UPDATE: Russia sees no progress for its fertilizer, grain exports

(updates headline, paragraphs 1, 2)

ISTANBUL/ANKARA/AMMAN, Nov 3 (PRIME) – Russia still sees problems with exports of its fertilizers and grain despite the country’s return to the grain deal, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.

"As you know, although fulfillment of the Ukrainian part of the deal has resumed, we see no results concerning the second part of the deal, offered by the Secretary-General of the U.N. (Antonio) Guterres, envisaging removal of any obstacles for exports of Russian fertilizers and grain," Lavrov said.

A source with knowledge of the situation told PRIME that resumption of Russia's participation in the grain deal does not mean its rollover, and Moscow is negotiating the issue.

"Please, don’t be confused. This does not mean deal prolongation," the source said, adding that he hopes for a positive result of the negotiations.

On Wednesday, after negotiations with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Defense Ministry to resume participation in the grain deal with the Western states after suspension caused by an attack on its Black Sea fleet, but Russia reserved the right to leave the deal if Ukraine violates the guarantees.

The source also said that Turkey and Russia are listing the countries that need Russian grain and fertilizers. The work will be coordinated by the U.N.

Erdogan told TV channel A Haber that he had discussed access of Russian agricultural products to the markets during negotiations by phone. "We have stipulated that the countries in need, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, must get these products first," he said.

After the talks, the foreign ministers of the states discussed the grain corridor issues.

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