WHO clause blocks UN Security Council virus resolution

UNITED NATIONS

The US and China have gridlocked the United Nations Security Council in a dispute centered on the World Health Organizations (WHO) and the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Six-week talks for a COVID-19 draft resolution have grinder to a halt due to discussions on WHO, diplomatic sources told Anadolu Agency.

The resolution, prepared by France and non-permanent member Tunisia, includes 90 days cease-fire in conflicts around the world due to the outbreak.

While the US supports the global cease-fire call made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, China has pushed for a reference to WHO in the resolution.

Washington opposes this, as it criticizes as the organization as pro-Chinese and accuses it of failure in fighting the epidemic. It has since cut funding support for the organization.

The US also demands accurate data sharing and transparency from countries, including on case and death numbers, in the resolution, to the refusal of China.

The COVID-19 resolution faces vetoing between the two countries due to the WHO clause.

After originating in China last December, the virus has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed over 275,000 worldwide, with more than 3.95 million infections, while recoveries have exceeded 1.33 million, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.