tass--2020-06-17--UK drug dexamethasone not panacea for coronavirus, says senior scientist

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Dexamethasone , a drug used by the UK medics , is not a breakthrough in treatment of the coronavirus , the drug panacea for this infection has not been created yet , Alexander Sergeyev , president of the Russian Academy of Sciences ( RAS ) , told TASS Wednesday .
`` The practical estimation of effectiveness of this drug must be performed by our medics first , but it is already clear that this drug does not provide radical improvement .
Besides , it is used at the latest stage of disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ventilator .
This is why dexamethasone is not a panacea .
The humanity is still looking for the coronavirus remedy . ''
He recalled that the worst thing about the coronavirus is lack of control over transition of the disease to its severe form .
`` What you and me are afraid of in the coronavirus ?
We both understand that the disease ’ s transition to its severe stage is not really in our control , which is not the case in bacterial and other viral diseases .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no such remedy for the coronavirus , we are still looking for the panacea , '' he said .
The World Health Organization deemed the results of the UK ’ s RECOVERY clinical research a `` scientific breakthrough . ''
According to the research , use of dexamethasone reduces lethality in COVID-19 patients .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Dexamethasone, a drug used by the UK medics, is not a breakthrough in treatment of the coronavirus, the drug panacea for this infection has not been created yet, Alexander Sergeyev, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), told TASS Wednesday.
"The practical estimation of effectiveness of this drug must be performed by our medics first, but it is already clear that this drug does not provide radical improvement. Besides, it is used at the latest stage of disease, when a patient is already plugged to a ventilator. This is why dexamethasone is not a panacea. The humanity is still looking for the coronavirus remedy."
He recalled that the worst thing about the coronavirus is lack of control over transition of the disease to its severe form.
"What you and me are afraid of in the coronavirus? We both understand that the disease’s transition to its severe stage is not really in our control, which is not the case in bacterial and other viral diseases. For example, we take antibiotics against bacterial lung diseases. There is no such remedy for the coronavirus, we are still looking for the panacea," he said.
The World Health Organization deemed the results of the UK’s RECOVERY clinical research a "scientific breakthrough." According to the research, use of dexamethasone reduces lethality in COVID-19 patients.


tass--2020-06-17--Russians were more positive about life in June, pollster says

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
As restrictions imposed to counter the spread of coronavirus were lifted in early @ @ @ @ @ positive about their life situations .
More than two thirds of citizens say it ’ @ @ @ @ @ by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center shows .
`` Russians are positive about the @ @ @ @ @ lives .
On June 5 , 65 % of our respondents said that .
This @ @ @ @ @ higher than on April 26 when the crisis sentiments peaked ( 58 % ) , @ @ @ @ @ s website , noting that 32 % of the respondents say they are in a @ @ @ @ @ same time , more than half of Russians ( 56 % ) say that the @ @ @ @ @ is bad overall , while 38 % said it was good ( a change of @ @ @ @ @ this April ) .
The poll was conducted on June 5 , 2020 among 1,600 @ @ @ @ @ The margin of error does not exceed 2.5 % with 95 % probability .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. As restrictions imposed to counter the spread of coronavirus were lifted in early June, Russians were more positive about their life situations. More than two thirds of citizens say it’s positive, a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center shows.
"Russians are positive about the situation they have in their lives. On June 5, 65% of our respondents said that. This number is 7 percentage points higher than on April 26 when the crisis sentiments peaked (58%)," reads the pollster’s website, noting that 32% of the respondents say they are in a bad situation.
At the same time, more than half of Russians (56%) say that the current situation in the country is bad overall, while 38% said it was good (a change of 8 percentage points compared to this April).
The poll was conducted on June 5, 2020 among 1,600 respondents aged over 18. The margin of error does not exceed 2.5% with 95% probability.


tass--2020-06-17--Fifth team of Armenian doctors, field engineers arrives in Syria

YEREVAN , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The fifth mission of Armenian medical workers and field engineers has been deployed @ @ @ @ @ , the press service of the Armenian Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise said on @ @ @ @ @ 16 , the humanitarian mission to Syria was rotated .
With the help of our @ @ @ @ @ and field engineers headed for Aleppo to conduct humanitarian activities until October , '' the @ @ @ @ @ coming days , the field engineers will be trained and begin mine clearance .
The @ @ @ @ @ their tenure and returned to Armenia will be put in quarantine for the next 14 @ @ @ @ @ of Armenia ’ s Defense Ministry arrived in Syria on a humanitarian mission in February @ @ @ @ @ specialists in mine clearance and in security as well as medical workers .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian mission have demined a total area of 170,209 square meters and the doctors have @ @ @ @ @ patients .

YEREVAN, June 17. /TASS/. The fifth mission of Armenian medical workers and field engineers has been deployed in Syria until October 2020, the press service of the Armenian Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise said on Wednesday.
"On June 16, the humanitarian mission to Syria was rotated. With the help of our Russian counterparts, Armenian doctors and field engineers headed for Aleppo to conduct humanitarian activities until October," the press service said.
In coming days, the field engineers will be trained and begin mine clearance.
The mission members who have ended their tenure and returned to Armenia will be put in quarantine for the next 14 days.
The first team of Armenia’s Defense Ministry arrived in Syria on a humanitarian mission in February 2019. The team comprises specialists in mine clearance and in security as well as medical workers. Since then, specialists of the Armenian humanitarian mission have demined a total area of 170,209 square meters and the doctors have provided medical services to 12,584 patients.


tass--2020-06-17--US to reduce oil purchases from Russia in 1H 2020

In the first half of 2019 , shipments to the United States were also at a higher level — 115,000 bpd ( 2.75 mln tonnes ) .
MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
In the first half of 2020 , the supply of Russian raw materials to the United States will decrease by a quarter — by 26,000 barrels per day ( 660,000 tonnes ) compared with July - December 2019 to 70,000 bpd ( 1.67 mln tonnes ) , according to analytical company Vortexa and Argus agency .
Purchases of Urals oil decreased in general , while demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Urals shipments to the US in the first half of 2020 will decrease by 12,000 bpd ( 316,000 tonnes ) compared with July - December 2019 to 15,000 bpd ( 384,000 tonnes ) .
A year earlier — in the first half of 2019 — such deliveries reached 38,500 bpd ( 969,000 tonnes ) .
US refiners acquire predominantly light grades of Russian oil .
In March 2019 though , companies were forced to increase Urals purchases due to a ban on imports of medium-heavy oil from Venezuela .
Meanwhile , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced Urals with cheaper sulfur fuel oil from Russia .
This product fell in price significantly in November , before the launch of the new IMO-2020 standards for sulfur content in bunker fuels .
Shipments of light grades of oil from Russia to the United States in the first half of 2020 will decrease by 14,000 bpd ( 342,000 tonnes ) compared to July - December 2019 to 55,000 bpd ( 1.29 mln tonnes ) .

In the first half of 2019, shipments to the United States were also at a higher level — 115,000 bpd (2.75 mln tonnes).
MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. In the first half of 2020, the supply of Russian raw materials to the United States will decrease by a quarter — by 26,000 barrels per day (660,000 tonnes) compared with July - December 2019 to 70,000 bpd (1.67 mln tonnes), according to analytical company Vortexa and Argus agency.
Purchases of Urals oil decreased in general, while demand for light grades decreased less noticeably. Urals shipments to the US in the first half of 2020 will decrease by 12,000 bpd (316,000 tonnes) compared with July - December 2019 to 15,000 bpd (384,000 tonnes). A year earlier — in the first half of 2019 — such deliveries reached 38,500 bpd (969,000 tonnes).
US refiners acquire predominantly light grades of Russian oil. In March 2019 though, companies were forced to increase Urals purchases due to a ban on imports of medium-heavy oil from Venezuela. Meanwhile, at the end of last year, US refiners replaced Urals with cheaper sulfur fuel oil from Russia. This product fell in price significantly in November, before the launch of the new IMO-2020 standards for sulfur content in bunker fuels.
Shipments of light grades of oil from Russia to the United States in the first half of 2020 will decrease by 14,000 bpd (342,000 tonnes) compared to July - December 2019 to 55,000 bpd (1.29 mln tonnes).


tass--2020-06-17--Clinical trials of Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine begin

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The study of two forms of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology started on Wednesday in Russia .
Two groups of 38 volunteers each are participating in the trials , the press service of the Russian Ministry of Health reported .
`` The clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine started on June 17 .
The study of two vaccine forms , liquid and freeze-dried , will take place in two medical facilities in Moscow .
The vaccine in the form of a solution for intramuscular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Military Hospital .
The other vaccine in a powder form for intramuscular injection will be tested at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University .
Two groups of 38 volunteers per group will participate in the trials , '' the statement said .
It is noted that the potential trial participants were quarantined for two weeks at a sanatorium .
All information on the procedure had been disclosed to each volunteer , including its benefits and risks , as well as trial-related inconveniences .
`` After signing the informed consent and insurance paperwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This involves blood and urine tests , a check-up for chronic illnesses , HIV , hepatitises , coronavirus .
Only after compliance to the trial inclusion criteria is confirmed , are the volunteers injected with the vaccine .
The first volunteers will be vaccinated as early as June 18-19 , '' the press service reported .
After vaccination , all volunteers will be isolated in a clinical setting for 28 days where medical professionals will monitor their physical condition .
`` The entire procedure that accompanies the clinical trial is aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial participants .
This is only the first stage of studying the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine , '' the statement said .
To date , 553,301 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 304,342 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 7,478 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The study of two forms of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology started on Wednesday in Russia. Two groups of 38 volunteers each are participating in the trials, the press service of the Russian Ministry of Health reported.
"The clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine started on June 17. The study of two vaccine forms, liquid and freeze-dried, will take place in two medical facilities in Moscow. The vaccine in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection will be tested at the Burdenko Military Hospital. The other vaccine in a powder form for intramuscular injection will be tested at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. Two groups of 38 volunteers per group will participate in the trials," the statement said.
It is noted that the potential trial participants were quarantined for two weeks at a sanatorium. All information on the procedure had been disclosed to each volunteer, including its benefits and risks, as well as trial-related inconveniences.
"After signing the informed consent and insurance paperwork, the trial participant undergoes a screening. This involves blood and urine tests, a check-up for chronic illnesses, HIV, hepatitises, coronavirus. Only after compliance to the trial inclusion criteria is confirmed, are the volunteers injected with the vaccine. The first volunteers will be vaccinated as early as June 18-19," the press service reported.
After vaccination, all volunteers will be isolated in a clinical setting for 28 days where medical professionals will monitor their physical condition. "The entire procedure that accompanies the clinical trial is aimed at protecting the rights and safety of the trial participants. This is only the first stage of studying the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine," the statement said.
To date, 553,301 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 304,342 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 7,478 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-17--Trina Solar unveils TrinaPro Mega, an ultra-high-power smart PV solution

CHANGZHOU , China , June 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co. , Ltd. , a leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider , announced the global launch of TrinaPro Mega , an ultra-high power smart PV solution featuring modules with power output exceeding 500W .
With further improvement in product selection and integrated design , the solution enhances the overall system performance and reduces the levelized cost of energy ( LCOE ) .
Following the debut of the Vertex ultra-high-power new 500W-plus module in February , TrinaPro Mega marks yet another benchmark for the era of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivers an optimized solution for the application of Vertex module in downstream systems .
In 2018 , Trina Solar unveiled the smart PV solution `` TrinaPro '' for large-scale power stations .
Based on system design and software algorithms , the solution integrates bifacial and high-efficiency PV modules , smart tracking systems and reliable inverters .
It features integrated services and a smart O & M management platform , lowering the balance-of-system ( BOS ) cost by up to 15 % and increasing power generation by up to 8 % .
With solar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mega , in its role as an improved ultra-high-power smart solution , resolves several application challenges faced by existing systems .
Based on the `` TrinaPro '' solution , TrinaPro Mega upgrades the long-string trackers for 500W-plus power modules .
Furthermore it integrates Vertex modules , Trina Solar 's independently developed TCU , smart tracking algorithms and SCADA monitoring systems .
For a variety of application scenarios defined by complicated geography , uneven terrain and wind speeds , TrinaPro Mega provides clients with customized solutions to ensure system reliability and efficiency .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certification for the TrinaPro Mega smart solution .
Yin Rongfang , vice general manager and vice president of Trina Solar , said : `` The PV industry has embraced the 500W-plus power since the beginning of the year .
As an industry pioneer , the Vertex module demonstrates Trina Solar 's strong ability at innovation and provides the industry with an entirely new technical platform .
Moreover , Vertex facilitates the commercialization of new technologies and paves the way for the next module power upgrade to 600W .
`` Based on the Vertex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move to increase value for our clients via smart upgrades to more advanced system solutions .
By enhancing ultra-high power module performance and lowering the LCOE , TrinaPro Mega brings stable investment returns '' , Yin Rongfang added .
Founded in 1997 , Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider .
The company engages in PV products R & D , manufacture and sales ; PV projects development , EPC , O & M ; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , Trina Solar launched Energy IoT brand , established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world , and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center .
With these actions , Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT , as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy .
On 10 June 2020 , Trina Solar issues first A-Shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first PV product , PV system and smart energy company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Science and Technology Innovation Board , also known as the STAR MARKET .
For more information , please visit www.trinasolar.com .

CHANGZHOU, China, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co., Ltd., a leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider, announced the global launch of TrinaPro Mega, an ultra-high power smart PV solution featuring modules with power output exceeding 500W. With further improvement in product selection and integrated design, the solution enhances the overall system performance and reduces the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Following the debut of the Vertex ultra-high-power new 500W-plus module in February, TrinaPro Mega marks yet another benchmark for the era of the 500W power output, as it delivers an optimized solution for the application of Vertex module in downstream systems.
In 2018, Trina Solar unveiled the smart PV solution "TrinaPro" for large-scale power stations. Based on system design and software algorithms, the solution integrates bifacial and high-efficiency PV modules, smart tracking systems and reliable inverters. It features integrated services and a smart O&M management platform, lowering the balance-of-system (BOS) cost by up to 15% and increasing power generation by up to 8%.
With solar energy fast approaching grid parity, TrinaPro Mega, in its role as an improved ultra-high-power smart solution, resolves several application challenges faced by existing systems. Based on the "TrinaPro" solution, TrinaPro Mega upgrades the long-string trackers for 500W-plus power modules. Furthermore it integrates Vertex modules, Trina Solar's independently developed TCU, smart tracking algorithms and SCADA monitoring systems. For a variety of application scenarios defined by complicated geography, uneven terrain and wind speeds, TrinaPro Mega provides clients with customized solutions to ensure system reliability and efficiency. To date, DNV.GL has completed the bankability certification for the TrinaPro Mega smart solution.
Yin Rongfang, vice general manager and vice president of Trina Solar, said: "The PV industry has embraced the 500W-plus power since the beginning of the year. As an industry pioneer, the Vertex module demonstrates Trina Solar's strong ability at innovation and provides the industry with an entirely new technical platform. Moreover, Vertex facilitates the commercialization of new technologies and paves the way for the next module power upgrade to 600W.
"Based on the Vertex module, we launched TrinaPro Mega in a move to increase value for our clients via smart upgrades to more advanced system solutions. By enhancing ultra-high power module performance and lowering the LCOE, TrinaPro Mega brings stable investment returns", Yin Rongfang added.
Image link: https://www.trinasolar.com/sites/default/files/tongchuan.jpg
Image Caption: A Chinese "Top Runner" PV power project in Tongchuan, Shaanxi, utilizing 30 MW TrinaPro smart solution.
About Trina Solar (688599. SH)
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider. The company engages in PV products R&D, manufacture and sales; PV projects development, EPC, O&M; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales, as well as energy cloud-platform operation. In 2018, Trina Solar launched Energy IoT brand, established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world, and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center. With these actions, Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT, as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy. On 10 June 2020, Trina Solar issues first A-Shares on Shanghai Sci-Tech Innovation Board, becomes the first PV product, PV system and smart energy company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Science and Technology Innovation Board, also known as the STAR MARKET. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.
CONTACT: Ching Wang, qing.wang04@trinasolar.com, +86 21 60575302


tass--2020-06-17--FSB detains Islamist group’s leaders, members in four Russian regions

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service has detained leaders and active members of @ @ @ @ @ Islamic group , Tablighi Jamaat , in four Russian regions , the FSB Center of @ @ @ @ @ `` Russia ’ s FSB jointly with the Russian Interior Ministry and the forces of @ @ @ @ @ Volga Federal District thwarted the activity of Tablighi Jamaat , an international religious extremist organization @ @ @ @ @ territory , '' the center reported .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service has detained leaders and active members of cells of a banned extremist Islamic group, Tablighi Jamaat, in four Russian regions, the FSB Center of Public Relations told TASS.
"Russia’s FSB jointly with the Russian Interior Ministry and the forces of the National Guard in the Volga Federal District thwarted the activity of Tablighi Jamaat, an international religious extremist organization banned in Russia’s territory," the center reported.


tass--2020-06-17--Time to consider Nord Stream 2 complaint to be determined in 2 months at earliest

`` The claim was received here and was registered under number VI-3 Kart 211/20 ( V ) , '' the court said .
`` The time for consideration will be fixed in two months at the earliest , '' the spokesperson added .
BERLIN , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Supreme Land Court in Dusseldorf has received the appeal filed by Nord Stream 2 AG against the decision of Germany ’ s Federal Network Agency ( Bundesnetzagentur ) and will fix the time for its consideration in two months at the earliest , a court ’ s spokesperson told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AG appealed on June 15 against a decision of the Federal Network Agency of Germany with the court in Dusseldorf , the company told TASS earlier today .
`` Nord Stream 2 AG insists that the pipeline was completed on May 23 , 2019 , in terms of economic functionality , '' the operator said .
On May 15 , the Federal Network Agency of Germany refused Nord Stream 2 AG in exempting the Nord Stream 2 project from the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive .
The agency noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules of the updated Gas Directive was its implementation before May 23 , 2019 .
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
To date , 93 % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .

"The claim was received here and was registered under number VI-3 Kart 211/20 (V)," the court said. "The time for consideration will be fixed in two months at the earliest," the spokesperson added.
BERLIN, June 17. /TASS/. The Supreme Land Court in Dusseldorf has received the appeal filed by Nord Stream 2 AG against the decision of Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) and will fix the time for its consideration in two months at the earliest, a court’s spokesperson told TASS on Wednesday.
Nord Stream 2 AG appealed on June 15 against a decision of the Federal Network Agency of Germany with the court in Dusseldorf, the company told TASS earlier today. "Nord Stream 2 AG insists that the pipeline was completed on May 23, 2019, in terms of economic functionality," the operator said.
On May 15, the Federal Network Agency of Germany refused Nord Stream 2 AG in exempting the Nord Stream 2 project from the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive. The agency noted that the necessary condition for removing the pipeline from the rules of the updated Gas Directive was its implementation before May 23, 2019.
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished.


tass--2020-06-17--Digitization’s efficiency not to be bought at cost of ‘digital totalitarianism’ — Medvedev

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Economic efficiency provided by the digitization can not be bought at the expense of `` digital totalitarianism , '' Deputy Chairman of Russia ’ s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in an article , published in the Russia in Global Affairs journal Wednesday .
`` Digital technologies will undoubtedly become the most important driver behind the socioeconomic and political development in the post-pandemic world .
It is critically important to draw a line between the benefits provided by digital technology and the threat of a digital Big Brother and restrictions of fundamental human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that comes with digital technologies can not be bought at the cost of digital totalitarianism , '' he wrote .
Medvedev pointed out that new institutes and mechanisms of public and economic life are being formed , which are based on the newest technological solutions .
According to the official , `` a detailed analysis of the solutions related to creating new anti-crisis institutions should already be under way .
It is imperative to understand which institutions are short-lived and need to be eliminated eventually , and which ones represent a breakthrough into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medvedev noted , must be paid to organization of production amid new circumstances .
`` Many business standards will need to be revised with account taken of the epidemiological risks , which will likely increase the economic costs , '' he wrote .
`` At the same time , digital technologies have the potential to offset these costs , but this will give rise to the need to develop new structural and institutional solutions .
The regulatory guillotine in these circumstances does not recede into the background .
On the contrary , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only make it possible , but , in fact , require that we firmly reject obsolete forms of oversight and supervision that impede socioeconomic growth , '' Medvedev pointed out .
The pandemic , according to the Deputy Chairman , set new requirements to the functioning of sectors that directly determine living standards , including education , healthcare , conditions of work and leisure , motivation system and other .
`` It will be necessary to rethink the long-term role of digital technologies in all these areas and make sure they benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or , more precisely , human potential ) is a key factor in the 21st century competition , '' Medvedev wrote , adding that `` we must clearly understand that global cooperation , the need for which the pandemic emphasized once again , does not eliminate global competition . ''

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Economic efficiency provided by the digitization cannot be bought at the expense of "digital totalitarianism," Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in an article, published in the Russia in Global Affairs journal Wednesday.
"Digital technologies will undoubtedly become the most important driver behind the socioeconomic and political development in the post-pandemic world. It is critically important to draw a line between the benefits provided by digital technology and the threat of a digital Big Brother and restrictions of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The economic efficiency that comes with digital technologies cannot be bought at the cost of digital totalitarianism," he wrote.
Medvedev pointed out that new institutes and mechanisms of public and economic life are being formed, which are based on the newest technological solutions. According to the official, "a detailed analysis of the solutions related to creating new anti-crisis institutions should already be under way. It is imperative to understand which institutions are short-lived and need to be eliminated eventually, and which ones represent a breakthrough into the future."
Special attention, Medvedev noted, must be paid to organization of production amid new circumstances.
"Many business standards will need to be revised with account taken of the epidemiological risks, which will likely increase the economic costs," he wrote.
"At the same time, digital technologies have the potential to offset these costs, but this will give rise to the need to develop new structural and institutional solutions. The regulatory guillotine in these circumstances does not recede into the background. On the contrary, its relevance increases sharply, because digital technologies not only make it possible, but, in fact, require that we firmly reject obsolete forms of oversight and supervision that impede socioeconomic growth," Medvedev pointed out.
The pandemic, according to the Deputy Chairman, set new requirements to the functioning of sectors that directly determine living standards, including education, healthcare, conditions of work and leisure, motivation system and other.
"It will be necessary to rethink the long-term role of digital technologies in all these areas and make sure they benefit from it significantly since human capital (or, more precisely, human potential) is a key factor in the 21st century competition," Medvedev wrote, adding that "we must clearly understand that global cooperation, the need for which the pandemic emphasized once again, does not eliminate global competition."


tass--2020-06-17--Africa’s coronavirus cases top 256,000, reports WHO

PRETORIA , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 256,504 after increasing by 7,700 in the past 24 hours , while 6,858 patients died from the virus-related causes across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Wednesday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 76,334 ) and 1,625 deaths .
Egypt , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 1,672 ) .
Algeria reported 788 fatalities .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 17,148 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghana ( 12,193 and 58 ) .
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 8,266,480 people have been infected worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,323,350 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, June 17. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 256,504 after increasing by 7,700 in the past 24 hours, while 6,858 patients died from the virus-related causes across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Wednesday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (76,334) and 1,625 deaths. Egypt, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (1,672). Algeria reported 788 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 17,148 coronavirus infections and 424 fatalities, followed by Ghana (12,193 and 58).
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 8,266,480 people have been infected worldwide and more than 446,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,323,350 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-17--Ex-PM Medvedev blasts refusal to lift sanctions against nations hardest hit by coronavirus

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev has condemned an `` immoral and irresponsible '' move by the West , Ukraine , and Georgia to block Moscow ’ s draft resolution on lifting sanctions due to the coronavirus pandemic .
In his article for the Russia in Global Affairs journal , Medvedev reiterated that Russia came up with the initiative for such a resolution almost immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic in order to facilitate access for the worst affected countries to much needed , crucial assistance .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own interests , although the resolution was not about Russia , but the states in an extremely difficult situation , such as Venezuela and Iran .
The United States , the EU , Great Britain , Ukraine and Georgia immediately blocked Russia ’ s draft resolution at the UN General Assembly .
Given the pandemic , this decision can not be described other than immoral and irresponsible , '' Medvedev wrote .
He stated that so far political cooperation to fight the pandemic is lagging far behind the current expert dialogue , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Politicians can be credited only with the prompt provision of relief to the countries most affected by the pandemic , which , of course , is a great deal .
But I ’ m sure that smoothing out political differences that impede a full-fledged international dialogue , at least during the fight against the pandemic , would stimulate cooperation between states and save a lot of time and effort , '' Russia ’ s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council stressed .
At the beginning of April , Russia proposed adopting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the coronavirus pandemic , which , among other things , suggested ending trade wars and unilateral sanctions adopted without the mandate of the UN Security Council `` in order to ensure early access to food and medication , and countering financial speculations with essential supplies . ''
Ukraine , Georgia , the United Kingdom , the United States , and the European Union voted against the proposed resolution .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev has condemned an "immoral and irresponsible" move by the West, Ukraine, and Georgia to block Moscow’s draft resolution on lifting sanctions due to the coronavirus pandemic. In his article for the Russia in Global Affairs journal, Medvedev reiterated that Russia came up with the initiative for such a resolution almost immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic in order to facilitate access for the worst affected countries to much needed, crucial assistance.
"We were instantly accused of pursuing our own interests, although the resolution was not about Russia, but the states in an extremely difficult situation, such as Venezuela and Iran. The United States, the EU, Great Britain, Ukraine and Georgia immediately blocked Russia’s draft resolution at the UN General Assembly. Given the pandemic, this decision cannot be described other than immoral and irresponsible," Medvedev wrote.
He stated that so far political cooperation to fight the pandemic is lagging far behind the current expert dialogue, in which over 70 states are already participating. "Politicians can be credited only with the prompt provision of relief to the countries most affected by the pandemic, which, of course, is a great deal. But I’m sure that smoothing out political differences that impede a full-fledged international dialogue, at least during the fight against the pandemic, would stimulate cooperation between states and save a lot of time and effort," Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council stressed.
At the beginning of April, Russia proposed adopting a resolution with relief measures for countries affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which, among other things, suggested ending trade wars and unilateral sanctions adopted without the mandate of the UN Security Council "in order to ensure early access to food and medication, and countering financial speculations with essential supplies." Ukraine, Georgia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union voted against the proposed resolution.


tass--2020-06-17--US leverage on Libyan parties for launching peace process would be positive — Lavrov

`` If the United States could use its leverage in the Libyan conflict in order to bolster efforts of Russia and other foreign actors , who are calling for immediate declaration of ceasefire , I think this would be rather positive , '' Lavrov said .
According to Lavrov , any constructive assistance in overcoming crises , either in Libya , Syria or anywhere else could be only welcomed .
`` I don ’ t know what particular steps the US could take to advance the Libyan settlement .
They participated in the Berlin conference where Russia was also represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Putin .
They signed the [ UN ] Security Council Resolution that confirmed the Libyan conference ’ s decisions .
They highlight that they recognize the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord that is one of the conflicting sides , '' the top diplomat said .
There are currently two governments in Libya : the internationally recognized Government of National Accord headed by Fayez al-Sarraj , which is headquartered in the country ’ s capital of Tripoli , and Abdullah al-Thani ’ s cabinet based in the country ’ s east , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
For more than a year , two rival forces have been fighting for the country ’ s key city after on April 4 , 2019 Haftar launched an offensive on Tripoli with the goal , as he said , to free the capital from terrorists .

"If the United States could use its leverage in the Libyan conflict in order to bolster efforts of Russia and other foreign actors, who are calling for immediate declaration of ceasefire, I think this would be rather positive," Lavrov said.
According to Lavrov, any constructive assistance in overcoming crises, either in Libya, Syria or anywhere else could be only welcomed. "I don’t know what particular steps the US could take to advance the Libyan settlement. They participated in the Berlin conference where Russia was also represented at the level of President [Vladimir] Putin. They signed the [UN] Security Council Resolution that confirmed the Libyan conference’s decisions. They highlight that they recognize the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord that is one of the conflicting sides," the top diplomat said.
There are currently two governments in Libya: the internationally recognized Government of National Accord headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, which is headquartered in the country’s capital of Tripoli, and Abdullah al-Thani’s cabinet based in the country’s east, which has the support of the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. For more than a year, two rival forces have been fighting for the country’s key city after on April 4, 2019 Haftar launched an offensive on Tripoli with the goal, as he said, to free the capital from terrorists.


tass--2020-06-17--Certain countries aim to politicize transnational threats — Russian minister

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is observing an intention of some states to politicize the issue of transnational threats and challenges instead of addressing them jointly , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday as a press conference following a special Russia-ASEAN meeting held via video conference .
Lavrov informed that the meeting participants `` agreed to speed up drafting of an integrated strategic document for developing Russia-ASEAN dialogue in the next 5 years '' as well as accelerate the update of working plans of Russia and the association ’ s to launch new areas of cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are interesting proposals to start new areas of cooperation , including finances .
It was decided to pay special attention to continuing cooperation in ensuring security of information and communication technologies .
Transnational threats and challenges , of course , demand collective responses and measures as well as coming up with integrated multilateral approaches .
However , and we talked about this today , we often witness here some states demonstrating an opposite approach to politicize the problem and act as every man for himself instead of joining efforts , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the attempts of some countries to abuse the coronavirus infection developments to achieve selfish geopolitical goals or to settle accounts with dissenting governments , '' the minister added .
According to him , all countries at the meeting `` unanimously expressed solidarity with the coordinating role of the United Nations and the World Health Organization to counter the pandemic and unanimously backed the approaches set out by the UN Secretary-General [ who noted that ] unilateral actions limiting supplies of medicine , equipment and food to some countries are unacceptable .
`` @

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Russia is observing an intention of some states to politicize the issue of transnational threats and challenges instead of addressing them jointly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday as a press conference following a special Russia-ASEAN meeting held via video conference.
Lavrov informed that the meeting participants "agreed to speed up drafting of an integrated strategic document for developing Russia-ASEAN dialogue in the next 5 years" as well as accelerate the update of working plans of Russia and the association’s to launch new areas of cooperation to fight terrorism and advance education.
"There are interesting proposals to start new areas of cooperation, including finances. It was decided to pay special attention to continuing cooperation in ensuring security of information and communication technologies. Transnational threats and challenges, of course, demand collective responses and measures as well as coming up with integrated multilateral approaches. However, and we talked about this today, we often witness here some states demonstrating an opposite approach to politicize the problem and act as every man for himself instead of joining efforts," Lavrov stressed.
"We are concerned by the attempts of some countries to abuse the coronavirus infection developments to achieve selfish geopolitical goals or to settle accounts with dissenting governments," the minister added.
According to him, all countries at the meeting "unanimously expressed solidarity with the coordinating role of the United Nations and the World Health Organization to counter the pandemic and unanimously backed the approaches set out by the UN Secretary-General [who noted that] unilateral actions limiting supplies of medicine, equipment and food to some countries are unacceptable.".


tass--2020-06-17--Number of foiled terror attacks in Russia grows by more than 30%, says top prosecutor

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The number of prevented terrorist attacks in Russia grew by more than one-third @ @ @ @ @ planned in 24 regions across the country , Russia ’ s Prosecutor-General Igor Krasnov said @ @ @ @ @ upper house of parliament ) on Wednesday .
`` The level of terrorist threats remains @ @ @ @ @ prevented terrorist attacks grew by more than one-third ( 38 % ) .
They were @ @ @ @ @ and crowded places were chosen as their targets , '' he said .
According to @ @ @ @ @ paid to ensuring anti-terrorist protection of significant facilities and territories .
`` Prosecutors sent almost @ @ @ @ @ rectify violations , '' he noted .
Krasnov added that it was essential to push @ @ @ @ @ terror attacks .
`` This being so , we will pay additional attention to implementing @ @ @ @ @ in regions and municipalities , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The number of prevented terrorist attacks in Russia grew by more than one-third in 2019, they were planned in 24 regions across the country, Russia’s Prosecutor-General Igor Krasnov said in the Federation Council (upper house of parliament) on Wednesday.
"The level of terrorist threats remains high. The number of prevented terrorist attacks grew by more than one-third (38%). They were identified in 24 regions, and crowded places were chosen as their targets," he said.
According to Krasnov, particular attention is paid to ensuring anti-terrorist protection of significant facilities and territories. "Prosecutors sent almost 11,000 lawsuits to courts to rectify violations," he noted.
Krasnov added that it was essential to push ahead with efforts to prevent terror attacks. "This being so, we will pay additional attention to implementing the decisions by anti-terrorism commissions in regions and municipalities," he concluded.


tass--2020-06-17--Russia to feature latest weapon systems at Army-2020 international arms show

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) will demonstrate the latest military hardware for all the segments of the global arms market to potential foreign customers at the Army-2020 international arms show , the Rosoboronexport press office announced on Wednesday .
Foreign customers will also be able to view the 152mm 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV multiservice self-propelled artillery system , the 82mm 2S41 Drok mortar and a family of Tigr-M , Taifun and other armored vehicles built on the Ural and KAMAZ chassis .
The latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system , the 57mm Derivatsiya-PVO artillery gun and a counter-drone system .
`` We are preparing to show our partners the T-14 main battle tank and the T-15 tank support fighting vehicle built on the Armata platform , the Kurganets-25 new-generation tracked infantry fighting vehicle , the Bumerang-series wheeled armored vehicles , the Iskander theater missile system and the new 9K515 multiple rocket launcher system , '' the press office quoted Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev as saying .
India to get its first batch of S-400s by end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through military and military-technical cooperation with Russia that many states see their way to ensuring security and sovereignty .
The level of cooperation with our foreign partners shows a steady positive trend and suggests an optimistic outlook , '' the Rosoboronexport chief executive stressed .
Rosoboronexport ’ s exposition will enable the Army 2020 forum guests to appreciate the company ’ s comprehensive approach to ensuring the military security of the countries concerned , the press office said .
`` The Company offers its partners to build a balanced system that combines various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern communications , control and robotics technologies , situation control and information protection systems , '' it said .
The Army 2020 international military-technical forum will be held on August 23-29 on the premises of the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center of Russia ’ s Armed Forces in Kubinka near Moscow .
`` This year , the Army Forum will be the first major event for the global defense industry following the lifting of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Forum will provide a signal to the global arms market to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give an impetus to the further development of military-technical cooperation with foreign countries .
This is a great opportunity for Russian defense companies to show their readiness to increase deliveries of hi-tech products and expand their geographic footprint , '' the Rosoboronexport press office quoted Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov as saying .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) will demonstrate the latest military hardware for all the segments of the global arms market to potential foreign customers at the Army-2020 international arms show, the Rosoboronexport press office announced on Wednesday.
Foreign customers will also be able to view the 152mm 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV multiservice self-propelled artillery system, the 82mm 2S41 Drok mortar and a family of Tigr-M, Taifun and other armored vehicles built on the Ural and KAMAZ chassis. The latest air defense weapons will be represented by the Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system, the 57mm Derivatsiya-PVO artillery gun and a counter-drone system.
"We are preparing to show our partners the T-14 main battle tank and the T-15 tank support fighting vehicle built on the Armata platform, the Kurganets-25 new-generation tracked infantry fighting vehicle, the Bumerang-series wheeled armored vehicles, the Iskander theater missile system and the new 9K515 multiple rocket launcher system," the press office quoted Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev as saying.
"We note that it is through military and military-technical cooperation with Russia that many states see their way to ensuring security and sovereignty. The level of cooperation with our foreign partners shows a steady positive trend and suggests an optimistic outlook," the Rosoboronexport chief executive stressed.
Rosoboronexport’s exposition will enable the Army 2020 forum guests to appreciate the company’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the military security of the countries concerned, the press office said. "The Company offers its partners to build a balanced system that combines various types of weapons and military equipment, modern communications, control and robotics technologies, situation control and information protection systems," it said.
The Army 2020 international military-technical forum will be held on August 23-29 on the premises of the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center of Russia’s Armed Forces in Kubinka near Moscow.
"This year, the Army Forum will be the first major event for the global defense industry following the lifting of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forum will provide a signal to the global arms market to recover and, I am sure, will give an impetus to the further development of military-technical cooperation with foreign countries. This is a great opportunity for Russian defense companies to show their readiness to increase deliveries of hi-tech products and expand their geographic footprint," the Rosoboronexport press office quoted Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov as saying.


tass--2020-06-17--Kremlin hopes Beijing, New Delhi will iron out border conflict themselves

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin is concerned over a clash between the military on the border between China and India but believes that the two countries could resolve this conflict themselves , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Certainly , we are watching with great attention what is happening on the Chinese-Indian border .
We believe that this is a very alarming report , '' Peskov said .
`` But we consider that the two countries are capable of taking necessary steps to prevent such situations in the future and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region and that this is a safe region for nations , first of all , China and India , '' Peskov said .
The Kremlin spokesman emphasized that China and India are Russia ’ s close partners and allies , and `` have very close and mutually beneficial relations [ with Russia ] built on mutual respect . ''
On Tuesday , NDTV television reported citing sources that three Indian servicemen had been killed in clashes on the border with China .
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had no data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry later accused India of illegally crossing the demarcation line in the Ladakh region and plotting provocation that triggered clashes and deaths .
Later , India ’ s ANI news agency claimed citing sources that at least 20 Indian servicemen and China had suffered 43 casualties .
This report was not officially confirmed .
Tensions flared up in this border region after in early May 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in skirmishes there .
More than 100 people on both sides were injured .
Later India and China said they were @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The Kremlin is concerned over a clash between the military on the border between China and India but believes that the two countries could resolve this conflict themselves, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"Certainly, we are watching with great attention what is happening on the Chinese-Indian border. We believe that this is a very alarming report," Peskov said. "But we consider that the two countries are capable of taking necessary steps to prevent such situations in the future and to ensure that there is predictability and stability in the region and that this is a safe region for nations, first of all, China and India," Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman emphasized that China and India are Russia’s close partners and allies, and "have very close and mutually beneficial relations [with Russia] built on mutual respect."
On Tuesday, NDTV television reported citing sources that three Indian servicemen had been killed in clashes on the border with China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had no data on the incident, while the Defense Ministry later accused India of illegally crossing the demarcation line in the Ladakh region and plotting provocation that triggered clashes and deaths.
Later, India’s ANI news agency claimed citing sources that at least 20 Indian servicemen and China had suffered 43 casualties. This report was not officially confirmed.
Tensions flared up in this border region after in early May 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in skirmishes there. More than 100 people on both sides were injured. Later India and China said they were taking steps to maintain stability.


tass--2020-06-17--Huami's Next Wearable AI Chip Huangshan-2 Scheduled for Mass Production

SHENZHEN , China , June 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Top 5 wearable brand , Amazfit 's mother company , Huami ( NYSE : HMI ) , made its second wearable AI chip Huangshan-2 public on its first Innovation Conference `` AI to Decode Future '' .
Besides , multiple hardware and a series of Big Data and AI solutions regarding healthcare were announced .
Ramesh Jain , the industry famed the Father of Multimedia computing was announced as chief technical advisor of Huami AI Research Institute .
As the platinum member of RISC-V , Huami has wide-ranging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field of semiconductors .
In 2018 , Huami launched the world 's first RISC-V open-source instruction set wearable processor , Huangshan No.1 ( MHS001 ) , featuring four core artificial intelligence engines -- cardiac biometrics engine , ECG , ECG Pro , and Hearth Rhythm Abnormality Monitoring Engine .
After 450 days , Huami unveils its next generation of AI chip , the Huami Huangshan-2 ( MHS002 ) .
Based on the RISC-V architecture , Huami Huangshan-2 ( MHS002 ) features high computing efficiency and low power consumption .
Huangshan-2 detects atrial fibrillation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times faster than similar algorithms .
Huangshan-2 also has on board the Always On ( AON ) sensor mode with ultra-low power consumption thanks to the NPU ( Neural-network Processing Unit ) and the C2 co-processor .
Theoretically , it can reduce the overall power consumption of Huangshan 2 by 50 % , making a longer battery life for products .
Huangshan-2 ( MHS002 ) is scheduled for mass production in Q4 of 2020 .
New wearable devices equipped with the Huangshan-2 will be hopefully available on Huami 's products in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing its own PPG bio-tracking optical sensor in the past years , which are known by its high accuracy .
Compared with its predecessor , the newly launched , BioTracker™ 2 supports five biological data engines ( RealBeats™ , OxygenBeats™ , SomnusCare™ , ExerSense™ , and huami-PAI™ ) , making it the most versatile and precise biosensor ever developed by Huami .
To let human pursue the full health rights as the most , Huami 's Systematic AI Health Management Platform incorporate the AI chipset , Huangshan-2 ( MHS002 ) , the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key index and data engines .
• RealBeats™ 2 , the advanced AI bio data engine for heart rate monitoring .
It eliminates the noise interference to heart rate signals during workout and is capable of monitoring atrial fibrillation for 1.87 times as long as the last generation at night and 6.64 times in the day .
it achieved automatic AI-based detection of AVRT and frequent PVC through a heart health Big Data model .
• OxygenBeats™ , Huami self-developed oxygen data AI engine .
The success rate of is 100 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in similar products .
Compared with the results of professional oxygen analyzers , the average error is only 1.67 % , reflecting accuracy superior to that of most wearable wrist devices for blood oxygen detection .
OxygenBeats™ has applied to the follow-up visits with recovered COVID-19 patients conducted by Nanshan Zhong 's medical team .
Smart watches equipped with OxygenBeatsTM are expected to be available in Q3 of this year ( 2020 ) .
• SomnusCare™ , an AI-driven biological data engine .
The accuracy of sleep data detection exceeds 80 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 25 minutes with nearly 100 % accuracy .
Furthermore , the OxygenBeatsTM , through sleep state analysis and blood oxygen saturation detection , can recognize the sleep apnea syndrome ( SAS ) , an `` invisible killer '' to human health , and warn the user to take prompt measures .
• ExerSense™ , an AI recognition engine for motion patterns based on sports big data .
This engine can match motion models in real time by detecting data with the motion sensor and heart rate sensor on Huami 's wearables , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a user .
At present , ExerSense™ can automatically detect 19 exercise modes , including walking , running , cycling , and swimming , which cover 95 % of daily exercise scenarios of users .
Users do not need to perform tedious manual operations , but can enjoy senseless selection of smart exercise modes .
• huami-PAI™ , an explicit PAI score that can reflect the user 's heart rate data , together with the daily motion time and other health data , allowing users to monitor their workout and heart healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create highly personalized health assessment systems using private bio data such as age , gender , and resting heart rate .
huami-PAI™ is based on the HUNT Fitness Study , which helps to reduce the cardiovascular mortality rate and improve life expectancy .
The study , led by Professor Ulrik Wisloff at Faculty of Medicine of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology , took 35 years with more than 230,000 participants .
Mr. Wang Huang , the Company 's Chairman and CEO , announced the establishment of Huami AI Research Institute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Father of Multimedia Computing , Professor at University of California , Irvine , and Founder of UCI Institute for Future Health was appointed as the chief technical advisor of the Huami AI Research Institute .
In the first half of 2020 , Huami has set up three joint laboratories : The Smart Wrist Wearable Device Joint Lab with the team of Zhong Nanshan ; the Track and Field Joint Lab with the Chinese Athletics Association ; and the Brain-Computer Intelligence Joint Lab with the Institute of Advanced Technology , University of Science @ @ @ @ @

SHENZHEN, China, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Top 5 wearable brand, Amazfit's mother company, Huami (NYSE: HMI) , made its second wearable AI chip Huangshan-2 public on its first Innovation Conference "AI to Decode Future". Besides, multiple hardware and a series of Big Data and AI solutions regarding healthcare were announced. Ramesh Jain, the industry famed the Father of Multimedia computing was announced as chief technical advisor of Huami AI Research Institute.
The Wearable AI Chip, Huangshan-2(MHS002) Launched.
As the platinum member of RISC-V, Huami has wide-ranging technology accumulation and investment layout in the field of semiconductors. In 2018, Huami launched the world's first RISC-V open-source instruction set wearable processor, Huangshan No.1 (MHS001), featuring four core artificial intelligence engines -- cardiac biometrics engine, ECG, ECG Pro, and Hearth Rhythm Abnormality Monitoring Engine.
After 450 days, Huami unveils its next generation of AI chip, the Huami Huangshan-2(MHS002). Based on the RISC-V architecture, Huami Huangshan-2(MHS002) features high computing efficiency and low power consumption. Huangshan-2 detects atrial fibrillation 7 times faster than Huangshan-1 and 26 times faster than similar algorithms. Huangshan-2 also has on board the Always On (AON) sensor mode with ultra-low power consumption thanks to the NPU (Neural-network Processing Unit) and the C2 co-processor. Theoretically, it can reduce the overall power consumption of Huangshan 2 by 50%, making a longer battery life for products.
Huangshan-2(MHS002) is scheduled for mass production in Q4 of 2020. New wearable devices equipped with the Huangshan-2 will be hopefully available on Huami's products in the first half of 2021.
BioTracker™ 2, the Second-generation PPG Bio-tracking Optical Sensor by Huami
Huami has been developing its own PPG bio-tracking optical sensor in the past years, which are known by its high accuracy. Compared with its predecessor, the newly launched, BioTracker™ 2 supports five biological data engines (RealBeats™, OxygenBeats™, SomnusCare™, ExerSense™, and huami-PAI™), making it the most versatile and precise biosensor ever developed by Huami.
Five Key Data Engines Contribute to Huami's AI Health Management Platform
To let human pursue the full health rights as the most, Huami's Systematic AI Health Management Platform incorporate the AI chipset, Huangshan-2(MHS002), the new PPG sensor BioTracker™ 2 and also five key index and data engines.
RealBeats™ 2, the advanced AI bio data engine for heart rate monitoring. It eliminates the noise interference to heart rate signals during workout and is capable of monitoring atrial fibrillation for 1.87 times as long as the last generation at night and 6.64 times in the day. it achieved automatic AI-based detection of AVRT and frequent PVC through a heart health Big Data model.
OxygenBeats™, Huami self-developed oxygen data AI engine. The success rate of is 100% in contrast to less than 90% seen in similar products. Compared with the results of professional oxygen analyzers, the average error is only 1.67%, reflecting accuracy superior to that of most wearable wrist devices for blood oxygen detection. OxygenBeats™ has applied to the follow-up visits with recovered COVID-19 patients conducted by Nanshan Zhong's medical team. Smart watches equipped with OxygenBeats TM are expected to be available in Q3 of this year (2020).
are expected to be available in Q3 of this year (2020). SomnusCare™, an AI-driven biological data engine. The accuracy of sleep data detection exceeds 80%, and it is possible to detect naps over 25 minutes with nearly 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the OxygenBeats TM , through sleep state analysis and blood oxygen saturation detection, can recognize the sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), an "invisible killer" to human health, and warn the user to take prompt measures.
, through sleep state analysis and blood oxygen saturation detection, can recognize the sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), an "invisible killer" to human health, and warn the user to take prompt measures. ExerSense™, an AI recognition engine for motion patterns based on sports big data. This engine can match motion models in real time by detecting data with the motion sensor and heart rate sensor on Huami's wearables, and then intelligently determine the exercise mode of a user. At present, ExerSense™ can automatically detect 19 exercise modes, including walking, running, cycling, and swimming, which cover 95% of daily exercise scenarios of users. Users do not need to perform tedious manual operations, but can enjoy senseless selection of smart exercise modes.
huami-PAI™, an explicit PAI score that can reflect the user's heart rate data, together with the daily motion time and other health data, allowing users to monitor their workout and heart healthy status. huami-PAI™ can guide users to create highly personalized health assessment systems using private bio data such as age, gender, and resting heart rate. huami-PAI™ is based on the HUNT Fitness Study, which helps to reduce the cardiovascular mortality rate and improve life expectancy. The study, led by Professor Ulrik Wisloff at Faculty of Medicine of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, took 35 years with more than 230,000 participants.
Ramesh Jain appointed the Chief Technical Advisor of Huami AI Research Institute
Mr. Wang Huang, the Company's Chairman and CEO, announced the establishment of Huami AI Research Institute. Ramesh Jain, a renowned AI expert, Father of Multimedia Computing, Professor at University of California, Irvine, and Founder of UCI Institute for Future Health was appointed as the chief technical advisor of the Huami AI Research Institute.
In the first half of 2020, Huami has set up three joint laboratories: The Smart Wrist Wearable Device Joint Lab with the team of Zhong Nanshan; the Track and Field Joint Lab with the Chinese Athletics Association; and the Brain-Computer Intelligence Joint Lab with the Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China.
CONTACT: Yunya Liu, +86-15999658480


tass--2020-06-17--Hainan's Haikou ranks first among Chinese cities with best air quality

HAIKOU , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The administrative center of Hainan , Haiko , in January-May , took the first place in the list of Chinese cities on air quality , reported the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection .
According to a report , in the rating the authorities took into account the environmental situation in 168 cities , including Beijing and its surrounding regions , as well as in the cities of East and South China , the industry in which is developing dynamically thus leading to significant environmental pollution .
`` The proportion of harmful substances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a steady trend , although there are small fluctuations in the indicator , '' the document reads .
Over the past five months the content of sulfur and nitrogen oxides , as well as one of the most dangerous gaseous pollutants , carbon monoxide , has noticeably decreased in Haikou 's air .
As noted , the emission of harmful microparticles with a size of less than 2.5 microns ( PM 2.5 ) in the city remains at an extremely low level .
“ This year Haikou thanks to intensive measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we impose the most severe penalties for violating the stangards .
We identify violations both during regular inspections and through special unscheduled inspections , ” a representative of the ministry said .
Haikou is followed in the ranking by Lhasa ( Tibet Autonomous Region ) and Zhuhai ( southern Guangdong ) .
According to statistics , optimal air quality was recorded on about 85 % of the days in China in January-May in 337 China 's cities and towns .
Environmental protection is a priority for the Hainan authorities .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air and groundwater on the island by international standards were totally clear .
From January to March , the province 's clean energy production exceeded 1.89 billion kWh , which equals 28.7 % of the electricity supply to key facilities in the region .

HAIKOU, June 17. /TASS/. The administrative center of Hainan, Haiko, in January-May, took the first place in the list of Chinese cities on air quality, reported the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection.
According to a report, in the rating the authorities took into account the environmental situation in 168 cities, including Beijing and its surrounding regions, as well as in the cities of East and South China, the industry in which is developing dynamically thus leading to significant environmental pollution. "The proportion of harmful substances in Haikou's atmosphere continues to decrease. This is a steady trend, although there are small fluctuations in the indicator," the document reads.
Over the past five months the content of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, as well as one of the most dangerous gaseous pollutants, carbon monoxide, has noticeably decreased in Haikou's air. As noted, the emission of harmful microparticles with a size of less than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) in the city remains at an extremely low level.
“This year Haikou thanks to intensive measures significantly increased the level of environmental control, we impose the most severe penalties for violating the stangards. We identify violations both during regular inspections and through special unscheduled inspections,” a representative of the ministry said.
Haikou is followed in the ranking by Lhasa (Tibet Autonomous Region) and Zhuhai (southern Guangdong). According to statistics, optimal air quality was recorded on about 85% of the days in China in January-May in 337 China's cities and towns.
Environmental protection is a priority for the Hainan authorities. According to official data, in the first quarter air and groundwater on the island by international standards were totally clear. From January to March, the province's clean energy production exceeded 1.89 billion kWh, which equals 28.7% of the electricity supply to key facilities in the region.


tass--2020-06-17--127th Canton Fair Gathers 26,000 Businesses, Promotes Global Economic Recovery

GUANGZHOU , China , June 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 127th and the first-ever digital China Import and Export Fair ( Canton Fair ) has gathered nearly 26,000 companies , with China 's Premier Li Keqiang attending the virtual opening ceremony and touring the online exhibition halls .
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the China Import and Export Fair continued on air despite the current COVID-19 epidemic , which has been an innovative method for this special time .
The Premier also said the fair has explored new paths for international trade development , showing the world China 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international industrial and supply chains .
On the first day of the 127th Canton Fair , more than 30 new product launch events between manufacturers and buyers took place , bringing a variety of cutting-edge design and technology .
Exhibitors have arranged round-the-clock live streams for different time zones , and have introduced products according to customer segments .
As the stay-at-home economy develops , the demand for small home appliances is significantly increasing .
The uptick in demand prompted Guangdong Wanhexin Electric Co. , Ltd. , to showcase its signature gas water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electric fireplace at its live online showroom .
Guangdong Xinbao Electrical Appliances Holdings Co. , Ltd , to maximize the opportunity , filmed multiple product videos based on geographic market segments and client requirements .
`` We have combined those two forms of presentations and have at least five client service staff ready for negotiation anytime .
Therefore clients , can be received when visiting our showrooms at any time of day , '' said Xinbao Holding 's live stream manager .
The online Canton Fair has also helped reduce trade barriers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their showrooms .
Industry leaders such as Oppein Home Group and Rifeng also brought guests to their manufacturing base and production techniques through videos and VR showrooms .
Sumec Corp Ltd , one of the highlights of this year 's Canton Fair , is creating a new display idea by integrating online demonstration , VR visiting the assembly lines and local service offers .
John Clarke , an American regular buyer to the Fair , said that the Canton Fair has always been the main channel for him to look for products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He looks forward to attending this digital session .

GUANGZHOU, China, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 127th and the first-ever digital China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) has gathered nearly 26,000 companies, with China's Premier Li Keqiang attending the virtual opening ceremony and touring the online exhibition halls.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the China Import and Export Fair continued on air despite the current COVID-19 epidemic, which has been an innovative method for this special time. The Premier also said the fair has explored new paths for international trade development, showing the world China's determination to further open up and secure international industrial and supply chains.
Please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/ for boundless opportunities.
Canton Fair represents China's contribution to global economic recovery
On the first day of the 127th Canton Fair, more than 30 new product launch events between manufacturers and buyers took place, bringing a variety of cutting-edge design and technology. Exhibitors have arranged round-the-clock live streams for different time zones, and have introduced products according to customer segments.
As the stay-at-home economy develops, the demand for small home appliances is significantly increasing. The uptick in demand prompted Guangdong Wanhexin Electric Co., Ltd., to showcase its signature gas water heater, air-fryer, air-fryer oven and electric fireplace at its live online showroom.
Guangdong Xinbao Electrical Appliances Holdings Co., Ltd, to maximize the opportunity, filmed multiple product videos based on geographic market segments and client requirements. "We have combined those two forms of presentations and have at least five client service staff ready for negotiation anytime. Therefore clients, can be received when visiting our showrooms at any time of day," said Xinbao Holding's live stream manager.
Virtual exhibition brings win-win opportunities
The online Canton Fair has also helped reduce trade barriers, as companies can present more than products in their showrooms. Industry leaders such as Oppein Home Group and Rifeng also brought guests to their manufacturing base and production techniques through videos and VR showrooms.
Sumec Corp Ltd, one of the highlights of this year's Canton Fair, is creating a new display idea by integrating online demonstration, VR visiting the assembly lines and local service offers.
John Clarke, an American regular buyer to the Fair, said that the Canton Fair has always been the main channel for him to look for products, source agents, and processing factories. He looks forward to attending this digital session.
CONTACT: Ms. Chloe Cai, +86-20-8913 8622, caiyiyi@cantonfair.org.cn


tass--2020-06-17--Nord Stream 2 AG appeals against decision of German regulator on Nord Stream 2

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction project , Nord Stream 2 AG , appealed on June 15 against a decision of the Federal Network Agency of Germany with the Higher Regional Court of Dusseldorf , the company told TASS .
`` Nord Stream 2 AG insists that the pipeline was completed on May 23 , 2019 , in terms of economic functionality .
Based on the legal framework in force at that time , the company made an irrevocable investment of several billion euro long before the European Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Directive , '' the operator said .
On May 15 , the Federal Network Agency of Germany refused Nord Stream 2 AG in exempting the Nord Stream 2 project from the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive .
`` The Bundesnetzagentur has today rejected the application of Nord Stream 2 AG for derogation from regulation for the section of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline located in German territory , '' the statement reads .
The agency noted that the necessary condition for removing the pipeline from the rules of the updated Gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 .
`` Since the Nord Stream 2 pipeline had not been fully laid by 23 May 2019 , the Bundesnetzagentur has rejected the application for derogation made by Nord Stream 2 AG .
When it is put into operation , therefore , Nord Stream 2 will be subject to German regulatory requirements and European rules on unbundling , network access , and cost regulation , '' the report said .
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Baltic Sea to Germany .
To date , 93 % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .
The project implementation was stalled at the end of December 2019 when , due to US sanctions , Swiss company Allseas stopped construction of the gas pipeline .
CEO of Gazprom Alexey Miller said that the pipeline would be completed .
In January 2020 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said that before the end of this year or in the first quarter of next year , work will be complete and the gas pipeline @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction project, Nord Stream 2 AG, appealed on June 15 against a decision of the Federal Network Agency of Germany with the Higher Regional Court of Dusseldorf, the company told TASS.
"Nord Stream 2 AG insists that the pipeline was completed on May 23, 2019, in terms of economic functionality. Based on the legal framework in force at that time, the company made an irrevocable investment of several billion euro long before the European Commission announced its plan to amend the Gas Directive," the operator said.
On May 15, the Federal Network Agency of Germany refused Nord Stream 2 AG in exempting the Nord Stream 2 project from the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive. "The Bundesnetzagentur has today rejected the application of Nord Stream 2 AG for derogation from regulation for the section of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline located in German territory," the statement reads.
The agency noted that the necessary condition for removing the pipeline from the rules of the updated Gas Directive was its implementation before May 23, 2019. "Since the Nord Stream 2 pipeline had not been fully laid by 23 May 2019, the Bundesnetzagentur has rejected the application for derogation made by Nord Stream 2 AG. When it is put into operation, therefore, Nord Stream 2 will be subject to German regulatory requirements and European rules on unbundling, network access, and cost regulation," the report said.
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished.
The project implementation was stalled at the end of December 2019 when, due to US sanctions, Swiss company Allseas stopped construction of the gas pipeline. CEO of Gazprom Alexey Miller said that the pipeline would be completed. In January 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that before the end of this year or in the first quarter of next year, work will be complete and the gas pipeline will be commissioned.


tass--2020-06-18--Lavrov urges the West to reason Kiev into compliance with UN SC decisions

BELGRADE , June 18./TASS/ .
Western nations must make efforts to encourage the Ukrainian side into compliance with the decisions @ @ @ @ @ , Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on Thursday .
`` We hear statements , @ @ @ @ @ leadership , that the Minsk agreements are important entirely for having the sanctions against the @ @ @ @ @ think that our Western colleagues who work with Ukraine and confirm in word that the @ @ @ @ @ , must feel ashamed for such proteges , '' Lavrov pointed out .
According to @ @ @ @ @ sent signals to international agencies and European capitals `` about a need to reason the @ @ @ @ @ stop neglecting their commitments and dodging the implementation of Security Council requirements '' .

BELGRADE, June 18./TASS/. Western nations must make efforts to encourage the Ukrainian side into compliance with the decisions of the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on Thursday.
"We hear statements, including from the top-ranking Ukrainian leadership, that the Minsk agreements are important entirely for having the sanctions against the Russian Federation maintained. In think that our Western colleagues who work with Ukraine and confirm in word that the Minsk agreements have no alternative, must feel ashamed for such proteges," Lavrov pointed out.
According to him, Russia has repeatedly sent signals to international agencies and European capitals "about a need to reason the Kiev representatives so that they stop neglecting their commitments and dodging the implementation of Security Council requirements".


tass--2020-06-18--Kremlin carefully monitoring all NATO actions — spokesman

MOSCOW , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has warned that Moscow is carefully monitoring all actions @ @ @ @ @ decision not to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe in particular .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ does .
Of course , it is a priority for us to [ continue ] @ @ @ @ @ the North Atlantic Alliance considering the fact that the trend of NATO edging closer to @ @ @ @ @ unfortunately , '' Peskov told reporters .
He added that taking all the necessary measures @ @ @ @ @ security has been and remains a key task .
On Wednesday , NATO Secretary General @ @ @ @ @ briefing following a meeting of NATO members ’ defense ministers that the alliance decided against @ @ @ @ @ in Europe as part of the package of measures aimed to counteract Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , he informed that NATO allies agreed to purchase additional new @ @ @ @ @ and fifth generation fighter jets .

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has warned that Moscow is carefully monitoring all actions taken by NATO and the decision not to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe in particular.
"We are closely monitoring everything NATO does. Of course, it is a priority for us to [continue] thoroughly tracking all actions of the North Atlantic Alliance considering the fact that the trend of NATO edging closer to our borders lives on, unfortunately," Peskov told reporters.
He added that taking all the necessary measures to ensure Russia’s security has been and remains a key task.
On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told an online briefing following a meeting of NATO members’ defense ministers that the alliance decided against deploying new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe as part of the package of measures aimed to counteract Russia’s development of new missiles. At the same time, he informed that NATO allies agreed to purchase additional new air and missile defense systems and fifth generation fighter jets.


tass--2020-06-18--Serbia will always remember Russia’s help amid pandemic, president Vucic says

BELGRADE , Jun 18 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia highly appreciates Russia ’ s assistance in the time when the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ country and will always remember this help , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday at @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Belgrade .
`` Serbia will always remember Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus and can always expect reciprocal assistance , '' the Serbian leader noted .
@ @ @ @ @ fatalities and 12,552 cases overall .

BELGRADE, Jun 18. /TASS/. Serbia highly appreciates Russia’s assistance in the time when the coronavirus pandemic was spreading across the country and will always remember this help, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Belgrade.
"Serbia will always remember Russia’s help in the times of coronavirus and can always expect reciprocal assistance," the Serbian leader noted.
Serbia has reported 257 coronavirus-related fatalities and 12,552 cases overall.


tass--2020-06-18--Germany presses charges against Russian suspected of murdering Georgian man in Berlin

BERLIN , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
The German Public Prosecutor ’ s Office has pressed charges against a Russian citizen suspected of murdering a Georgian man in Berlin in August 2019 , the office informed on Thursday .
The suspect , Vadim S. or Vadim K. , said to be a Russian national , is accused of murder and weapon trafficking .
The prosecution believes that `` at an unknown time , state bodies of the Russian central government gave the order to the accused to murder the Georgian national . ''
According to Germany , the order was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of the victim , Tornike K. , to the Russian central government , the government of Chechnya and Ingushetia , and `` the pro-Russian government of Georgia . ''
The prosecution recalled that the victim had participated in military operations against the federal government in Chechnya from 2000 until 2004 and was considered a terrorist in Russia .
He was seeking asylum in Germany .
A 40-year-old Georgian citizen was gunned down in Berlin on August 23 , 2019 .
The office of Berlin ’ s prosecutor later in the day informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a 49-year-old resident of Russia .
On December 4 , 2019 , the German Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of two Russian embassy staffers from Germany due to what was described as insufficient cooperation by the Russian authorities in investigating the killing of the Georgian national .
Moscow responded in kind .
Russia is denying any involvement in the organization of the crime .

BERLIN, June 18. /TASS/. The German Public Prosecutor’s Office has pressed charges against a Russian citizen suspected of murdering a Georgian man in Berlin in August 2019, the office informed on Thursday.
The suspect, Vadim S. or Vadim K., said to be a Russian national, is accused of murder and weapon trafficking. The prosecution believes that "at an unknown time, state bodies of the Russian central government gave the order to the accused to murder the Georgian national."
According to Germany, the order was given due to the "hostile attitude" of the victim, Tornike K., to the Russian central government, the government of Chechnya and Ingushetia, and "the pro-Russian government of Georgia." The prosecution recalled that the victim had participated in military operations against the federal government in Chechnya from 2000 until 2004 and was considered a terrorist in Russia. He was seeking asylum in Germany.
A 40-year-old Georgian citizen was gunned down in Berlin on August 23, 2019. The office of Berlin’s prosecutor later in the day informed of the detention of a suspect identified as a 49-year-old resident of Russia.
On December 4, 2019, the German Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of two Russian embassy staffers from Germany due to what was described as insufficient cooperation by the Russian authorities in investigating the killing of the Georgian national. Moscow responded in kind. Russia is denying any involvement in the organization of the crime.


tass--2020-06-18--Russian ambassador summoned by Germany in relation to murder of Georgian man in Berlin

VIENNA , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian ambassador to Berlin has been summoned by the German Foreign Ministry on Thursday in relation to the murder of a Georgian man in Tiergarten , Berlin , German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Thursday during a visit to Vienna .
Maas added that the German side would relay its stance regarding the murder case to the Russian diplomat .
`` Today , we have once again invited the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry to make our position clear to the Russian side , '' Maas said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce new measures in relation to this case .
`` As for the murder in Tiergarten , this is a very serious case .
The federal government thinks that there needs to be a comprehensive investigation of this case , with a ruling reached through the verdict of justice bodies and courts .
This is what is happening right now , and we welcome it .
As for the suspected influence of Russia confirmed by the prosecutor general earlier , we reacted to this at the start of the investigation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we expelled two employees of the Russian embassy due to insufficient cooperation of the Russian side , '' Maas noted .

VIENNA, June 18. /TASS/. The Russian ambassador to Berlin has been summoned by the German Foreign Ministry on Thursday in relation to the murder of a Georgian man in Tiergarten, Berlin, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Thursday during a visit to Vienna. Maas added that the German side would relay its stance regarding the murder case to the Russian diplomat.
"In relation to the cyberattacks on Germany’s Bundestag and the murder in Tiergarten, we have placed several Russian nationals on the EU cyber sanctions list, and we will continue working in that direction," the minister added.
"Today, we have once again invited the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry to make our position clear to the Russian side," Maas said, adding that the German federal government reserves the right to introduce new measures in relation to this case.
"As for the murder in Tiergarten, this is a very serious case. The federal government thinks that there needs to be a comprehensive investigation of this case, with a ruling reached through the verdict of justice bodies and courts. This is what is happening right now, and we welcome it. As for the suspected influence of Russia confirmed by the prosecutor general earlier, we reacted to this at the start of the investigation of the Tiergarten murder. In this regard, we expelled two employees of the Russian embassy due to insufficient cooperation of the Russian side," Maas noted.
Murder in Tiergarten
A 40-year-old Georgian citizen was gunned down in Berlin on August 23, 2019. The office of Berlin’s prosecutor later in the day informed of the detention of a suspect identified as a 49-year-old resident of Russia.
On December 4, 2019, the German Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of two Russian embassy staffers from Germany due to what was described as insufficient cooperation by the Russian authorities in investigating the killing of the Georgian national. Moscow responded in kind. Russia is denying any involvement in the organization of the crime. The suspect, Vadim S. or Vadim K., said to be a Russian national, is accused of murder and weapon trafficking. The prosecution believes that "at an unknown time, state bodies of the Russian central government gave the order to the accused to murder the German national."
According to Germany, the order was given due to the "hostile attitude" of the victim, Tornike K., to the Russian central government, the government of Chechnya and Ingushetia, and "the pro-Russian government of Georgia." The prosecution recalled that the victim had participated in military operations against the federal government in Chechnya from 2000 until 2004 and was considered a terrorist in Russia. He was seeking asylum in Germany.
Bundestag hacker attack
In early May, German Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office issued an international arrest warrant for Russian national Dmitry Badin, suspected of taking part in the cyberattack on Bundestag networks in 2015. The German law enforcement officers believe that Badin is a member of the Fancy Bear hacker group.
The cyberattack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30, 2015. Many German lawmakers received similar emails that ended in @un.org, making them look as if they were sent by the United Nations. The emails contained a hyperlink, clicking on which downloaded a spy program to the system. In a bid to stop its spread, German cyber security operators had to temporarily shut off the entire Bundestag IT system. At least 16 gigabytes of data, including the lawmakers’ emails, were stolen in the attack.
Russia repeatedly denied allegations of involvement in the attack. No German security agency has ever provided any evidence in support of media reports about cybercriminals’ alleged links with Moscow.


tass--2020-06-18--Beijing won’t impose lockdown like Wuhan despite coronavirus, says local official

BEIJING , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Municipal officials in the Chinese capital will not lock down the city due to the repeated spread of the novel coronavirus as it was done several months ago in Wuhan , the first outbreak site of the pandemic , Pan Xuhong , deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau , said on Thursday .
`` We will maintain strict control in the city over entries and exits of all modes of transportation .
Yet Beijing won ’ t become a locked down city , '' he promised at a press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities prohibited taxi cabs from leaving the capital and imposed certain restrictions on public transportation , chiefly involving passenger transportation to other regions of the country .
`` We introduced a strict ban on exiting Beijing for all people having a heightened risk of infection , '' he specified .
A COVID-19 outbreak at Beijing ’ s largest wholesale Xinfadi market in the southern district of Fengtai was reported last week .
In the past five days , the authorities registered around 30 new cases in the capital daily .
Beijing officials raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and introduced beefed-up control measures in all residential communities and a `` war-time regime '' which above all means that citizens should voluntarily actively aid the authorities in fighting the spread of the infection According to the latest statistics , currently there are 159 patients with the disease caused by COVID-19 hospitalized in Beijing , although as recently as June 11 only one sole infected case was recorded in the city .
During the entire course of the pandemic , the city recorded 752 cases of the infection , with 584 patients having @ @ @ @ @

BEIJING, June 18. /TASS/. Municipal officials in the Chinese capital will not lock down the city due to the repeated spread of the novel coronavirus as it was done several months ago in Wuhan, the first outbreak site of the pandemic, Pan Xuhong, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, said on Thursday.
"We will maintain strict control in the city over entries and exits of all modes of transportation. Yet Beijing won’t become a locked down city," he promised at a press conference.
The official noted that recently the authorities prohibited taxi cabs from leaving the capital and imposed certain restrictions on public transportation, chiefly involving passenger transportation to other regions of the country. "We introduced a strict ban on exiting Beijing for all people having a heightened risk of infection," he specified.
A COVID-19 outbreak at Beijing’s largest wholesale Xinfadi market in the southern district of Fengtai was reported last week. In the past five days, the authorities registered around 30 new cases in the capital daily. Beijing officials raised its emergency warning to its second-highest level and introduced beefed-up control measures in all residential communities and a "war-time regime" which above all means that citizens should voluntarily actively aid the authorities in fighting the spread of the infection
According to the latest statistics, currently there are 159 patients with the disease caused by COVID-19 hospitalized in Beijing, although as recently as June 11 only one sole infected case was recorded in the city. During the entire course of the pandemic, the city recorded 752 cases of the infection, with 584 patients having recovered and nine fatalities.