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May 15. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, asked the UN Security Council this Monday for an extension of the agreement for the export of cereals through the Black Sea, which already exceeds 30 million tons of exports.
“In recent weeks, we have engaged in intensive discussions with the parties to the initiative to secure agreement on its extension and the improvements necessary to make it work effectively. This will continue for the next few days,” he said.
In this sense, it has indicated that its continuation is “fundamental”, as is “the renewal of the commitment of the parties to its fluid and efficient operation”. “We call on them to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard,” he added.
Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on July 22 after the mediation of Turkey and the United Nations to unblock the export of grain and fertilizers, an agreement that was briefly interrupted by Moscow’s accusations against Kiev for alleged threats to the security of the corridor. Finally, Moscow announced its return to the agreement after citing Ukrainian “guarantees”, although kyiv denied having made any concessions.
DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN AID
On the other hand, Griffiths has assured that nearly 278,000 people living in areas close to the front have received humanitarian aid, although the delivery could not be ensured in territory controlled by Russia.
“Thanks to the courage of humanitarian workers, particularly local workers, the UN and its partners continue to provide life-saving assistance in frontline areas on the front lines and elsewhere in Ukraine,” he said.
Griffiths has also explained that residential buildings, a school, an outpatient hospital and a care center for the elderly were damaged last week in Kherson, leaving dozens of civilians without shelter and medical care.
He has also stressed that missile attacks in Odessa hit a humanitarian warehouse, while another Red Cross hospital was attacked in Mykolaiv, thus destroying humanitarian supplies and medical equipment.
“I am forced, once again, to remind this Council here that, in accordance with Humanitarian Law, the parties must constantly ensure the protection of all civilians, including homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure, as well as facilities humanitarian”, has settled.
