world, in competition with the UN. “Yes, he was invited”Mr. Trump replied to a journalist.

Just like the Russian President, the King of Jordan, Abdallah II, or the President of the Italian Council, Giorgia Meloni, Emmanuel Macron was invited as President of the Republic to join the peace council launched at the initiative of Donald Trump as part of the American plan to bring about an end to the war led by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

“In conjunction with our close partners, we are currently examining the provisions of the text proposed as the basis of this new body, the project of which goes beyond the sole situation in Gaza”the Quai d’Orsay first announced early Monday afternoon. But, a few hours later, Emmanuel Macron’s entourage announced that France “do not hear[ait] not give a favorable response”at this stage.

A $1 billion stake

This initiative proposed by the United States “goes beyond just Gaza”informed the entourage of the Head of State to the World. “It raises major questions, in particular regarding respect for the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot under any circumstances be called into question. »

According to a document consulted by Agence France-Presse, the invitation for this peace council would be valid for three years. A permanent place within it would be subject to a participation of 1 billion dollars (around 860 million euros), according to the same source.