Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to a journalist's question about the Russian side's position on extending the "grain deal."
The question stated: "Ukraine has resumed, according to Reuters, negotiations on the grain deal with partners. It is noteworthy that the Russian side did not participate in the negotiations. How do you comment on this news?"
Zakharova responded by saying that the Russian side is aware of these statements, but no negotiations have yet taken place on this with the participation of representatives of Russia.
She stated that the "Black Sea Initiative", which has a validity period of 120 days, will expire on March 18.
She added, "Our position is known and remains unchanged, regarding the package of proposals submitted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, which is based on the Black Sea Initiative, and the Russia-United Nations memorandum on the normalization of Russian agricultural exports. We proceed from the agreements that were concluded in Istanbul on 22 July 2022 should be implemented simultaneously with each other in order to solve the declared humanitarian tasks to overcome the food crisis and help countries in need in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Zakharova stressed that only the Ukrainian part has been effectively implemented so far, while the export of Russian agricultural products is still hampered as a result of unilateral Western sanctions.
On March 13, the next round of consultations will be held in Geneva between the joint Russian delegation, on the one hand, and the Director General of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, R. Greenspan and OCHA Chief Ms. Griffiths, who oversee the Russia-UN Memorandum and the Black Sea Initiative. Source: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Sevastyanov: Pope Francis is preparing to meet Patriarch Kirill in Jerusalem
Preparations continue for a meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Francis and the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.
This was reported by Leonid Sevastyanov , head of the World Federation of Supporters of the Old Faith, and stated that Pope Francis considers Patriarch Kirill as a brother.
Sevastyanov added: "He wrote to me recently - about a week ago - that they are preparing to hold this meeting in Jerusalem. He said that he considers Patriarch Kirill as his brother, and that they have a complete understanding of each other."
In 2022, the possibility of a second meeting between Patriarch Kirill and Pope Francis was discussed. As a meeting place, reference was made to Jerusalem and then later to the conference of leaders of world and traditional religions in the capital of Kazakhstan, which was visited by the Pope. But the second meeting did not take place. Source: Novosti