New Delhi: Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, demanded at the G20 meeting attended by Russia that Moscow renew an agreement to allow exports of Ukrainian grain.
Addressing the club of major economies, Blinken said that Russia has deliberately slowed its pace of inspections, blocking ships that could be delivering food items to the world today.
The deal (Black Sea Grain Initiative) was brokered by the United Nations with Turkiye in July 2022 that has helped reduce soaring food prices that contributed to hunger in the developing states. The agreement is set to expire this month.
Deal renewed in November 2022
The accord was renewed in November 2022 but UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths has warned of problems in securing another extension before it expires on 18 March.
The deal has allowed the export of about 20 million tonnes of grain. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year had held up boats from the major breadbasket, with Moscow voicing concern over Ukrainian naval activities.
Under last year’s deal, Moscow in turn was promised the right to export fertiliser free of sanctions from the Western countries. Moscow claims that part of the deal is not being respected. –AFP/APP
