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G20 calls for implementation of Black Sea grain initiative

The G20 leaders called for the full, timely and effective implementation of the grain deal to ensure the “immediate and unimpeded deliveries of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilisers/inputs from Russia and Ukraine”…reports Asian Lite News

G20 leaders on Saturday called for the full and timely implementation of a UN-brokered deal that allows Ukraine to export its grain to the world markets through the Black Sea.

In the G20 declaration, the leaders of the grouping emphasised the importance of sustaining food and energy security and called for the “cessation of military destruction” or other attacks on relevant infrastructure.

Following the Ukraine conflict, Russia blocked the transportation of grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea ports.

In July last year, a deal was struck between Russia and Ukraine following an initiative by Turkey and the UN that allowed cargo ships to sail along a corridor in the Black Sea.

Months later, Russia announced pulling out of the deal, triggering a rise in global food prices.

“This is necessary to meet the demand in developing and least developed countries, particularly those in Africa,” the G20 declaration said.

“In this context, emphasising the importance of sustaining food and energy security, we called for the cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure,” it said.

“We also expressed deep concern about the adverse impact that conflicts have on the security of civilians thereby exacerbating existing socio-economic fragilities and vulnerabilities and hindering an effective humanitarian response,” it added.

Asked about the issue at a media briefing, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said there are many discussions going on. “The foreign minister of Russia is here, the president of Turkey and his delegation are here. The UN secretary-general is here, other people are here,” he said.

“So it’s natural that there would be discussions going on on this. In the past, I should add when the grain corridor was created at Bali last year, we had also, in our own way, contributed to some bridging of viewpoints and concerns both at that time,” he added.

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Cleverly condemns Russia’s Black Sea grain initiative withdrawal

According to Cleverly, Ukraine’s exports of grain have been restricted while Russia’s exports of food are at higher levels than before the conflict between the two nations started…reports Asian Lite News

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly expressed his disapproval of Russia’s decision to withdraw from the United Nations and the Black Sea grain deal brokered by Turkey. Cleverly urged Moscow to reconsider its stance and participate in the initiative once again, while also urging them to permit the export of grain.

Cleverly stressed that Russia’s war against Ukraine has hindered the free flow of grain and other foodstuffs through the Black Sea resulting in a worldwide food crisis. He stated that the Black Sea Grain initiative since its inception has played a significant role in lowering and establishing global food prices and delivered more than 32 million tonnes of food products to world markets. “The United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” James Cleverly said in the press release.

“Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has obstructed the free flow of grain and other foodstuffs through the Black Sea, causing worldwide suffering. We urge Russia to re-join the initiative, which was developed by the UN in 2022, and allow the unimpeded export of grain,” he added.

James Cleverly stated that Russia has obstructed the proper operation of the deal for several months. He noted that Russia by its action is serving its own interests and disregards the needs of all those around the world, including the poor nations, who are paying high prices.

According to him, the United Nations has estimated that, without the export of grain under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the global number of undernourished individuals could potentially rise by millions.

According to Cleverly, Ukraine’s exports of grain have been restricted while Russia’s exports of food are at higher levels than before the conflict between the two nations started.

“We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not the food and fertiliser sectors,” James Cleverly said in the press release.

“Contrary to Russian claims, the UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets. The best way for Russia to address concerns around global food security would be for it to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and end the war,” he added.

On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced Moscow will not renew the agreement, saying it “has been terminated.” The deal had allowed Ukraine to export grain by sea, as per the CNN report.

In withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that its government was removing guarantees for safe navigation in the Black Sea, according to CNN. (ANI)

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