According to a U.N. spokeswoman, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has written to Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey to express his concerns over the execution of a pact that permits the secure transfer of grain during times of conflict from a number of Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
No ships were inspected on Tuesday as part of the agreement, which was reached in July of last year, according to the UN, “since the parties required additional time to establish an agreement on operational priorities.” On Wednesday, inspections started up again.
According to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, “The Secretary-General has addressed letters to the parties and we are tirelessly working in close partnership with Turkey to preserve the continuance of the crucial agreement.”
The deal was mediated by the United Nations and Turkey to assist address a worldwide food crisis that, according to U.N. officials, had been made worse by the worst conflict to hit Europe since World War Two. Under the agreement, Ukraine’s Black Sea grain shipments, which had been interrupted by Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, may resume.
In seas close to Turkey on the route into and out of Ukraine, all ships are examined by representatives of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations. Several ships, according to the United Nations, are awaiting inspection before sailing to Ukraine.
According to Dujarric, there are “active discussions” about the matter at the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul, which is composed of representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations. “There are different views… on the vessels to be registered and inspected in the coming days,” he added.
Two incoming and two departing ships were examined on Friday, according to Dujarric.
“Up until recently, registration and follow-up inspection of new boats were agreed upon by all parties and provided by Ukrainian port officials,” the man stated. This was a well-established practice that was consistent with Ukraine’s management of its port business.
According to Dujarric, “We support the execution of the established processes, and we may encourage conversations on any recommended revisions.” Nonetheless, all parties must consent to a modification within the parameters of the Joint Coordination Center.
According to a person acquainted with the situation earlier this week, inbound inspections had become less effective as Russia started to insist on selecting a random selection of boats for inspection each day.
The grain export agreement was extended by Russia last month for at least 60 days, or half the original duration. Moscow has said that it would only contemplate a further extension if certain conditions related to its own shipments are satisfied.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that unless progress was made in resolving what it termed “structural challenges” with its own exports of food and fertilizer, “there is no need to speak about the continued extension of the Black Sea initiative beyond May 18.”
