Grain deal extension is Russia's goodwill gesture - Peskov

MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax) - Extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a goodwill gesture of Russia, which hopes for the fulfillment of agreements in its regard, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Journalists asked Peskov on Tuesday why the deal was extended for 60 days instead of 120.

"Obviously, on the whole, what we call a deal, the second part of the deal that concerns us, has yet to be fulfilled. We appreciate the efforts taken by the United Nations and, personally, the secretary-general, but despite that, Mr. Guterres has unfortunately failed to break the blind wall of the collective West. The terms approved as an inseparable, integral part of the deal have not been met. [...] As you realize, the deal cannot stand on one leg. So, on the whole, of course, terms of extension are somewhat conventional. Still, of course, that's sort of a goodwill gesture from Russia, which hopes that, in the end, after such a long time, the terms and obligations undertaken by the known parties will be fulfilled," Peskov said.

Journalists asked Peskov whether Russia agreed to extend the grain deal because it was sure that the terms pertaining to Moscow would be met.

"Contacts on this matter are ongoing. Everyone agrees that the second part must be fulfilled and we are still hoping that the second part will materialize within the framework of the goodwill demonstrated by the Russian side," Peskov said.