Putin proposes moratorium on sanctions with regard to essential goods
MOSCOW. March 26 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed introducing a moratorium on sanctions with regard to staple commodities for the period of coronavirus pandemic.
"Much has been said about the need to secure the supply chain. This is surely important. But no less important is forming, for the period of crisis, of so-called green corridors that are free from any trade wars or sanctions to facilitate mutual deliveries of drugs, food, equipment and technology," Putin said in his speech at the G20 summit.
The Russian television channel Rossiya 24 (VGTRK) broadcast Putin's statement on Thursday.
Putin said, "Ideally, we should introduce a moratorium, a solidarity moratorium on restrictions with regard to essential goods and financial transactions for purchases of such goods."
This concerns primarily "the countries suffering the most from this pandemic," he said.
"In the end, this is a question of life or death for people. This is a purely humanitarian matter, and these issues should be cleared of all kinds of political coating," Putin said.