The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) expressed deep disappointment with the termination of the Grain Initiative and reiterated its demands to Russia to immediately stop military aggression and threats to merchant shipping, the IMO said on Facebook.
During the 129th session in London, the International Maritime Organization welcomed Ukraine’s efforts to ensure freedom and safety of navigation in the northwestern Black Sea and pre-empt the global food crisis. The organization warned Russia against any actions that would threaten global food security, as well as the supply of food, medicines and basic necessities to Ukraine, it said.
The aggressor country was urged to adhere to international conventions and stop threatening merchant shipping in the Black Sea.
“Food for millions of people cannot be a weapon in the hands of an aggressor state against the whole world. Neither the world nor Ukraine should and will not depend on the desire of the Russian Federation to participate or not in the Grain Initiative,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery – Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, whose words are quoted in the report.
He assured that Ukraine with partners is looking for solutions to continue agro-export and resumption of merchant shipping, as he realizes its responsibility in ensuring food security of the world and international trade.
The Ministry recalled that by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers a Fund of UAH 20 billion was created to provide guarantees of compensation if ships or cargo are damaged as a result of military aggression of the Russian Federation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized UN agency that regulates international merchant shipping and is responsible for its safety. The organization has 175 member countries.
Source: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/WhatsNew-1936.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1-mpNU9XWByqEgPhyfpv7EDay6QTvZc_28lYJGXQ9z9LOYHVHqfE2Ax6A,
