Sofia, 25 July 2022 (TDI): Bulgaria has strongly condemned the Russian attack on the Odesa Seaport. It also called for the full implementation of the grain export agreement in which Ukraine was allowed to export its wheat.
“Weaponizing food is unacceptable,” the Foreign Ministry of Bulgaria shared on its Twitter account, yesterday, on 24 July.
Bulgaria 🇧🇬 strongly condemns Russia’s 🇷🇺 attack on the port of #Odesa and calls for the full and unobstructed implementation of the agreement on wheat exports from Ukraine. Weaponizing food is unacceptable. #WeStandWithUkraine
— MFA Bulgaria (@MFABulgaria) July 24, 2022
The European Union (EU) also condemned the attack. “Striking a target crucial for grain export a day after the signature of Istanbul agreements is particularly reprehensible.
It again demonstrates Russia’s total disregard for international law & commitments,” the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell stated on Twitter.
EU strongly condemns Russian missile strike on Odesa’s seaport. Striking a target crucial for grain export a day after the signature of Istanbul agreements is particularly reprehensible & again demonstrates Russia’s total disregard for international law & commitments#StopRussia
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 23, 2022
Russian Attack
Russia hit the Odesa Seaport after hours of signing an agreement between the two countries to resume the Ukrainian grain export via the Black sea. However, Russia claims that it hit military targets.
Odesa is the largest seaport in Ukraine and one of the largest in the Black Sea Basin. Ukraine controlled the port, albeit being blocked by Russia.
Black Sea Grain Initiative
Russia and Ukraine signed a UN and Turkiye-brokered agreement on 22 July in Turkiye. This accord allows Ukraine to export millions of tons of grains from its Black Sea port.
The accord was signed at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkiye. UN Secretary General, António Guterres, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were the attendees of the ceremony.
Moreover, UN Secretary-General requested the two parties to fully implement the accord. “It must be fully implemented – because the world desperately needs it to tackle the global food crisis,” he wrote on Twitter.
The Black Sea Grain Agreement signed today took immense effort & commitment by all sides.
It must be fully implemented – because the world desperately needs it to tackle the global food crisis.
The @UN will remain closely involved in working for the agreement’s success.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 22, 2022
Turkish Foreign Minister called it “a glimpse of hope”. He also called it a concrete step to tackle the global food emergency.
Finally a glimpse of hope!
A concrete step in the right direction to solve the global food crisis.
Hope this initiative which is a result of our diplomatic efforts under the leadership of @RTErdogan will bring us closer to peace in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/QmpigKZUvm
— Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu (@MevlutCavusoglu) July 22, 2022
