UN reveals obstacles remaining in grain deal talks

Spokesman for the UN secretary-general Stephane Dujarric noted that the Black Sea Grain deal allows for renewals of 120 days.

However, he added that under the current circumstances, Antonio Guterres and his team were focused on simply ensuring that the initiative continues while maintaining close contact with all parties.

"Within the context of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the agreement foresees a renewal of 120 days but, in the present circumstances, the Secretary-General and his team are focused, in close contact with all the parties, on doing everything possible to ensure continuity of the Initiative," the spokesman said.

Regarding the parallel Memorandum of Understanding focused on the export of Russian food and fertilizer, he said that that  the UN officials "have spared no efforts to facilitate that trade".
 
According to Dujarric, meaningful progress has been made, but some obstacles remain, notably with regard to payment systems. "Our efforts to overcome those obstacles will continue unabated," he added.