Iran Decries Harmful Impacts of Sanctions on COVID-19 Battle
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s ambassador to international organizations in Vienna denounced the damaging effects that unilateral sanctions have on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in developing countries.
Addressing the 48th session of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board, held online on Monday, Kazem Gharibabadi said the battle against COVID-19 requires a comprehensive and coordinated multilateral approach to support the vulnerable countries.
“We still witness the use of unilateral sanctions against countries in clear violation of the goals and principles of the UN Charter, international law and human rights as well as the principles of multilateralism and the norms of diplomacy and international relations,” he added.
“We express our deep concern about the serious consequences of the coronavirus for many developing countries, including those that are vulnerable and face serious challenges beyond their control,” Press TV quoted the envoy as saying.
He also noted that the highly contagious virus should be contained through global cooperation and solidarity, adding, “We strongly believe that now is the critical time for cooperation and communication not only on the basis of shared responsibility, but also through a decisive joint action as an international community.”
Gharibabadi further urged UNIDO to increase its cooperation with other agencies of the world body to ensure the affected countries’ continued access to medical equipment as well as fair production and distribution of vaccines.