On Friday, July 22, 2022, documents were signed in Istanbul as part of the initiative for the safe transportation of grain and food products from Ukrainian ports. This is reported by the information agency “Interfax-Ukraine”.
Ukraine, Turkey and russia, with the support of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, agreed to promote safe shipping for the export of grain, related food products and fertilizers (in particular, ammonia) from the sea ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdenny for 120 days with the possibility of extension this term. This is reported by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, in the presence of Turkish President Recep Erdogan, signed a tripartite document with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and the UN Secretary General, who also signed a second such tripartite document with russian defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
As stated in the text of the initiative, a copy of which is in the possession of the Interfax-Ukraine agency, it is based on the agreements of the parties to the International Convention for the Protection of Life at Sea of 1974.
In particular, the parties agree on the following:
– maximum safety guarantees for all vessels participating in this initiative;
– creation under the auspices of the UN in Istanbul of a joint coordination center (JCC), which includes representatives of all parties;
– creation and operation on vessels participating in the initiative of inspection teams from representatives of the parties who will inspect vessels in ports designated by Turkey during entry/exit to/from the Black Sea Straits to check the absence of unauthorized cargo and personnel on board .
At the same time, all activities in Ukrainian territorial waters will be under the control and responsibility of Ukraine.
Parties will not carry out any attacks on merchant and civilian vessels, as well as on port facilities participating in this initiative.
If demining of approaches to ports is required, a minesweeper of a third country should be involved.
Merchant vessels must be pre-registered with the JCC and will be under technical control during their passage through the maritime humanitarian corridor agreed by all parties.
SCC will develop and disseminate a detailed operational and communications plan, including identification of safe shelters and en-route medical care options.
In order to prevent provocations and incidents, the parties will remotely monitor the movement of ships transiting the maritime humanitarian corridor.
“No warships, planes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can approach the maritime humanitarian corridor closer than the distance agreed by the JCC, without the permission of the JCC and only after consultation with all parties,” the text of the initiative emphasizes.
This initiative will remain in effect for 120 days from the date of signature by all parties and may be automatically extended for the same period unless either party notifies the other of its intention to terminate or modify the initiative.
At the same time, reaching an agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain does not mean a weakening of the security regime in the Black Sea, representatives of Ukraine have repeatedly emphasized.