Alexei Polishchuk, Head of the Second Department of the CIS countries of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview: DEA NewsWithout visible consequences of the implementation of the RF-UN Memorandum of Understanding and the removal of barriers to the export of Russian agricultural products, the extension of the grain agreement will not be appropriate.
According to the diplomat, the grain agreement consists of two parts: the Russia-UN Memorandum on the normalization of Russian exports of agricultural products and fertilizers, designed for three years, and the “Black Sea initiative” on Ukrainian food exports. He reminded that both documents were signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022.
The grain deal has been extended until March 18 this year. Polishchuk noted that Moscow “clearly outlined” the relationship between the parties to the agreement by extending the agreement, and also emphasized that attempts to use the humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea for military purposes are unacceptable.
“Without tangible results from the implementation of the Russia-UN Memorandum of Understanding and the removal of sanction barriers to Russia’s agricultural exports, as well as the elimination of geographical and terminological “distortions” in the implementation of the “Black Sea Initiative” when grain actually takes place. mainly going to rich countries, such an extension is not appropriate,” said Polischuk.
Former Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko declarationThe European Union is not fulfilling the promises made in the grain agreement.