Black Sea grain deal talks in a stalemate

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Even if the parties failed to extend the UN-brokered grain deal with Ukraine and Turkey grain deal, UN official Farhan Haq stressed that inspections of grain shipments that had previously been given permission will still take place. The existing agreement expires on May 18.

Sevastopol in Russian Crimea, which is the headquarters for the Black Sea fleet and a logistical hub for operations in Ukraine, has been a frequent target of attacks. 

The UN spokesperson stated that the world body is exerting strained efforts to extend the deal, urging all parties concerned to engage effectively.

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The big picture

The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which oversees the initiative that permits the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products from Black Sea ports, has not yet achieved an agreement to license new vessels to take part.

The spokesperson stressed that the UN chief has reached out to all parties regarding his proposal, which aims to improve and extend the deal.

Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq revealed that UN representatives will be participating in a technical meeting meditated by the Turkish government prior to a senior-level meeting that will take place next week in Istanbul.

"So we're looking forward to constructive and frank discussions with all sides, with the aim to overcome challenges and work toward the continuation and full implementation of the initiative," Haq added.

At the high-level meeting next week, representatives from all the parties -- Russia, Ukraine, the UN, and Turkey -- will be participating, the spokesperson added.

Rebeca Grynspan, the head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, visited Moscow on Friday as part of ongoing discussions with top Russian officials about the global organization's commitment to facilitating the unhindered export of Russian food and fertilizer, including ammonia, to international markets, as per Haq.

It is worth noting that the agreement regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative came alongside the memorandum of understanding on the export of Russian food and fertilizer.

While the exports of Ukrainian grain have made strides, Russia has consistently voiced its discontent with the lack of improvement in the facilitation of the export of Russian food and fertilizer.

Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey signed a UN-brokered agreement on July 22 to establish a humanitarian maritime corridor for ships transporting food and fertilizers from Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which was called the Black Sea Grain Initiative and is generally known as the Grain Deal. The deal, initially in effect for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days. The deal was extended on March 18 for a period of 60 days instead of the 120-day period originally specified in the agreement.