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Russia has objected to the further extension of the Black Sea Initiative. This means the withdrawal of guarantees for the safety of navigation, the curtailment of the maritime humanitarian corridor, the restoration of the regime of a temporarily dangerous area in the northwestern Black Sea, and the disbandment of the SKC in Istanbul. Without Russia's participation, the Black Sea Initiative ceases to function as of July 18.
With the decision to terminate the Black Sea Initiative, the Russian Federation also terminated its commitment to “facilitate the unimpeded export of food, sunflower oil, and fertilizers from Ukrainian controlled Black Sea Ports” -- as expressed in Paragraph 1 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the United Nations.
This Initiative has ensured the safe passage of over 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports.
The World Food Programme has shipped more than 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations – relieving hunger in some of the hardest hit corners of the world, including Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
The Black Sea Initiative -- together with the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers -- have been a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world.
At a time when the production and availability of food is being disrupted by conflict, climate change, energy prices and more, these agreements have helped to reduce food prices by over 23 per cent since March last year.
July 17, 2023/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Russia.
https://mid.ru/ru
