Russia is reported to be dissatisfied with the results of the United Nations’ (UN) efforts to ensure grain and fertilizer exports, according to a Tass report, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin speaking at a press conference on Oct. 5,
However, according to the minister, Moscow sees “progress.”
Vershinin pointed to the 300,000 mt of fertilizers Russia brought to European ports before the sanctions – which, he said, were now just sitting there – as an example of other issues that have not been resolved.
However, according to the Deputy Foreign Minister, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan may visit Moscow next week “to continue the consultations that were held in Geneva.”
A package of documents geared towards resolving the issue of food and fertilizer supplies on global markets was signed on July 22 in Istanbul (GM Sept. 16, p. 1).
Under the Russia-UN memorandum, the UN undertakes to work toward lifting anti-Russian restrictions hampering the export of agricultural products and fertilizers.
Another document envisages a mechanism for exporting grain from Ukraine-controlled Black Sea ports. An agreement between Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UN provides for the establishment of a four-party coordination center to search ships carrying grain in order to prevent weapons smuggling and avoid any possible incidents.