Al Jazeera
The UN says a diplomatic push is underway to ensure safe passage for fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with a source familiar with discussions emphasising increasing urgency as shortages worsen.
“Extensive meetings” have been held in New York over the past two weeks on the design of the mechanism and how it will operate with relevant member states, said Juliette Touma, UNOPS director of communications.
The aim is to facilitate the safe transit of ships carrying fertilisers and related materials through the strait, and mitigate potential humanitarian fallout on fertiliser-dependent nations in Asia and Africa, she said.
The more-than-90 percent decrease in tanker traffic in the Gulf is threatening agricultural production and global food security, warns the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
“Extensive meetings” have been held in New York over the past two weeks on the design of the mechanism and how it will operate with relevant member states, said Juliette Touma, UNOPS director of communications.
The aim is to facilitate the safe transit of ships carrying fertilisers and related materials through the strait, and mitigate potential humanitarian fallout on fertiliser-dependent nations in Asia and Africa, she said.
The more-than-90 percent decrease in tanker traffic in the Gulf is threatening agricultural production and global food security, warns the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
