He noted that humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, equipment were not subject to sanctions.
The U.S. allows changes in foreign policy towards a number of countries, including Venezuela, Iran and the DPRK, but believes that the provision of humanitarian assistance is already not subject to U.S. sanctions. This was stated at a briefing on Tuesday by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.
“Of course, we are constantly evaluating our [foreign] policy in all directions. So the answer [to the question], “are we ever ready to review it”, of course! We are constantly trying to ensure that we have the right policy on all fronts”, – Pompeo said, answering the question of whether the U.S. intends to lift sanctions against a number of countries in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. – “In terms of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, equipment, what people need during these difficult times is not subject to sanctions.”
“The DPRK is subject to UNSC sanctions, <…> other countries also receive American aid, there is no prohibition on the delivery of humanitarian aid to these places”, – he added.
At the same time, the secretary of state noted that “some of these countries continue to build bombs, missiles and [increase] their nuclear capabilities.
“It is sad to watch these governments make decisions that harm their citizens”, – he said.
According to the head of the diplomatic mission, the U.S. is trying to help Venezuela, Iran and the DPRK.
“We understand this [pandemic] is a humanitarian crisis and are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of these countries. We care about these people more than their own leadership”, – Pompeo said.