Iran Press/ Europe: The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, on Wednesday criticized the U.S. for blocking an Iranian request for receiving $5 billion from the International Monetary Fund.
"I regret that the United States is opposing the International Monetary Fund to take this decision," he said during a virtual press conference at the end of a video meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers.
He added: "From the humanitarian point of view, this decision, this request should have been accepted."
Last month, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) asked the IMF for $5 billion emergency funding to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.
Related news:
$5b aid from IMF is Iranian nation's right: CBI Governor
The United States has opposed Iran’s $5 billion emergency loan request from the IMF amid US illegal sanctions.
"If the decision is taken of refusing this request from Iran I really, deeply regret [it] for humanitarian reasons," said Borrell adding: "We support the idea that in these times sanctions cannot affect the humanitarian trade, the humanitarian supplies."
The former Spanish foreign minister added: "We supported first to soften the sanctions and second the request of Iran to the International Monetary Fund for getting financial help." 207
Read more:
IMF as an International institution is not US properties: Spox
IMF, WHO should stay away from politics: Iran’s Central Bank Governor
