EU urges US prez to rethink

Washington: The European Union (EU) on Saturday urged US President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to cut American funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid global criticism of the move, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday urged Trump to reconsider, saying that “actions that weaken international results must be avoided” and that “now is the time for enhanced cooperation and common solutions.”
“The WHO needs to continue being able to lead the international response to pandemics, current and future,” she said.
“For this, the participation and support of all is required and very much needed,” she added.
The US is the largest source of financial support for the WHO, and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization.
The WHO, however, did not comment on the announcement. (AP)