G77, China demand end to sanctions in pandemic

The Group of 77 and China has called for an end to unilateral sanctions against developing countries during the coronavirus crisis, warning they could hinder efforts to tackle the pandemic.

In a statement implicitly aimed at the United States, which has tough sanctions against Iran and Venezuela, the coalition of developing nations on Friday said the application of "unilateral coercive economic measures will have a negative impact on the capacity of states to respond efficiently."
It warned that such measures would affect targeted countries' acquisition of medical equipment and supplies "to adequately treat their populations in the face of this pandemic."
China takes part in G77 business but does not consider itself to be a member of the 134-member coalition, meaning official statements are issued by the "G77 and China."