UN: ‘Moderately optimistic’ about extension of deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports via Black Sea

Its head United Nations Organization for humanitarian affairs, said yesterday Wednesday (26/10) that he was “moderately optimistic” about the extension of the agreement that allows the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Seahowever this optimism was moderated by Russia, which insists on its claims.

The so-called Black Sea agreement, signed on July 22 under the auspices of the UN, put in place for 120 days procedures allowing exports of Ukrainian grain who had been excluded because of it war.

Thanks to this system, almost 9 million tons of grain were exported and the world food crisis caused by the war was alleviated, but concerns over the extension of the agreement are already driving up the prices of some products again.

“We want it to be renewed quickly. It’s important for the market, it’s important to have continuity”commented Martin Griffiths, who recently visited Moscow with Rebecca Greenspan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

“I am always modestly optimistic that we will secure” the extension, he added, noting that from a technical point of view there is no need to conclude a new agreementbut some procedures could be reviewed and “simplified”.

“We don’t just want to see the Black Sea Initiative renewed for as long as the parties allow,” but also “the removal of obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizers”he added.

A second agreement, also signed on July 22, provided for the facilitation of specific Russian exportsbut Moscow complains that it still cannot make its grain and fertilizer available, despite the deal, because of Western sanctions that have targeted Russia’s financial and supply sectors.

Mr. Griffiths assured that he had “useful discussions” in Washington on this issue the day before Tuesday (25/10).

“I am pleased that Martin (Griffiths) is cautiously optimistic about extending the (Black Sea) deal, but we need to see the implementation of the second part of the agreement before decisions are madeRussian ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, told the press.

“Russia wants to see its grain and fertilizer exports to the world market, which has not been happening since the start of the agreement”he insisted, stressing that “the obstacles always remain the same”.

“We recognize that the Secretary-General (UN Antonio Guterres) and his teams are trying to solve these problems, but unfortunately it is not up to them alone,” he added, highlighting in particular the issues of insurance and access to European ports.