U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signaled on July 17 that Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal means a related pact between the U.N. and Moscow to help facilitate Russia's grain and fertilizer exports was also terminated, Reuters reports.
"I deeply regret the decision by the Russian Federation to terminate the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative – including the withdrawal of Russian security guarantees for navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea," said Guterres during a press briefing at the United Nations.
"This Initiative has ensured the safe passage of over 32 mn metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports. The World Food Programme has shipped more than 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations – relieving hunger in some of the hardest hit corners of the world, including Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Yemen."
Guterres expressed his disappointment over the decision and highlighted the impact it will have on people in need worldwide. "Today's decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere," he said.
He also emphasized the significance of the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers. "The Black Sea Initiative -- together with the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers -- have been a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world," Guterres added.
Guterres acknowledged the challenges that remain in the foreign trade of Russian food and fertilizer products. He revealed that he had sent a letter to President Putin with a new proposal to keep the Black Sea Initiative alive. However, he expressed his disappointment that his proposals went unheeded.
"Today’s decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere," Guterres reiterated. "But it will not stop our efforts to facilitate the unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation."
Guterres concluded by emphasizing the importance of advancing global food security and global food price stability. "This will remain the focus of my efforts, taking into account the rise in human suffering that will inevitably result from today’s decision," he said. "We will stay fixed on finding pathways for solutions. There is simply too much at stake in a hungry and hurting world."
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