China demands lifting unilateral sanctions on Cuba and 25 nations

China demanded at UN the immediate end of US sanctions against Cuba and 25 other nations, after denouncing their devastating effect amid the Covid-19 pandemic, according to reports.

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun emphasized that only the end of the coercive measures will allow the international community to achieve an efficient and comprehensive response to the health crisis.

Zhang regretted that Washington and other Western powers resort to punishment, at a time when giving way to solidarity and cooperation globally is necessary.

Unilateral measures have an undeniable impact on human rights, prevent progress towards the socio-economic development and achieve the peoples' welfare, especially children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities, he said.

The Chinese ambassador expressed concern due to that those measures also limit access to health supplies and services, which are very necessary to fight Covid-19.

Zhang spoke on behalf of Cuba, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Eritrea, Laos, Iran, Syria, Myanmar, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Sudan, Suriname, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

The diplomat thus joined the call made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, and several organizations to eradicate any unilateral sanction because it curbs humanitarian aid amid the pandemic.