NO ships were inspected under the Ukraine Black Sea grain deal 'as the parties needed more time to reach an agreement on operational priorities,' says the United Nations, Reuters reports.
'We urge all involved to meet their responsibilities to ensure that vessels continue to move smoothly and safely in the interest of global food security,' said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
There were 50 vessels waiting to move to the Ukrainian ports. All ships are inspected by officials from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN in waters near Turkey on the way in and out of Ukraine.
Since the deal allowing the safe wartime export of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports was agreed in July, more than 27.5 million tonnes of food have been exported.
'This critical work is done against the backdrop of the ongoing war and active hostilities. We do not underestimate the challenges, but we know they can be overcome,' said the UN.
The deal - initially brokered last July by Turkey and the United Nations - was renewed last month for at least 60 days, half the intended period.
Russia has said it will only extend the deal beyond May 18 if impediments to its export of agricultural products and fertiliser are removed.
Moscow's demands include returning the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT banking system and unblocking the financial activities of fertiliser companies.
To help persuade Russia to allow Ukraine to resume its Black Sea grain exports last year, a three-year deal was also struck in July in which the United Nations agreed to help Russia with its food and fertiliser exports.
Western powers have imposed tough sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While its food and fertiliser exports are not sanctioned, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance industries are a barrier to shipments.
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'We urge all involved to meet their responsibilities to ensure that vessels continue to move smoothly and safely in the interest of global food security,' said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
There were 50 vessels waiting to move to the Ukrainian ports. All ships are inspected by officials from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN in waters near Turkey on the way in and out of Ukraine.
Since the deal allowing the safe wartime export of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports was agreed in July, more than 27.5 million tonnes of food have been exported.
'This critical work is done against the backdrop of the ongoing war and active hostilities. We do not underestimate the challenges, but we know they can be overcome,' said the UN.
The deal - initially brokered last July by Turkey and the United Nations - was renewed last month for at least 60 days, half the intended period.
Russia has said it will only extend the deal beyond May 18 if impediments to its export of agricultural products and fertiliser are removed.
Moscow's demands include returning the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT banking system and unblocking the financial activities of fertiliser companies.
To help persuade Russia to allow Ukraine to resume its Black Sea grain exports last year, a three-year deal was also struck in July in which the United Nations agreed to help Russia with its food and fertiliser exports.
Western powers have imposed tough sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While its food and fertiliser exports are not sanctioned, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance industries are a barrier to shipments.
SeaNews Turkey