UN calls on ‘all parties’ to make ‘every effort’ to extend grain export deal

Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, called on Friday ” all parties “ to do “every effort” to extend the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports, his spokesman said. He insisted on the need to quickly lift the ” obstacles “ to Russian exports.

The so-called Black Sea Agreement, signed on July 22 by the UN, Ukraine, Russia and Turkey, has allowed the export of more than 9 million tonnes of Ukrainian cereals and relieved the world food crisis caused by the war.

But the uncertainties surrounding the extension of this agreement have already pushed up the prices of certain products. They are linked to statements by Russia, which denounces the non-application of a second agreement signed the same day to allow its own exports of cereals and fertilizers.

The initial term of the agreement on Ukrainian exports “is 120 days and can be automatically extended on November 19 if no party objects”noted in a press release Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Antonio Guterres.

“We call on all parties to make every effort to renew the Black Sea Initiative and implement both agreements in their entirety, including the express removal of any remaining obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports.”he added. “We don’t underestimate the challenges, but we know they can be overcome”he assured.

“Governments, shipping lines, grain and fertilizer traders, and farmers around the world need clarity”he continued.