tass--2020-07-17--Number of COVID-2019 cases across the globe up by over 226,000 in past day — WHO

MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
More than 226,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past 24 hours , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 13.3 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 16 , as many as 13,378,853 novel coronavirus cases and 580,045 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 226,181in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,579 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,016,851 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 132,700 and the number of deaths - by 3,627 and reached 294,301 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,987,256 and the number of fatalities is 205,006 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 21,183 and the number of deaths - by 552 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,331,893 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , the number of cases grew by 14,815 and the number of deaths - by 482 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 3,405,494 ) , Brazil ( 1,926,824 ) , India ( 968,876 ) , Russia ( 752,797 ) , Peru ( 333,867 ) , Chile ( 321,205 ) , Mexico ( 311,486 ) , South Africa ( 311,049 ) , the United Kingdom ( 291,915 ) and Iran ( 264,561 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. More than 226,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 13.3 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 16, as many as 13,378,853 novel coronavirus cases and 580,045 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 226,181in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,579.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,016,851. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 132,700 and the number of deaths - by 3,627 and reached 294,301.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,987,256 and the number of fatalities is 205,006. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 21,183 and the number of deaths - by 552.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,331,893 cases and 32,776 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 14,815 and the number of deaths - by 482.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (3,405,494), Brazil (1,926,824), India (968,876), Russia (752,797), Peru (333,867), Chile (321,205), Mexico (311,486), South Africa (311,049), the United Kingdom (291,915) and Iran (264,561).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-17--Moscow court arrests four more suspects in newborn trade case

MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court arrested three more people involved in the case of trading in toddlers of surrogate mothers , while putting the fourth under house arrest , court spokeswoman Irina Morozova told TASS .
The newly arrested include a gynecologist , an interpreter and a surrogate motherhood center CEO .
`` The court satisfied the request of the investigation , and put Roman Yemashev , Vladislav Melnikov and Kirill Anisimov into custody , and put Tatiana Blinova under house arrest .
All suspects will remain in custody until September 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court arrested four more gynecologists within this case .
The criminal case was initiated in January this year , after a newborn boy body was discovered in a settlement in the Moscow Region .
The case , initially classified as involuntary manslaughter , was later classified with charges of higher gravity .
The suspects are now charged with several cases of trade in newborns .
According to the investigation , the deceased toddler , born in December 2019 , was supervised by a babysitter , along with three more babies , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes that the children stayed there while their biological parents , citizens of foreign states , did the paperwork , including for relocation of children abroad .
The preliminary forensic examination indicates that the toddler died from Sudden infant death syndrome .
The investigators requested all relevant documents from the law firm that led the surrogate motherhood programs .
The remaining three toddlers were taken away and put to a local infant hospital .

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. Moscow’s Basmanny Court arrested three more people involved in the case of trading in toddlers of surrogate mothers, while putting the fourth under house arrest, court spokeswoman Irina Morozova told TASS.
The newly arrested include a gynecologist, an interpreter and a surrogate motherhood center CEO.
"The court satisfied the request of the investigation, and put Roman Yemashev, Vladislav Melnikov and Kirill Anisimov into custody, and put Tatiana Blinova under house arrest. All suspects will remain in custody until September 14," the spokeswoman said.
Previously, the court arrested four more gynecologists within this case.
The case
A criminal case was launched in January this year, after the body of a newborn male was discovered in a settlement in the suburban region outside Moscow. The case, initially classified as involuntary manslaughter, was later upped with heavier counts. The suspects are now being charged in several cases of illicit baby trafficking.
According to the investigation, the deceased toddler, born in December 2019, was being looked after by a babysitter, along with three other infants, also born to surrogate mothers. Detectives believe that the children stayed there while their biological parents - foreign citizens – filled out the paperwork to relocate the newborn children abroad.
The preliminary forensic examination indicates that the toddler died from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. The detectives looking into the case requested all relevant documents from the law firm that handled the surrogate motherhood programs. The three other toddlers were taken away and placed in a local infant hospital.


tass--2020-07-17--Russian shipyard floats out first serial Borei-A-class nuclear-powered submarine

MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
The first serial Project 955A ( Borei-A ) strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Oleg was floated out on Thursday , the Sevmash shipbuilding plant ’ s press service said .
`` Today , on July 16 , a ceremony to float out the Knyaz Oleg strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of the Borei-A class took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk , '' the statement said .
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Defense Ministry , the Russian Navy , the United Shipbuilding Corporation , Sevmash and other agencies .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Knyaz Vladimir , has already entered service with the Russian Navy .
It arrived to Gadzhiyevo , the main base of the Northern Fleet ’ s submarine forces , on July 3 .
Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers represent the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy .
According Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , Borei-A-class submarines are less noisy and feature improved maneuvering , depth and armament control systems .
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles .
They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes @

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. The first serial Project 955A (Borei-A) strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Oleg was floated out on Thursday, the Sevmash shipbuilding plant’s press service said.
"Today, on July 16, a ceremony to float out the Knyaz Oleg strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of the Borei-A class took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk," the statement said.
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Defense Ministry, the Russian Navy, the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Sevmash and other agencies.
The lead submarine of Project 955A, the Knyaz Vladimir, has already entered service with the Russian Navy. It arrived to Gadzhiyevo, the main base of the Northern Fleet’s submarine forces, on July 3.
Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers represent the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy. According Russia’s Defense Ministry, Borei-A-class submarines are less noisy and feature improved maneuvering, depth and armament control systems.
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes.


tass--2020-07-17--Thirteen coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
Thirteen coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday .
`` Thirteen coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,271 .
Moscow was the hardest hit by coronavirus among the Russian regions .
However , according to the latest figures , the situation has visibly improved in the capital city .
Overall , it reports 231,801 coronavirus cases , including 531 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as 168,955 patients have recovered .
The number of single-day recoveries has once again exceeded the number of new cases , making up 1,145 people .
The biggest number of coronavirus patients were discharged from hospitals on May 26 , when 8,033 recoveries were reported .
A campaign to test Moscow residents for antibodies to coronavirus continues in Moscow .
According to the latest statistics , over 13,717,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,172,400 individuals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , 752,797 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 531,692 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 11,937 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. Thirteen coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday.
"Thirteen coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,271.
Moscow was the hardest hit by coronavirus among the Russian regions. However, according to the latest figures, the situation has visibly improved in the capital city.
Overall, it reports 231,801 coronavirus cases, including 531 cases in the past 24 hours. As many as 168,955 patients have recovered. The number of single-day recoveries has once again exceeded the number of new cases, making up 1,145 people. The biggest number of coronavirus patients were discharged from hospitals on May 26, when 8,033 recoveries were reported. A campaign to test Moscow residents for antibodies to coronavirus continues in Moscow.
According to the latest statistics, over 13,717,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 752,797 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 531,692 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 11,937 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-16--COVID-19 restriction measures helped save lives, says Moscow mayor

`` We are talking about tens of thousands lives saved , this is a high price .
This is worth introducing such strict measures , this was a forced decision .
The measures were rather high-tech from an international perspective , '' the mayor noted .
MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
The government of Moscow considers the measures taken in the city to combat the spread of coronavirus a necessary decision that helped save the lives of its residents , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda radio .
He added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : digital passes , video cameras , face recognition , and the Social Monitoring app .
Sobyanin said that the app had been developed due to the fact that about 800,000 citizens came to Russia at the start of the pandemic from Europe , the US and China , where the virus had already spread widely .
Besides , in March and early April , about 300,000 people from other countries arrived to Moscow .
`` We had to control this many people somehow so that they would not infect all the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t like all the measures ?
There are observation facilities and infectious diseases hospitals .
The Social Monitoring app can replace the two weeks spent in hospital .
What is Social Monitoring ?
Taking several selfies over the course of the day , '' the mayor stated .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 13,717,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 752,797 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 531,692 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"We are talking about tens of thousands lives saved, this is a high price. This is worth introducing such strict measures, this was a forced decision. The measures were rather high-tech from an international perspective," the mayor noted.
MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. The government of Moscow considers the measures taken in the city to combat the spread of coronavirus a necessary decision that helped save the lives of its residents, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda radio.
He added that Moscow used a set of high-tech measures: digital passes, video cameras, face recognition, and the Social Monitoring app.
Sobyanin said that the app had been developed due to the fact that about 800,000 citizens came to Russia at the start of the pandemic from Europe, the US and China, where the virus had already spread widely. Besides, in March and early April, about 300,000 people from other countries arrived to Moscow.
"We had to control this many people somehow so that they would not infect all the city’s residents. <…> You don’t like all the measures? There are observation facilities and infectious diseases hospitals. The Social Monitoring app can replace the two weeks spent in hospital. What is Social Monitoring? Taking several selfies over the course of the day," the mayor stated.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 13,717,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 752,797 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 531,692 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 11,937 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-16--Russian, Azerbaijani diplomats discuss situation on Azerbaijani-Armenian border

`` They have discussed the current issues of bilateral relations and regional security , including the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry informed .
MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Moscow Polad Bulbuloglu have discussed bilateral issues and the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border during a meeting on Thursday .
The sides have also discussed the plans for cooperation in various areas after the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` They have confirmed mutual commitment to maintaining close cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both countries ’ citizens home .
They have considered plans for cooperation in the post-coronavirus period , '' the Russian ministry added .
On July 12 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic ’ s positions in the direction of Tovuz ( known as Tavush in Armenia ) on the border using artillery .
According to the ministry , the attacks continued during the night .
Baku informed that eleven Azerbaijani troops had been killed since clashes had begun .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed of 4 casualties and 10 people injured , adding that border tensions had escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Azerbaijan .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"They have discussed the current issues of bilateral relations and regional security, including the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border," the Russian Foreign Ministry informed.
MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Moscow Polad Bulbuloglu have discussed bilateral issues and the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border during a meeting on Thursday.
The sides have also discussed the plans for cooperation in various areas after the COVID-19 pandemic. "They have confirmed mutual commitment to maintaining close cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus and its consequences and aiding the return of both countries’ citizens home. They have considered plans for cooperation in the post-coronavirus period," the Russian ministry added.
On July 12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic’s positions in the direction of Tovuz (known as Tavush in Armenia) on the border using artillery. According to the ministry, the attacks continued during the night. Baku informed that eleven Azerbaijani troops had been killed since clashes had begun.
For its part, the Armenian Defense Ministry informed of 4 casualties and 10 people injured, adding that border tensions had escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Azerbaijan.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-16--Investigators collected proof of Russian governor’s involvement in murders after 14 years

`` The work on solving crimes never stopped , but it was severely complicated by the fact that the people who were possible aware of the events were mostly intimidated and refused to testify against Furgal and his accomplices .
However , at the initial stage , the investigation materials contained separate testimonies of individual witnesses about the circumstances of the events and Furgal ’ s possible involvement .
In 2019 , the evidence base was augmented by other information as well , which allowed the investigation to make an unambiguous conclusion of Furgal ’ s involvement in the assassinations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single proceeding , '' Petrenko said .
MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
The investigation was able to gather evidence of the Khabarovsk Region governor Sergey Furgal ’ s involvement in assassination of businessmen Yevgeny Zorya and Oleg Bulatov and attempted assassination of Alexander Smolsky in 2004-2005 only after 14 years , Russia ’ s Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told TASS , adding that the witnesses were intimidated and refused to testify .
She noted that , considering the gravity of the crime , the court will make a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation has no doubts regarding Furgal ’ s involvement as the direct instigator of the assassinations .
This is confirmed by the gathered evidence , including expertise conclusions , investigative materials , witnesses ’ testimonies , and other data , '' the spokeswoman said .
The assassinations took place in Khabarovsk and Amur Regions in 2004-2005 .
The investigation believes that the decisions on assassinations were made amid promotion of commercial interests of Furgal and his accomplices .
In particular , the assassination of Yevgeny Zorya was connected to a long-standing conflict with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquired reinforced concrete plant .
Zorya was assassinated one day before the court ruling , `` the outcome of which was obvious to both . ''
The second victim - Oleg Bulatov suspected Furgal of involvement in Zorya ’ s assassination .
Furgal organized his murder out of fear of exposure .
After that , he got his hands on Bulatov ’ s share in their common business , the MiF Company which bought and re-sold scrap metal .
Later , Furgal opened a scrap metal collection point in one of the Amur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business there and bought scrap materials at a higher price .
`` Furgal , who sought to push his competitor out of the market , demanded changes in pricing or complete rejection of business .
Furgal solved this conflict by a method that was already customary to him , by organizing the assassination through his accomplices .
Two grenades were thrown in the garage , where Smolsky was at the moment .
He survived by sheer luck , '' Petrenko said .
Roman Sandalov was another victim , eliminated over commercial interest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the responsibility for his murder .
`` It should be noted that one of Furgal ’ s accomplices was Alexander Karepov , who was his aide during Furgal ’ s tenure as State Duma deputy .
In early 2000 , Karepov has close ties with a local crime group .
[ … ] Members of this band were the direct executors of the assassinations , organized by Furgal and his accomplices .
Furgal himself repeatedly used his lawmaker status and refused to testify to the investigators , '' the spokeswoman said .

"The work on solving crimes never stopped, but it was severely complicated by the fact that the people who were possible aware of the events were mostly intimidated and refused to testify against Furgal and his accomplices. However, at the initial stage, the investigation materials contained separate testimonies of individual witnesses about the circumstances of the events and Furgal’s possible involvement. In 2019, the evidence base was augmented by other information as well, which allowed the investigation to make an unambiguous conclusion of Furgal’s involvement in the assassinations and to combine the criminal cases into a single proceeding," Petrenko said.
MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. The investigation was able to gather evidence of the Khabarovsk Region governor Sergey Furgal’s involvement in assassination of businessmen Yevgeny Zorya and Oleg Bulatov and attempted assassination of Alexander Smolsky in 2004-2005 only after 14 years, Russia’s Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told TASS, adding that the witnesses were intimidated and refused to testify.
She noted that, considering the gravity of the crime, the court will make a decision on statute of limitations.
"The investigation has no doubts regarding Furgal’s involvement as the direct instigator of the assassinations. This is confirmed by the gathered evidence, including expertise conclusions, investigative materials, witnesses’ testimonies, and other data," the spokeswoman said.
Elimination of competition
The assassinations took place in Khabarovsk and Amur Regions in 2004-2005. The investigation believes that the decisions on assassinations were made amid promotion of commercial interests of Furgal and his accomplices. In particular, the assassination of Yevgeny Zorya was connected to a long-standing conflict with Furgal and court proceedings about the recently acquired reinforced concrete plant.
Zorya was assassinated one day before the court ruling, "the outcome of which was obvious to both."
The second victim - Oleg Bulatov suspected Furgal of involvement in Zorya’s assassination. Furgal organized his murder out of fear of exposure. After that, he got his hands on Bulatov’s share in their common business, the MiF Company which bought and re-sold scrap metal. Later, Furgal opened a scrap metal collection point in one of the Amur Region settlements.
Smolsky conducted a similar business there and bought scrap materials at a higher price.
"Furgal, who sought to push his competitor out of the market, demanded changes in pricing or complete rejection of business. Furgal solved this conflict by a method that was already customary to him, by organizing the assassination through his accomplices. Two grenades were thrown in the garage, where Smolsky was at the moment. He survived by sheer luck," Petrenko said.
Roman Sandalov was another victim, eliminated over commercial interest. Furgal’s bodyguard and personal driver took the responsibility for his murder.
"It should be noted that one of Furgal’s accomplices was Alexander Karepov, who was his aide during Furgal’s tenure as State Duma deputy. In early 2000, Karepov has close ties with a local crime group. […] Members of this band were the direct executors of the assassinations, organized by Furgal and his accomplices. Furgal himself repeatedly used his lawmaker status and refused to testify to the investigators," the spokeswoman said.


tass--2020-07-16--Bank of Russia to reduce limit for daily currency swaps to $3 bln from July 17

MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of Russia will reduce the limit for daily currency swap on @ @ @ @ @ ‘ today ’ settlements from $ 5 bln to $ 3 bln because of lacking @ @ @ @ @ the press service of the regulator said on Thursday .
`` The Bank of Russia @ @ @ @ @ the limit for daily currency swap transactions on sales of US dollars for rubles with @ @ @ @ @ $ 5 bln to $ 3 bln from July 17 , 2020 .
There is @ @ @ @ @ for such operations in conditions of the stable situation on money and currency market and @ @ @ @ @ a sufficient level in the banking sector , '' the Bank of Russia said .
@ @ @ @ @ an eye on the situation on money and currency markets and will adjust the limit @ @ @ @ @ , the regulator said .

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia will reduce the limit for daily currency swap on dollar sales for rubles with ‘today’ settlements from $5 bln to $3 bln because of lacking demand for such operations, the press service of the regulator said on Thursday.
"The Bank of Russia made the decision to reduce the limit for daily currency swap transactions on sales of US dollars for rubles with ‘today’ settlements from $5 bln to $3 bln from July 17, 2020. There is no demand of credit institutions for such operations in conditions of the stable situation on money and currency market and currency liquidity volume remaining at a sufficient level in the banking sector," the Bank of Russia said.
The Central Bank continues keeping an eye on the situation on money and currency markets and will adjust the limit for currency swaps as needed, the regulator said.


tass--2020-07-16--Serbia’s coronavirus cases reach 19,717

Serbia’s coronavirus cases reach 19,717

BELGRADE , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 383 in the past 24 hours to reach 19,717 , while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 442 , the national health ministry said Thursday .
According to the agency , 13 more people died in the past 24 hours , the death rate stands at 2.24 % , while 177 coronavirus patients are put on ventilators .
In a single day , 9,183 people were tested for the virus .
On Wednesday , the ministry reported 351 new infections .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meanwhile , 524,578 people were tested for the virus across the country .
Currently , 20 cities and municipalities across Serbia imposed a state of emergency .
According to medical workers , the second wave in the country is distinguished by severe symptoms and a large number of younger people among those who contracted the virus .
The average age of the infected people is between 30 and 50 , 70 % of the cases report pneumonia .
The national healthcare system is currently overloaded , hospitals are full .
Doctors also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Serbia on July 7 worsened the epidemiological situation .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 13,717,900 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BELGRADE, July 16. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 383 in the past 24 hours to reach 19,717, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 442, the national health ministry said Thursday.
According to the agency, 13 more people died in the past 24 hours, the death rate stands at 2.24%, while 177 coronavirus patients are put on ventilators. In a single day, 9,183 people were tested for the virus. On Wednesday, the ministry reported 351 new infections. Overall, the country hospitalized 4,662 patients with coronavirus, meanwhile, 524,578 people were tested for the virus across the country.
Currently, 20 cities and municipalities across Serbia imposed a state of emergency. According to medical workers, the second wave in the country is distinguished by severe symptoms and a large number of younger people among those who contracted the virus. The average age of the infected people is between 30 and 50, 70% of the cases report pneumonia. The national healthcare system is currently overloaded, hospitals are full. Doctors also note that mass rallies that broke out in Serbia on July 7 worsened the epidemiological situation.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 13,717,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-16--Senior MP slams as ‘Russophobic nonsense’ Britain’s meddling allegations

`` Statements from the UK foreign secretary about Russia ’ s mythical meddling in the parliamentary election is yet another Russophobic nonsense , '' he said , calling this `` the ‘ insanity ’ diagnosis for Western politicians '' .
MOSCOW , July 16./TASS/ .
Statements from UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab about Russia ’ s alleged attempts to meddle in the 2019 general election is `` yet another Russophonic nonsense , '' the head of the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) Committee for International Affairs , Leonid Slutsky , told journalists on Thursday .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ phrase in Raab ’ s statement .
`` In other words , once again criminal proceedings are launched based on ‘ highly likely ’ , in the absence of concrete evidence , as the head of the Foreign Office himself admitted ? ''
he asked .
`` Where is the presumption of innocence , where is the evidence ? ''
the legislator stressed .
`` The UK leadership keeps making the same anti-Russian mistakes , and by doing this it not only further undermines bilateral relations with Moscow , but also undermines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
Earlier in the day , the UK government maintained that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2019 general election .
`` It is almost certain that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 General Election through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents , '' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement .
`` Whilst there is no evidence of a broad spectrum Russian campaign against the General Election , any attempt to interfere in our democratic processes is completely unacceptable '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to respond with appropriate measures in the future , '' the statement added .

"Statements from the UK foreign secretary about Russia’s mythical meddling in the parliamentary election is yet another Russophobic nonsense," he said, calling this "the ‘insanity’ diagnosis for Western politicians".
MOSCOW, July 16./TASS/. Statements from UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab about Russia’s alleged attempts to meddle in the 2019 general election is "yet another Russophonic nonsense," the head of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for International Affairs, Leonid Slutsky, told journalists on Thursday.
He drew attention to the ‘almost certain’ phrase in Raab’s statement. "In other words, once again criminal proceedings are launched based on ‘highly likely’, in the absence of concrete evidence, as the head of the Foreign Office himself admitted?" he asked. "Where is the presumption of innocence, where is the evidence?" the legislator stressed.
"The UK leadership keeps making the same anti-Russian mistakes, and by doing this it not only further undermines bilateral relations with Moscow, but also undermines its own prestige," Slutsky summed up.
Earlier in the day, the UK government maintained that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2019 general election.
"It is almost certain that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 General Election through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.
"Whilst there is no evidence of a broad spectrum Russian campaign against the General Election, any attempt to interfere in our democratic processes is completely unacceptable" the statement said.
"The Government reserves the right to respond with appropriate measures in the future," the statement added.


tass--2020-07-17--Putin, Security Council say Russia ready for mediation between Yerevan, Baku

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the permanent members of the Russian Security Council @ @ @ @ @ Armenian-Azerbaijani border , stating Russia ’ s readiness to provide mediation efforts , Kremlin spokesman @ @ @ @ @ wake of a video conference Friday .
`` An in-depth exchange of opinions regarding the @ @ @ @ @ took place , '' he said .
`` The participants expressed extreme concerns in regards @ @ @ @ @ they emphasized the pressing need for ceasefire and [ Russia ’ s ] readiness for @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the permanent members of the Russian Security Council discussed the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, stating Russia’s readiness to provide mediation efforts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in the wake of a video conference Friday.
"An in-depth exchange of opinions regarding the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border took place," he said. "The participants expressed extreme concerns in regards to the ongoing escalation; they emphasized the pressing need for ceasefire and [Russia’s] readiness for mediation actions," Peskov said.


tass--2020-07-17--Marital fallacies: No ‘honeymoon’ between Russia, United States, says Kremlin

`` They [ Russia-US relations ] have never been too close and there is no reason for ‘ a honeymoon ’ now .
To go on a honeymoon you first need to tie the knot and no one is going to get married , '' he said .
Peskov emphasized that before 2000 , the leaders of both nations `` had been guided by illusions that since the Soviet Union no longer existed to maintain the confrontation , then the time was ripe for universal harmony and a match made in heaven . ''
`` They were mistaken and realized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well .
This is why he has been pursuing a completely consistent and clear foreign policy since 2000 , aimed at building good relations with all countries that are ready for it , with the goal of improving the well-being of Russians , '' he elaborated .
According to the Kremlin spokesman , one might expect global crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic to serve as fertile ground for true cooperation and mutual assistance , `` and there indeed are some signs of that , particularly the exchange of aid during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impression that we could adopt a new and more agreeable manner of interaction .
Still , nothing like this has really happened , '' Peskov said .
In this regard , he pointed to the ongoing strife between the US and China , which has been steadily heating up amid the pandemic .
`` Apparently , now is not the right moment for Washington to hurl accusations against China , yet this is still going on , '' Peskov noted .
`` It seems that we all should unite around the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US president signs an order on the country ’ s withdrawal from the organization .
It means that some things are happening that are bringing our hopes down .
This is not the time to sit back and relax , '' the Russian presidential spokesman insisted .
At the same time , he stressed that `` Putin seeks good relations with all countries ; he is ready for mutually beneficial and constructive dialogue , provided it is on an equal-footing and free of any didactic characteristics and attempts to impose decisions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take each other ’ s position into account . ''
`` This is the sort of dialogue Putin is ready for , and though not all countries respond in kind , many do .
In spite of all the crises , we maintain good and growing relations with a large number of countries , '' Peskov concluded .

"They [Russia-US relations] have never been too close and there is no reason for ‘a honeymoon’ now. To go on a honeymoon you first need to tie the knot and no one is going to get married," he said.
Peskov emphasized that before 2000, the leaders of both nations "had been guided by illusions that since the Soviet Union no longer existed to maintain the confrontation, then the time was ripe for universal harmony and a match made in heaven." "They were mistaken and realized their error. President Putin understands this very well. This is why he has been pursuing a completely consistent and clear foreign policy since 2000, aimed at building good relations with all countries that are ready for it, with the goal of improving the well-being of Russians," he elaborated.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, one might expect global crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic to serve as fertile ground for true cooperation and mutual assistance, "and there indeed are some signs of that, particularly the exchange of aid during the pandemic." "And we get the impression that we could adopt a new and more agreeable manner of interaction. Still, nothing like this has really happened," Peskov said.
In this regard, he pointed to the ongoing strife between the US and China, which has been steadily heating up amid the pandemic. "Apparently, now is not the right moment for Washington to hurl accusations against China, yet this is still going on," Peskov noted. "It seems that we all should unite around the only competent organization, the WHO, but the US president signs an order on the country’s withdrawal from the organization. It means that some things are happening that are bringing our hopes down. This is not the time to sit back and relax," the Russian presidential spokesman insisted.
At the same time, he stressed that "Putin seeks good relations with all countries; he is ready for mutually beneficial and constructive dialogue, provided it is on an equal-footing and free of any didactic characteristics and attempts to impose decisions on others, and is based on willingness to take each other’s position into account." "This is the sort of dialogue Putin is ready for, and though not all countries respond in kind, many do. In spite of all the crises, we maintain good and growing relations with a large number of countries," Peskov concluded.


tass--2020-07-17--Russian, Chinese media outlets becoming more important globally, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that as the global unipolarity is undermined now @ @ @ @ @ English-language media outlets is declining as well , while Russian and Chinese media sources are @ @ @ @ @ Any country is now forced to tell its story in the world and for the @ @ @ @ @ large country as ours , '' he said in an interview with Avtoradio .
According @ @ @ @ @ stronger a country becomes , the more discontent it raises among the states who want @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` This is projected directly on Russia .
The stronger we become , @ @ @ @ @ by the countries seeking global leadership .
This has always been and will be like @ @ @ @ @ continue living in these conditions , '' Peskov stressed .
The Kremlin representative acknowledged , @ @ @ @ @ information about Russia does take place in many western media outlets , particularly the global @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that as the global unipolarity is undermined now, the leading role of English-language media outlets is declining as well, while Russian and Chinese media sources are becoming increasingly important.
"Any country is now forced to tell its story in the world and for the world, especially such a large country as ours," he said in an interview with Avtoradio. According to him, "the stronger a country becomes, the more discontent it raises among the states who want to dominate the world arena." "This is projected directly on Russia. The stronger we become, the less we are liked by the countries seeking global leadership. This has always been and will be like that, we need to continue living in these conditions," Peskov stressed. The Kremlin representative acknowledged, "biased coverage of any information about Russia does take place in many western media outlets, particularly the global leaders."


tass--2020-07-17--FSB thwarts terror plot in Russia’s Far East

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has thwarted a terrorist attack in the city of Khabarovsk , which was coordinated by international terrorist leaders , the FSB said in a statement on Friday .
According to the statement , FSB officers detained `` a citizen of a Central Asian country , born in 1988 , who acted on the instructions of international terrorist leaders , planning to use incendiary devices to carry out a terrorist attack in a crowded public place . ''
The man intended to leave for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the activities of terrorist groups .
`` Petrol bombs , cold weapons and an international terrorist organization ’ s banner were seized from the detained .
A video of him pledging allegiance to terrorist leaders was found on his phone , as well as correspondence concerning the planned terrorist attack , '' the FSB added .
The suspect has been taken into custody .
A criminal case has been opened under Articles 30.1 and 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ( preparations for a terrorist attack ) .
An investigation is underway .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted a terrorist attack in the city of Khabarovsk, which was coordinated by international terrorist leaders, the FSB said in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, FSB officers detained "a citizen of a Central Asian country, born in 1988, who acted on the instructions of international terrorist leaders, planning to use incendiary devices to carry out a terrorist attack in a crowded public place."
The man intended to leave for the Middle East afterwards to take part in the activities of terrorist groups. "Petrol bombs, cold weapons and an international terrorist organization’s banner were seized from the detained. A video of him pledging allegiance to terrorist leaders was found on his phone, as well as correspondence concerning the planned terrorist attack," the FSB added.
The suspect has been taken into custody. A criminal case has been opened under Articles 30.1 and 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (preparations for a terrorist attack). An investigation is underway.


tass--2020-07-17--Peskov says ‘got lucky’ to become Putin’s spokesman

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that he `` got lucky '' with his career , he said in an interview for Avtoradio .
`` I ’ ve got lucky in my life to become the spokesman [ of Russian President Vladimir ] Putin , '' he said .
`` Because to become a spokesman of the , in my opinion , the most brilliant state figure in the world , the most influential incumbent state figure in the world is , of course , a big luck .
It is a unique opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books , but from real life ; a unique opportunity to feel in the middle of processes that are vital not only for our country , but for the entire world ; and , at the same time , to bear my own share of responsibility , which is not small , too . ''
Peskov revealed that there is no such thing as creative freedom at this post , as well as at his previous occupations .
`` I do not know what the creative freedom is at all , because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , I came back from our embassy in Ankara , '' he said .
`` The embassy life , which I entered in the Soviet Union , is characterized , probably , by even less freedom than the work in the administration , '' Peskov added .
`` Freedom is what I have now , '' the spokesman said .
`` It is not a burden .
It is a job of a state employee . ''
Speaking about his state service , Peskov noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative meaning .
`` This is not true ; [ a bureaucrat ] is a state employee , who works for the state , '' he said .
`` The state hires me , pays me my salary , and I work .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that he "got lucky" with his career, he said in an interview for Avtoradio.
"I’ve got lucky in my life to become the spokesman [of Russian President Vladimir] Putin," he said. "Because to become a spokesman of the, in my opinion, the most brilliant state figure in the world, the most influential incumbent state figure in the world is, of course, a big luck. It is a unique opportunity to learn every day, not from books, but from real life; a unique opportunity to feel in the middle of processes that are vital not only for our country, but for the entire world; and, at the same time, to bear my own share of responsibility, which is not small, too."
Peskov revealed that there is no such thing as creative freedom at this post, as well as at his previous occupations.
"I do not know what the creative freedom is at all, because I came to the [presidential] administration from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I came back from our embassy in Ankara," he said. "The embassy life, which I entered in the Soviet Union, is characterized, probably, by even less freedom than the work in the administration," Peskov added.
"Freedom is what I have now," the spokesman said. "It is not a burden. It is a job of a state employee."
Speaking about his state service, Peskov noted that the word "bureaucrat" has acquired a negative meaning.
"This is not true; [a bureaucrat] is a state employee, who works for the state," he said. "The state hires me, pays me my salary, and I work.".


tass--2020-07-17--ZTE and Omdia co-host a global 5G SA webinar

SHENZHEN , China , July 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation ( 0763.HK / 000063.SZ ) , a major international provider of telecommunications , enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet , today announced that it has hosted a live-streaming global 5G SA webinar in partnership with Omdia , a global leading technology research powerhouse .
At this webinar , experts from Omdia and ZTE have shared their insights on the global industry trends of 5G SA , and explored the various 5G SA deployment practices in China .
`` 56 % of telecommunications service providers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G SA networks in the next 24 months , '' said Dario Talmesio , Research Director of Service Providers Strategy at Omdia .
`` For that , China provides important learning opportunities from real-life implementations , as Chinese telcos are pioneering in 5G SA now . ''
Jason Tu , Principle Scientist of NFV/SDN Products at ZTE , has elaborated the benefits of deploying 5G SA networks as well .
`` NSA/SA dual-mode terminals are now very popular in the market .
The large -scale deployments of 5G SA networks in Chinese market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions , '' said Jason .
`` As the target architecture of 5G networks , 5G SA networks will help operators open a new 2B market .
By selling different SLA-guaranteed network slicing to vertical industries , operators will obtain a new revenue source , '' Jason added .
He believed that speeding up the evolution to SA networks and even hopping directly to them seems to be a reasonable option now .
`` With extensive experience in deploying 5G SA solutions in China , Asia and Europe , ZTE is well positioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with 5G common Core , SA radio networks or hybrid SA/NSA radio networks , '' said Alex Wang , Managing Director of 5G RAN Solutions at ZTE .
ZTE has increased the coverage and capacity of 5G SA networks through FAST ( FDD Assisted Super TDD ) , and has further enhanced the capability by virtue of low latency , mobile edge computing , network slicing and network sharing , according to Alex Wang .
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems , mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers .
The company has been committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge .
Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen ( H share stock code : 0763.HK / A share stock code : 000063.SZ ) , ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries .

SHENZHEN, China, July 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today announced that it has hosted a live-streaming global 5G SA webinar in partnership with Omdia, a global leading technology research powerhouse.
At this webinar, experts from Omdia and ZTE have shared their insights on the global industry trends of 5G SA, and explored the various 5G SA deployment practices in China.
"56% of telecommunications service providers are preparing to deploy 5G core networks and 5G SA networks in the next 24 months," said Dario Talmesio, Research Director of Service Providers Strategy at Omdia. "For that, China provides important learning opportunities from real-life implementations, as Chinese telcos are pioneering in 5G SA now."
Jason Tu, Principle Scientist of NFV/SDN Products at ZTE, has elaborated the benefits of deploying 5G SA networks as well. "NSA/SA dual-mode terminals are now very popular in the market. The large -scale deployments of 5G SA networks in Chinese market have successfully verified the 5G SA end-to-end solutions," said Jason.
"As the target architecture of 5G networks, 5G SA networks will help operators open a new 2B market. By selling different SLA-guaranteed network slicing to vertical industries, operators will obtain a new revenue source," Jason added. He believed that speeding up the evolution to SA networks and even hopping directly to them seems to be a reasonable option now.
"With extensive experience in deploying 5G SA solutions in China, Asia and Europe, ZTE is well positioned to work with global operators and provide them with 5G common Core, SA radio networks or hybrid SA/NSA radio networks," said Alex Wang, Managing Director of 5G RAN Solutions at ZTE.
ZTE has increased the coverage and capacity of 5G SA networks through FAST (FDD Assisted Super TDD), and has further enhanced the capability by virtue of low latency, mobile edge computing, network slicing and network sharing, according to Alex Wang.
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. The company has been committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.
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tass--2020-07-17--Kremlin rebuffs UK’s ‘hacking attack’ accusations against Russia

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has nothing to do with a hacking group , which , according to the British authorities , was involved in cyber attacks in the UK , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` We don ’ t know who tried to carry out hacking attacks in the United Kingdom , but Russia certainly has nothing to do with it .
We keep facing attempted cyber attacks on our computer databases , those of our agencies .
Our agencies constantly work to thwart such attacks , it is a common problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov pointed out .
When asked if the Cozy Bear hacking group was affiliated with Russian intelligence agencies , Peskov said : `` We know absolutely nothing about the group and who it is affiliated with . ''
The Russian presidential spokesman was perplexed by the British authorities ’ statement that the UK was `` more than 95 % '' sure Russia was behind the hacking attacks .
`` We don ’ t get why British intelligence agencies are 95 % sure .
Why not 96 % or 94 % ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special method to calculate the degree of their confidence but in any case , we reject a situation where these calculations lead to accusations against us , '' Peskov emphasized .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russia has nothing to do with a hacking group, which, according to the British authorities, was involved in alleged cyber attacks against the UK, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"We don’t know who tried to carry out the hacking attacks in the United Kingdom, but Russia certainly has nothing to do with it. We continuously confront attempted cyber attacks against our computer databases, and those of our departments. Our agencies regularly repel such attacks, since it is a common problem. We strongly reject these groundless accusations against us," Peskov stressed.
When asked if the Cozy Bear hacking group was affiliated with Russian intelligence agencies, Peskov said: "We know absolutely nothing about the group and who it is affiliated with."


tass--2020-07-17--London’s accusations against Russia to affect bilateral ties, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Accusations of British authorities claiming that Moscow was complicit in interference in the @ @ @ @ @ negatively affect the bilateral ties , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ negatively influence the Russian-British ties .
However , we should acknowledge that the British side @ @ @ @ @ to undermine the bilateral relations even further , '' he noted .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ announced that Russia had allegedly attempted to influence the results of the UK general election @ @ @ @ @ to the UK cabinet `` through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Accusations of British authorities claiming that Moscow was complicit in interference in the 2019 UK general election will negatively affect the bilateral ties, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday.
"Of course, this will negatively influence the Russian-British ties. However, we should acknowledge that the British side is unlikely to do anything to undermine the bilateral relations even further," he noted.
On Thursday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced that Russia had allegedly attempted to influence the results of the UK general election in December 2019, according to the UK cabinet "through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents."


tass--2020-07-17--Kremlin spokesman reveals Putin’s art of diplomacy in negotiating with global leaders

`` Here the nature and the tone of the conversation in many ways depends on [ Russia ’ s ] president ’ s relationship with his interlocutor : some he sees for the first time , with some he has a longstanding dialogue experience .
The development of the conversation depends on this , '' the Kremlin representative noted in an interview with the Avtoradio radio station , talking about Russian leader ’ s private conversations with his colleagues .
`` President Putin is a very precise person , and while having refined diplomatic skills , the most refined , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations in a very specific way , '' the spokesman stressed .
According to him , `` if this is not a courtesy visit and not the courtesy contacts which also happen , the president raises specific issues and he means what he says . ''
`` If he promises something , he [ acts on his promise ] instantly , '' the Kremlin representative pointed out .
`` When there are situations when on Putin ’ s part a readiness is demonstrated to act quickly , while on the interlocutor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I don ’ t think that Putin is happy , '' the spokesman presumed .
He explained : `` That is because his [ Putin ’ s } understanding of effectiveness is very different - it is to reach an agreement and quickly fulfill it . ''
The Kremlin representative thinks that in this regard Putin and Erdogan `` are very much alike and that is why they manage to find resolutions in some very-very complex situations like it was with the Syrian affairs . ''
`` They meet , and both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and both of them control the situation , and both of them are capable of making responsible and quick decisions , which both of them do , '' the spokesman said .
He admitted that `` other kinds of situations also happen '' during Putin ’ s international talks .

"Here the nature and the tone of the conversation in many ways depends on [Russia’s] president’s relationship with his interlocutor: some he sees for the first time, with some he has a longstanding dialogue experience. The development of the conversation depends on this," the Kremlin representative noted in an interview with the Avtoradio radio station, talking about Russian leader’s private conversations with his colleagues.
"President Putin is a very precise person, and while having refined diplomatic skills, the most refined, the most sophisticated diplomacy, he conducts negotiations in a very specific way," the spokesman stressed. According to him, "if this is not a courtesy visit and not the courtesy contacts which also happen, the president raises specific issues and he means what he says." "If he promises something, he [acts on his promise] instantly," the Kremlin representative pointed out. "When there are situations when on Putin’s part a readiness is demonstrated to act quickly, while on the interlocutor’s part this takes on some vague shape, I don’t think that Putin is happy," the spokesman presumed. He explained: "That is because his [Putin’s} understanding of effectiveness is very different - it is to reach an agreement and quickly fulfill it."
The Kremlin representative thinks that in this regard Putin and Erdogan "are very much alike and that is why they manage to find resolutions in some very-very complex situations like it was with the Syrian affairs." "They meet, and both of them are responsible for their words, and both of them control the situation, and both of them are capable of making responsible and quick decisions, which both of them do," the spokesman said. He admitted that "other kinds of situations also happen" during Putin’s international talks.


tass--2020-07-17--Press review: Can Russia resolve the Azeri-Armenian clash and OSCE leadership decapitated

It will be quite difficult for Armenia and Azerbaijan to alleviate the tensions that have heated up on the border since July 12 without mediation efforts , where Russia can play a key role , politicians and experts questioned by Izvestia note .
Taking into account that the conflict between both states has been seething for years , with multiple high-and top-level negotiations held over this period , Yerevan and Baku will hardly be able to resolve this conflict by themselves .
Besides , there are no guarantees that in the future , these tensions would not explode again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of this situation is that the conflict arose on the border between both states , and not in the Nagorno-Karabakh area .
According to member of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) and former Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin , the OSCE Minsk Group established back in 1992 should play a role in resolving this conflict .
The Minsk Group has existed for a while , however , full conflict regulation still has not been reached , Chairman of the Russian State Duma ’ s ( lower house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Integration and Relations with Compatriots Leonid Kalashnikov told Izvestia .
This is why now , Yerevan and Baku need a mediator that would guide them towards a gradual but full settlement of the conflict .
`` Neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia are satisfied with the current situation .
Some international players are trying to take sides , which is completely wrong .
This does not help find a solution .
This is why only Russia can play a truly positive role in regulating the conflict .
Since we are not looking towards the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more beneficial for them to maintain this strife near our borders , we can assist in resolving this conflict , '' the MP said .
According to Kalashnikov , only three people can resolve the existing issues - the president of Azerbaijan , the prime minister of Armenia and the Russian president , because Moscow has `` unquestionable sway in these republics . ''
The lawmaker was fully confident that Russia would be able to use its good relations not only with Yerevan and Baku , but with Ankara , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , which could help the sides reach an agreement .
`` In the end , this could open up new opportunities for everyone .
For example , Azerbaijan could begin to form part of the EAEU , and Armenia ’ s prospects could be expanded .
This would be an example of a political-diplomatic approach to conflict regulation , '' the MP concluded .
In one fell swoop , key institutions of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) have been decapitated .
By the end of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their chiefs , Kommersant reports , adding that this transition period may last for nearly six months .
The mandates of OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger , Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir , OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir have not been prolonged due to complaints made by some OSCE member states , which triggered a diplomatic feud behind the scenes .
As a result of this , the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
However , this situation may be beneficial to Russia and other post-Soviet states , Kommersant suggests .
The OSCE institutions will remain leaderless until the next ministerial session in Tirana .
The Albanians have already launched the process for selecting candidates to the four top OSCE offices .
Countries can put forward their candidates until September 18 .
Meanwhile , the deputy heads of the aforementioned institutions will be appointed acting chiefs .
However , they will only deal with technical matters , unable to provide political statements .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will impact the practical areas of the organization ’ s work , which includes observing elections and monitoring the security situation in Ukraine .
A diplomatic source within one of the delegations representing one of the CIS ( Commonwealth of Independent States ) countries told Kommersant that `` the current crisis may trigger a long overdue overhaul of the organization , namely of its human resources and ideas . ''
In an optimistic scenario , over the next several months , OSCE states will be able to find replacements for the outgoing officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , a pessimistic scenario is also possible , and disputes over the future leadership may deal a final blow to the organization that has been trudging through an identity crisis for a while , the newspaper suggests .
On July 16 , the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) introduced a bill which stipulates fines of up to 15 mln rubles ( about $ 209,555 ) for the refusal to block or delete banned content .
The authors of the bill , United Russia MPs Aleksander Khinstein and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is necessary to regulate the responsibility for failing to adhere to the Russian laws on information , Vedomosti informs .

It will be quite difficult for Armenia and Azerbaijan to alleviate the tensions that have heated up on the border since July 12 without mediation efforts, where Russia can play a key role, politicians and experts questioned by Izvestia note.
Taking into account that the conflict between both states has been seething for years, with multiple high-and top-level negotiations held over this period, Yerevan and Baku will hardly be able to resolve this conflict by themselves. Besides, there are no guarantees that in the future, these tensions would not explode again, Izvestia points out. The most dangerous part of this situation is that the conflict arose on the border between both states, and not in the Nagorno-Karabakh area.
According to member of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament) and former Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin, the OSCE Minsk Group established back in 1992 should play a role in resolving this conflict.
The Minsk Group has existed for a while, however, full conflict regulation still has not been reached, Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s (lower house) Committee for CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Leonid Kalashnikov told Izvestia. This is why now, Yerevan and Baku need a mediator that would guide them towards a gradual but full settlement of the conflict.
"Neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia are satisfied with the current situation. Some international players are trying to take sides, which is completely wrong. This does not help find a solution. This is why only Russia can play a truly positive role in regulating the conflict. Since we are not looking towards the US and Europe, and comprehend that it is more beneficial for them to maintain this strife near our borders, we can assist in resolving this conflict," the MP said.
According to Kalashnikov, only three people can resolve the existing issues - the president of Azerbaijan, the prime minister of Armenia and the Russian president, because Moscow has "unquestionable sway in these republics." The lawmaker was fully confident that Russia would be able to use its good relations not only with Yerevan and Baku, but with Ankara, who has taken on a pro-Azerbaijani stance, as well, which could help the sides reach an agreement.
"In the end, this could open up new opportunities for everyone. For example, Azerbaijan could begin to form part of the EAEU, and Armenia’s prospects could be expanded. This would be an example of a political-diplomatic approach to conflict regulation," the MP concluded.
Kommersant: OSCE rocked by leadership crisis
In one fell swoop, key institutions of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have been decapitated. By the end of this week, they will be left without their chiefs, Kommersant reports, adding that this transition period may last for nearly six months. The mandates of OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir have not been prolonged due to complaints made by some OSCE member states, which triggered a diplomatic feud behind the scenes. As a result of this, the organization has found itself mired in a deep crisis. However, this situation may be beneficial to Russia and other post-Soviet states, Kommersant suggests.
The OSCE institutions will remain leaderless until the next ministerial session in Tirana. The Albanians have already launched the process for selecting candidates to the four top OSCE offices. Countries can put forward their candidates until September 18. Meanwhile, the deputy heads of the aforementioned institutions will be appointed acting chiefs. However, they will only deal with technical matters, unable to provide political statements. It is unclear how the lack of OSCE leadership will impact the practical areas of the organization’s work, which includes observing elections and monitoring the security situation in Ukraine.
A diplomatic source within one of the delegations representing one of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries told Kommersant that "the current crisis may trigger a long overdue overhaul of the organization, namely of its human resources and ideas."
In an optimistic scenario, over the next several months, OSCE states will be able to find replacements for the outgoing officials, focusing on candidates from CIS states. However, a pessimistic scenario is also possible, and disputes over the future leadership may deal a final blow to the organization that has been trudging through an identity crisis for a while, the newspaper suggests.
Vedomosti: Russian legislature introduces bill stipulating fines for publishing banned content
On July 16, the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) introduced a bill which stipulates fines of up to 15 mln rubles (about $209,555) for the refusal to block or delete banned content. The authors of the bill, United Russia MPs Aleksander Khinstein and Sergei Boyarsky, explained that this legislation is necessary to regulate the responsibility for failing to adhere to the Russian laws on information, Vedomosti informs.


tass--2020-07-17--Putin never interferes with investigations, Kremlin assures

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin never intervenes with the activities of investigative and law @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the Moscow-based radio station , AvtoRadio .
`` @ @ @ @ @ across anything of this sort , '' Peskov said , when asked if the president @ @ @ @ @ on high-profile cases to investigators .
According to the presidential spokesman , investigative and law @ @ @ @ @ their duties .
`` They certainly present reports to the head of state , who @ @ @ @ @ they do their job , '' he emphasized .
`` If they were constantly being @ @ @ @ @ be unable to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities , '' Peskov @ @

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin never intervenes with the activities of investigative and law enforcement agencies, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the Moscow-based radio station, AvtoRadio.
"I’ve never come across anything of this sort," Peskov said, when asked if the president ever spells out his viewpoint on high-profile cases to investigators.
According to the presidential spokesman, investigative and law enforcement agencies are just fulfilling their duties. "They certainly present reports to the head of state, who is the commander-in-chief. But they do their job," he emphasized. "If they were constantly being imposed on, they would be unable to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities," Peskov insisted.


tass--2020-07-17--About 150,000 Russian troops go on high alert in snap combat readiness check

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
About 150,000 troops , over 26,000 weapon systems , 414 aircraft and 106 warships are involved a snap combat readiness check that kicked off for Russia ’ s Southern and Western Military Districts , the Airborne Force and marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets , Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu announced on Friday .
`` The check stipulates holding 56 tactical exercises with the troops .
A total of 35 training grounds and camps and 17 naval ranges in the Black and Caspian Seas will be involved .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel , 26,820 items of armament and military hardware , 414 aircraft and 106 warships and support vessels , '' Shoigu said at a meeting with military commanders .
The defense minister issued instructions to implement the programs of troops ’ combat training and cohesion during the drills and qualification exercises .
`` The results of training measures held should be taken into account in assessing the level of the preparedness of military large units and formations for taking part in the Kavkaz-2020 [ Caucasus-2020 ] strategic exercise [ scheduled for September ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The surprise combat readiness check for the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts , marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets and some units of the Central Command and also for the Airborne Force started on order from Russia ’ s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin , the defense minister said .
`` In compliance with a decision by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces , a snap check has begun for the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts , some large units of the Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets , '' Shoigu said .
The drills are meant to assess the troops ’ ability to provide military security in Russia ’ s southwest where serious terrorist threats persist and to prepare for the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff exercise , the defense minister said .
For the purpose of fulfilling the tasks set by the supreme commander-in-chief , Shoigu has ordered the General Staff to organize the check and control of the troops ’ operations .
Working groups will be set up to check military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the drills .
The deputy defense ministers have been assigned the tasks to ensure control of the fulfilment of assignments by subordinate military command centers and troops involved in the snap check in their relevant areas of activity .
The commanders-in-chief of the military branches of the Russian Armed Forces , the commander of the Airborne Force and the heads of military command centers will direct the preparations of military large units and formations for accomplishing combat training assignments .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. About 150,000 troops, over 26,000 weapon systems, 414 aircraft and 106 warships are involved a snap combat readiness check that kicked off for Russia’s Southern and Western Military Districts, the Airborne Force and marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets, Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu announced on Friday.
"The check stipulates holding 56 tactical exercises with the troops. A total of 35 training grounds and camps and 17 naval ranges in the Black and Caspian Seas will be involved. Overall, the surprise check has brought together 149,755 personnel, 26,820 items of armament and military hardware, 414 aircraft and 106 warships and support vessels," Shoigu said at a meeting with military commanders.
The defense minister issued instructions to implement the programs of troops’ combat training and cohesion during the drills and qualification exercises.
"The results of training measures held should be taken into account in assessing the level of the preparedness of military large units and formations for taking part in the Kavkaz-2020 [Caucasus-2020] strategic exercise [scheduled for September]," the defense chief said.
Snap combat readiness check held on Putin’s order
The surprise combat readiness check for the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets and some units of the Central Command and also for the Airborne Force started on order from Russia’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin, the defense minister said.
"In compliance with a decision by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, a snap check has begun for the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, some large units of the Central Command, the Airborne Force and marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets," Shoigu said.
The drills are meant to assess the troops’ ability to provide military security in Russia’s southwest where serious terrorist threats persist and to prepare for the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff exercise, the defense minister said.
For the purpose of fulfilling the tasks set by the supreme commander-in-chief, Shoigu has ordered the General Staff to organize the check and control of the troops’ operations. Working groups will be set up to check military command centers, troops and forces involved in the drills.
The deputy defense ministers have been assigned the tasks to ensure control of the fulfilment of assignments by subordinate military command centers and troops involved in the snap check in their relevant areas of activity.
The commanders-in-chief of the military branches of the Russian Armed Forces, the commander of the Airborne Force and the heads of military command centers will direct the preparations of military large units and formations for accomplishing combat training assignments.


tass--2020-07-17--Belarus, Russia continue negotiations on reduction of gas price for 2020-2021

MINSK , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus and Russia continue negotiations on reduction of the price for Russian gas @ @ @ @ @ 2020 and 2021 , Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich told reporters on the sidelines of @ @ @ @ @ Intergovernmental Council .
`` The negotiations are going on ( on the gas price for @ @ @ @ @ In particular , the negotiations on pricing are underway , and this also concerns 2021 @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, July 17. /TASS/. Belarus and Russia continue negotiations on reduction of the price for Russian gas supplies to the republic in 2020 and 2021, Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.
"The negotiations are going on (on the gas price for 2020 - TASS). In particular, the negotiations on pricing are underway, and this also concerns 2021," he said.


tass--2020-07-17--Hainan invests more than $42 mln to support industrial towns and villages

HAIKOU , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities allocated 300 million yuan ( about $ 42.8 million ) to modernize the countryside and industrial cities of the island , www.hinews.cn reported about .
According to the news outlet , 200 million yuan ( about $ 28.52 million ) will be used to support cities .
According to plan , the authorities will select 30 settlements with the greatest potential for industrial development .
Each city will be allocated about 7 million yuan ( about $ 1 million ) .
Another 100 million yuan ( about $ 14.26 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 185 villages , each of which will receive more than 500,000 yuan ( about $ 71,430 ) .
The funds will be spent on the construction of infrastructure and public facilities .
In 2016 , the Hainan authorities launched a program to build 100 industrial cities and 1,000 beautiful villages on the island .
The main task is to improve infrastructure , as well as to promote the development of the region 's tourism industry and attract even more Chinese and foreign tourists .
The news outlet reported earlier that the implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modernization of rural areas and small towns in the province , but also contributes to the growth of popularity of local products .
Thus , over the recent years , the dragon fruit grown near the city of Dongfang in the west of the province , coffee from the small Xinglong county in the southeast of the island , tea from Baisha county in the eastern part of Hainan , and other goods have become very popular .
According to the news outlet , over 70 cities in the province are currently involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities plan to complete the modernization of 1,000 villages by the end of 2020 .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distant parts of the world .
Last year , over 83 million Chinese and foreign tourists visited the island , the province 's tourism industry revenue grew by 11 % to 105 billion yuan ( about $ 14.89 billion ) .

HAIKOU, July 17. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities allocated 300 million yuan (about $ 42.8 million) to modernize the countryside and industrial cities of the island, www.hinews.cn reported about.
According to the news outlet, 200 million yuan (about $ 28.52 million) will be used to support cities. According to plan, the authorities will select 30 settlements with the greatest potential for industrial development. Each city will be allocated about 7 million yuan (about $ 1 million). Another 100 million yuan (about $ 14.26 million) will be granted to the development of 185 villages, each of which will receive more than 500,000 yuan (about $ 71,430). The funds will be spent on the construction of infrastructure and public facilities.
In 2016, the Hainan authorities launched a program to build 100 industrial cities and 1,000 beautiful villages on the island. The main task is to improve infrastructure, as well as to promote the development of the region's tourism industry and attract even more Chinese and foreign tourists.
The news outlet reported earlier that the implementation of the program not only promotes the modernization of rural areas and small towns in the province, but also contributes to the growth of popularity of local products. Thus, over the recent years, the dragon fruit grown near the city of Dongfang in the west of the province, coffee from the small Xinglong county in the southeast of the island, tea from Baisha county in the eastern part of Hainan, and other goods have become very popular. According to the news outlet, over 70 cities in the province are currently involved in the program. Moreover, the authorities plan to complete the modernization of 1,000 villages by the end of 2020.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.
Last year, over 83 million Chinese and foreign tourists visited the island, the province's tourism industry revenue grew by 11% to 105 billion yuan (about $ 14.89 billion).


tass--2020-07-17--Russia documents 6,406 cases of COVID-19 in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has documented 6,406 cases of COVID-19 , a disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , with the total amount of people infected reaching 759,203 , the @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
Russia may finish first in race for coronavirus vaccine , says expert @ @ @ @ @ not surpassed 0.9 % for the past 11 days .
The lowest growth rate has @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous District ( 0 % ) , Sevastopol ( 0 % ) , Moscow ( @ @ @ @ @ Moscow Region ( 0.3 % ) , Kabardino-Balkaria ( 0.4 % ) , North Ossetia @ @ @ @ @ the Nenets Autonomous Region ( 0.4 % ) and the Bryansk Region ( 0.4 % @ @ @ @ @ 575 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours , the Sverdlovsk Region - 301 @ @ @ @ @ - 249 , St. Petersburg - 244 and the Altai Region - 228 .
Currently @ @ @ @ @ cases of COVID-19 in Russia .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russia has documented 6,406 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, with the total amount of people infected reaching 759,203, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Friday.
Russia may finish first in race for coronavirus vaccine, says expert
The daily increase rate has not surpassed 0.9% for the past 11 days.
The lowest growth rate has been documented in the Chukotka Autonomous District (0%), Sevastopol (0%), Moscow (0.2%), the Moscow Region (0.3%), Kabardino-Balkaria (0.4%), North Ossetia (0.4%), the Nenets Autonomous Region (0.4%) and the Bryansk Region (0.4%).
Moscow has documented 575 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the Sverdlovsk Region - 301, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region - 249, St. Petersburg - 244 and the Altai Region - 228.
Currently, there are 207,707 active cases of COVID-19 in Russia.


tass--2020-07-17--Over tonne of plasma for treating COVID-19 prepared in Moscow since April

`` Since April of this year in Moscow over a tonne of plasma was prepared with the antibodies to coronavirus .
And this is thanks to 1,788 donors who gave blood after recovery .
Additionally , 215 city residents did it again .
In our in-patient facilities over 760 patients had been scheduled for transfusions , almost 500 of them have already successfully overcome the disease and were discharged from the hospitals , '' the deputy mayor noted .
MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Over one tonne of plasma with antibodies has been prepared in Moscow since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus infection .
Over 1,700 Moscow residents who have recovered from COVID-19 became donors , the press service of deputy mayor for social development issues Anastasia Rakova reported on Friday .
According to her , the preliminary research results showed that after the donor plasma transfusion the risk to end up on lung ventilator in the intensive care ward decreases by 63 % for patients with moderate form of the disease .
And the chance of recovery for patients with severe form who receive plasma increases by 19 % .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can help two or three patients .
The method will be used until the vaccine appears which can take months , that ’ s why it is important to us to have a sufficient supply of plasma of convalescents .
Additionally , plasma can be used to create an immunoglobulin preparation , so we have a new task which only donors can help us resolve , '' as chief specialist in transfusion at Moscow ’ s Healthcare Department Andrey Bulanov was quoted in the statement .
People aged 18 to 55 can become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , and Hepatitis B and C. If you have recovered from the coronavirus infection and would like to donate blood plasma , please call the hotline number +7 ( 495 ) 870-45-16 daily from 9:00 to 19:00 .

"Since April of this year in Moscow over a tonne of plasma was prepared with the antibodies to coronavirus. And this is thanks to 1,788 donors who gave blood after recovery. Additionally, 215 city residents did it again. In our in-patient facilities over 760 patients had been scheduled for transfusions, almost 500 of them have already successfully overcome the disease and were discharged from the hospitals," the deputy mayor noted.
MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Over one tonne of plasma with antibodies has been prepared in Moscow since the beginning of April to treat patients with the coronavirus infection. Over 1,700 Moscow residents who have recovered from COVID-19 became donors, the press service of deputy mayor for social development issues Anastasia Rakova reported on Friday.
According to her, the preliminary research results showed that after the donor plasma transfusion the risk to end up on lung ventilator in the intensive care ward decreases by 63% for patients with moderate form of the disease. And the chance of recovery for patients with severe form who receive plasma increases by 19%.
"A dose we receive from one plasma donor can help two or three patients. The method will be used until the vaccine appears which can take months, that’s why it is important to us to have a sufficient supply of plasma of convalescents. Additionally, plasma can be used to create an immunoglobulin preparation, so we have a new task which only donors can help us resolve," as chief specialist in transfusion at Moscow’s Healthcare Department Andrey Bulanov was quoted in the statement.
People aged 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors, provided they do not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.
If you have recovered from the coronavirus infection and would like to donate blood plasma, please call the hotline number +7 (495) 870-45-16 daily from 9:00 to 19:00.


tass--2020-07-17--Belarusian election authority justifies rejection of candidate’s registration

MINSK , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Central Election Commission ( CEC ) of Belarus had all grounds to deny registration as presidential candidate to Viktor Babariko , because of his role in several criminal cases currently being investigated , CEC Chair Lidiya Yermoshina has said .
`` Assumtions that the above-mentioned individual [ Babariko ] is innocent until provent guilty are not justified , because the benefit of the doubt is applicable only in the criminal law .
As far as the electoral legislation is concerned , information that the declaration is non-credible , received from other sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal case , can become reasons and grounds for registration denial , '' she said in a video address , posted on the CEC website on Thursday .
She said that Babariko has the status of a person of interest in several criminal cases launched into corruption-related crimes .
`` The financial investigations department of the State Control Committee of the Republic of Belarus has provided information that this applicant failed to provide information about foreign firms that he had founded abroad , about real estate that he had purchased there , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
The presidential election in Belarus is scheduled for August 9 .
The Central Election Commission registered five presidential candidates , including incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , while two candidates - Valery Tsepkalo and Viktor Babariko - were denied registration .

MINSK, July 17. /TASS/. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus had all grounds to deny registration as presidential candidate to Viktor Babariko, because of his role in several criminal cases currently being investigated, CEC Chair Lidiya Yermoshina has said.
"Assumtions that the above-mentioned individual [Babariko] is innocent until provent guilty are not justified, because the benefit of the doubt is applicable only in the criminal law. As far as the electoral legislation is concerned, information that the declaration is non-credible, received from other sources, irrespective of the launch of the criminal case, can become reasons and grounds for registration denial," she said in a video address, posted on the CEC website on Thursday.
She said that Babariko has the status of a person of interest in several criminal cases launched into corruption-related crimes.
"The financial investigations department of the State Control Committee of the Republic of Belarus has provided information that this applicant failed to provide information about foreign firms that he had founded abroad, about real estate that he had purchased there, about money he received as bribes in 2019," she said.
The presidential election in Belarus is scheduled for August 9. The Central Election Commission registered five presidential candidates, including incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, while two candidates - Valery Tsepkalo and Viktor Babariko - were denied registration.


tass--2020-07-17--Volume of Haikou's e-commerce in the first half of 2020 exceeds $11 bln

HAIKOU , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of online trade in Hainan 's Haikou in the first six months of 2020 exceeded 77.1 billion yuan ( about $ 11.02 billion ) , which is by 1.4 % more in annual terms , reported the Hainan Daily .
According to the newspaper , the share of wholesale trade and trade in the b2b segment accounted for 76.5 % - 58.9 billion yuan ( about $ 8.42 billion ) - of the total Haikou 's online trade according to the January-June results .
The remaining 18.2 billion yuan ( about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the total - comes from online retail .
Of these , 15.9 billion yuan ( about $ 2.27 billion ) - trade in goods , 2.3 billion yuan ( about $ 328.6 million ) - services .
The volume of e-commerce in Haikou in the first half of 2020 amounted to more than 70 % of the total turnover of the Hainan province .
The development of e-commerce on Hainan is part of the Chinese government 's plan to turn this tropical province into an `` international center for tourism and consumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events to boost consumer spending , attended by large e-commerce platforms : TMall , Taobao and others .
For example , from on June 1-18 , the local government launched a massive online campaign , and total sales exceeded 1.4 billion yuan ( about $ 197.8 million ) .

HAIKOU, July 17. /TASS/. The volume of online trade in Hainan's Haikou in the first six months of 2020 exceeded 77.1 billion yuan (about $ 11.02 billion), which is by 1.4% more in annual terms, reported the Hainan Daily.
According to the newspaper, the share of wholesale trade and trade in the b2b segment accounted for 76.5% - 58.9 billion yuan (about $ 8.42 billion) - of the total Haikou's online trade according to the January-June results.
The remaining 18.2 billion yuan (about $ 2.6 billion) - 23.5% of the total - comes from online retail. Of these, 15.9 billion yuan (about $ 2.27 billion) - trade in goods, 2.3 billion yuan (about $ 328.6 million) - services.
The volume of e-commerce in Haikou in the first half of 2020 amounted to more than 70% of the total turnover of the Hainan province.
The development of e-commerce on Hainan is part of the Chinese government's plan to turn this tropical province into an "international center for tourism and consumption." The island regularly hosts online events to boost consumer spending, attended by large e-commerce platforms: TMall, Taobao and others. For example, from on June 1-18, the local government launched a massive online campaign, and total sales exceeded 1.4 billion yuan (about $ 197.8 million).