The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has called for humanitarian aid to be provided to Iran, which has been hard hit by the coronavirus crisis and is complaining that it is unable to buy the necessary equipment because of US sanctions (see EUROPE 12451/35).
“In Iran, the situation is becoming dramatic. We must continue to provide humanitarian aid”, the High Representative stressed at the end of the ‘Foreign Affairs’ Council held by videoconference. He acknowledged, however, that the EU has so far not really been able to provide much humanitarian aid.
According to Borrell, €20 million in humanitarian aid is expected to be provided to the country in the coming weeks.
Humanitarian aid can be delivered to Iran. Agribusiness products, medicines and medical equipment are not subject to US sanctions, the High Representative reiterated, aware that many people believe they could be sanctioned if they participate in the delivery of such products to Iran.
According to the High Representative, the ministers also agreed to support the Iranian and Venezuelan requests for financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “These countries are in a difficult situation, mainly because of the US sanctions that prevent them from having income from the sale of their oil”, he said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)