US, China Stall UN’s Covid Resolution Over Language

France, Tunisia push resolution to back global ceasefire for virus

After delays and a lot of extra work on language changes, a joint French-Tunisian resolution at the UN Security Council is expected to pass soon. The resolution covers the coronavirus pandemic, and also calls for global support for a ceasefire to focus on tackling the virus.

China and the US had been arguing over language in the resolution, however, with the US wanting no mentions of the World Health Organization (WHO), since President Trump is upset at them. Trump also wanted a mention of “transparency,” which Chinese officials objected to because they see it as a shot at them for not being more transparent.

A proposed “compromise” resolution has the resolution carefully making no mentions of the WHO, nor any direct reference to “transparency.” Some are saying the resolutions support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is meant to be interpreted as a backing for transparency.

The resolution’s call for a ceasefire does not include attacking ISIS or al-Qaeda or their affiliates, There was no mention of Israel continuing to be allowed to attack Syria with impunity, though that was said to be a priority for the US as well.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.