Sağlam: The ceasefire should be made permanent in Yemen

İshak Sağlam underlined that the blockade of the coalition led by the kingdom of Saud on Yemen should also be lifted in order for humanitarian aid activities for civilians to become possible.

IMF’s decision on Venezuela

Reminding that the IMF, which has promised $ 50 billion in support to developing countries as part of the fight against Coronavirus, has rejected Venezuela's request for $ 5 billion in support, Sağlam said: “The IMF explained the rationale for the decision as the lack of international recognition of the Venezuelan administration, so it showed once again that it was under the direction of the United States and acting in the interests of global imperialism. Because Venezuela has a legitimate government and is the current one with international recognition, including the UN. It is a fact that public discontent has increased over the current economic woes as the United States deepens economic sanctions. The recognition by the United States and some of its supporters of the dissident Guaido, who has declared himself Venezuela's interim head of state amid public outcry, does not negate the legitimacy of the country's elected president and government in the country. The fact that Guaido, the dissident who has declared himself Venezuela's interim head of state, citing public reactions, is recognized by the United States and some of his supporters does not negate the legitimacy of the country's elected president and government. This has once again exposed the US's lawlessness. The IMF's decision on Venezuela is new evidence that the United States is directing international organizations in its interests. This has showed the true face of the IMF and once again revealed that its main goal is to exploit countries. It is essential to establish a new global economic union that is independent of the interests of sovereign powers, aims to ensure stability and employment, provides funds independent of political accounts to countries that demand economic support in times of crisis."

The fight against epidemics in Afrika

Stating that international support should be given to African countries in their fight against epidemics, Sağlam added: “Alongside Venezuela, global aid is needed for African countries struggling to combat the epidemic due to the financial crisis and lack of water and medical supplies. The World Health Organization has warned that the coronavirus pandemic will hit the top in countries where testing capacity is insufficient. In addition to economic support to overcome the economic stagnation in the African continent, testing kits and medical supplies to be used to detect the epidemic spreading to 46 countries must be delivered through the African Union to the countries fighting the epidemic.

The ceasefire in Yemen

Recalling that Saudi-led coalition announced a two-week ceasefire in Yemen amid coronavirus pandemic, Sağlam went on to say: “The fact that Houthi forces, who had previously responded positively to the UN's call for a ceasefire, also complied with the ceasefire would contribute in part to containing the spread of coronavirus pandemic. However, the blockade of the coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi on Yemen should be lifted in order for humanitarian aid activities for civilians to become possible. In this respect, the ceasefire process should not be violated, the continuity of the ceasefire process and the lifting of the blockade should be ensured under the guarantee of the countries of the region.”

“A ceasefire should be declared to contain the spread of epidemics in all regions”

Calling for providing Yemen with necessary medical supplies and water, Sağlam said: “The number of people facing starvation in Yemen, where 80 percent of the population is in need of aid, is greater than the number of people infected with COVID-19 all over the world. On the other hand, the spread of epidemics such as cholera cannot be contained in the country. Insufficient water supplies in the country hamper hygiene conditions and health care and medical supplies are insufficient to treat the diseases in the country. In order to improve the living conditions for the civilians in Yemen, food, water and medical supplies should be provided and humanitarian aid must be delivered safely to all parts of the country. At the same time a ceasefire must be declared to contain the spread of epidemics in all regions of the country." (ILKHA)