UN says Western sanctions make trading Russian grain challenging

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Sep 2022 21:08

Once again, western sanctions on Russia are to blame for yet another worldwide crisis; the transport of grain, most of which is going to rich countries.

The UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric (ONU)

The sanctions imposed on Russia by the Western countries collectively make dealing with Russian grain difficult, according to United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Friday.

"Miss [Rebeca] Greenspan, on instructions from the Secretary-General back in the spring, was tasked to help iron out this very important initiative because, you know, they are no sanctions on Russia and on Russian fertilizer. But there's a complex situation within the more general sanctions regime that makes trade challenging for the private sector," Dujarric said during a press briefing.

According to the spokesperson, the UN is "working extremely diligently" to ensure that Russian fertilizers reach global markets.

This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Friday that Russia is ready to export potash fertilizers to developing countries free of charge.

"Our producers, we are primarily talking about potash fertilizers, are actually willing to donate it to developing countries that are in dire need of these fertilizers. I ask the Russian foreign ministry to work on this issue as well," Putin said at a meeting of the Russian Security Council.

The Russian President pointed out that a large amount of Russian fertilizers has accumulated in some ports of European countries due to sanctions.

Putin said that Russia would export 30 million tonnes of grain by the end of the year and was ready to increase this volume to 50 million tonnes.

Read next: Russia raises tax on grain export

UN: Focusing on demilitarization, setting up security zone around ZNPP

In another context, the UN will let member states decide on a prospective peacekeeping operation at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP), but the focus, for the time being, is on demilitarizing the area and establishing a security zone, according to UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

"Our concern is on safety of the plant … I will let member states talk to that, I think our focus right now, immediately, continues to be demilitarization setting up of a security zone," Dujarric said during a press briefing.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called on Tuesday for the establishment of a security zone around the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) following Ukraine's latest offense.

The attacks took place today after Kiev's forces opened fire from artillery on the Russian-controlled city of Energodar.

As a result of the shelling, a power line in the vicinity of the ZNPP was damaged, which led to a temporary power outage as well as instability in the water supply.