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Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador

Sérgio França Danese, on the Black Sea Grain Initiative

July 21st 2023

Madam President,

I thank Ecuador and France for the initiative to convene this

meeting. I also thank USG Griffiths and USG DiCarlo for their
updates on the situation on the ground and Mr Khazin for his
briefing.

Brazil has received with great concern the attacks of recent

days against facilities on the Black Sea coast. Destruction of civilian
infrastructure is against international humanitarian law and should
not be used as a tool by any conflicting part.

While regretting the discontinuation of the Black Sea Grain

Initiative, we encourage the parties involved in this particular
negotiation process to keep seeking mutually beneficial solutions
that can prevent further aggravation of food insecurity in the world.
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The conflict in Ukraine has caused considerable human

suffering not only in the fighting zone, but also in distant regions.
Since its beginning, we have warned of its impact on developing
countries, which are more vulnerable to rising food, fertilizer, and
energy prices.

Madam President,

Throughout the dozens of meetings already held by this

Council since the opening of hostilities, we have heard repeated
demands for developing countries to take a position on one side of
the war. However, those who make these demands do not seem to
listen carefully to the positions that have been presented here and
elsewhere on the complex causes and worldwide consequences of
the conflict.

Earlier this week, at the General Assembly debate on the

situation of Ukraine, the representative of a member state rightly
observed that the voices of the global south must be heard. Amidst
the diversity of views among member states of our organization,
there is a message consistently being repeated: it is high time to put
an end to war and limit, as much as possible, its collateral effects.
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We encourage all parties to resume negotiations on the Black

Sea Initiative and urge the parties to refrain from actions that could
disrupt the unimpeded flow of food and fertilizers. Brazil expresses
its sincere appreciation and support for the mediation efforts of the
Secretary General and the government of Türkiye and hopes that the
parties will show the necessary flexibility to revive the spirit of the
Istanbul Agreements.

Madam President,

We reiterate our call for the de-escalation of hostilities and the

opening of peace negotiations, based on respect for Ukraine's
sovereignty and territorial integrity and recognition of the legitimate
security concerns of all. Achieving this goal is our common
responsibility under the UN Charter.

Thank you.