US, Turkey negotiating to seek alternatives to Black Sea Grain Deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Aug 2023 12:25

The source states that there are 'proposals from the West, particularly the United States. So far, everything was at the stage of discussions, there are no specific decisions or a plan yet.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sit at the start of the signature ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, July 22, 2022. (AFP)

A source involved with the talks being held in Ankara between the US and Turkey regarding alternatives to the Black Sea Grain Deal told Sputnik on Wednesday that talks are centered around proposals but no specifics have been given.

A day earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that discussions were being held between the US, Ukraine, Turkey, and neighboring regions to seek alternatives for grain export routes.

"These were proposals from the West, in particular the United States. So far, everything was at the stage of discussions, there are no specific decisions or a plan yet," the source stated, adding that Turkey remains in talks with the UN, Russia, and the West to resume the deal.

Erdogan said on August 8 that reviving the grain deal depends on Western countries fulfilling their commitments announced as per the agreement with Russia, who terminated the deal, citing Western failure to implement the part of the agreement concerning it.

The grain initiative, Moscow said, benefited Ukraine while sanctions hindered the export and sale of Russian grain and fertilizers among other clauses. "I think a solution can be found," Erdogan added, referring to a recent telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Last month, Erdogan announced that Putin will visit Turkey this month, adding that the grain deal will be a priority in the discussions.

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. The deal was extended on March 18 for a period of 60 days instead of the 120-day period originally specified in the agreement.