Pompeo urged China to close the markets where they sell wild animals

MOSCOW, 23 APR – RIA Novosti. U.S. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in the international Earth day called on China and other countries to permanently close the so-called “wet markets” where they sell wild animals to fight against their illegal trade and to reduce risks to human health.

“on Earth Day, we urge the people’s Republic of China and other countries to permanently close the “wet markets” with wild animals, which will reduce risks to human health in China and beyond, and will prevent the consumption of wildlife products,” – said in a statement, Pompeo published on the Department’s website.

According to Secretary of state, like grocery markets are the main hotbed of illegal sales of wild animals and pose risks for the occurrence and spread of diseases, they, “may have played a crucial role in the spread of the pandemic COVID-19”.

“We call on all governments to join us to fight and put an end to issues such as wildlife trade,” added Pompeo.

the international day of Mother Earth is celebrated every year on April 22. It was established in 2009 at the session of the UN General Assembly.

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