Resolution strongly supported by dozens of countries, human rights groups and charities
Simon Tisdall
Sun 19 Apr 2020
Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference at the African Union headquarters, during the 33rd African Union (AU) Summit on February 8, 2020, in Addis Ababa. (Photo by MICHAEL TEWELDE / AFP)
The US fears the measure could hinder its ability to prosecute military operations against terrorist groups. Photograph: Oliver Contreras/EPA
The Trump administration and Russia are blocking efforts to win binding UN security council backing for a global ceasefire to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 150,000 lives worldwide.
The UN secretary-general, António Guterres, called for an immediate end to fighting involving governments and armed groups in all conflict areas almost one month ago. “The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war,” he said.
Yet despite strong support for a universal truce from dozens of countries, including leading US allies such as Britain, France and Germany, as well as human rights groups, charities and the pope, the Trump administration is refusing to be bound by the measure.
Categories: America, Americas, Asia, Europe, Russia, Syria, United States, US President, USA
Never belief official reasons given.