Russia slams US over obstructing Iran loan request from IMF

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister has criticized the US over obstructing the International Monetary Fund's transfer of loans to Iran and Syria.

Iran Press/Europe: Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin told Rossiya Segodnya on Monday about the world's economic situation in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, emphasizing: "The US move, which is politically motivated to block the transfer of loans, including emergency financing in the face of a humanitarian crisis to countries such as Iran and Syria, is unacceptable."

Pankin said Russia welcomes the measures taken by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to provide immediate support to countries and added: "These aids must be presented in a transparent and non-discriminatory way to the needy and vulnerable."

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister also criticized the US suspension of funding for the World Health Organization.

Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund, said as the coronavirus has spread around the world, this organization has allocated a $ 50 billion emergency loan package for countries most affected by the coronavirus.

Nearly 80 member countries of the International Monetary Fund, including Iran, have announced the need to use the loan.

Iran's request for a $ 5 billion loan from the IMF was sent to the head of that organization on March 6, signed by AbdolNasser Hemmati, Governor of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

But while examining the countries' requests, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington is opposed to the Islamic Republic's request.

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