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62 countries back coronavirus probe
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Powerful global leaders including the UK, Russia, India and Japan are among a coalition of 62 nations supporting Australia’s call for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus ahead of a vote at the World Health Assembly.
The demand for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” of the international health response to COVID-19 is expected to be the most controversial motion in a draft resolution written by the European Union, due to be put to the Assembly Monday morning AEST.
It tasks World Health Organisation director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus with launching the evaluation “at the earliest appropriate moment” to review the “lessons learned” from the deadly pandemic.
The Australian government does not expect China to oppose an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus on Tuesday, senior Morrison government sources said.
While they won’t know for certain until the motion is called, Australian government officials do not expect Beijing to oppose the motion which now has the overwhelming support of over 100 countries.