Following weeks of negotiations, a simple UN agreement to export more than 30 million tons of Ukrainian grain to world markets through three Black Sea ports was finalized on 17 July.
“Today’s decision by the Russian Federation will hit people in need everywhere,” Mr Guterres said, speaking to reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Developing countries to suffer
The Black Sea Initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN in Istanbul last July with a similar agreement between the UN and Russia on grain and fertilizer exports from that country.
By its decision, Russia has also removed the security guarantees for ships sailing in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
“Ultimately, participation in these agreements is optional. But struggling people everywhere and developing countries have no choice,” Mr. Guterres said.
‘Meaning of Hope’
The grain initiative and Memorandum of Understanding with Russia is “a lifeline for world food security and a light of hope in a troubled world,” he said.
“At a time when food production and availability are being disrupted by conflict, climate change, energy costs and more, these agreements have helped reduce the cost of food by 23 percent since March last year, ” he added.
He noted that the World Food Program (WFP) transported 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen, eliminating hunger in some of the world’s worst regions.
Trying to keep the deal alive
Mr. Guterres said he is aware of the obstacles in the foreign trade of Russian food and fertilizer products and has written to President Vladimir Putin with a new proposal to keep the Black Sea Initiative alive.
Quoting in full from the letter, it is noted that since the registration of the Register of Understanding, and the measures adopted by the Government, the Russian market has achieved the highest export levels and the fertilizer products have been retained, with Russian exports nearing full recovery.
The letter also outlines UN action to facilitate trade amid sanctions against Russia, such as securing licenses from the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, and providing information and guidance to the private sector.
The Secretary-General’s letter also explains how the UN works to find “unique solutions” across banks and the private sector, which includes building an “articulated payment mechanism” for the Russian Agricultural Bank outside the international banking network. SWIFT.
Moscow has clarified that SWIFT access by the bank is a key factor influencing its decisions, according to the letter.
Mr. Guterres said he was very disappointed that his advice was not heeded.
UN efforts continue
Although he regrets the decision made by Russia, the Secretary General affirmed that he will not stop his efforts to get food and fertilizer materials from Ukraine and Russia to international markets.
Mr. Guterres said he will remain focused on the goal of improving global food security and global food price stability, “considering the increase in human suffering that will inevitably result from today’s decision.”
The president’s appeal
In response to the collapse of the landmark agreement, UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi repeated his call for parties to return to dialogue.
“The challenges are complex, they are interconnected, but they are not insurmountable. Not too late,” according to a statement released by his spokesperson.
Mr. Kőrösi deeply regretted Moscow’s decision to abandon the Initiative which he said “has provided a way of life for millions of people affected by the global food security crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.”
He also called for an end to the conflict, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
