The UN mechanism to resolve the grain issue entails the transport of ships with grain along safe routes, which have been already determined, a source familiar with the talks said.
"The UN plan suggests the formation of safe routes for ships. We understand that it takes time to clear the ports, but the crisis must be resolved promptly, in this regard, according to the UN proposal, it is planned to create a safe sea corridor, routes, in areas that are safe, where there are no mines," the source said.
When asked if these routes are defined, the source replied in the affirmative but refused to give any details.
The source added that Turkey is ready to assist in the process of creating safe routes. "Of course, this issue [the issue of demining] exists, its solution is necessary for the process to be safe. Turkey is ready to provide any assistance for this process, it has repeatedly offered this even before the start of the negotiation process," the source said.
Last week, Istanbul hosted grain negotiations among military officials representing Turkey, Russia and Ukraine, as well as a UN delegation. After the talks, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar stated that the parties agreed to create a coordination center in Istanbul and that the Russian and Ukrainian sides will convene for another round of grain talks in Turkey. During their meeting on the sidelines of the Tehran summit on Tuesday, Russian President Putin thanked his Turkish counterpart Erdogan for his mediating efforts in grain negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
