Poland ready for unilateral ban on Ukrainian grain import after Sept 15

MOSCOW. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Poland will impose a unilateral ban on Ukrainian grain import after September 15 if that is necessary, while grain transit will continue, Ukrainian media quoted Polish Agriculture Minister Robert Telus as saying a press conference hosted by Polsat News on Tuesday.

He denied press reports alleging a split in the coalition of countries that ban Ukrainian grain import and an increase in the number of EU member states opposed to the extension of Polish restrictive measures after September 15 from 13 to 20.

"This is the first time I hear that more countries stand against. I have discussed the issue with many ministers from the European Union. I can see an understanding of the need to build a coalition. We have to develop a mechanism. I have no doubt that Romania is a member of the coalition," Ukrainian media quoted Telus as saying, according to the Polish media outlet Farmer.pl.

He said he would hold negotiations with Slovak representatives next week to decide "which direction to take" together. "For now, I have no doubt there is a coalition," Telus said.

The ban on Ukrainian grain import only until September 15 is "a political argument for further destabilization in Poland. We will not allow that to happen," he said.

The Polish government wants the issue to be settled "amicably in the European Union, so that there is no need to force the door," Telus said. "If there is need for [...] unilateral bans, we will impose them, because we care for the interests of agrarians [...] and this is not a debate," Telus said.

Speaking of the possible risk of penalties on Poland if it breaks the common market rules, he said, "I do not want to hear how they try to scare us, the Poles, with fines. [...] Polish will pursue a strict policy to the benefit of the Poles."

He added that Poland was holding dialogue with Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia to ensure grain transit through the Polish territory. "We are holding dialogue with Ukraine, as well as with Lithuania and Latvia in order to use their ports," Telus said and assured the public that grain exported from Poland does not go back.

"If we speak of food security of Poland, food security of Europe, grain should go to Europe and outside of Europe. We will help along the way," he said.

Before the import ban was imposed, Poland was transited by about 114,000 tonnes of [Ukrainian] grain, and the amount reached 260,000 tonnes in June, Telus said. About 6 million tonnes of grain were exported from Poland, and about 3 million to 4 million tonnes were left in Poland, "which is the stock to be maintained at all times," considering the monthly demand for 2.5 million tonnes of grain, he said.

The European Commission allowed on June 5 to extend the restrictions on exports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seed to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia until September 15. The restrictions do not apply to transit.