United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced that he has sent “a set of concrete proposals” to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to revive a deal allowing the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. The deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, was terminated by Russia in July due to perceived obstacles faced by its own food and fertilizer exports and dissatisfaction with the distribution of Ukrainian grain.
The letter from Guterres comes ahead of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, wherein Black Sea grain exports will be a primary topic of discussion. The deal was initially established to address the global food crisis, which worsened due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both Russia and Ukraine are significant grain exporters.
Guterres stated in a press conference that the proposal presented has the potential to serve as a foundation for the renewed deal, emphasizing the need for stability. He did not provide specific details about the proposal but stressed the importance of establishing a sustainable initiative instead of continuously suspending and resuming it. “We need to have something that works and that works to the benefit of everyone,” he added.
A Russian diplomat, speaking anonymously, commented that Guterres’ letter merely summarizes previous ideas from the United Nations that have not gained traction. Furthermore, Lavrov, after meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, expressed doubts about receiving the guarantees necessary to reestablish the Black Sea grain deal.
Russia has indicated that it would consider resuscitating the agreement if its demands to enhance its own grain and fertilizer exports are met. One key demand is reconnecting the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT international payments system, from which it was disconnected by the European Union in June 2022.
While Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine do not apply to Russian food and fertilizer exports, logistical, payment, and insurance restrictions have reportedly impeded shipments. Guterres noted that there are specific solutions that can facilitate improved access for Russian food and fertilizers to global markets at fair prices. He expressed optimism in finding a positive solution for all parties involved.
Michelle Nichols reporting; editing by Kanishka Singh and Jonathan Oatis
Credit: The Star : News Feed
