Black Sea grain deal extension 'lifeline' for those facing food scarcity, financial instability: Red Cross

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The extension of the Black Sea grain deal is a "lifeline" for those who are struggling with food scarcity, and financial instability, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday.

Mirjana Spoljaric's remarks came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the Black Sea grain deal, which was set to expire on May 18, was extended for another two months.

"The extension of the Black Sea grain deal is a lifeline for families across the world who are already struggling with persistent inflation, food scarcity, and financial instability," Spoljaric said in a statement. "This is especially true for communities affected by armed conflict and violence."

She said that prices for basic products have increased by 99% in South Sudan, 88% in Syria, 80% in Sudan, 62% in Ethiopia, and 54% in Myanmar over the past year.

"It is crucial that all efforts are made to reach agreements that enable grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, which millions of people around the world rely on," she added.

Earlier, Erdogan said: "With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, and the contributions of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to extend the Black Sea grain corridor agreement for another two months."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to Erdogan for working with the world body.

Türkiye, the UN, Russia and Ukraine initially signed the agreement in Istanbul last July to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which were halted after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.

A Joint Coordination Center with officials from the three countries and the UN was set up in Istanbul to oversee the shipments.