tass--2020-07-21--Russian national development targets adjusted due to unfavorable environment, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Certain national development targets have been adjusted due to unfavorable environment that will hinder the development of all countries across the world , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when commenting a new presidential decree .
`` Global economic environment is rather unfavorable , though ambitious targets are being set despite that environment , with certain adjustments required .
That unfavorable global economic environment will hinder the development of all countries in the world without any exceptions , '' he told reporters when asked why the new decree does not contain the previously announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world ’ s five biggest economies , as well as why a number of previous targets remained unchanged with extended terms of National Projects ’ implementation .
`` The targets should be realistic , achievable , '' Peskov noted .
Earlier on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on extension of the terms of implementation of the country ’ s national development targets through 2030 .
The previous decree dated May 17 , 2018 envisioned implementation of those targets by 2024 .
The decision has been taken `` with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation , increasing the country ’ s population , raising living standards of people , creating comfortable conditions for their living , as well as bringing talent of each person to light , '' the new document said .
The decree specifies keeping population , health and welfare of people , opportunities for self-realization and development of talents , comfortable and safe environment for life , decent , efficient work and successful entrepreneurship , as well as digital transformation , as Russia ’ s national development targets .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Certain national development targets have been adjusted due to unfavorable environment that will hinder the development of all countries across the world, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when commenting a new presidential decree.
"Global economic environment is rather unfavorable, though ambitious targets are being set despite that environment, with certain adjustments required. That unfavorable global economic environment will hinder the development of all countries in the world without any exceptions," he told reporters when asked why the new decree does not contain the previously announced target to put Russia on the list of the world’s five biggest economies, as well as why a number of previous targets remained unchanged with extended terms of National Projects’ implementation.
"The targets should be realistic, achievable," Peskov noted.
Earlier on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on extension of the terms of implementation of the country’s national development targets through 2030. The previous decree dated May 17, 2018 envisioned implementation of those targets by 2024. The decision has been taken "with the purpose of triggering breakthrough growth of the Russian Federation, increasing the country’s population, raising living standards of people, creating comfortable conditions for their living, as well as bringing talent of each person to light," the new document said.
The decree specifies keeping population, health and welfare of people, opportunities for self-realization and development of talents, comfortable and safe environment for life, decent, efficient work and successful entrepreneurship, as well as digital transformation, as Russia’s national development targets.


tass--2020-07-21--UK parliament committee believes Russia’s RT, Sputnik are agents of influence

TASS , July 21 .
Russia pursues disinformation campaigns and seeks political influence particularly through operation of RT channel and Sputnik news agency , claims the report drafted by the British Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee and published on Tuesday .
`` Russia ’ s promotion of disinformation and its attempts at broader political influenceoverseas have been widely reported .
Examples include : use of state-owned traditional media : open source studies have shown serious distortions in the coverage provided by Russian state-owned international broadcasters such as RT and Sputnik , '' the report reads .
Moreover , the document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bots and trolls in social media , `` hack and leak '' operations and `` real life political interference . ''
Last July , Ofcom , the British media regulator , fined Russia ’ s RT 200,000 pounds ( $ 235,000 ) , claiming that it violated the rules of impartiality and accuracy in a number of reports and programs covering the poisoning of ex-Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury as well as the armed conflict in Syria .
In March 2020 , London ’ s High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand to recognize the fine unlawful and the channel ’ s claims that impartiality would contradict the principle of free expression of opinions .

TASS, July 21. Russia pursues disinformation campaigns and seeks political influence particularly through operation of RT channel and Sputnik news agency, claims the report drafted by the British Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee and published on Tuesday.
"Russia’s promotion of disinformation and its attempts at broader political influenceoverseas have been widely reported. Examples include: use of state-owned traditional media: open source studies have shown serious distortions in the coverage provided by Russian state-owned international broadcasters such as RT and Sputnik," the report reads. Moreover, the document notes the committee points to the use of bots and trolls in social media, "hack and leak" operations and "real life political interference."
Last July, Ofcom, the British media regulator, fined Russia’s RT 200,000 pounds ($235,000), claiming that it violated the rules of impartiality and accuracy in a number of reports and programs covering the poisoning of ex-Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury as well as the armed conflict in Syria. In March 2020, London’s High Court of Justice dismissed RT’s demand to recognize the fine unlawful and the channel’s claims that impartiality would contradict the principle of free expression of opinions.


tass--2020-07-21--Four advanced radars shielding Russia’s southern strategic area

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Four advanced radar stations are shielding Russia ’ s southern strategic aerospace area , Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday .
`` Four advanced radars located on Russian territory are currently operating in the southern direction .
The Balkhash station [ in Kazakhstan ] has become redundant in the Russian missile attack warning system , '' the defense official said .
In turn , Space Force Commander Colonel-General Alexander Golovko confirmed there was no longer need for the Balkhash radar station on the territory of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now in Barnaul and Armavir have an operating range of up to 6,000 km and these are next-generation radars .
The need for operating the station in Balkhash has completely disappeared today , '' he said .
Before the summer of 2020 , the Balkhash radar station in Kazakhstan functioned as part of Russia ’ s missile attack warning system .
It provided the radar field for missile attack warning in the southern strategic aerospace direction .
The radar in Kazakhstan was withdrawn from its combat alert on June 1 this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house of Russia ’ s parliament ) adopted a bill on Tuesday on terminating an agreement with Kazakhstan on the terms of the transfer and the procedure for the further use of the Balkhash station on the territory of Kazakhstan in the Russian missile attack warning system .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Four advanced radar stations are shielding Russia’s southern strategic aerospace area, Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday.
"Four advanced radars located on Russian territory are currently operating in the southern direction. The Balkhash station [in Kazakhstan] has become redundant in the Russian missile attack warning system," the defense official said.
In turn, Space Force Commander Colonel-General Alexander Golovko confirmed there was no longer need for the Balkhash radar station on the territory of Kazakhstan.
"The new stations that are now in Barnaul and Armavir have an operating range of up to 6,000 km and these are next-generation radars. The need for operating the station in Balkhash has completely disappeared today," he said.
Before the summer of 2020, the Balkhash radar station in Kazakhstan functioned as part of Russia’s missile attack warning system. It provided the radar field for missile attack warning in the southern strategic aerospace direction. The radar in Kazakhstan was withdrawn from its combat alert on June 1 this year.
The State Duma (the lower house of Russia’s parliament) adopted a bill on Tuesday on terminating an agreement with Kazakhstan on the terms of the transfer and the procedure for the further use of the Balkhash station on the territory of Kazakhstan in the Russian missile attack warning system.


tass--2020-07-21--Putin commends TASS.com head Golovina, senior translator Starkov and other journalists

Among those awarded by the president are TASS First Deputy Chief Editor Marat Abulkhatin , Head of the CIS Department Boris Grushin , Head of the Analytical Department of the TASS Press Center Andrei Zhurankov , Head of the Protocol Department Sergei Kitsenko , Senior Correspondent of TASS Washington Department Grigory Sapozhnikov and Translator-Reporter of TASS English News Desk Andrei Starkov .
MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded several TASS employees with certificates of merit , expressing his gratitude for their achievements in advancing Russian mass media , the decree published on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , nearly two dozen TASS employees have received official commendations from the Russian leader , among them are TASS Deputy Chief Editor Lana Samarina , Head of the TASS.ru/TASS.com Department Margarita Golovina and her deputy Mikhail Zelentsov .
Reporters Margarita Shpilevskaya , Albert Starodubtsev , Irina Velmatova who focus on the economy , sports and breaking news have been commended as well , along with Tatiana Chukova , in charge of the Reference Department , Editor Ilya Baranov , Division Head of the Photo Information Department Maria Gerasimova , Regional Editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Partner Projects Department .
Several TASS employees working abroad were also officially honored by President Putin , namely , Head of TASS Finland Department Nina Burmistrova , Senior Correspondent of the Japan Department Igor Belyaev and Head of the Kazakhstan Department Dmitry Karaman .
Likewise , in recognition of their work , Putin also bestowed his official commendations on TASS Commercial Director Svetlana Lanyugova , Head of the Director General ’ s Office Yulia Usakovskaya and Head of the Advertising and Special Projects Sales Division Tamara Bairamukova .

Among those awarded by the president are TASS First Deputy Chief Editor Marat Abulkhatin, Head of the CIS Department Boris Grushin, Head of the Analytical Department of the TASS Press Center Andrei Zhurankov, Head of the Protocol Department Sergei Kitsenko, Senior Correspondent of TASS Washington Department Grigory Sapozhnikov and Translator-Reporter of TASS English News Desk Andrei Starkov.
MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded several TASS employees with certificates of merit, expressing his gratitude for their achievements in advancing Russian mass media, the decree published on the official legal information portal on Tuesday announced.
Furthermore, nearly two dozen TASS employees have received official commendations from the Russian leader, among them are TASS Deputy Chief Editor Lana Samarina, Head of the TASS.ru/TASS.com Department Margarita Golovina and her deputy Mikhail Zelentsov. Reporters Margarita Shpilevskaya, Albert Starodubtsev, Irina Velmatova who focus on the economy, sports and breaking news have been commended as well, along with Tatiana Chukova, in charge of the Reference Department, Editor Ilya Baranov, Division Head of the Photo Information Department Maria Gerasimova, Regional Editor Marina Shatilova and Ilya Barinov from the Partner Projects Department.
Several TASS employees working abroad were also officially honored by President Putin, namely, Head of TASS Finland Department Nina Burmistrova, Senior Correspondent of the Japan Department Igor Belyaev and Head of the Kazakhstan Department Dmitry Karaman.
Likewise, in recognition of their work, Putin also bestowed his official commendations on TASS Commercial Director Svetlana Lanyugova, Head of the Director General’s Office Yulia Usakovskaya and Head of the Advertising and Special Projects Sales Division Tamara Bairamukova.


tass--2020-07-21--Over 81% of cafes opened in Moscow after restrictions lifted

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/ TASS / .
More than 81 % of cafes and restaurants in Moscow opened after the lifting of restrictions on their work a month ago , the first deputy chief of staff of the Moscow mayor Alexei Nemeryuk told TASS on Tuesday .
Up to 40 % of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners due to coronavirus '' On June 16 , summer verandas resumed work in the city , a week later , stationary catering establishments : restaurants , cafes , canteens , buffets , bars , snack bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumed their activities , this is 81.2 % of their total number , '' said Nemeryuk .
`` Most restaurants and cafes reopened in the north-west of Moscow - 97.8 % , and least of all reopened catering enterprises in Zelenograd - 62 % of the total , '' Nemeryuk said .
According to him , 1,764 summer cafes have already opened in the city , more than 83 % of those that operated last year .
Nemeryuk recalled that from March 28 to June 23 , catering in Moscow , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canteens , could only work for takeaway or delivery .
`` By March 31 , we saw that almost 14,900 public catering establishments had suspended their activities .
Almost 3,100 of them continued to work on delivery and takeaway .
The number of such enterprises by June 23 exceeded 4,500 , '' said Nemeryuk .
Now restaurants and cafes can work in the capital , subject to a number of preventive measures : there should be at least 1.5 meters between tables , there should be dispensers with antiseptic or antiseptic wipes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their temperature measured , they are also required to wear masks and change regularly them .
`` During the work of public catering enterprises during the high alert mode , 674 protocols on administrative offenses were drawn up , including for lack of personal protective equipment , for non-observance of social distance , as well as for violation of the ban on work until June 23 , '' concluded Nemeryuk .

MOSCOW, July 21. / TASS /. More than 81% of cafes and restaurants in Moscow opened after the lifting of restrictions on their work a month ago, the first deputy chief of staff of the Moscow mayor Alexei Nemeryuk told TASS on Tuesday.
Up to 40% of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners due to coronavirus
"On June 16, summer verandas resumed work in the city, a week later, stationary catering establishments: restaurants, cafes, canteens, buffets, bars, snack bars, etc. So, 11,891 enterprises resumed their activities, this is 81.2% of their total number," said Nemeryuk. "Most restaurants and cafes reopened in the north-west of Moscow - 97.8%, and least of all reopened catering enterprises in Zelenograd - 62% of the total,"Nemeryuk said. According to him, 1,764 summer cafes have already opened in the city, more than 83% of those that operated last year.
New work format
Nemeryuk recalled that from March 28 to June 23, catering in Moscow, with the exception of factory and office canteens and canteens, could only work for takeaway or delivery. "By March 31, we saw that almost 14,900 public catering establishments had suspended their activities. Almost 3,100 of them continued to work on delivery and takeaway. The number of such enterprises by June 23 exceeded 4,500," said Nemeryuk.
Now restaurants and cafes can work in the capital, subject to a number of preventive measures: there should be at least 1.5 meters between tables, there should be dispensers with antiseptic or antiseptic wipes at the entrance, all employees should have their temperature measured, they are also required to wear masks and change regularly them.
"During the work of public catering enterprises during the high alert mode, 674 protocols on administrative offenses were drawn up, including for lack of personal protective equipment, for non-observance of social distance, as well as for violation of the ban on work until June 23," concluded Nemeryuk.


tass--2020-07-21--UK lawmakers claim Russia sought to meddle in 2014 Scotland independence referendum

LONDON , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The UK Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament claimed Tuesday citing commentaries from @ @ @ @ @ to meddle in the 2014 referendum on independence of Scotland .
The authors of a @ @ @ @ @ open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence @ @ @ @ @ and call Russia ’ s alleged actions `` the first post-Soviet Russian interference in a @ @ @ @ @ Russia repeatedly denied trying to interfere in electoral processes in other countries .
On Sunday @ @ @ @ @ UK Andrey Kelin told BBC that Russia is only interested in development of ties with @ @ @ @

LONDON, July 21. /TASS/. The UK Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament claimed Tuesday citing commentaries from open sources that Russia sought to meddle in the 2014 referendum on independence of Scotland.
The authors of a 55-page report mention "credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014," and call Russia’s alleged actions "the first post-Soviet Russian interference in a Western democratic process."
Russia repeatedly denied trying to interfere in electoral processes in other countries. On Sunday, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin told BBC that Russia is only interested in development of ties with the Scottish business.


tass--2020-07-21--Kremlin hopes British MPs won’t make unfounded accusations in new security report

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov hopes that the new report prepared by the Intelligence and Security Committee of the UK Parliament will not contain unfounded accusations and insinuations .
`` We hope that at least this time , after so many investigations held by UK allies on [ Russia ’ s ] interference that led to negative results and did not confirm anything , there will be some documents that will not contain unfounded accusations or insinuations , '' the Kremlin spokesman said shortly before the document ’ s publication .
`` Russia has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns , and it does not tolerate interference in its own domestic affairs , '' the spokesman stressed .
`` Russia has never interfered in election processes in any country of the world , be it the United States , the UK or other states .
We do not do it ourselves and we do not tolerate it when other countries try to meddle in our political affairs , '' Peskov added .
`` So even if this report contains some ephemeral accusations , I can assure you now that even if such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseless .
This will be another set of groundless accusations , '' the spokesman noted .
The Kremlin spokesman admitted that Moscow is not aware of the contents of the report .
`` Naturally , first and foremost we monitor what is happening in our country , and currently , our priority is our country ’ s key areas of development until 2030 .
With all due respect to the UK , our priority is what is happening in our country , '' Peskov explained .
Earlier on Tuesday , the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national development goals until 2030 .
On Tuesday , the British Parliament ’ s Intelligence and Security Committee published a report on the activity of UK intelligence services .
In the run-up to its publication , the Daily Telegraph informed that British MPs had found no evidence of Russia ’ s interference in the 2016 referendum on Brexit .
According to the newspaper , the 50-page report claims that Moscow had tried to interfere in the 2014 referendum on Scotland ’ s independence .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov hopes that the new report prepared by the Intelligence and Security Committee of the UK Parliament will not contain unfounded accusations and insinuations.
"We hope that at least this time, after so many investigations held by UK allies on [Russia’s] interference that led to negative results and did not confirm anything, there will be some documents that will not contain unfounded accusations or insinuations," the Kremlin spokesman said shortly before the document’s publication.
"Russia has never interfered in other states’ election campaigns, and it does not tolerate interference in its own domestic affairs," the spokesman stressed. "Russia has never interfered in election processes in any country of the world, be it the United States, the UK or other states. We do not do it ourselves and we do not tolerate it when other countries try to meddle in our political affairs," Peskov added.
"So even if this report contains some ephemeral accusations, I can assure you now that even if such accusations are there, they will be baseless. This will be another set of groundless accusations," the spokesman noted.
The Kremlin spokesman admitted that Moscow is not aware of the contents of the report. "Naturally, first and foremost we monitor what is happening in our country, and currently, our priority is our country’s key areas of development until 2030. With all due respect to the UK, our priority is what is happening in our country," Peskov explained. Earlier on Tuesday, the Russian president signed a decree on Russia’s national development goals until 2030.
On Tuesday, the British Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee published a report on the activity of UK intelligence services. In the run-up to its publication, the Daily Telegraph informed that British MPs had found no evidence of Russia’s interference in the 2016 referendum on Brexit. According to the newspaper, the 50-page report claims that Moscow had tried to interfere in the 2014 referendum on Scotland’s independence.


tass--2020-07-21--New Development Bank approves USD 1 billion COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan to Brazil

BRASILIA , Brazil , July 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 20 , 2020 , the Board of Directors of the New Development Bank ( NDB ) approved a to the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil .
The resources provided by the NDB will help Brazil safeguard the income of about 5 million people in vulnerable situations , including informal , self-employed and unemployed workers .
The basic income guaranteed by the program allows the most economically vulnerable families to gain increased access to food and health-related goods , such as medicines and personal hygiene products , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containment of COVID-19 .
The loan will also help the Government of Brazil to ensure that strong fiscal support is in place to combat the outbreak and that priority investment projects will be implemented , thereby contributing to the economic recovery of the country .
NDB 's project in Brazil supplements emergency loans provided by five other multilateral development banks and development agencies – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( IBRD ) , the Inter-American Development Bank ( IDB ) , the Development Bank of Latin America ( CAF ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the French Development Agency ( AFD ) – who joined efforts to provide USD 4 billion of financing , to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic .
`` The COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan to Brazil will contribute to the country 's ongoing efforts to strengthen social safety nets and address immediate socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak , particularly on the most vulnerable population in Brazil , '' said Mr. Marcos Troyjo , President of the NDB .
`` It also represents an important milestone for the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against COVID-19 , in coordination with other multilateral development banks and development agencies . ''
The loan marks the Bank 's fourth emergency assistance program to combat COVID-19 , following similar loans to China , India , and South Africa , and thus raises NDB 's financial support against COVID-19 to the level of USD 4 billion .
It is also NDB 's biggest loan approval to Brazil so far , thus contributing to expanding the share of loan approvals in the country from 8.4 % of the NDB 's total portfolio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NDB Board of Governors welcomed the NDB contribution to the ongoing efforts of BRICS countries to address the health and economic consequences of the outbreak and stressed that BRICS would unite to combat the COVID-19 outbreak .
On June 16 , 2020 , the New Development Bank priced its inaugural benchmark USD 1.5 billion 3-year COVID Response Bond in the international capital markets .
The net proceeds from the Bond issue will be used to finance sustainable development activities in the NDB 's member countries , including emergency assistance loans to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was established by Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries , complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development .
The NDB received AA+ long-term issuer credit ratings from S & P and Fitch and AAA foreign currency long-term issuer rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency ( JCR ) .

BRASILIA, Brazil, July 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 20, 2020, the Board of Directors of the New Development Bank (NDB) approved a COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan of USD 1 billion to the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
The resources provided by the NDB will help Brazil safeguard the income of about 5 million people in vulnerable situations, including informal, self-employed and unemployed workers. The basic income guaranteed by the program allows the most economically vulnerable families to gain increased access to food and health-related goods, such as medicines and personal hygiene products, which are vital for the prevention and containment of COVID-19.
The loan will also help the Government of Brazil to ensure that strong fiscal support is in place to combat the outbreak and that priority investment projects will be implemented, thereby contributing to the economic recovery of the country. NDB's project in Brazil supplements emergency loans provided by five other multilateral development banks and development agencies – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), the German Development Bank (KfW), and the French Development Agency (AFD) – who joined efforts to provide USD 4 billion of financing, to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
"The COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan to Brazil will contribute to the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen social safety nets and address immediate socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly on the most vulnerable population in Brazil," said Mr. Marcos Troyjo, President of the NDB. "It also represents an important milestone for the Government of Brazil and NDB in the fight against COVID-19, in coordination with other multilateral development banks and development agencies."
The loan marks the Bank's fourth emergency assistance program to combat COVID-19, following similar loans to China, India, and South Africa, and thus raises NDB's financial support against COVID-19 to the level of USD 4 billion. It is also NDB's biggest loan approval to Brazil so far, thus contributing to expanding the share of loan approvals in the country from 8.4% of the NDB's total portfolio, to 13%.
Background information
In its Statement on Response to COVID-19 Outbreak , the NDB Board of Governors welcomed the NDB contribution to the ongoing efforts of BRICS countries to address the health and economic consequences of the outbreak and stressed that BRICS would unite to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
On June 16, 2020, the New Development Bank priced its inaugural benchmark USD 1.5 billion 3-year COVID Response Bond in the international capital markets. The net proceeds from the Bond issue will be used to finance sustainable development activities in the NDB's member countries, including emergency assistance loans to the Bank's member countries.
The NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. The NDB received AA+ long-term issuer credit ratings from S&P and Fitch and AAA foreign currency long-term issuer rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).
CONTACT: Evan Liu, (852) 5622 1735, evan.liu@ketchum.com


tass--2020-07-21--Ramzan Kadyrov invites US Secretary of State Pompeo to his home village in Chechnya

GROZNY , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Head of Russia ’ s Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov responded to US Secretary of State ’ s statement regarding introduction of new sanctions against him by inviting to his home village in the mountain region of the republic to discuss who really violates human rights , according to the Grozny broadcast company .
`` As you know , I have been included in yet another sanctions list .
Apparently , the Americans have a lot of them .
I got so scared that I went to my home village of Benoy .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very beautiful here .
Let ’ s see who violates what rights , '' Kadyrov said .
On July 20 , the Department of State imposed a visa ban on Kadyrov , based on legislation blocking travel to the US by foreign nationals , whom American officials consider guilty of violating human rights .
Besides Ramzan himself , the sanctions also apply to his spouse Medni , and his daughters , Aishat and Khadijat .
The Chechnya head condemned the sanctions as a `` fruitless attempt '' to sow discord among his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to the region and see for themselves how much the locals support him .

GROZNY, July 21. /TASS/. Head of Russia’s Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov responded to US Secretary of State’s statement regarding introduction of new sanctions against him by inviting to his home village in the mountain region of the republic to discuss who really violates human rights, according to the Grozny broadcast company.
"As you know, I have been included in yet another sanctions list. Apparently, the Americans have a lot of them. I got so scared that I went to my home village of Benoy. So, Pompeo, come here, it is very beautiful here. Let’s see who violates what rights," Kadyrov said.
On July 20, the Department of State imposed a visa ban on Kadyrov, based on legislation blocking travel to the US by foreign nationals, whom American officials consider guilty of violating human rights. Besides Ramzan himself, the sanctions also apply to his spouse Medni, and his daughters, Aishat and Khadijat.
The Chechnya head condemned the sanctions as a "fruitless attempt" to sow discord among his family. He suggested the State Department officials come to the region and see for themselves how much the locals support him.


tass--2020-07-21--Press review: UK nixes Hong Kong extradition treaty and Russia to profit from US-China row

Izvestia : What the future holds for UK-China relations On July 20 , the United Kingdom suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to China ’ s new national security law for the former British colony .
However , developments in Hong Kong are not the only reason why the UK is condemning China , Izvestia writes .
Back in 2015 , when Chinese leader Xi Jinping brought multibillion deal offers to London , many in the United Kingdom started talking about a dawning golden age in relations between the two countries .
London ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s position as the UK ’ s trade partner .
The two countries ’ political views certainly differed , but Britain seemed far more moderate than the US .
However , the current events in Hong Kong turned the UK into a staunch critic of China .
Britain keeps facing major pressure from overseas .
Proof of this is London ’ s recent move to drop cooperation with China ’ s tech giant , Huawei .
Washington , who has been encouraging its allies to reject Chinese technology , welcomed London ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now have to bear the excessive expenses .
According to Aidan Hehir , a British expert on international relations , London ’ s approach is the result of their desire to maintain good relations with the United States .
Vasily Kashin , an expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies , in turn , pointed to the United Kingdom ’ s importance for Chinese companies .
In his view , Beijing will handle the matter carefully .
`` The Chinese may introduce retaliatory measures against those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Beijing , just like it was with some Americans .
However , they won ’ t go beyond this symbolic response , '' the expert predicted .
`` Nevertheless , much will depend on what London will do next , '' Kashin noted .
The United States seeks to provide a theoretical basis for its standoff with China who is trying to supplant the US as a global leader .
Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta believe that pressure on China will keep mounting so Russia has a chance to bolster ties with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maslov , a Moscow-based China scholar , Beijing has taken advantage of the global economy concept .
`` And now the United States ’ goal is to change that concept so that China can ’ t play a key role in the new world order .
The key goal is to deprive China of its technological leadership , hinder the implementation of the Made in China 2025 program and damage the One Belt One Road project , driving countries to abandon Chinese investment , '' the expert pointed out .
As Washington is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now has the opportunity to strengthen economic ties with the Asian powerhouse , Maslov went on to say .
`` We have strong potential for hydrocarbon trade , as well as for agricultural trade , '' he noted .
`` There are also good prospects for the creation of joint research laboratories as American investors leave China and research and educational exchanges decline between the US and China .
Russia can also set up universities in China , while the US cuts support for Chinese students in its universities , '' the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Vitaly Mankevich told the newspaper that the showdown between the United States and China would hardly result in the creation of another system of globalization .
`` We are more likely to see two systems of global domination as countries split into pro-Chinese and pro-American ones , like it was during the Cold War with the Soviet Union , '' the expert emphasized .
`` Russia and European countries , as well as Africa , may become the main battleground where interests will collide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin has named State Duma member Mikhail Degtyarev , who represents the Liberal Democratic Party ( LDPR ) , as acting Governor of the Khabarovsk Region .
His predecessor Sergei Furgal , charged with masterminding murder-for-hire killings , has been sacked over a loss of trust , Vedomosti writes .
Furgal , an LDPR member , won the gubernatorial election in the Khabarovsk region in 2018 , defeating the then incumbent Governor Vyacheslav Shport .
Last year , the LDPR clinched first place in regional elections , while the United Russia party managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to political scientist Alexander Pozhalov , Degtyarev ’ s appointment means that `` the Kremlin has decided against fighting with one of the major parliamentary opposition parties ahead of a parliamentary election , which won ’ t be an easy one for the federal government , but it will try to use the LDPR as a means of communication with the region ’ s disaffected people .
However , Degtyarev will come up against many difficulties , Pozhalov noted .
`` He appears to have been chosen by Moscow , while Furgal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election and then was elected by the people . ''
Still , Degtyarev ’ s nomination `` seems to be the most logical way out of the situation in the Kremlin ’ s view , '' the expert added .
Parliamentary members who represent the Khabarovsk Region have welcomed Degtyarev ’ s nomination .
The experience he gained in the State Duma will help him solve the problems that people in the region are facing , lawmaker Kirill Cherkasov told Izvestia .
`` From a political standpoint , Mikhail Degtyarev ’ s appointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since there is no risk for the federal government , '' political scientist Konstantin Kalachev said .
The LDPR will now be entirely responsible for the situation in the region , he emphasized .
Izvestia : International flights expected to resume from six Russian cities Russian authorities plan to resume international flights only from Moscow , St. Petersburg , Rostov-on-Don , Yekaterinburg , Novosibirsk and Vladivostok for now , Izvestia wrote , citing a draft document on the restoration of international air links , which Federal Air Transport Agency chief Alexander Neradko submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all international airports are ready to operate global flights .
However , Rospotrebnadzor [ the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ] believes it would be right to limit their number in order to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading , '' a Russian airport holding spokesman pointed out .
He added that a major airport had been chosen in every macro-region .
According to the official , all of Moscow ’ s three key airports ( Sheremetyevo , Domodedovo and Vnukovo ) will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of major air carriers based in the city ’ s airports are respected .
According to the newspaper ’ s source , once the second phase of restoring international air services begins , the sanitary watchdog will continue to keep an eye on the epidemiological situation .
Every two weeks , the watchdog , the Federal Air Transport Agency and the Foreign Ministry will compile a list of countries to where flights could be permitted from any of Russia ’ s international airports .
Meanwhile , the Federal Air Transport Agency rejected the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resumption of international flights .
The Transport Ministry pointed out that the issue was under consideration and all decisions would be announced in due time .
On July 8 , the sanitary watchdog said that at first , air links could be restored with China , Mongolia , Vietnam , Sri Lanka , the United Kingdom , Germany , Italy , Finland , Norway , Denmark , the Netherlands , Hungary and Poland .
However , the European Union is not ready to open its borders to Russians yet .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate at a meeting on July 24 , said analysts interviewed by Rossiyskaya Gazeta .
This move will lead to a decline in loan and deposit rates .
Meanwhile , nearly one-third of Russian savers are mulling over withdrawing their money if rates keep falling , Vedomosti wrote .
A downturn in Russia ’ s economy justifies active measures to ease monetary policy , Sovcombank Chief Economist Kirill Sokolov said .
`` Overcoming the negative consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is currently the main goal of the Russian government and the Central Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheaper in the economy , stimulating investor and consumer demand , '' the monetary guru pointed out .
Key rate cuts always reduce the cost of loans and deposits , the main banking products , Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich noted .
Meanwhile , 30 % of Russians are ready to pull their money out of banks if deposit rates continue to decline , indicates a poll conducted by Rosgosstrakh Bank and the National Financial Research Agency ( NAFI ) .
Financial advisor Ivan Kapustyansky is confident that the outflow of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key interest rate is reduced further , then overall market profitability will drop , as well as that of federal loan bonds , '' he elaborated .
`` Federal loan bonds are the most similar to deposits .
Few people will dare to use riskier financial tools , '' he added .
Savers began to shift to the stock market over a year ago , Chief of Personal Brokerage Service at BCS Premier Sergei Kuchin noted , adding that it was a long-term trend .
TASS is not responsible for the material @ @ @ @ @

Izvestia: What the future holds for UK-China relations On July 20, the United Kingdom suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to China’s new national security law for the former British colony. However, developments in Hong Kong are not the only reason why the UK is condemning China, Izvestia writes. Back in 2015, when Chinese leader Xi Jinping brought multibillion deal offers to London, many in the United Kingdom started talking about a dawning golden age in relations between the two countries. London’s decision to withdraw from the European Union strengthened China’s position as the UK’s trade partner. The two countries’ political views certainly differed, but Britain seemed far more moderate than the US. However, the current events in Hong Kong turned the UK into a staunch critic of China.
Britain keeps facing major pressure from overseas. Proof of this is London’s recent move to drop cooperation with China’s tech giant, Huawei. Washington, who has been encouraging its allies to reject Chinese technology, welcomed London’s change of heart though the British will now have to bear the excessive expenses. According to Aidan Hehir, a British expert on international relations, London’s approach is the result of their desire to maintain good relations with the United States. Vasily Kashin, an expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies, in turn, pointed to the United Kingdom’s importance for Chinese companies. In his view, Beijing will handle the matter carefully. "The Chinese may introduce retaliatory measures against those British politicians who are the harshest critics of Beijing, just like it was with some Americans. However, they won’t go beyond this symbolic response," the expert predicted. "Nevertheless, much will depend on what London will do next," Kashin noted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russian economy can benefit from US-China cold war The United States seeks to provide a theoretical basis for its standoff with China who is trying to supplant the US as a global leader. Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta believe that pressure on China will keep mounting so Russia has a chance to bolster ties with its eastern neighbor. According to Alexei Maslov, a Moscow-based China scholar, Beijing has taken advantage of the global economy concept. "And now the United States’ goal is to change that concept so that China can’t play a key role in the new world order. The key goal is to deprive China of its technological leadership, hinder the implementation of the Made in China 2025 program and damage the One Belt One Road project, driving countries to abandon Chinese investment," the expert pointed out.
As Washington is cranking up pressure on Beijing, Russia now has the opportunity to strengthen economic ties with the Asian powerhouse, Maslov went on to say. "We have strong potential for hydrocarbon trade, as well as for agricultural trade," he noted. "There are also good prospects for the creation of joint research laboratories as American investors leave China and research and educational exchanges decline between the US and China. Russia can also set up universities in China, while the US cuts support for Chinese students in its universities," the expert elaborated. For his part, President of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Vitaly Mankevich told the newspaper that the showdown between the United States and China would hardly result in the creation of another system of globalization. "We are more likely to see two systems of global domination as countries split into pro-Chinese and pro-American ones, like it was during the Cold War with the Soviet Union," the expert emphasized. "Russia and European countries, as well as Africa, may become the main battleground where interests will collide," he added. Media: Putin replaces embattled Khabarovsk governor with Liberal Democratic Party colleague Russian President Vladimir Putin has named State Duma member Mikhail Degtyarev, who represents the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), as acting Governor of the Khabarovsk Region. His predecessor Sergei Furgal, charged with masterminding murder-for-hire killings, has been sacked over a loss of trust, Vedomosti writes. Furgal, an LDPR member, won the gubernatorial election in the Khabarovsk region in 2018, defeating the then incumbent Governor Vyacheslav Shport. Last year, the LDPR clinched first place in regional elections, while the United Russia party managed to secure only two seats.
Read also Khabarovsk Region governor charged with organizing murders - Investigative Committee
According to political scientist Alexander Pozhalov, Degtyarev’s appointment means that "the Kremlin has decided against fighting with one of the major parliamentary opposition parties ahead of a parliamentary election, which won’t be an easy one for the federal government, but it will try to use the LDPR as a means of communication with the region’s disaffected people. However, Degtyarev will come up against many difficulties, Pozhalov noted. "He appears to have been chosen by Moscow, while Furgal was initially a protest candidate in the 2018 election and then was elected by the people." Still, Degtyarev’s nomination "seems to be the most logical way out of the situation in the Kremlin’s view," the expert added. Parliamentary members who represent the Khabarovsk Region have welcomed Degtyarev’s nomination. The experience he gained in the State Duma will help him solve the problems that people in the region are facing, lawmaker Kirill Cherkasov told Izvestia. "From a political standpoint, Mikhail Degtyarev’s appointment as acting governor is the right decision since there is no risk for the federal government," political scientist Konstantin Kalachev said. The LDPR will now be entirely responsible for the situation in the region, he emphasized. Izvestia: International flights expected to resume from six Russian cities Russian authorities plan to resume international flights only from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok for now, Izvestia wrote, citing a draft document on the restoration of international air links, which Federal Air Transport Agency chief Alexander Neradko submitted to the government.
Read also Russia chooses first 13 countries for resuming international flight connection
"Today, all international airports are ready to operate global flights. However, Rospotrebnadzor [the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing] believes it would be right to limit their number in order to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading," a Russian airport holding spokesman pointed out. He added that a major airport had been chosen in every macro-region. According to the official, all of Moscow’s three key airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo) will be allowed to operate international flights so that the interests of major air carriers based in the city’s airports are respected. According to the newspaper’s source, once the second phase of restoring international air services begins, the sanitary watchdog will continue to keep an eye on the epidemiological situation. Every two weeks, the watchdog, the Federal Air Transport Agency and the Foreign Ministry will compile a list of countries to where flights could be permitted from any of Russia’s international airports. Meanwhile, the Federal Air Transport Agency rejected the newspaper’s request to comment on the resumption of international flights. The Transport Ministry pointed out that the issue was under consideration and all decisions would be announced in due time. On July 8, the sanitary watchdog said that at first, air links could be restored with China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary and Poland. However, the European Union is not ready to open its borders to Russians yet. Media: Russian Central Bank poised for another key rate cut Russia’s Central Bank will cut its key rate at a meeting on July 24, said analysts interviewed by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. This move will lead to a decline in loan and deposit rates. Meanwhile, nearly one-third of Russian savers are mulling over withdrawing their money if rates keep falling, Vedomosti wrote. A downturn in Russia’s economy justifies active measures to ease monetary policy, Sovcombank Chief Economist Kirill Sokolov said. "Overcoming the negative consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is currently the main goal of the Russian government and the Central Bank. A rate cut will make money cheaper in the economy, stimulating investor and consumer demand," the monetary guru pointed out.
Read also Russian Central Bank lowers key rate to 4.5%


tass--2020-07-21--Moscow never meddles in foreign elections, nor will it condone outside meddling in Russia

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has never interfered in election campaigns in other countries and will not @ @ @ @ @ own domestic affairs , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters , commenting on a @ @ @ @ @ 's Intelligence and Security Committee .
`` Russia has never interfered in electoral process in @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom or any other country .
We don ’ t do such things and @ @ @ @ @ other countries ’ attempts to interfere in our political affairs , '' the Kremlin spokesman @ @ @ @ @ if this report contains some baseless accusations , I bet that even if there are @ @ @ @ @ no foundation to them , they will be groundless , '' Peskov said .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russia has never interfered in election campaigns in other countries and will not tolerate foreign interference in its own domestic affairs, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, commenting on a report by the British Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee.
"Russia has never interfered in electoral process in the United States, the United Kingdom or any other country. We don’t do such things and we won’t tolerate other countries’ attempts to interfere in our political affairs," the Kremlin spokesman emphasized.
"So even if this report contains some baseless accusations, I bet that even if there are accusations, there will be no foundation to them, they will be groundless," Peskov said.


tass--2020-07-21--Passengers on bus in Ukraine taken hostage

KIEV , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
A man took over a bus in Ukrainia ’ s Lutsk holding the @ @ @ @ @ service of the regional police reported on Facebook .
`` This morning a message came @ @ @ @ @ in central Lutsk a man armed with explosives and weapons took over a bus with @ @ @ @ @ said .
The security forces enacted the `` Hostage '' plan in the region , @ @ @ @ @ cordoned off .
As the police specified , the total number of hostages may be @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t made any demands yet .
His identity is being established .
The @ @ @ @ @ a photo of the bus with several windows smashed and bullet holes visible in other @ @ @ @ @ that the bus was following the local route of Berestechko-Krasnilovka .

KIEV, July 21. /TASS/. A man took over a bus in Ukrainia’s Lutsk holding the passengers hostage, the press service of the regional police reported on Facebook.
"This morning a message came to the 102 line that in central Lutsk a man armed with explosives and weapons took over a bus with hostages," the statement said. The security forces enacted the "Hostage" plan in the region, the center of Lutsk is cordoned off.
As the police specified, the total number of hostages may be around 20. The man hasn’t made any demands yet. His identity is being established.
The local Volynskie novosti paper published a photo of the bus with several windows smashed and bullet holes visible in other ones. The edition elaborated that the bus was following the local route of Berestechko-Krasnilovka.


tass--2020-07-21--Putin signs decree on Russia's national development targets through 2030

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , press service of the Kremlin reported on Tuesday .
`` The decision has been @ @ @ @ @ of triggering breakthrough growth of the Russian Federation , increasing the country ’ s population @ @ @ @ @ people , creating comfortable conditions for their living , as well as bringing talent of @ @ @ @ @ '' the document said .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on the country’s national development targets through 2030, press service of the Kremlin reported on Tuesday.
"The decision has been taken "with the purpose of triggering breakthrough growth of the Russian Federation, increasing the country’s population, raising living standards of people, creating comfortable conditions for their living, as well as bringing talent of each person to light," the document said.


tass--2020-07-21--Latest missile frigate enters service with Russian Navy

`` By order of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov , the Project 22350 latest frigate Admiral Kasatonov has been accepted for service in the Navy , '' the spokesman said .
ST. PETERSBURG , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Kasatonov has entered service with the Russian Navy , Navy Spokesman Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo announced on Tuesday .
The ceremony of accepting the frigate for service in the Navy and hoisting the St. Andrew ’ s ( Russian naval ) flag on its board was held in the Neva roadstead , following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia ’ s Main Naval Parade .
`` The frigate Admiral Kasatonov , which has successfully completed state trials , has been accepted for service in the Navy in the Neva roadstead abeam Senate Square .
The Navy has received another ship capable of effectively coping with assigned missions in long-distance maritime and oceanic zones , '' Yevmenov said .
Project 22350 frigates being built at the Severnaya Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) are long-distance deployment ships and carry precision weapons .
They are capable of operating effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy all-arms forces .
Project 22350 warships displace 5,000 tonnes , are 135 meters long and 16 meters wide and can develop a speed of about 30 knots .
They have an operating range of 4,500 miles , a crew of about 200 and their sea endurance is 30 days .

"By order of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, the Project 22350 latest frigate Admiral Kasatonov has been accepted for service in the Navy," the spokesman said.
ST. PETERSBURG, July 21. /TASS/. The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Kasatonov has entered service with the Russian Navy, Navy Spokesman Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo announced on Tuesday.
The ceremony of accepting the frigate for service in the Navy and hoisting the St. Andrew’s (Russian naval) flag on its board was held in the Neva roadstead, following the warship’s arrival for its participation in Russia’s Main Naval Parade.
"The frigate Admiral Kasatonov, which has successfully completed state trials, has been accepted for service in the Navy in the Neva roadstead abeam Senate Square. The Navy has received another ship capable of effectively coping with assigned missions in long-distance maritime and oceanic zones," Yevmenov said.
Project 22350 frigates being built at the Severnaya Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) are long-distance deployment ships and carry precision weapons. They are capable of operating effectively both solely and as part of Russian Navy all-arms forces.
Project 22350 warships displace 5,000 tonnes, are 135 meters long and 16 meters wide and can develop a speed of about 30 knots. They have an operating range of 4,500 miles, a crew of about 200 and their sea endurance is 30 days.


tass--2020-07-21--Russia reports fewer than 6,000 COVID-19 cases for two days in a row

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people in Russia diagnosed with COVID-19 grew by 5,842 in the past 24 hours , fewer than 6,000 cases have been reported for two days in a row , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
According to the crisis center , the number of infected people has climbed to 783,328 .
The daily growth rate has not exceeded 0.8 % for four days .
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in Kalmykia ( 0 % ) , the Nenets autonomous region ( 0 % ) , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sevastopol ( 0 % ) , the Moscow Region ( 0.2 % ) , Moscow ( 0.3 % ) , Ingushetia ( 0.3 % ) , Kabardino-Balkaria ( 0.3 % ) , North Ossetia ( 0.3 % ) , the Bryansk Region ( 0.3 % ) and the Lipetsk Region ( 0.3 % ) .
Another 602 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Moscow , 228 in the Khanty-Mansi autonomous region , 277 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 196 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 189 in St. Petersburg .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. The number of people in Russia diagnosed with COVID-19 grew by 5,842 in the past 24 hours, fewer than 6,000 cases have been reported for two days in a row, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
According to the crisis center, the number of infected people has climbed to 783,328. The daily growth rate has not exceeded 0.8% for four days.
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in Kalmykia (0%), the Nenets autonomous region (0%), the Chukotka autonomous region (0%), Sevastopol (0%), the Moscow Region (0.2%), Moscow (0.3%), Ingushetia (0.3%), Kabardino-Balkaria (0.3%), North Ossetia (0.3%), the Bryansk Region (0.3%) and the Lipetsk Region (0.3%).
Another 602 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Moscow, 228 in the Khanty-Mansi autonomous region, 277 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 196 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 189 in St. Petersburg.
A total of 208,364 patients are currently undergoing treatment in Russia.


tass--2020-07-21--COVID-19 genome didn’t change much while circulating in Russia, sanitary watchdog says

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Experts of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus isolated at different times since the beginning of the epidemic in @ @ @ @ @ t undergone significant changes during the circulation of the virus in the country , as @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus internet hotline .
`` Currently in the Russian Federation complete genomes were read for @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus which were identified at different time points since the detection of pathogen on the @ @ @ @ @ A bioinformatic analysis of whole genomes demonstrates that the changes in the viral genome during @ @ @ @ @ are insignificant , '' the statement said .
The agency noted that 150 viral genomes @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , a detailed analysis is performed for the detection of possible mutations .
`` @ @ @ @ @ variability of the virus ensures the operative monitoring of the pathogen and the readiness to @ @ @ @ @ more dangerous variant of the virus appear , '' the agency added .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Experts of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing have studied the genomes of the novel coronavirus isolated at different times since the beginning of the epidemic in Russia. They haven’t undergone significant changes during the circulation of the virus in the country, as the agency reported to the anti-coronavirus internet hotline.
"Currently in the Russian Federation complete genomes were read for 281 isolates of the novel coronavirus which were identified at different time points since the detection of pathogen on the country’s territory. A bioinformatic analysis of whole genomes demonstrates that the changes in the viral genome during its circulation on Russian territory are insignificant," the statement said.
The agency noted that 150 viral genomes are being read monthly. Additionally, a detailed analysis is performed for the detection of possible mutations. "A study of the genetic variability of the virus ensures the operative monitoring of the pathogen and the readiness to adopt instant measures should the more dangerous variant of the virus appear," the agency added.


tass--2020-07-21--Build Up an Xsan Environment for M&E Solution with Infortrend's SAN Storage

TAIPEI , July 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infortrend® Technology , Inc. ( TWSE : 2495 ) , the industry-leading enterprise storage provider , enhanced performance of its SAN storage EonStor DS ideally suited for building Apple Xsan SAN .
It now supports 40 streams of high-definition videos for collaborative editing or real-time media streaming services .
Thanks to redundant design , DS provides high availability storage solution for small editing studios to large-scale media production companies .
EonStor DS is a fast and reliable SAN storage that guarantees high availability and uninterrupted workflow for media editing teams .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form factors , host board options , and modular design with high expandability .
It comes with complete data services and easy-to-use central management interface .
By supporting Apple Xsan file system fine-tuned with Infortrend 's high-quality system configuration , DS provides superior SAN performance for media editors collaborating on macOS via high-speed Fibre channel or Ethernet network .
Moreover , Xsan/StorNext can be configured to allow access to the file system not only for macOS , but also Microsoft Windows , and Linux users .
With redundant dual controller hardware design with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is synchronized between primary and secondary controllers , so that media editing workflow is processed immediately .
In case if one of the controllers fails , the functioning controller takes over to guarantee data availability .
Based on a video playback test by using Adobe Premiere , DS achieves an exceptional throughput of 40 high resolution video streams with single workstation .
The number of steams can be linearly increased by adding more DS under Xsan configuration .
For post-production editing , DS supports major NLE software : Adobe Premiere Pro , Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With deployed DS , enterprises can fulfil all kinds of multi-client M & E-related tasks : e.g.
, color correction , adding special visual effects such as 3D compositing , VFX , and editorial finishing .
Learn more about SAN Storage for M & E Solution Infortrend ( TWSE : 2495 ) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993 .
With a strong emphasis on in-house design , testing , and manufacturing , Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards , user friendly data services , personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For more information , please visit www.infortrend.com Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology , Inc. ; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

TAIPEI, July 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infortrend® Technology, Inc. (TWSE: 2495), the industry-leading enterprise storage provider, enhanced performance of its SAN storage EonStor DS ideally suited for building Apple Xsan SAN. It now supports 40 streams of high-definition videos for collaborative editing or real-time media streaming services. Thanks to redundant design, DS provides high availability storage solution for small editing studios to large-scale media production companies.
EonStor DS is a fast and reliable SAN storage that guarantees high availability and uninterrupted workflow for media editing teams. To satisfy any requirements, DS offers multiple form factors, host board options, and modular design with high expandability. It comes with complete data services and easy-to-use central management interface. By supporting Apple Xsan file system fine-tuned with Infortrend's high-quality system configuration, DS provides superior SAN performance for media editors collaborating on macOS via high-speed Fibre channel or Ethernet network. Moreover, Xsan/StorNext can be configured to allow access to the file system not only for macOS, but also Microsoft Windows, and Linux users. With redundant dual controller hardware design with active/active configuration, data written to cache is synchronized between primary and secondary controllers, so that media editing workflow is processed immediately. In case if one of the controllers fails, the functioning controller takes over to guarantee data availability.
Based on a video playback test by using Adobe Premiere, DS achieves an exceptional throughput of 40 high resolution video streams with single workstation. The number of steams can be linearly increased by adding more DS under Xsan configuration. For post-production editing, DS supports major NLE software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. With deployed DS, enterprises can fulfil all kinds of multi-client M&E-related tasks: e.g., color correction, adding special visual effects such as 3D compositing, VFX, and editorial finishing.
Learn more about SAN Storage for M&E Solution
Learn more about EonStor DS SAN Storage
About Infortrend
Infortrend (TWSE: 2495) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993. With a strong emphasis on in-house design, testing, and manufacturing, Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards, user friendly data services, personal after-sales support, and unrivaled value. For more information, please visit www.infortrend.com
Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology, Inc.; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Winnie Tsai, +886-2-2226-0126 #8557, winnie.tsai@infortrend.com


tass--2020-07-21--Over 270,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to COVID-19

Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by nearly 230,000 in past day - WHO MOSCOW , July 21 .
@ @ @ @ @ citizens remain under medical supervision in Russia due to being suspected of having the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on @ @ @ @ @ total of ] 270,199 people remain under medical supervision in Russia , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ the watchdog , more than 25.4 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country @ @ @ @ @ tests conducted in the past 24 hours .

Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by nearly 230,000 in past day - WHO
MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. More than 270,000 citizens remain under medical supervision in Russia due to being suspected of having the coronavirus, the press service of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on Tuesday.
"[A total of] 270,199 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," the press service said.
According to the watchdog, more than 25.4 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country to date, with 198,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-07-21--Hengtong Checks Flood Damage with Speed and Technology

SUZHOU , China , July 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 1,000 km fiber optic cables were delivered recently by Hengtong within 48 hours to Jiangxi Province for its urgent demand of flood control-related telecommunication system restoration .
Located in a pivotal position that connects the middle and lower streams of the Yangtze River , and with the most winding part of the river in its domain , Jiangxi Province historically holds the key to the success of the flood control of the Yangtze River basin .
Devastated by the recent torrential rains , Jiangxi escalated the Emergency Response from Level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Level I within one week in early July , during which period its many transport and communication infrastructures were almost wrecked .
Receiving the urgent call for assistance on July 13 , Hengtong raced against time and finished producing and delivering the supply in shortest order , which will hopefully help restore the communication system for the flood-devastated area .
Hengtong is shoring up the flood repair work in more ways .
With downpours unseen for decades , this year 's seasonal rains , or the `` Plum Rains '' in the vernacular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood to the Yangtze River basin .
The city of Nanjing , capital of Jiangsu Province , saw since July 18 its Yangtze River water level overtaking the historical highest registered in 1954 .
No better is the case around the Taihu Lake , the third largest fresh water lake in China and the cradle of Hengtong .
A significant reservoir for Yangtze , the water exceeded the security level and reached the the fourth highest in history as early as on July 17 .
The Water Resources Department of Jiangsu Province raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest level ) for the lake .
Born on the shore of Taihu , Hengtong is paying back to the `` mother lake '' in the smart form of an aqua-sensing system that keeps observation on the health of the water body .
A demonstration project for environment protection , this system is contributing to the local flood prevention and control work with a network of 9 stations observing using big-data-based analysis of the water 's quality , level , speed and rate of flow , etc .
All statistics can be checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides handy tools to rein in the deluge in a scientific and targeted manner , with the local counter-flood capacity thus lifted .
Plum Rains , or Yellow Plum Rains , is the nickname given to the annual rainy season in South and East China .
Mostly along the Yangtze River basin , it also extends down to Taiwan Province and up to Japan where it is called Bai-u .
When its heyday hovers over the Yangtze River area from June to July , the plums have rightly turned yellow and ripened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the Plum Rains come the dog days of summer .

SUZHOU, China, July 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 1,000 km fiber optic cables were delivered recently by Hengtong within 48 hours to Jiangxi Province for its urgent demand of flood control-related telecommunication system restoration.
Located in a pivotal position that connects the middle and lower streams of the Yangtze River, and with the most winding part of the river in its domain, Jiangxi Province historically holds the key to the success of the flood control of the Yangtze River basin.
Devastated by the recent torrential rains, Jiangxi escalated the Emergency Response from Level IV all the way to the highest Level I within one week in early July, during which period its many transport and communication infrastructures were almost wrecked.
Receiving the urgent call for assistance on July 13, Hengtong raced against time and finished producing and delivering the supply in shortest order, which will hopefully help restore the communication system for the flood-devastated area.
Hengtong is shoring up the flood repair work in more ways.
With downpours unseen for decades, this year's seasonal rains, or the "Plum Rains" in the vernacular, are posing a critical danger of flood to the Yangtze River basin. The city of Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, saw since July 18 its Yangtze River water level overtaking the historical highest registered in 1954.
No better is the case around the Taihu Lake, the third largest fresh water lake in China and the cradle of Hengtong. A significant reservoir for Yangtze, the water exceeded the security level and reached the the fourth highest in history as early as on July 17. The Water Resources Department of Jiangsu Province raised the Flood Alert to Red (the highest level) for the lake.
Born on the shore of Taihu, Hengtong is paying back to the "mother lake" in the smart form of an aqua-sensing system that keeps observation on the health of the water body.
A demonstration project for environment protection, this system is contributing to the local flood prevention and control work with a network of 9 stations observing using big-data-based analysis of the water's quality, level, speed and rate of flow, etc.
All statistics can be checked on a mobile device, this system provides handy tools to rein in the deluge in a scientific and targeted manner, with the local counter-flood capacity thus lifted.
What are "Plum Rains"
Plum Rains, or Yellow Plum Rains, is the nickname given to the annual rainy season in South and East China. Mostly along the Yangtze River basin, it also extends down to Taiwan Province and up to Japan where it is called Bai-u. When its heyday hovers over the Yangtze River area from June to July, the plums have rightly turned yellow and ripened, which gives the season a pleasant flavor. After the Plum Rains come the dog days of summer.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1217178/Hengtong.jpg
CONTACT: Mcdull, +86-512-6395-7797


tass--2020-07-21--Nine Leading Businesses Launch New Initiative to Accelerate Progress to a Net Zero Future

REDMOND , Washington , July 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The heads of nine companies today announced the establishment of a new initiative to accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy .
The initiative , known as Transform to Net Zero , intends to develop and deliver research , guidance , and implementable roadmaps to enable all businesses to achieve net zero emissions .
The Initiative will be led by founding members including A.P .
Moller - Maersk , Danone , Mercedes-Benz AG , Microsoft Corp. , Natura & Co , NIKE , Inc. , Starbucks , Unilever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Defense Fund ( EDF ) .
The Initiative is supported by BSR , which is serving as the Secretariat for the Initiative .
Transform to Net Zero will focus on enabling the business transformation needed to achieve net zero emissions no later than 2050 , in addition to driving broader change with a focus on policy , innovation , and finance .
The outputs of the initiative will be widely available to all , though additional companies may join .
The Initiative intends to complete the outputs of this work by 2025 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following principles : • Focused on transformation : Delivering on our individual commitments and translating into action , which will include corporate strategy , governance and accountability , finance and operations , risk management , procurement , innovation and R & D , marketing , and public affairs .
• Led by science and best practice data and methods : Committed to standardized approaches to achieve what the best available science requires for a 1.5°C world ; committed to improving the quality and availability of research , data , and tools for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the climate on investment .
• Leveraging existing efforts : Committed to open collaboration with existing net zero initiatives ( sign-on , advocacy , sectorial , methodology efforts ) to leverage existing work and advance business transformation to net zero .
• Strong governance and oversight : At the highest levels of the company , governance and oversight structures will work to achieve net zero , including through developing innovative products , services , and business models .
• Robust reduction and removal across the extended enterprise : Net zero requires emissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including impact of products and services and supply chain .
Net zero requires us to achieve greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions reductions aligned with the latest science and increase our capacity for GHG removals in the near term to be the path to get companies—and the world—to net zero no later than 2050 to ensure a stable climate , and will mean a mix of climate-positive actions should be pursued .
• Investment in innovation : Substantial commitment and willingness to invest in and accelerate innovation to achieve net zero transformation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engagement : Advancing public policy that enables and accelerates progress towards net zero , and engagement with bodies such as trade associations to achieve this objective .
• Transparency and accountability : Public reporting and disclosure on progress towards net zero transformation to key stakeholders , including investors , customers , consumers , and where required―regulators ; sharing information with all stakeholders on good practice to net zero transformation .
• Just and sustainable transition : We know that marginalised groups and low-income communities bear the greatest impacts of climate change .
Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve effective , just , and sustainable climate solutions for people of all gender , race , or skills .
Søren Skou , CEO of A.P .
Moller - Maersk , said : `` A.P .
Moller - Maersk is committed to a carbon-neutral future of transport and logistics .
To contribute to the Paris agreement 's goal , we announced our ambition of having net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 back in 2018 .
Since then we have taken several concrete actions to decarbonise the industry .
The overall target of keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reached through strong alliances across sectors and businesses .
We are therefore happy to join Microsoft and other global companies in the Transform to Net Zero initiative . ''
Aron Cramer , President and CEO of BSR , said : `` Over the past decade , many businesses have committed to net zero targets .
It is now time to accelerate the actions needed to achieve this essential goal .
Our window for staying under 1.5 degrees of warming is closing , and fast .
We are now in a decisive decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy , if we are to stave off the worst impacts of climate change .
That 's why Transform to Net Zero is so important .
More than just setting a high bar for inspiration , Transform to Net Zero will provide companies with an actionable roadmap enabling them to transform their businesses to thrive in and shape a net zero economy . ''
Emmanuel Faber , Chairman and CEO of Danone , said : `` Our One Planet .
One Health frame of action puts the climate at the core of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is therefore not optional for Danone , it is a way to reinvent our growth model .
This revolution can not be achieved alone .
That 's why I truly believe in the collective power of Transform to Net Zero .
Let 's share best practices and build new systems to create the evidence-based solutions that will help us drive the change and keep global warming under 1.5°C . ''
Fred Krupp , President of Environmental Defense Fund , said : `` The gap between where we are on climate change and where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So does the gap between businesses that just talk about action and those that are actually getting the job done .
This new initiative holds tremendous potential for closing these gaps .
Especially if other businesses follow in the coalition 's footsteps , leading by example and using the most powerful tool that companies have for fighting climate change : their political influence . ''
Ola Källenius , Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG , said : `` If there is one lesson we can learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much we can achieve if we act together .
This is the only way we can also win the fight against climate change .
We need to set common goals and implement measures to achieve them .
That 's why we are joining 'Transform to Net Zero . '
Our mission at Mercedes-Benz is CO2-neutral mobility .
We are making good progress towards this end and we are determined to follow through . ''
Brad Smith , President , Microsoft , said : `` No one company can address the climate crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are developing and sharing best practices , research , and learnings to help everyone move forward .
Whether a company is just getting started or is well on its path , Transform to Net Zero can help us all turn carbon commitments into real progress toward a net zero future . ''
Roberto Marques , Executive Chairman of the Board and group CEO of Natura & Co. , said : `` At Natura & Co we truly believe in cooperation .
We recently released our 2030 Commitment to Life in which we set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become net carbon zero in ten years .
But to address the climate crises the world is facing , we need to help each other to do more and faster .
The Net Zero initiative strives to do just that , bringing together companies committed to making the right changes at the right pace .
We are committed to build a brighter future that will allow not only a greener world for future generations but the economic recovery under new premises that that society is demanding . ''
Andy Campion , Chief Operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` When it comes to protecting the playing field we share—our planet—there is n't a moment to lose .
That 's why we are n't waiting for solutions to climate change , we 're coming together as global leaders to create them .
If we act now , and work together , we can drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future .
We 'll be relentless in our pursuit of ensuring a healthy planet for generations of athletes to come . ''
Kevin Johnson , Starbucks President and Chief Executive Officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a resource-positive company by building on our long history in sustainability .
Joining Transform to Net Zero aligned with our aspiration for a more sustainable future .
Partnering with other like-minded companies , we will open-source best practices , advocate for positive government policies , and support a just transition .
We believe in driving real change and encourage other organizations to join us in this critical effort for humanity . ''
Alan Jope , Unilever CEO , said : `` The climate crisis is not only a threat to our environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it is critical that we all play a part in addressing it .
The business world of the future can not look like it does now ; in addition to decarbonisation , a full system transformation is needed .
That 's why we 're pleased to join other leading businesses as a founding member of Transform to Net Zero so we can work together and accelerate the strategic shift that is needed to achieve net zero emissions ; in Unilever 's case , by 2039 . ''
Thierry Delaporte , Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Limited , said : `` We are pleased to be a founding member of Transform to Net Zero .
It is closely aligned with our values and our commitment to sustainability .
Climate change is a defining challenge for our times and we firmly believe that businesses must step up and address the challenges head-on .
A partnership forum like this can help catalyse and accelerate such a response and guide our future engagements across the value chain through a collaborative spirit of innovative , transformational solutions .

REDMOND, Washington, July 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The heads of nine companies today announced the establishment of a new initiative to accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy. The initiative, known as Transform to Net Zero, intends to develop and deliver research, guidance, and implementable roadmaps to enable all businesses to achieve net zero emissions.
The Initiative will be led by founding members including A.P. Moller - Maersk, Danone, Mercedes-Benz AG, Microsoft Corp., Natura &Co, NIKE, Inc., Starbucks, Unilever, and Wipro, as well as Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The Initiative is supported by BSR, which is serving as the Secretariat for the Initiative.
Transform to Net Zero will focus on enabling the business transformation needed to achieve net zero emissions no later than 2050, in addition to driving broader change with a focus on policy, innovation, and finance. The outputs of the initiative will be widely available to all, though additional companies may join. The Initiative intends to complete the outputs of this work by 2025.
The work will be led by the following principles:
Focused on transformation: Delivering on our individual commitments and translating into action, which will include corporate strategy, governance and accountability, finance and operations, risk management, procurement, innovation and R&D, marketing, and public affairs. Led by science and best practice data and methods: Committed to standardized approaches to achieve what the best available science requires for a 1.5°C world; committed to improving the quality and availability of research, data, and tools for all; committed to the highest return for the climate on investment. Leveraging existing efforts: Committed to open collaboration with existing net zero initiatives (sign-on, advocacy, sectorial, methodology efforts) to leverage existing work and advance business transformation to net zero. Strong governance and oversight: At the highest levels of the company, governance and oversight structures will work to achieve net zero, including through developing innovative products, services, and business models. Robust reduction and removal across the extended enterprise: Net zero requires emissions reductions across the entire value chain, including impact of products and services and supply chain. Net zero requires us to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions aligned with the latest science and increase our capacity for GHG removals in the near term to be the path to get companies—and the world—to net zero no later than 2050 to ensure a stable climate, and will mean a mix of climate-positive actions should be pursued. Investment in innovation: Substantial commitment and willingness to invest in and accelerate innovation to achieve net zero transformation, including partnering with others. Policy engagement: Advancing public policy that enables and accelerates progress towards net zero, and engagement with bodies such as trade associations to achieve this objective. Transparency and accountability: Public reporting and disclosure on progress towards net zero transformation to key stakeholders, including investors, customers, consumers, and where required―regulators; sharing information with all stakeholders on good practice to net zero transformation. Just and sustainable transition: We know that marginalised groups and low-income communities bear the greatest impacts of climate change. Therefore, we will help enable conditions needed to achieve effective, just, and sustainable climate solutions for people of all gender, race, or skills.
Commentary
A.P. Moller - Maersk
Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk, said: "A.P. Moller - Maersk is committed to a carbon-neutral future of transport and logistics. To contribute to the Paris agreement's goal, we announced our ambition of having net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 back in 2018. Since then we have taken several concrete actions to decarbonise the industry. The overall target of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees can only be reached through strong alliances across sectors and businesses. We are therefore happy to join Microsoft and other global companies in the Transform to Net Zero initiative."
BSR
Aron Cramer, President and CEO of BSR, said: "Over the past decade, many businesses have committed to net zero targets. It is now time to accelerate the actions needed to achieve this essential goal. Our window for staying under 1.5 degrees of warming is closing, and fast. We are now in a decisive decade, in which we must urgently decarbonize the economy, if we are to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. That's why Transform to Net Zero is so important. More than just setting a high bar for inspiration, Transform to Net Zero will provide companies with an actionable roadmap enabling them to transform their businesses to thrive in and shape a net zero economy."
Danone
Emmanuel Faber, Chairman and CEO of Danone, said: "Our One Planet. One Health frame of action puts the climate at the core of the food system transformation. Carbon neutrality is therefore not optional for Danone, it is a way to reinvent our growth model. This revolution cannot be achieved alone. That's why I truly believe in the collective power of Transform to Net Zero. Let's share best practices and build new systems to create the evidence-based solutions that will help us drive the change and keep global warming under 1.5°C."
Environmental Defense Fund
Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund, said: "The gap between where we are on climate change and where we need to be continues to widen. So does the gap between businesses that just talk about action and those that are actually getting the job done. This new initiative holds tremendous potential for closing these gaps. Especially if other businesses follow in the coalition's footsteps, leading by example and using the most powerful tool that companies have for fighting climate change: their political influence."
Mercedes-Benz AG
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, said: "If there is one lesson we can learn from dealing with the COVID-19-pandemic it is how much we can achieve if we act together. This is the only way we can also win the fight against climate change. We need to set common goals and implement measures to achieve them. That's why we are joining 'Transform to Net Zero.' Our mission at Mercedes-Benz is CO2-neutral mobility. We are making good progress towards this end and we are determined to follow through."
Microsoft
Brad Smith, President, Microsoft, said: "No one company can address the climate crisis alone. That's why leading companies are developing and sharing best practices, research, and learnings to help everyone move forward. Whether a company is just getting started or is well on its path, Transform to Net Zero can help us all turn carbon commitments into real progress toward a net zero future."
Natura &Co.
Roberto Marques, Executive Chairman of the Board and group CEO of Natura &Co., said: "At Natura &Co we truly believe in cooperation. We recently released our 2030 Commitment to Life in which we set for all our business the target to become net carbon zero in ten years. But to address the climate crises the world is facing, we need to help each other to do more and faster. The Net Zero initiative strives to do just that, bringing together companies committed to making the right changes at the right pace. We are committed to build a brighter future that will allow not only a greener world for future generations but the economic recovery under new premises that that society is demanding."
NIKE, Inc.
Andy Campion, Chief Operating Officer, NIKE, Inc., said: "When it comes to protecting the playing field we share—our planet—there isn't a moment to lose. That's why we aren't waiting for solutions to climate change, we're coming together as global leaders to create them. If we act now, and work together, we can drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future. We'll be relentless in our pursuit of ensuring a healthy planet for generations of athletes to come."
Starbucks
Kevin Johnson, Starbucks President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Starbucks aspires to be a resource-positive company by building on our long history in sustainability. Joining Transform to Net Zero aligned with our aspiration for a more sustainable future. Partnering with other like-minded companies, we will open-source best practices, advocate for positive government policies, and support a just transition. We believe in driving real change and encourage other organizations to join us in this critical effort for humanity."
Unilever
Alan Jope, Unilever CEO, said: "The climate crisis is not only a threat to our environment, but also to lives and livelihoods, and it is critical that we all play a part in addressing it. The business world of the future cannot look like it does now; in addition to decarbonisation, a full system transformation is needed. That's why we're pleased to join other leading businesses as a founding member of Transform to Net Zero so we can work together and accelerate the strategic shift that is needed to achieve net zero emissions; in Unilever's case, by 2039."
Wipro
Thierry Delaporte, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Wipro Limited, said: "We are pleased to be a founding member of Transform to Net Zero. It is closely aligned with our values and our commitment to sustainability. Climate change is a defining challenge for our times and we firmly believe that businesses must step up and address the challenges head-on. A partnership forum like this can help catalyse and accelerate such a response and guide our future engagements across the value chain through a collaborative spirit of innovative, transformational solutions.
Contact: David Stearns, tonzmedia@bsr.org, +1 718 501-8666


tass--2020-07-21--Russia’s first COVID-19 vaccine ready, deputy defense minister says

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection , which was created by military specialists and scientists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology , is ready , First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov told Argumenty i Fakty newspaper .
`` Final assessments on the results of testing by our specialists and scientists of the National Research Center have been already made .
At the moment of release all volunteers without exception developed immunity against the coronavirus and felt normal .
So , the first domestic vaccine against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Tsalikov told the newspaper .
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade told TASS that on June 30 documents for registering the vaccine were submitted to the Health Ministry .
In June , the ministry issued a permit for clinical tests of a liquid and freeze-dried vaccines developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian defense ministry ’ s research institute No48 .
The liquid vaccine is being tested on 43 volunteers at the Burdenko Main Military Hospital and the freeze-dried vaccine is being tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 43 volunteers .
The Defense Ministry reported on Monday that jointly with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology it had successfully completed clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine on volunteers on the basis of the Burdenko Main Military Hospital .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russia’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection, which was created by military specialists and scientists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, is ready, First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov told Argumenty i Fakty newspaper.
"Final assessments on the results of testing by our specialists and scientists of the National Research Center have been already made. At the moment of release all volunteers without exception developed immunity against the coronavirus and felt normal. So, the first domestic vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection is ready," Tsalikov told the newspaper.
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade told TASS that on June 30 documents for registering the vaccine were submitted to the Health Ministry. In June, the ministry issued a permit for clinical tests of a liquid and freeze-dried vaccines developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian defense ministry’s research institute No48. The liquid vaccine is being tested on 43 volunteers at the Burdenko Main Military Hospital and the freeze-dried vaccine is being tested at the Sechenov Medical University, also on 43 volunteers.
The Defense Ministry reported on Monday that jointly with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology it had successfully completed clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine on volunteers on the basis of the Burdenko Main Military Hospital.


tass--2020-07-21--Russia’s first vaccine against novel coronavirus is ready - first deputy defense minister

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection , which was @ @ @ @ @ scientists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology , is ready , @ @ @ @ @ Tsalikov told Argumenty i Fakty newspaper .
`` Final assessments on the results of testing @ @ @ @ @ of the National Research Center have been already made .
At the moment of release @ @ @ @ @ immunity against the coronavirus and felt normal .
So , the first domestic vaccine against @ @ @ @ @ ready , '' Tsalikov told the newspaper .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russia’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection, which was created by military specialists and scientists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, is ready, First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov told Argumenty i Fakty newspaper.
"Final assessments on the results of testing by our specialists and scientists of the National Research Center have been already made. At the moment of release all volunteers without exception developed immunity against the coronavirus and felt normal. So, the first domestic vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection is ready," Tsalikov told the newspaper.