100 Countries Call for Independent Investigation into Pandemic Origins

About 100 countries are calling for an independent investigation into the pandemic. Australia initially called for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” into the origins of the pandemic as well as “the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19”. The European Union then backed them by drafting an official resolution which is set to be presented during the World Health Organization’s annual meeting beginning today. Joining them in solidarity are countries such as Russia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, South Africa and the UK. The inquiry does not expressly name China as the culprit, though it is widely believed that is where the outbreak began. Beijing officials claim Australia’s actions are a “highly irresponsible” political attack against them. However, China’s Ambassador to the UK said, “We’re open, we are transparent, we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear. We welcome an international, independent review, but it has to be organized by the WHO.”