tass--2020-07-20--Aeroflot repatriation flight departs from New York to Moscow

NEW YORK , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
An Aeroflot repatriation flight has departed from New York City to Moscow , according to John F. Kennedy International Airport ’ s website .
The flight is expected to land at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:45 am on Monday .
According to the Russian embassy in the United States , Russian nationals need to register on the government website providing state services to be put on passenger lists for repatriation flights .
Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said in a statement on Facebook that it was Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to him , there are 367 passengers aboard the flight .
The envoy pointed out that nearly 5,000 Russians had returned home from the United States on repatriation flights .
Antonov said in April that over 2,000 Russians had informed diplomats of their wish to return home due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Russia ’ s national air carrier Aeroflot later operated a number of repatriation flights from New York , Los Angeles and Miami .
Russia banned all international flights on March 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic , air carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NEW YORK, July 20. /TASS/. An Aeroflot repatriation flight has departed from New York City to Moscow, according to John F. Kennedy International Airport’s website.
The flight is expected to land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:45 am on Monday.
According to the Russian embassy in the United States, Russian nationals need to register on the government website providing state services to be put on passenger lists for repatriation flights.
Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said in a statement on Facebook that it was Russia’s 15th repatriation flight from the US. According to him, there are 367 passengers aboard the flight. The envoy pointed out that nearly 5,000 Russians had returned home from the United States on repatriation flights.
Antonov said in April that over 2,000 Russians had informed diplomats of their wish to return home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Russia’s national air carrier Aeroflot later operated a number of repatriation flights from New York, Los Angeles and Miami.
Russia banned all international flights on March 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic, air carriers are only allowed to conduct repatriation flights.


tass--2020-07-19--Key suspect in Russian infant trafficking case currently in Prague, says attorney

MOSCOW , July 19 .
/TASS/ .
The key suspect in a criminal case into trafficking children born by surrogate mothers , lawyer Konstantin Svitnev , is currently staying in Prague and is ready to return to Russia as soon as international air service is resumed , attorney Igor Trunov , who represents the suspects , told TASS on Sunday .
`` Svitnev has confirmed that he is in Prague .
He is ready to come to Russia , '' Trunov said , adding that Svitnev had `` received no summons from the Investigative Committee '' after a conversation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He told me he can not come to Russia because of the quarantine , with air service with Russia being still suspended , '' Trumov said .
`` On Monday , we will ask the investigators to show a writ on putting Svitnev on the wanted list and on charges brought against him . ''
Svitnev , in turn , also said he had received no summons from the Russian Investigative Committee .
`` No one has contacted me personally .
The situation looks strange to me .
Over the six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one has ever bothered to speak to me , to invite me for an interview , at least to issue a summons , '' he told the Govorit Moskva radio station .
`` I am not hiding .
I am in Prague .
I plan to return to Moscow as soon as air service is resumed '' .
A source in law enforcement agencies told TASS earlier the Russian Investigative Committee had put Svitnev on the federal wanted list and brought charges against him in absentia .
Moscow ’ s Basmanny district court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case into trafficking infants born by surrogate mothers .
The key suspect was put on the federal wanted list .
Among those arrested besides doctors is a translator and a director general of a surrogacy center .
A criminal case was opened in January by the Odintsovo Investigative department in the Moscow Region on charges of inflicting death by negligence ( part 1 , article 109 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and human trafficking ( clauses of part 2 , article 127.1 of the Criminal Code ) .
The case was opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been found in one of the apartments in the Vniissok locality .
Later , charges under article 127.1 of the Criminal Code were changed to graver ones , and the case was transferred to the central office of the Russian Investigative Committee .
The suspects in the case were detained the day before and their places of residence were searched .
They are accused of child trafficking .
According to preliminary data , a boy born by a surrogate mother in December of 2019 was under the nanny ’ s care in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also born by surrogate mothers , were held .
Investigators believe the newborns were staying there while their biological parents , foreign citizens , were taking care of the necessary paperwork , including documents required to take the children outside Russia .
The investigators and forensic specialists in the course of the investigation searched the apartment , questioned the building ’ s residents , the directors and the manager of the surrogate motherhood law firm .
Preliminary expert findings showed that the baby had died from the sudden infant death syndrome .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrogate motherhood contracts , were subpoenaed from the law firm which specialized in surrogate motherhood programs .
The three newborns found at the apartment were taken to the children ’ s city hospital .
Apart from that , checks were organized in local law enforcement and child protection agencies on charges of improper performance of duties .

MOSCOW, July 19. /TASS/. The key suspect in a criminal case into trafficking children born by surrogate mothers, lawyer Konstantin Svitnev, is currently staying in Prague and is ready to return to Russia as soon as international air service is resumed, attorney Igor Trunov, who represents the suspects, told TASS on Sunday.
"Svitnev has confirmed that he is in Prague. He is ready to come to Russia," Trunov said, adding that Svitnev had "received no summons from the Investigative Committee" after a conversation with the investigators in charge of the case.
"He told me he cannot come to Russia because of the quarantine, with air service with Russia being still suspended," Trumov said. "On Monday, we will ask the investigators to show a writ on putting Svitnev on the wanted list and on charges brought against him."
Svitnev, in turn, also said he had received no summons from the Russian Investigative Committee. "No one has contacted me personally. The situation looks strange to me. Over the six months of the so-called investigation, no one has ever bothered to speak to me, to invite me for an interview, at least to issue a summons," he told the Govorit Moskva radio station. "I am not hiding. I am in Prague. I plan to return to Moscow as soon as air service is resumed".
A source in law enforcement agencies told TASS earlier the Russian Investigative Committee had put Svitnev on the federal wanted list and brought charges against him in absentia.
Moscow’s Basmanny district court last week arrested seven suspects in a case into trafficking infants born by surrogate mothers. The key suspect was put on the federal wanted list. Among those arrested besides doctors is a translator and a director general of a surrogacy center.
A criminal case was opened in January by the Odintsovo Investigative department in the Moscow Region on charges of inflicting death by negligence (part 1, article 109 of the Russian Criminal Code) and human trafficking (clauses of part 2, article 127.1 of the Criminal Code). The case was opened after a body of a newborn boy had been found in one of the apartments in the Vniissok locality. Later, charges under article 127.1 of the Criminal Code were changed to graver ones, and the case was transferred to the central office of the Russian Investigative Committee. The suspects in the case were detained the day before and their places of residence were searched. They are accused of child trafficking.
According to preliminary data, a boy born by a surrogate mother in December of 2019 was under the nanny’s care in the apartment where three more infants, also born by surrogate mothers, were held. Investigators believe the newborns were staying there while their biological parents, foreign citizens, were taking care of the necessary paperwork, including documents required to take the children outside Russia. The investigators and forensic specialists in the course of the investigation searched the apartment, questioned the building’s residents, the directors and the manager of the surrogate motherhood law firm.
Preliminary expert findings showed that the baby had died from the sudden infant death syndrome. All the relevant documents, including licenses and surrogate motherhood contracts, were subpoenaed from the law firm which specialized in surrogate motherhood programs. The three newborns found at the apartment were taken to the children’s city hospital.
Apart from that, checks were organized in local law enforcement and child protection agencies on charges of improper performance of duties.


tass--2020-07-21--PACE won’t send observers to presidential election in Belarus

PARIS , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is not planning to send @ @ @ @ @ presidential election in Belarus due on August 9 , the organization ’ s press service @ @ @ @ @ PACE noted that it had received an invitation from the Belarusian parliament on July 15 @ @ @ @ @ presidential election .
However , according to the spokesperson PACE President Rik Daems responded that @ @ @ @ @ the election , the lack of observers from partner organizations , including the Office for @ @ @ @ @ ( ODIHR ) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) @ @ @ @ @ situation in the healthcare field linked to the coronavirus and related restrictions on trips for @ @ @ @ @ could not send its delegation .
Belarus is scheduled to hold the presidential election on @ @ @ @ @ 14 , the Belarusian Central Election Commission made a decision to register five presidential candidates @ @ @ @ @ , Andrei Dmitriev , Anna Kanopatskaya , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Sergei Cherechen .

PARIS, July 21. /TASS/. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is not planning to send its delegation to monitor the presidential election in Belarus due on August 9, the organization’s press service told TASS on Monday.
PACE noted that it had received an invitation from the Belarusian parliament on July 15 to send delegates to the presidential election. However, according to the spokesperson PACE President Rik Daems responded that given the limited time before the election, the lack of observers from partner organizations, including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and also the changing situation in the healthcare field linked to the coronavirus and related restrictions on trips for its members, the Assembly could not send its delegation.
Belarus is scheduled to hold the presidential election on August 9. On July 14, the Belarusian Central Election Commission made a decision to register five presidential candidates - incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, Andrei Dmitriev, Anna Kanopatskaya, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Sergei Cherechen.


tass--2020-07-21--Iranian envoy offers Moscow to create club of states hit by US sanctions

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The countries that were targeted by Washington ’ s sanctions pressure could unite their efforts for jointly countering US policy , Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said in an interview with Kommersant newspaper .
`` I believe it ’ s high time we created a club of countries hit by sanctions .
Among its members will be many strong powers with developed economies : Russia , China and Iran , '' the diplomat said .
According to him , such states should help each other in order to offset negative influence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington does not want to see any rivals , whose positions in any region would be stronger than those of the US .
`` They want Russia to be weak , China to be economically subordinated to them and Iran to become their colony .
That ’ s why we need to cooperate , help each other and complement each other , '' Jalali said .
`` We have got huge opportunities and we just need to show political will and make efforts in order to develop this potential in a right way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China .
We are a large country with big and rather young population , we have got many mineral resources and advanced technologies .
If we make joint efforts we will overcome US pressure , '' the ambassador emphasized .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. The countries that were targeted by Washington’s sanctions pressure could unite their efforts for jointly countering US policy, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said in an interview with Kommersant newspaper.
"I believe it’s high time we created a club of countries hit by sanctions. Among its members will be many strong powers with developed economies: Russia, China and Iran," the diplomat said. According to him, such states should help each other in order to offset negative influence of US steps.
The diplomat stressed that Washington does not want to see any rivals, whose positions in any region would be stronger than those of the US. "They want Russia to be weak, China to be economically subordinated to them and Iran to become their colony. That’s why we need to cooperate, help each other and complement each other," Jalali said.
"We have got huge opportunities and we just need to show political will and make efforts in order to develop this potential in a right way. Iran has something to offer Russia and China. We are a large country with big and rather young population, we have got many mineral resources and advanced technologies. If we make joint efforts we will overcome US pressure," the ambassador emphasized.


tass--2020-07-21--Iranian top diplomat to hand over Rouhani’s message to Putin

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif , who will meet with his Russian @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow on Tuesday , will hand over a message from his country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin , Iranian Ambassador to Russia said on Monday .
`` Zarif will @ @ @ @ @ message to Vladimir Putin and will hold talks with his Russian counterpart Lavrov five years @ @ @ @ @ deal , '' as follows from a press statement released by the Iranian embassy .
@ @ @ @ @ thanks to the will of the two countries ’ leaders relations between Russia and Iran @ @ @ @ @ basis of common interests in the sphere of regional and global security .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who will meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on Tuesday, will hand over a message from his country’s President Hassan Rouhani to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian Ambassador to Russia said on Monday.
"Zarif will hand over Rouhani’s message to Vladimir Putin and will hold talks with his Russian counterpart Lavrov five years after signing the Iran nuclear deal," as follows from a press statement released by the Iranian embassy.
The Iranian diplomat stressed that thanks to the will of the two countries’ leaders relations between Russia and Iran are being strengthened on the basis of common interests in the sphere of regional and global security.


tass--2020-07-21--Kadyrov slams US sanctions as attempt to cause rifts in his family

GROZNY , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov has blasted the US sanctions imposed against him and his relatives as a futile attempt to incite spats in his family , he said via Telegram .
`` Ok , even if I am hundred times the human rights violator , then how do you explain sanctions against < … > my wife and my daughters ?
What crimes did they commit and whose rights did they violate ?
You have no answer to this question .
< … > You dared to attempt brazenly disgusting measures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you thought that you ’ ll succeed , but missed the mark , '' he wrote .
He offered for the US State Department representatives to come to Chechnya and see for themselves what level of support among the region ’ s population he enjoys .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing visa sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights .
The restrictions are applied in accordance with the US law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people seen as accomplices to corruption and human rights violations by US authorities .

GROZNY, July 20. /TASS/. Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov has blasted the US sanctions imposed against him and his relatives as a futile attempt to incite spats in his family, he said via Telegram.
"Ok, even if I am hundred times the human rights violator, then how do you explain sanctions against <…> my wife and my daughters? What crimes did they commit and whose rights did they violate? You have no answer to this question. <…> You dared to attempt brazenly disgusting measures and cause rifts in my family. Maybe you thought that you’ll succeed, but missed the mark," he wrote.
He offered for the US State Department representatives to come to Chechnya and see for themselves what level of support among the region’s population he enjoys.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing visa sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights. The restrictions are applied in accordance with the US law that bans entry into the country for people seen as accomplices to corruption and human rights violations by US authorities.


tass--2020-07-21--Iran interested in buying new Russian weapons - ambassador

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Iran is interested in buying new Russian weapons to enhance its defense capacities @ @ @ @ @ Kazem Jalali said in an interview with the Kommersant daily .
`` Indeed , it @ @ @ @ @ said answering the question if Teheran was interested in Russia ’ s new weapons .
@ @ @ @ @ with Russia on what we need to enhance our defense capacities .
The Russian government @ @ @ @ @ always been by our side in times of trouble .
Russia is our priority partner @ @ @ @ @ he stressed .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Iran is interested in buying new Russian weapons to enhance its defense capacities, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said in an interview with the Kommersant daily.
"Indeed, it is so," he said answering the question if Teheran was interested in Russia’s new weapons.
"We will hold consultations with Russia on what we need to enhance our defense capacities. The Russian government and the Russian people have always been by our side in times of trouble. Russia is our priority partner in this sense," he stressed.


tass--2020-07-21--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by nearly 230,000 in past day - WHO

GENEVA , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 230,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 20 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 14.3 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Monday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 20 , as many as 14,348,858 novel coronavirus cases and 603,691 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 229,780 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,111 .
The WHO statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,584,675 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 133,573 and the number of deaths - by 3,107 and reached 309,309 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,079,218 and the number of fatalities is 207,535 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 17,145 and the number of deaths - by 490 .
Southeast Asia has 1,436,141 cases and 34,388 fatalities .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases grew by 44,734 and the number of deaths - by 845 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 3,685,460 ) , Brazil ( 2,074,860 ) , India ( 1,118,043 ) , Russia ( 777,486 ) , South Africa ( 364,328 ) , Peru ( 349,500 ) , Mexico ( 338,913 ) , Chile ( 330,930 ) , the United Kingdom ( 294,796 ) , and Iran ( 273,788 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, July 20. /TASS/. Nearly 230,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 20, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 14.3 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Monday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 20, as many as 14,348,858 novel coronavirus cases and 603,691 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 229,780 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,111.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,584,675. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 133,573 and the number of deaths - by 3,107 and reached 309,309.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,079,218 and the number of fatalities is 207,535. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 17,145 and the number of deaths - by 490.
Southeast Asia has 1,436,141 cases and 34,388 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 44,734 and the number of deaths - by 845.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (3,685,460), Brazil (2,074,860), India (1,118,043), Russia (777,486), South Africa (364,328), Peru (349,500), Mexico (338,913), Chile (330,930), the United Kingdom (294,796), and Iran (273,788).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-20--Russian embassies in Nigeria, Benin actively looking for Russians kidnapped by pirates

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian diplomats in Nigeria , Benin are making every effort possible to search for and free Russian citizens who were kidnapped by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea , spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova said Monday .
`` The Russian embassies in Abuja and Cotonou are constantly in contact with relevant Nigerian and Beninese agencies as well as representatives of the ship owner company .
No efforts are spared to locate the kidnapped Russians and release them , '' she noted .
According to Zakharova , eight armed individuals assaulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are yet to put forward any demands .
On July 19 , the ship anchored near the port of Cotonou , '' the diplomat added .
Earlier , the Russian embassy in Nigeria reported that seven Russian nationals were kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Benin .
On July 18 , Alison Management Corp. , the ship operator , revealed that pirates took 13 hostages in an attack on the tanker with 19 Russian and Ukrainian crewmembers in total .
The company noted in a statement that its `` vessel was attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coast of Benin at 1100 hrs local time on 17th July . ''
Alison Management Corp. also stressed that `` no effort shall be spared '' to free the crewmembers who are likely to have been captured by south Nigerian armed gangs .
Meanwhile , Agence France-Presse cited a spokesperson for the Nigerian navy , who revealed that pirates had yet to contact the company .
On July 17 , Dryad Global , a portal specializing in maritime security issues , reported the pirate assault on Curacao Trader .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is also noted that the Gulf of Guinea has never seen hostage situations so far from the coast .
The portal suggests that a major vessel could have taken part in the criminal operation .
The Liberia-flagged chemical or oil tanker left Togo ’ s Lome before it was attacked 230 nautical miles from Nigeria ’ s Lagos .
Curacao Trader Shipping owns the vessel .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Russian diplomats in Nigeria, Benin are making every effort possible to search for and free Russian citizens who were kidnapped by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova said Monday.
"The Russian embassies in Abuja and Cotonou are constantly in contact with relevant Nigerian and Beninese agencies as well as representatives of the ship owner company. No efforts are spared to locate the kidnapped Russians and release them," she noted.
According to Zakharova, eight armed individuals assaulted the Curacao Trader tanker. "They are yet to put forward any demands. On July 19, the ship anchored near the port of Cotonou," the diplomat added.
Earlier, the Russian embassy in Nigeria reported that seven Russian nationals were kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Benin. On July 18, Alison Management Corp., the ship operator, revealed that pirates took 13 hostages in an attack on the tanker with 19 Russian and Ukrainian crewmembers in total. The company noted in a statement that its "vessel was attacked by pirates approx. 210 miles off the coast of Benin at 1100 hrs local time on 17th July."
Alison Management Corp. also stressed that "no effort shall be spared" to free the crewmembers who are likely to have been captured by south Nigerian armed gangs. Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse cited a spokesperson for the Nigerian navy, who revealed that pirates had yet to contact the company.
On July 17, Dryad Global, a portal specializing in maritime security issues, reported the pirate assault on Curacao Trader. According to the portal, eight armed people climbed aboard. It is also noted that the Gulf of Guinea has never seen hostage situations so far from the coast. The portal suggests that a major vessel could have taken part in the criminal operation.
The Liberia-flagged chemical or oil tanker left Togo’s Lome before it was attacked 230 nautical miles from Nigeria’s Lagos. Curacao Trader Shipping owns the vessel.


tass--2020-07-20--Russian MP says US targeted Chechnya’s head Kadyrov with sanctions for patriotism

`` The imposition of personal US sanctions against Chechnya head Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members is yet another unfriendly step of the American administration .
The reasons to blacklist him are unfounded , '' Slutsky noted .
MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
US authorities should prove their human right violation accusations against head of the Russian region of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov in court of law , otherwise they are nothing but slander , Chair of the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told reporters Monday , linking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patriotic position .
The member of parliament underlined that `` Kadyrov has been and remains a patriot of Russia . ''
`` Evidently , this very fact is the initial reason that prompted this restriction .
The accusation of being complicit in violating human rights are rather serious and should only be proven in court , '' he emphasized .
Otherwise , the politician continued , `` these claims are slanderous against one of the most reputable heads of Russian regions . ''
`` I don ’ t think that US sanctions can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of Chechnya .
Meanwhile , reciprocity is still very much a thing .
Russia will find a way to respond to this another unlawful decision of the [ US ] State Department , '' Slutsky concluded .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing visa sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights .
The restrictions are applied in accordance with the US law that bans entry into the country for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights violations by US authorities .

"The imposition of personal US sanctions against Chechnya head Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members is yet another unfriendly step of the American administration. The reasons to blacklist him are unfounded," Slutsky noted.
MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. US authorities should prove their human right violation accusations against head of the Russian region of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov in court of law, otherwise they are nothing but slander, Chair of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told reporters Monday, linking the recent sanctions introduced against Kadyrov to his patriotic position.
The member of parliament underlined that "Kadyrov has been and remains a patriot of Russia." "Evidently, this very fact is the initial reason that prompted this restriction. The accusation of being complicit in violating human rights are rather serious and should only be proven in court," he emphasized. Otherwise, the politician continued, "these claims are slanderous against one of the most reputable heads of Russian regions."
"I don’t think that US sanctions can affect Kadyrov’s efficiency as the head of Chechnya. Meanwhile, reciprocity is still very much a thing. Russia will find a way to respond to this another unlawful decision of the [US] State Department," Slutsky concluded.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing visa sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights. The restrictions are applied in accordance with the US law that bans entry into the country for people seen as accomplices to corruption and human rights violations by US authorities.


tass--2020-07-20--Russian banks restructured loans to individuals for $9.3 bln since mid-March

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
From March 15 to July 15 , Russian banks restructured loans to individuals for a total amount of 665.9 billion rubles ( $ 9.3 bln ) , the Bank of Russia reported on Monday .
`` Restructuring of debts of individuals .
< ... > During the period from March 20 to July 15 , banks restructured loan agreements totaling 665.9 billion rubles , '' the regulator says .
The banks received more than 2.4 million requests to change the terms of loan agreements .
As of July 15 , they considered more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the regulator , the share of approved applications was 61.6 % of those considered .
That means that more than 1.4 million applications for restructuring of loans were granted , and 892,900 applications were rejected .
Over the reporting period , banks received 26,600 applications for mortgage vacations and approved 50 % of the applications that were considered .
Now banks are considering another 8,200 applications .
The number of restructured loans of legal entities ( except for SMEs ) exceeded 2,800 , and their volume amounted to more than 3.5 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or 11 % of the total portfolio of systemic banks .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. From March 15 to July 15, Russian banks restructured loans to individuals for a total amount of 665.9 billion rubles ($9.3 bln), the Bank of Russia reported on Monday.
"Restructuring of debts of individuals. <...> During the period from March 20 to July 15, banks restructured loan agreements totaling 665.9 billion rubles," the regulator says.
The banks received more than 2.4 million requests to change the terms of loan agreements. As of July 15, they considered more than 96% of applications. According to the regulator, the share of approved applications was 61.6% of those considered. That means that more than 1.4 million applications for restructuring of loans were granted, and 892,900 applications were rejected.
Over the reporting period, banks received 26,600 applications for mortgage vacations and approved 50% of the applications that were considered. Now banks are considering another 8,200 applications.
The number of restructured loans of legal entities (except for SMEs) exceeded 2,800, and their volume amounted to more than 3.5 trillion rubles ($49 bln), or 11% of the total portfolio of systemic banks.


tass--2020-07-20--UK to publish report on "Russian interference" into British politics Tuesday

LONDON , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The report on Russia ’ s alleged interference into UK politics will see the light of day July 21 , the British Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee that prepared the report last year said Monday .
`` The Committee 's Report on Russia , prepared by its predecessor , will be laid before Parliament at 10:30am on Tuesday 21 July , '' the committee announced via its website .
The report was prepared by the committee ’ s previous convocation in March 2019 and was later submitted for approval in the UK prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the government greenlighted its publication , however , the general election held that December as well required that the committee be elected in its new composition before the publication , which only happened recently .
In late October , former Attorney General for England and Wales Dominic Grieve who had been earlier expelled from the ruling Conservative Party accused the government of opposing the publication of a report on Russia ’ s alleged threat to democracy in Britain .
The report was prepared by the parliament ’ s Intelligence and Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sent to Downing Street on October 17 .
Grieve drew attention to the fact that this process usually takes 10 days .

LONDON, July 20. /TASS/. The report on Russia’s alleged interference into UK politics will see the light of day July 21, the British Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee that prepared the report last year said Monday.
"The Committee's Report on Russia, prepared by its predecessor, will be laid before Parliament at 10:30am on Tuesday 21 July," the committee announced via its website.
The report was prepared by the committee’s previous convocation in March 2019 and was later submitted for approval in the UK prime minister’s office. In December 2019, the government greenlighted its publication, however, the general election held that December as well required that the committee be elected in its new composition before the publication, which only happened recently.
In late October, former Attorney General for England and Wales Dominic Grieve who had been earlier expelled from the ruling Conservative Party accused the government of opposing the publication of a report on Russia’s alleged threat to democracy in Britain. The report was prepared by the parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee headed by the former attorney general and sent to Downing Street on October 17. Grieve drew attention to the fact that this process usually takes 10 days.


tass--2020-07-20--UN chief concerned over tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan

`` The Secretary General is following with deep concern the current tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia , '' he said .
`` He calls for maximum restraint as a full conflict between these two countries would be disastrous . ''
UNITED NATIONS , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres is seriously concerned over growing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan , St·phane Dujarric , Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General , said on Monday .
`` Contacts been led by UN office for political affairs are being held at various level and with various parties , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question .
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12 , when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions with use of artillery systems .
Armenia , in turn , said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted attack .
Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen .
Yerevan said four Armenian soldiers had been killed and ten more were wounded .
On July 17 , both sides reported that the situation on the border was relatively calm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , France and the United States .

"The Secretary General is following with deep concern the current tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia," he said. "He calls for maximum restraint as a full conflict between these two countries would be disastrous."
UNITED NATIONS, July 20. /TASS/. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres is seriously concerned over growing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, St·phane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said on Monday.
"Contacts been led by UN office for political affairs are being held at various level and with various parties," he said in reply to a TASS question.
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12, when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions with use of artillery systems. Armenia, in turn, said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen. Yerevan said four Armenian soldiers had been killed and ten more were wounded.
On July 17, both sides reported that the situation on the border was relatively calm.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-20--Russia postpones Immortal Regiment march until 2021

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Immortal Regiment march that is annually held across Russia and the world to honor those fallen in the Second World War is officially postponed in 2020 until May 9 , 2021 due to the current epidemiological situation , Immortal Regiment of Russia , the Russia-wide public movement , said via its website Monday .
`` Unfortunately , the epidemiological situation is such that we can not forecast when it will be possible to held this year .
< … > It will be right to reschedule the Immortal Regiment people ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing will endanger the health of people , '' the movement ’ s executive committee said in a comment .
`` We are glad that Russian President Vladimir Putin supported this proposal , understanding our concern for keeping people healthy . ''
It was earlier planned that the march will take place on July 26 , but the organizers said July 16 that the event will be postponed until a later date .
On Monday , Putin said that it is right to hold Immortal Regiment only next year .
The Immortal Regiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia and other countries to commemorate those who fought or died during the Soviet Union ’ s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany .
During the Immortal Regiment march , which takes place on May 9 or on the nearest days , its participants pass in a formation carrying placards with the photographs of their relatives who fought during the war .
Also , people who join the march are offered to post the photos of their relatives and their brief biographies on the official website of the ‘ People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regiment movement was first launched in the city of Tyumen in West Siberia in 2007 and was initially called `` Victors ’ Parade . ''
It acquired its current name in 2012 in Tomsk , and in 2013 it involved 120 cities .
The movement officially became nationwide in 2015 .
By now , the Immortal Regiment march has spread beyond Russia .
This year , it was decided to organize the march in the online format on May 9 because of the ongoing coronavirus lockdowns .
About three million people applied for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ march online .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The Immortal Regiment march that is annually held across Russia and the world to honor those fallen in the Second World War is officially postponed in 2020 until May 9, 2021 due to the current epidemiological situation, Immortal Regiment of Russia, the Russia-wide public movement, said via its website Monday.
"Unfortunately, the epidemiological situation is such that we cannot forecast when it will be possible to held this year. <…> It will be right to reschedule the Immortal Regiment people’s movement to May 9 next year when nothing will endanger the health of people," the movement’s executive committee said in a comment. "We are glad that Russian President Vladimir Putin supported this proposal, understanding our concern for keeping people healthy."
It was earlier planned that the march will take place on July 26, but the organizers said July 16 that the event will be postponed until a later date. On Monday, Putin said that it is right to hold Immortal Regiment only next year.
History of Immortal Regiment march
The Immortal Regiment march is an annual public event held in Russia and other countries to commemorate those who fought or died during the Soviet Union’s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.
During the Immortal Regiment march, which takes place on May 9 or on the nearest days, its participants pass in a formation carrying placards with the photographs of their relatives who fought during the war. Also, people who join the march are offered to post the photos of their relatives and their brief biographies on the official website of the ‘People’s Chronicle’ project.
The Immortal Regiment movement was first launched in the city of Tyumen in West Siberia in 2007 and was initially called "Victors’ Parade." It acquired its current name in 2012 in Tomsk, and in 2013 it involved 120 cities. The movement officially became nationwide in 2015.
By now, the Immortal Regiment march has spread beyond Russia.
This year, it was decided to organize the march in the online format on May 9 because of the ongoing coronavirus lockdowns. About three million people applied for their participation in the nationwide Immortal Regiment march online.


tass--2020-07-20--Russia will find way to respond to US sanctions against Kadyrov, says diplomat

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian will find a way to respond to the US sanctions against head @ @ @ @ @ Kadyrov , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday following US Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ press statement on sanctions against Kadyrov .
`` It will not be easy to give @ @ @ @ @ will find a way to respond , '' she wrote on her Facebook account .
@ @ @ @ @ Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing sanctions on head of @ @ @ @ @ and his family members for gross violations of human rights .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Russian will find a way to respond to the US sanctions against head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday following US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s press statement on sanctions against Kadyrov.
"It will not be easy to give a tit-for-tat response but we will find a way to respond," she wrote on her Facebook account.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights.


tass--2020-07-20--Expert: Air ambulance along Northern Sea Route should be served by regional airlines

TASS , July 20 .
Air ambulance flights along the Northern Sea Route should be served by local airlines , as their pilots know the specific Arctic conditions , Director of Naryan-Mar ’ s United Air Group ( Nenets Region ) Valery Ostapchuk said at a meeting of the Arctic and Antarctic Council at the Federation Council .
`` My opinion is that we can not have NSSA ( the National Sanitary Aviation , managed by Rostec - TASS ) , operate [ flights ] along the Northern Sea Route , '' he said .
`` Nobody can know better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pilots who work there . ''
He spoke about experience of Naryan-Mar ’ s United Air Group , which serves flights to the Barents Sea to evacuate sick people off vessels .
`` We have a coordinating center for search and rescue missions , < … > we are on duty jointly with search and rescue bases , but we must realize this is the aviation-space search , while flights to the sea is a different work , which requires different skills , and maximum two in ten pilots are capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe , helicopters should be given to the companies , which have been working in this field , '' he said in conclusion .

TASS, July 20. Air ambulance flights along the Northern Sea Route should be served by local airlines, as their pilots know the specific Arctic conditions, Director of Naryan-Mar’s United Air Group (Nenets Region) Valery Ostapchuk said at a meeting of the Arctic and Antarctic Council at the Federation Council.
"My opinion is that we cannot have NSSA (the National Sanitary Aviation, managed by Rostec - TASS), operate [flights] along the Northern Sea Route," he said. "Nobody can know better the districts and the conditions, than the pilots who work there."
He spoke about experience of Naryan-Mar’s United Air Group, which serves flights to the Barents Sea to evacuate sick people off vessels. "We have a coordinating center for search and rescue missions, <…> we are on duty jointly with search and rescue bases, but we must realize this is the aviation-space search, while flights to the sea is a different work, which requires different skills, and maximum two in ten pilots are capable of doing it. <…> I believe, helicopters should be given to the companies, which have been working in this field," he said in conclusion.


tass--2020-07-20--Applications for Arctic residency status to be filed from late August

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Corporation for Development of the Far East will receive applications from companies @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic residency status , from August 28 , press service of the Ministry for @ @ @ @ @ and Arctic said on Monday .
Earlier , President Vladimir Putin signed laws , drafted @ @ @ @ @ offer incentives for investors , planning new projects in the Russian Arctic zone .
`` @ @ @ @ @ has confirmed the Corporation will supervise the new preferences in the Arctic zone , '' @ @ @ @ @ Applications for the Arctic residency status may be filed from August 28 . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ businesses planning projects with investments of at least 1 million rubles ( $ 14,000 ) @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Arctic becomes the biggest economic zone in Russia and in the world @ @ @ @ @ million square kilometers .
The Arctic residents will enjoy tax benefits and easier administrative procedures @

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The Corporation for Development of the Far East will receive applications from companies, which want to receive the Arctic residency status, from August 28, press service of the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic said on Monday.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin signed laws, drafted by the Ministry, which offer incentives for investors, planning new projects in the Russian Arctic zone.
"Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev has confirmed the Corporation will supervise the new preferences in the Arctic zone," the release reads. "Applications for the Arctic residency status may be filed from August 28."
The status may be granted to businesses planning projects with investments of at least 1 million rubles ($14,000).
According to the Ministry, the Russian Arctic becomes the biggest economic zone in Russia and in the world - it takes almost 5 million square kilometers. The Arctic residents will enjoy tax benefits and easier administrative procedures.


tass--2020-07-20--Arctic’s attraction: regional officials say Evenk District will benefit from new status

KRASNOYARSK , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Most part of the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s Evenk District joins the Russian Arctic zone .
This new status will boost the local economy , and the district will attract more tourists and will support traditional crafts , the region ’ s officials and businesses told TASS .
On July 14 , Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin signed a package of bills , drafted by the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic , which offers incentives for investors in new projects in the Arctic .
The laws specify finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which now , the Academy of Sciences said , unite the territories which answer the Arctic status .
The newly included territories include villages Tura , Nidym , Uchami , Tutonchany , Yessey , Chirinda , Ekonda , Kislokan , Yukta in the Evenk District and the Surinda village - the center of deer breeding in the Evenk District .
`` This part of the Evenk District is north from the Arctic Circle , it is quite far away from major industrial centers and markets .
< … > The models of offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as far as the Evenk District is concerned , will boost this severe territory , will attract businesses to promising projects - not only in mining raw materials .
Those are deep processing of wood , ecology food products , tourism , and others , '' the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s Governor Alexander Uss told TASS .
According to the documents , posted on the official legal information portal , any business registered in the Arctic and planning a new investment project , with investments of at least 1 million rubles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status of a resident , which would mean an access to tax and non-tax preferences .
`` Surely , the incentives listed in the documents will boost businesses in the Evenk District , too , '' a coordinator of the Business Russia Organization in the Siberian Federal District Viktor Zubarev told TASS .
The district ’ s expert , who had presented reasons to include the Evenk villages into the Arctic zone , Ivan Ivanov stressed investments may come also to the villages , which do not have industries other than venison or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we shall see more businesses will prefer working here .
Those businesses will consequently attract services and offer new jobs .
< … > This is very good for the territory , which in fact does not have any production , '' he said .
Vice President of the Association of the North , Siberia and Far East ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples Artur Gayulsky hopes for development of transport infrastructures .
Most likely , the winter road on ice leading to Khatanga would continue further to the north - to Taimyr .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cheaper to deliver cargo there .
Besides , this route could be used to deliver fish and venison to Krasnoyarsk .
The laws offer measures to develop and preserve traditional lifestyles of the low-numbered indigenous peoples , living in the Arctic .
Experts told TASS : development of the Evenk District is not only development of its natural resources , but rather caring for the Arctic ’ s future .
A local legislator , Valery Vengo , says the new status will mean higher social and economic levels of life .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fragile ecology balance and traditional lifestyles of the indigenous peoples , '' Zubarev stressed .
Governor Uss pointed to a clear priority to improve living standards in the North .
Ethnic and model villages have been organized in the Evenk District .
One of them is Surinda .
`` An ethnic village is a long-term investment project .
It is not just a cultural and tourist attraction .
It is a complex of social and economic activities , '' he said .
The local authorities do not doubt the district will have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status will help businesses to attract investments in the sector .
The district has many attractions .
For example , the Surinda village - it is a center of the Evenks ’ deer breeding in the taiga .
`` The Ilimpiya area in fact is at the foot of the Putorana Plateau , and here on Lake Vivi , is Russia ’ s geographical center , here begins the diamond route - at the beginning of the Vilyui River , on which in neighboring Yakutia had begun production of diamonds , '' Ivanov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of related services . ''
According to the governor , one of the priorities is to build by 2025 a vast telecommunication infrastructure and a common information space in the Arctic .
`` Thus , we shall develop telemedicine , to which in this huge region we pay special attention .
Besides , people living in the North would have an easy access to state and municipal e-services , and to online classes , '' the governor added .
`` We hope for federal incentives for businesses in cell communication and mobile access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic villages . ''
Tura , Evenk ’ s administrative center , will become an educational center to train specialists for the Arctic .
In September 2020 , the newly organized Institute of North and Arctic will begin the first academic year .
The university ’ s departments will be located in northern settlements , including in Evenk ’ s center - Tura .

KRASNOYARSK, July 20. /TASS/. Most part of the Krasnoyarsk Region’s Evenk District joins the Russian Arctic zone. This new status will boost the local economy, and the district will attract more tourists and will support traditional crafts, the region’s officials and businesses told TASS.
On July 14, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin signed a package of bills, drafted by the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic, which offers incentives for investors in new projects in the Arctic. The laws specify finally the Arctic zone’s territories, which now, the Academy of Sciences said, unite the territories which answer the Arctic status. The newly included territories include villages Tura, Nidym, Uchami, Tutonchany, Yessey, Chirinda, Ekonda, Kislokan, Yukta in the Evenk District and the Surinda village - the center of deer breeding in the Evenk District.
"This part of the Evenk District is north from the Arctic Circle, it is quite far away from major industrial centers and markets. <…> The models of offering incentives for development of the Arctic zone, as far as the Evenk District is concerned, will boost this severe territory, will attract businesses to promising projects - not only in mining raw materials. Those are deep processing of wood, ecology food products, tourism, and others," the Krasnoyarsk Region’s Governor Alexander Uss told TASS.
Business and investments
According to the documents, posted on the official legal information portal, any business registered in the Arctic and planning a new investment project, with investments of at least 1 million rubles ($14,000), will receive the status of a resident, which would mean an access to tax and non-tax preferences.
"Surely, the incentives listed in the documents will boost businesses in the Evenk District, too," a coordinator of the Business Russia Organization in the Siberian Federal District Viktor Zubarev told TASS.
The district’s expert, who had presented reasons to include the Evenk villages into the Arctic zone, Ivan Ivanov stressed investments may come also to the villages, which do not have industries other than venison or fur processing. "I hope, we shall see more businesses will prefer working here. Those businesses will consequently attract services and offer new jobs. <…> This is very good for the territory, which in fact does not have any production," he said.
Vice President of the Association of the North, Siberia and Far East’s low-numbered indigenous peoples Artur Gayulsky hopes for development of transport infrastructures. Most likely, the winter road on ice leading to Khatanga would continue further to the north - to Taimyr. Thus, it would be much easier and cheaper to deliver cargo there. Besides, this route could be used to deliver fish and venison to Krasnoyarsk.
Tourism and traditions
The laws offer measures to develop and preserve traditional lifestyles of the low-numbered indigenous peoples, living in the Arctic. Experts told TASS: development of the Evenk District is not only development of its natural resources, but rather caring for the Arctic’s future. A local legislator, Valery Vengo, says the new status will mean higher social and economic levels of life.
"It is most important to preserve the fragile ecology balance and traditional lifestyles of the indigenous peoples," Zubarev stressed.
Governor Uss pointed to a clear priority to improve living standards in the North. Ethnic and model villages have been organized in the Evenk District. One of them is Surinda.
"An ethnic village is a long-term investment project. It is not just a cultural and tourist attraction. It is a complex of social and economic activities," he said.
The local authorities do not doubt the district will have a promising tourist program, and the Arctic status will help businesses to attract investments in the sector. The district has many attractions. For example, the Surinda village - it is a center of the Evenks’ deer breeding in the taiga.
"The Ilimpiya area in fact is at the foot of the Putorana Plateau, and here on Lake Vivi, is Russia’s geographical center, here begins the diamond route - at the beginning of the Vilyui River, on which in neighboring Yakutia had begun production of diamonds," Ivanov said. "Tourism will boost development of related services."
Communication and labor force
According to the governor, one of the priorities is to build by 2025 a vast telecommunication infrastructure and a common information space in the Arctic. "Thus, we shall develop telemedicine, to which in this huge region we pay special attention. Besides, people living in the North would have an easy access to state and municipal e-services, and to online classes," the governor added. "We hope for federal incentives for businesses in cell communication and mobile access to the Internet, which work at the Arctic villages."
Tura, Evenk’s administrative center, will become an educational center to train specialists for the Arctic. In September 2020, the newly organized Institute of North and Arctic will begin the first academic year. The university’s departments will be located in northern settlements, including in Evenk’s center - Tura.


tass--2020-07-20--Tajikistan coronavirus cases nearing 7,000

DUSHANBE , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Health workers have identified 43 new coronavirus cases in Tajikistan , bringing the total to 6,921 , the national health ministry said Monday .
`` In the past 24 hours , Tajikistan identified 43 new COVID-19 cases , while total cases in the country reached 6,921 , '' the message reads .
According to the ministry , no new fatalities were recorded , while 57 people died overall from the virus-related causes .
The healthcare agency adds that 5,629 people recovered from coronavirus in total in Tajikistan , or 81.3 % of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients were discharged from hospitals in the past 24 hours , while 160 more people are still placed under observation .
Tajikistan reported its first fifteen coronavirus cases on April 30 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the world .
On March 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 14,655,600 people have been infected worldwide and more than 609,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,742,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

DUSHANBE, July 20. /TASS/. Health workers have identified 43 new coronavirus cases in Tajikistan, bringing the total to 6,921, the national health ministry said Monday.
"In the past 24 hours, Tajikistan identified 43 new COVID-19 cases, while total cases in the country reached 6,921," the message reads. According to the ministry, no new fatalities were recorded, while 57 people died overall from the virus-related causes.
The healthcare agency adds that 5,629 people recovered from coronavirus in total in Tajikistan, or 81.3% of all infections. It is specified that 51 patients were discharged from hospitals in the past 24 hours, while 160 more people are still placed under observation.
Tajikistan reported its first fifteen coronavirus cases on April 30.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the world.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 14,655,600 people have been infected worldwide and more than 609,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,742,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-20--Influenza Institute to begin COVID-19 vaccine trials on volunteers in mid-August

`` The recruitment of volunteers for clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine ( Phase III ) is ongoing .
The vaccine has passed Phase I and II trials in China .
500 volunteers were inoculated , its safety and effectiveness were proven .
The goal of the current study is to demonstrate its effectiveness on the large sampling of volunteers .
The scheduled beginning is in the middle of August , '' the statement said .
ST. PETERSBURG , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza in St. Petersburg in the middle of August will start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus infection which earlier had successfully passed trials in China .
The institute is enlisting the first 100 volunteers , the institute ’ s VKontakte page said on Monday .
Currently the institute is recruiting the first 100 volunteers to participate in the study .
The study participants won ’ t be hospitalized , the vaccination will be single-staged with the subsequent control check-ups .
The volunteers will receive 8 thousand roubles in compensation .
Men and women aged 18-60 who hadn ’ t contracted the coronavirus before may participate in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participants with chronic illnesses , hepatites , and HIV , as well as with the allergic reactions .
The study also does not admit pregnant women , drug and alcohol users , people with psychiatric disorders .
Earlier , acting director of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza Dmitry Lioznov reported that in August the institute will begin clinical trials of three foreign vaccines but did not specify the manufacturers .
Additionally , preclinical trials of the vaccine developed at the institute are currently conducted there .
According to the latest statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and more than 609,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 777,486 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 553,602 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 12,427 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"The recruitment of volunteers for clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine (Phase III) is ongoing. The vaccine has passed Phase I and II trials in China. 500 volunteers were inoculated, its safety and effectiveness were proven. The goal of the current study is to demonstrate its effectiveness on the large sampling of volunteers. The scheduled beginning is in the middle of August," the statement said.
ST. PETERSBURG, July 20. /TASS/. The Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza in St. Petersburg in the middle of August will start clinical trials of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection which earlier had successfully passed trials in China. The institute is enlisting the first 100 volunteers, the institute’s VKontakte page said on Monday.
Currently the institute is recruiting the first 100 volunteers to participate in the study. The study participants won’t be hospitalized, the vaccination will be single-staged with the subsequent control check-ups. The volunteers will receive 8 thousand roubles in compensation.
Men and women aged 18-60 who hadn’t contracted the coronavirus before may participate in the study. The study does not accept the participants with chronic illnesses, hepatites, and HIV, as well as with the allergic reactions. The study also does not admit pregnant women, drug and alcohol users, people with psychiatric disorders.
Earlier, acting director of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza Dmitry Lioznov reported that in August the institute will begin clinical trials of three foreign vaccines but did not specify the manufacturers. Additionally, preclinical trials of the vaccine developed at the institute are currently conducted there.
According to the latest statistics, over 14,655,600 people have been infected worldwide and more than 609,000 deaths have been reported. To date, 777,486 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 553,602 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 12,427 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-20--Russian troops’ combat readiness check is not aimed against other states, says top brass

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The snap combat readiness check of the Russian troops and fleets is being held in accordance with the approved plan and is not aimed against other countries , Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said at a briefing for foreign military attaches on Monday .
`` The troops ’ surprise combat readiness check is a training measure and is not aimed against other countries , '' Fomin stressed .
The snap combat readiness inspection is primarily aimed at preparing the troops and fleets for the upcoming main training event of this year : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staff exercise , the deputy defense minister said .
`` Therefore , all the tasks of holding the surprise combat readiness check are being fulfilled in accordance with the approved plan .
The results of the operations of military units and formations will be analyzed , '' he explained .
There is no relationship between measures ongoing as part of the troops ’ combat readiness check and the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border , Fomin stressed .
The snap combat readiness check of the troops of the Southern and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Northern and Pacific Fleets , some units of central subordination and the Airborne Force is being held on July 17 - 21 on order of Russia ’ s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin .
The surprise combat readiness check involves about 150,000 troops , around 400 aircraft , over 26,000 items of armament , military and special hardware and over 100 warships and support vessels .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The snap combat readiness check of the Russian troops and fleets is being held in accordance with the approved plan and is not aimed against other countries, Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said at a briefing for foreign military attaches on Monday.
"The troops’ surprise combat readiness check is a training measure and is not aimed against other countries," Fomin stressed.
The snap combat readiness inspection is primarily aimed at preparing the troops and fleets for the upcoming main training event of this year: the Kavkaz-2020 (Caucasus-2020) strategic command and staff exercise, the deputy defense minister said.
"Therefore, all the tasks of holding the surprise combat readiness check are being fulfilled in accordance with the approved plan. The results of the operations of military units and formations will be analyzed," he explained.
There is no relationship between measures ongoing as part of the troops’ combat readiness check and the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Fomin stressed.
The snap combat readiness check of the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets, some units of central subordination and the Airborne Force is being held on July 17 - 21 on order of Russia’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin.
The surprise combat readiness check involves about 150,000 troops, around 400 aircraft, over 26,000 items of armament, military and special hardware and over 100 warships and support vessels.


tass--2020-07-20--S-400 anti-aircraft gunners thwart missile and drone attacks in southern Russia drills

The exercise was held as part of the snap combat readiness check for the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts , marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets and the Airborne Force , the press office specified .
MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The combat teams of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ long-range air defense systems and Pantsyr-S1 close-range anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers of the Southern Military District ’ s 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army thwarted a notional attack of cruise missiles and combat drones , the District ’ s press office reported on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the teams of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ surface-to-air missile systems and Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun complexes repelled a notional strike by cruise missiles and an attack by combat drones , '' the press office said in a statement .
The combat training task was successfully accomplished and vital facilities on the Black Sea coast were defended against a notional enemy ’ s attack , the statement says .
The snap combat readiness check of the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts , marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airborne Force is being held on July 17 - 21 on order of Russia ’ s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin .
The surprise combat readiness check involves about 150,000 troops , around 400 aircraft , over 26,000 items of armament , military and special hardware and over 100 warships and support vessels .

The exercise was held as part of the snap combat readiness check for the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets and the Airborne Force, the press office specified.
MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The combat teams of S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defense systems and Pantsyr-S1 close-range anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers of the Southern Military District’s 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army thwarted a notional attack of cruise missiles and combat drones, the District’s press office reported on Monday.
"During a special tactical exercise, the teams of S-400 ‘Triumf’ surface-to-air missile systems and Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun complexes repelled a notional strike by cruise missiles and an attack by combat drones," the press office said in a statement.
The combat training task was successfully accomplished and vital facilities on the Black Sea coast were defended against a notional enemy’s attack, the statement says.
The snap combat readiness check of the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets, some units of central subordination and the Airborne Force is being held on July 17 - 21 on order of Russia’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin.
The surprise combat readiness check involves about 150,000 troops, around 400 aircraft, over 26,000 items of armament, military and special hardware and over 100 warships and support vessels.


tass--2020-07-20--Number of coronavirus cases in Africa exceeds 721,000, WHO reports

PRETORIA , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 57,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the @ @ @ @ @ the overall number of such cases exceeding 721,000 , the World Health Organization ’ s @ @ @ @ @ for Africa said on Monday .
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently @ @ @ @ @ 57,539 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to @ @ @ @ @ registered during the day .
As many as 382,000 patients have recovered .
South Africa @ @ @ @ @ of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 364,328 and 5,033 , respectively .
@ @ @ @ @ Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 4,302 and 87,775 , respectively .
@ @ @ @ @ deaths were reported from Algeria .

PRETORIA, July 20. /TASS/. More than 57,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 721,000, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Monday.
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 721,187, with 57,539 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 15,166, with 780 fatalities registered during the day. As many as 382,000 patients have recovered.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 364,328 and 5,033, respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 4,302 and 87,775, respectively. As many as 1,078 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria.


tass--2020-07-20--US imposing sanctions on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov

WASHINGTON , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is imposing sanctions on Ramzan Kadyrov , head of Russia @ @ @ @ @ of Chechnya , whom it thinks to be involved in human rights violations , as @ @ @ @ @ State Michael Pompeo ’ s press statement released on Monday .
`` Today , the @ @ @ @ @ designating Ramzan Kadyrov , head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation , under @ @ @ @ @ of the Department of State , Foreign Operations , and Related Programs Appropriations Act , @ @ @ @ @ due to Kadyrov ’ s involvement in gross violations of human rights in the Chechen @ @ @ @ @ reads .

WASHINGTON, July 20. /TASS/. The United States is imposing sanctions on Ramzan Kadyrov, head of Russia’s North Caucasian Republic of Chechnya, whom it thinks to be involved in human rights violations, as follows from US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s press statement released on Monday.
"Today, the Department of State is publicly designating Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020. This designation is due to Kadyrov’s involvement in gross violations of human rights in the Chechen Republic," the statement reads.


tass--2020-07-20--Putin signed law on electronic receipts in tax-free system

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law making possible to issue electronic receipts in the tax-free system .
The document was posted on the official web portal of legal information and will come into force from January 1 of the next year .
The law provides the opportunity of organizing electronic documents management among all participants in the system of value-added tax compensation for foreign nationals .
Retailers selling goods to foreign nationals , entities providing VAT refund services , the Federal Tax Service and the Federal Customs Service of Russia will participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the electronic system can exchange electronic receipts or data from receipts and data of customs notes evidencing the fact of goods removal outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union .
The Russian Internal Revenue Code makes it possible for foreign nationals to have a VAT refund when taking goods purchased in Russia outside the Eurasian Economic Union since January 1 , 2018 .
The tax refund is allowed for goods purchased in special stores on territories comprised in a special government list .
VAT is not refunded for excised goods , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law making possible to issue electronic receipts in the tax-free system. The document was posted on the official web portal of legal information and will come into force from January 1 of the next year.
The law provides the opportunity of organizing electronic documents management among all participants in the system of value-added tax compensation for foreign nationals. Retailers selling goods to foreign nationals, entities providing VAT refund services, the Federal Tax Service and the Federal Customs Service of Russia will participate in the documents management. Participants in the electronic system can exchange electronic receipts or data from receipts and data of customs notes evidencing the fact of goods removal outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union.
The Russian Internal Revenue Code makes it possible for foreign nationals to have a VAT refund when taking goods purchased in Russia outside the Eurasian Economic Union since January 1, 2018. The tax refund is allowed for goods purchased in special stores on territories comprised in a special government list. VAT is not refunded for excised goods, such as alcoholic drinks and tobacco.


tass--2020-07-20--Two Russian latest nuclear-powered subs to carry hypersonic weapons

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Two upgraded Project 885M ‘ Yasen-M ’ nuclear-powered submarines laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia ’ s northwest on Monday will get hypersonic weapons , Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko said at the keel-laying ceremony .
`` Today we are laying down ships with hypersonic weapons , which are the future of the Russian submarine fleet , '' the chief executive said .
Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin who attended the keel-laying ceremony for the Russian Navy ’ s first helicopter carriers at the Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch on the Crimean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 885M ‘ Yasen-M ’ two multi-purpose nuclear powered subs laid down at the Sevmash would be named the Voronezh and the Vladivostok in honor of the Russian military glory cities .
Three leading Russian shipyards simultaneously laid down six new ocean-going ships on Monday : two universal amphibious assault ships in Kerch on the Crimean Peninsula , two frigates in St. Petersburg and two nuclear-powered submarines in Severodvinsk .
Following the tradition , the universal amphibious assault ships and next-generation frigates will be named after Russian glorified military and naval commanders `` who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Putin said at the keel-laying ceremony .
These are the helicopter carriers Ivan Rogov and Mitrofan Moskalenko and the frigates Admiral Yumashev and Admiral Spiridonov , he specified .
The contract for building Project 885M ‘ Yasen-M ’ multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines was signed at the Army-2019 international arms show in the summer of 2019 .
The baseline Project 885 lead nuclear-powered underwater cruiser Severodvinsk entered service with Russia ’ s Northern Fleet in 2014 .
The upgraded Project 885M lead sub Kazan is preparing for its delivery to the Navy in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various stages of their construction at the Sevmash Shipyard .
Project 885/885M submarines will carry Kalibr-PL and ( or ) Oniks cruise missiles and also Tsirkon hypersonic missiles as their basic weapons .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Two upgraded Project 885M ‘Yasen-M’ nuclear-powered submarines laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia’s northwest on Monday will get hypersonic weapons, Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko said at the keel-laying ceremony.
"Today we are laying down ships with hypersonic weapons, which are the future of the Russian submarine fleet," the chief executive said.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin who attended the keel-laying ceremony for the Russian Navy’s first helicopter carriers at the Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch on the Crimean Peninsula on Monday said that the Project 885M ‘Yasen-M’ two multi-purpose nuclear powered subs laid down at the Sevmash would be named the Voronezh and the Vladivostok in honor of the Russian military glory cities.
Three leading Russian shipyards simultaneously laid down six new ocean-going ships on Monday: two universal amphibious assault ships in Kerch on the Crimean Peninsula, two frigates in St. Petersburg and two nuclear-powered submarines in Severodvinsk.
Following the tradition, the universal amphibious assault ships and next-generation frigates will be named after Russian glorified military and naval commanders "who did much for strengthening the Navy," Putin said at the keel-laying ceremony.
These are the helicopter carriers Ivan Rogov and Mitrofan Moskalenko and the frigates Admiral Yumashev and Admiral Spiridonov, he specified.
The contract for building Project 885M ‘Yasen-M’ multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines was signed at the Army-2019 international arms show in the summer of 2019.
The baseline Project 885 lead nuclear-powered underwater cruiser Severodvinsk entered service with Russia’s Northern Fleet in 2014. The upgraded Project 885M lead sub Kazan is preparing for its delivery to the Navy in 2020.
Five Project 885M submarines are at various stages of their construction at the Sevmash Shipyard.
Project 885/885M submarines will carry Kalibr-PL and (or) Oniks cruise missiles and also Tsirkon hypersonic missiles as their basic weapons.


tass--2020-07-20--Coronavirus cannot be contracted while swimming in the sea, says expert

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus can not be contracted while swimming in the sea as @ @ @ @ @ lipid envelope , Yevgeny Timakov , chief physician of the Leader of Medicine medical center @ @ @ @ @ and vaccines , said on Monday .
`` Seawater destroys the viral lipid envelope and @ @ @ @ @ .
It means that the virus poses no risks on a beach or in the @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with the Vremya Pokazhet ( Time will Show ) program on TV @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus cannot be contracted while swimming in the sea as seawater is ruinous for its lipid envelope, Yevgeny Timakov, chief physician of the Leader of Medicine medical center and specialist in infectious diseases and vaccines, said on Monday.
"Seawater destroys the viral lipid envelope and ultraviolet light inactivates this virus. It means that the virus poses no risks on a beach or in the sea," he said in an interview with the Vremya Pokazhet (Time will Show) program on TV Channel One.


tass--2020-07-20--Kazakhstan is interested in producing Avifavir with Russia, National Welfare Fund says

`` I would like to say a big thank you to your staff who very quickly worked through and delivered the Avifavir drug which was developed with the direct involvement of your fund .
Right now there is a great need in our country for this drug .
I think , and the memorandum reflects that , that we will work together with you in other directions as well .
For instance , it is possible to establish joint production of this drug , '' the chairman said during the online conference .
NUR-SULTAN , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kazakh National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna Akhmetzhan Yessimov stated that the republic is interested in organizing with Russia the joint production of the anticoronaviral drug Avifavir .
He mentioned this during an online conference with head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev , the minutes of which were published on the Samruk-Kazyna website on Monday .
As the Samruk-Kazyna ’ s press service reported , the fund purchased Avifavir from the managing company of the Russian Direct Investment Fund .
`` We are grateful for the opportunity to cooperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the coronavirus .
We worked together in order to deliver 9,500 courses of Avifavir to Kazakhstan and we are really interested in the production of this drug in Kazakhstan , '' the RDIF head noted during the videoconference .
According to him , the RDIF is ready to cooperate with the Kazakh foundation on the issues of deliveries of new test-systems for the coronavirus detection as well .
`` Certainly , there is also an issue of a vaccine .
And here [ we mean ] not only the deliveries of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ready for deliveries in September of this year , - but also the production of this vaccine is possible on Kazakh territory , '' the RDIF head explained .
On July 17 , the RDIF ’ s press service reported that the fund delivered the first 9,500 packs of Avifavir to Kazakhstan .
Additionally , the RDIF , a sovereign fund of the Russian Federation and the Samruk-Kazyna foundation signed a memorandum on cooperation to counteract the COVID-19 infection .

"I would like to say a big thank you to your staff who very quickly worked through and delivered the Avifavir drug which was developed with the direct involvement of your fund. Right now there is a great need in our country for this drug. I think, and the memorandum reflects that, that we will work together with you in other directions as well. For instance, it is possible to establish joint production of this drug," the chairman said during the online conference.
NUR-SULTAN, July 20. /TASS/. Chairman of the Management Board of the Kazakh National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna Akhmetzhan Yessimov stated that the republic is interested in organizing with Russia the joint production of the anticoronaviral drug Avifavir. He mentioned this during an online conference with head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev, the minutes of which were published on the Samruk-Kazyna website on Monday.
As the Samruk-Kazyna’s press service reported, the fund purchased Avifavir from the managing company of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to cooperate during the current moment of the fight against the coronavirus. We worked together in order to deliver 9,500 courses of Avifavir to Kazakhstan and we are really interested in the production of this drug in Kazakhstan," the RDIF head noted during the videoconference.
According to him, the RDIF is ready to cooperate with the Kazakh foundation on the issues of deliveries of new test-systems for the coronavirus detection as well. "Certainly, there is also an issue of a vaccine. And here [we mean] not only the deliveries of the Russian vaccine - we expect it to be ready for deliveries in September of this year, - but also the production of this vaccine is possible on Kazakh territory," the RDIF head explained.
On July 17, the RDIF’s press service reported that the fund delivered the first 9,500 packs of Avifavir to Kazakhstan. Additionally, the RDIF, a sovereign fund of the Russian Federation and the Samruk-Kazyna foundation signed a memorandum on cooperation to counteract the COVID-19 infection.


tass--2020-07-20--Ukraine’s foreign ministry voices protest over Putin’s trip to Crimea

KIEV , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s foreign ministry has voiced protest over Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to Crimea .
`` Due to the illegal visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on July 20 , 2020 , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine voiced strong protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation , '' said the Ministry ’ s statement on Monday .
The Ukrainian side , the agency added , considers Russian officials ’ visits to Crimea and Sevastopol `` a gross violation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity . ''
After the coup d ’ etat in Ukraine in February 2014 , Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum in March 2014 , in which 96.7 % of Crimean and 95.6 % of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia .
Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification deal on March 18 , 2014 , which the Federation Council ( upper house of the Russian parliament ) ratified on March 21 , 2014 .
Despite the conclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia .

KIEV, July 20. /TASS/. Ukraine’s foreign ministry has voiced protest over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Crimea.
"Due to the illegal visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on July 20, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine voiced strong protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation," said the Ministry’s statement on Monday.
The Ukrainian side, the agency added, considers Russian officials’ visits to Crimea and Sevastopol "a gross violation of Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity."
After the coup d’etat in Ukraine in February 2014, Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum in March 2014, in which 96.7% of Crimean and 95.6% of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification deal on March 18, 2014, which the Federation Council (upper house of the Russian parliament) ratified on March 21, 2014. Despite the conclusive results of the referendum, Kiev has refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia.


tass--2020-07-20--St. Petersburg authorities confirm 23 medical workers die of COVID-19

ST. PETERSBURG , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The authorities of St. Petersburg have confirmed that 23 medical workers had @ @ @ @ @ while performing their duties , their families will receive compensation payments , the press service @ @ @ @ @ Oleg Ergashev reported on Monday .
`` Positive decisions on payments have been made regarding @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in the workplace , including 23 medical workers who died , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ said that about 5,000 employees of medical facilities in St. Petersburg had contracted the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ to the latest data , 29,541 coronavirus cases were recorded in St. Petersburg , which @ @ @ @ @ the number of infections after Moscow and the Moscow Region .
A total of 22,425 @ @ @ @ @ , 1,807 people have died .

ST. PETERSBURG, July 20. /TASS/. The authorities of St. Petersburg have confirmed that 23 medical workers had died of the novel coronavirus while performing their duties, their families will receive compensation payments, the press service of St. Petersburg Vice Governor Oleg Ergashev reported on Monday.
"Positive decisions on payments have been made regarding 3,569 medical workers who contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, including 23 medical workers who died," the press service said.
Earlier reports said that about 5,000 employees of medical facilities in St. Petersburg had contracted the coronavirus during the pandemic.
According to the latest data, 29,541 coronavirus cases were recorded in St. Petersburg, which ranks third in Russia in the number of infections after Moscow and the Moscow Region. A total of 22,425 patients have recovered by now, 1,807 people have died.


tass--2020-07-20--Russian Direct Investment Fund: COVID-19 vaccines production can stop 2nd wave of pandemic

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The large-scale production of COVID-19 vaccines in Russia will start in August 2020 and may halt the potential second wave of the pandemic , chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with the coronavirus hotline website .
`` We expect an approval from regulators in the Russian Federation as early as in August .
Immediately after that we plan launching the large-scale production on sites of RDIF portfolio companies - R-Pharm and Alium .
Approval in other partner countries is expected in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can help to stop the potential second wave of the pandemic , '' Dmitriev said .
Over 30 mln doses will be produced in Russia and about 200 mln will be manufactured globally in case of successful tests by the year-end , he said .
`` We will cover Russia ’ s needs in the first instance but international cooperation is an important element of development and clinical trials , '' Dmitriev added .
The third phase of clinical tests of the Russian vaccine is planned in the Middle East in particular .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through partnerships with sovereign funds of five nations .
One of RDIF ’ s portfolio companies also intends to produce the vaccine of the Oxford University developed in cooperation with AstraZeneca .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. The large-scale production of COVID-19 vaccines in Russia will start in August 2020 and may halt the potential second wave of the pandemic, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with the coronavirus hotline website.
"We expect an approval from regulators in the Russian Federation as early as in August. Immediately after that we plan launching the large-scale production on sites of RDIF portfolio companies - R-Pharm and Alium. Approval in other partner countries is expected in September. The large-scale production of this vaccine can help to stop the potential second wave of the pandemic," Dmitriev said.
Over 30 mln doses will be produced in Russia and about 200 mln will be manufactured globally in case of successful tests by the year-end, he said.
"We will cover Russia’s needs in the first instance but international cooperation is an important element of development and clinical trials," Dmitriev added.
The third phase of clinical tests of the Russian vaccine is planned in the Middle East in particular. Manufacturing in other countries will be implemented through partnerships with sovereign funds of five nations. One of RDIF’s portfolio companies also intends to produce the vaccine of the Oxford University developed in cooperation with AstraZeneca.


tass--2020-07-20--Crimea’s defense industries will definitely be in demand, says Putin

KERCH , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Defense industries located in Russia ’ s Crimea will have enough orders from @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin said Monday when speaking to workers of the Zaliv shipbuilding yard in Kerch @ @ @ @ @ peninsula is receiving large-scale orders of the military and industrial complex nature .
`` Of @ @ @ @ @ about what else to do .
But we will definitely load Crimea ’ s industries @ @ @ @ @ , when asked about future defense orders for private enterprises in Crimea .
The president @ @ @ @ @ the policy of the state program for the development of the military and industrial complex @ @ @ @ @ for many years now .
`` It should be said that we established it in @ @ @ @ @ managed ] to significantly revamp the industrial base , '' he noted .

KERCH, July 20. /TASS/. Defense industries located in Russia’s Crimea will have enough orders from the government, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday when speaking to workers of the Zaliv shipbuilding yard in Kerch.
He underlined that the peninsula is receiving large-scale orders of the military and industrial complex nature. "Of course, we always think about what else to do. But we will definitely load Crimea’s industries," the leader said, when asked about future defense orders for private enterprises in Crimea.
The president recalled the support measures under the policy of the state program for the development of the military and industrial complex that has been in place for many years now. "It should be said that we established it in time, because [we managed] to significantly revamp the industrial base," he noted.


tass--2020-07-20--Putin approves ratification of protocol to agreement on providing loan to Venezuela

MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying the protocol to the @ @ @ @ @ loan to Venezuela by Moscow , which guarantees timely debt repayment to Russia .
The @ @ @ @ @ official website of the legal information of the Russian government on Monday .
The protocol @ @ @ @ @ of terms connected with restructuring of the debt of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to @ @ @ @ @ development of a mechanism that guarantees timely repayment of due funds to Russia .
In @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Venezuela dated December 8 , 2011 , the loan amounts up to $ @ @ @ @ @ side pays loan interest at the rate of 7.4 % per annum .

MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying the protocol to the intergovernmental agreement on providing a loan to Venezuela by Moscow, which guarantees timely debt repayment to Russia. The law was published on the official website of the legal information of the Russian government on Monday.
The protocol stipulates changes into a number of terms connected with restructuring of the debt of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Russian Federation, including development of a mechanism that guarantees timely repayment of due funds to Russia.
In accordance with the agreement between Russia and Venezuela dated December 8, 2011, the loan amounts up to $4 bln. The Venezuelan side pays loan interest at the rate of 7.4% per annum.