UN expresses hope for extension of grain deal

The UN is in constant contact with the Black Sea Grain Deal participants and expects to extend it after March 18, Ismini Palla, the UN representative at the Joint Coordination Center (JCC) in Istanbul, told TASS, Report informs.

"We are in talks with all parties to this initiative to ensure that the deal continues to be implemented. All parties expressed their concerns and initiatives. We listen to all of them and organize talks and negotiations to discuss all these issues. We want and hope that the initiative will continue to operate," she said.

Palla noted that the approval procedure provides that all its participants must accept all possible and proposed changes to the terms of the initiative. Therefore, the UN is trying to ensure a productive dialogue between the parties.

"Yes, March 18 is the end of the second term for the prolongation of this deal. I will say that we have already seen the benefits of such work. The benefits of the Black Sea Grain Initiative for global food security are undeniable. The unhindered export of grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and the Russian Federation is crucial. We need to continue to build on the successes and progress made to date," she said.

Regarding the possible termination of the deal, the UN representative noted that she could not talk about such an outcome. "We already see the benefits of the initiative, and on this basis, we need to move on," she added.