Venezuelan manipulating blood samples. © Sputnik / Magda Gibelli.
Geneva (Sputnik)—Representatives of the COVAX program for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines are working with Venezuelan authorities to resolve the financial issues for the acquisition of vaccines by Caracas, spokesperson for the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Evan O’Connell, told Sputnik.
“COVAX is in close contact with the Venezuelan authorities to complete the organizational measures so that vaccination can begin as soon as possible,” said O’Connell. “We will publish updates at the appropriate time.”
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During his recent visit to Moscow, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza suggested that COVAX return the money that Venezuela paid to it to buy vaccines, so that Caracas can acquire Russian vaccines instead.
A few days ago, President Nicolás Maduro urged the US government to immediately unblock the $10 million already paid to the COVAX system and subsequently put “on hold” by the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).
Venezuela has been the target of harsh sanctions by the United States and the European Union. These measures have led to the blocking of their funds in various international bank accounts, and to the freezing of Venezuela’s gold deposited with the Bank of England, totaling almost $2 billion in value.
The controversial “hold” made by UBS represented only a fraction of the $120 million paid by Venezuela up until May of this year. The Venezuelan government has issued complaints about COVAX’s failure to send vaccines to Venezuela, despite the UN program’s announcement, several weeks ago, that they would be delivered soon.
Featured image: Venezuelan healthcare professional shown with samples. ©Sputnik/Magda Gibelli.
(Sputnik) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
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