UPDATE: NATO urges Russia to continue grain deal

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BRUSSELS/U.N./ANKARA, Oct 26 (PRIME) -- NATO urges Russia to roll over the grain deal with the U.N. with participation of Turkey, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.

U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said that he had discussed removal of barriers for exports of Russian grain and fertilizers in the U.S. Department of State.

A source in Istanbul told PRIME that Turkey hopes for a positive outcome of the negotiations to prolong the deal but cannot disclose the details.

The grain deal was signed on July 22 and was aimed at facilitating shipment of grain from Ukraine by sea. The deal also includes promotion of Russian food and fertilizer exports. According to Russian officials, the second part of the deal was not implemented, and the rollover is uncertain. The deal shall terminate on November 19.

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