MOSCOW, February 11. /TASS/. The Board of Peace proposed by US President Donald Trump will not be able to replace the United Nations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Empatia Manuchi online project.

The Russian foreign minister was asked whether the Board of Peace could replace the world organization. "No. That is an entirely different matter," Lavrov replied.

"When the Secretariat lists someone’s nationality as Pakistan/USA, it is clear to everyone that this individual’s children are likely studying abroad and that they hold an account in some American bank," the top diplomat noted. According to him, this is compounded by the fact that toward the end of the Soviet period, despite Moscow’s objections, permanent contracts were introduced at the UN.

"Previously, one had to be reappointed every five years. Now, appointments are permanent. Once you secure a permanent contract, you settle in New York, your children attend school there - roots are firmly planted. This, of course, renders the UN and its Secretariat a highly politicized instrument," he admitted.

On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos as a part of efforts toward a settlement in the Gaza Strip. Washington later said additional states had joined the body. The Board of Peace was created in accordance with an agreement between Israel and the radical Palestinian movement Hamas to administer Gaza, but it is also expected to work on preventing and resolving conflicts in other regions.