Pope speaks out as Russia withdraws from grain deal
VATICAN (AFP) – Pope Francis on Monday called on Russia to return to the Black Sea grain pact that guarantees the safe export of Ukrainian grain to global markets via the Black Sea.
The Black Sea grain agreement, reached last year, has allowed about 33 million metric tons of grain to sail from Ukrainian ports unaffected by the Russia-Ukraine war, helping to stabilize global food prices and avoid food shortages.
“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, to re-establish the Black Sea Grain Initiative so that wheat can be safely transported,” said Pope Francis in his weekly Angelus prayer.
Francis said: “We have been praying for the suffering Ukraine. The war is destroying everything, including wheat. This is a blasphemy against God, because wheat is his gift to feed people. Millions of brothers and sisters suffering from hunger. His wails are reaching to the sky.”
Russia two weeks ago refused to extend the grain deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. The agreement allows Ukrainian grain to be exported to global markets, including Africa, via the Black Sea, easing pressure on global food prices.
Moscow complained for months that the portion of the agreement that allowed Russian fertilizer exports had not been honored before withdrawing from the deal.
Wheat prices have climbed after Russia withdrew from the deal. (Internship compilation: Huang Yingshan)
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2023-07-31 06:20:04
