Black Sea grain deal consultations still ongoing - UN
Photo: facebook.com/oleksandr.kubrakov
Consultations to prolong the Black Sea "grain initiative" are still ongoing.
The United Nations announced this, according to yahoo.news.
Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told reporters:
"The United Nations will do everything possible to preserve the agreement's integrity and ensure its continuity. The consultations… with all parties and various levels continue."
Laerke's comments came after a one-day meeting in Geneva of senior russian and UN officials. It should be noted that the consultations ended with moscow announcing that it would not be against the extension of the so-called Black Sea "grain initiative".
However, russia agreed to extend the agreement, which expires on Saturday, March 18, for only half of the initial 120-day period of the deal – – that is only 60 days.
Ukraine said it "contradicts" the original agreement, but did not reject the offer.
" It is a good agreement… It has a very good impact on global food prices, bringing them down, getting food out on the market and to the right places," the UN spokesperson emphasized.
However, it remains unclear what further consultations will lead to. Laerke answered journalists' questions that he could not say what to expect on March 18.
For reference:
The contract for the export of Ukrainian grain through the russian-controlled Black Sea expires on March 18.
Earlier, the mass media reported that Ukraine had started online negotiations with partners regarding the continuation of the Black Sea grain initiative. It aims to ensure that Kyiv can continue supplying grain to world markets.
The "Grain Agreement" was launched with the mediation of the United Nations and Türkiye last July and was extended in November.
russia says that the "grain initiative" was extended for 60 days and called it a "gesture of goodwill" on its part. At the same time, the Ukrainian side still needs to confirm the statements of the russian federation.
