The participants in the grain deal concluded between Turkey, the UN, Ukraine and Russia discussed technical aspects and the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the deputy defense ministers of these countries on the extension of the agreement in Istanbul, the press service of the Turkish Ministry of Defense reports.
According to The Guardian, citing UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, another round of talks has stalled.
Haq’s statement on the organization’s website says that representatives of the parties to the deal, which are part of the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul, could not agree on allowing new vessels to participate in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Haq noted that daily inspections of previously authorized vessels are ongoing.
UN Secretary General António Guterres sent proposals to all participants to improve and expand the deal, taking into account their positions, Haq added. “The UN encourages all parties to continue discussions, overcome operational difficulties and work towards the full implementation and continuation of the initiative,” he stressed. The Kremlin has previously said it is not discussing expanding the deal.
Haq also added that technical talks convened by Turkey were held in Istanbul on May 5, and a high-level meeting will take place next week.
Source: Rosbalt
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