tass--2020-07-01--78.03% Russians support constitutional amendments - CEC after counting 99% of ballots

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
About 78.03 % of Russians have voted in support of constitutional amendments , as follows from the data from the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) after counting 99.02 % of ballots .
According to the CEC , as many as 21.16 % of votes were against .
The voter turnout , according to the latest update , was 65 % The nationwide voting on constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time .
Voting started in Russia on June 25 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree was July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations closed .
Along with the extended voting period ( from June 25 to July 1 ) , people could cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas , including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application .
Additionally , residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by more than a half of those taking part .
There is no minimum voter turnout .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. About 78.03% of Russians have voted in support of constitutional amendments, as follows from the data from the Central Election Commission (CEC) after counting 99.02% of ballots.
According to the CEC, as many as 21.16% of votes were against. The voter turnout, according to the latest update, was 65%
The nationwide voting on constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time. Voting started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations closed. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people could cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online.
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-02--Russian Soyuz carrier rocket to orbit 15 foreign satellites in autumn

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
A Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket will blast off in the autumn to deliver Russia ’ s Gonets communications satellites into orbit along with 15 foreign space vehicles as a hosted payload , Deputy CEO of Glavkosmos commercial launch operator Vitaly Safonov announced on Thursday .
`` As part of the launch of Gonets space vehicles in the autumn of this year , there are plans to orbit an additional payload of 15 foreign-made small satellites and four small space vehicles of Russian universities , '' the deputy chief executive said .
Over 140 small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near-Earth orbit jointly with the launches under the federal space program since 2014 , Safonov said .
Currently , the issue of delivering small satellites into geostationary orbits is being explored , he added .
A source in the Russian space industry earlier told TASS that the first launch of Gonets-M communications satellites atop a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket was planned for the end of September from the Plesetsk spaceport .
The Gonets next-generation satellite system will offer communications , including telephone services , in hard-to-access places , including the Arctic , and provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the long run , it will allow transmitting data online from any objects , including mobile .
The orbital grouping is expected to comprise 28 satellites in low near-Earth orbit .

The Gonets next-generation satellite system will offer communications, including telephone services, in hard-to-access places, including the Arctic, and provide infrastructure for the Internet of things
MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. A Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket will blast off in the autumn to deliver Russia’s Gonets communications satellites into orbit along with 15 foreign space vehicles as a hosted payload, Deputy CEO of Glavkosmos commercial launch operator Vitaly Safonov announced on Thursday.
Read also Roscosmos reschedules launch of 3 Gonets telecoms satellites for 2021
"As part of the launch of Gonets space vehicles in the autumn of this year, there are plans to orbit an additional payload of 15 foreign-made small satellites and four small space vehicles of Russian universities," the deputy chief executive said. Over 140 small satellites have been delivered into a low near-Earth orbit jointly with the launches under the federal space program since 2014, Safonov said. Currently, the issue of delivering small satellites into geostationary orbits is being explored, he added. A source in the Russian space industry earlier told TASS that the first launch of Gonets-M communications satellites atop a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket was planned for the end of September from the Plesetsk spaceport. The Gonets next-generation satellite system will offer communications, including telephone services, in hard-to-access places, including the Arctic, and provide infrastructure for the Internet of things. In the long run, it will allow transmitting data online from any objects, including mobile. The orbital grouping is expected to comprise 28 satellites in low near-Earth orbit. Further launches of OneWeb satellites
Read also Soyuz-2.1b rocket launches OneWeb satellites from Baikonur space port


tass--2020-07-02--Putin thanks Russians for support and trust

`` I would like to extend my gratitude to Russian citizens and say thank you for your support and trust @ @ @ @ @ state said , opening a meeting of the Pobeda ( or Victory ) organizing committee @ @ @ @ @ understands those who voted against amendments to the Russian constitution .
`` I understand those @ @ @ @ @ against , '' Putin said .
`` We still have a lot of unresolved problems @ @ @ @ @ people often face injustice , callousness , indifference .
Many still live hard lives , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leadership , often think that we are doing our best , '' the @ @ @ @ @ no , life shows a different picture , life shows that we often underperform , @ @ @ @ @ , more exactly , in a more organized manner and more efficiently , '' the @ @ @

"I would like to extend my gratitude to Russian citizens and say thank you for your support and trust," the head of state said, opening a meeting of the Pobeda (or Victory) organizing committee.
Putin said that he understands those who voted against amendments to the Russian constitution.
"I understand those our fellow countrymen who voted against," Putin said. "We still have a lot of unresolved problems, this is true, people often face injustice, callousness, indifference. Many still live hard lives, while we, the country’s leadership, often think that we are doing our best," the president noted. "But no, life shows a different picture, life shows that we often underperform, while we must act quicker, more exactly, in a more organized manner and more efficiently," the president stressed.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia ready to export Avifavir for treatment of coronavirus amid global shortage

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) is ready to export Avifavir drug against the coronavirus amid the shortage of such drugs globally due to the US authorities ’ decision to purchase almost 100 % of the manufactured Remdesivir in the coming months , the Fund said in a statement on Thursday .
`` Avifavir is one of the world 's most effective coronavirus drugs and produces better results than its peers , including the US drug Remdesivir made by Gilead Sciences .
Given the US authorities ’ decision to purchase almost 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming months and the shortage of effective drugs on the global market , Russia is ready to help other countries in the fight against coronavirus and begin exports of Avifavir .
More than 50 countries have already expressed interest in the drug .
RDIF and ChemRar intend to expand Avifavir 's production and widen its supply geographically over the coming months , '' Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev was quoted as saying .
Moreover , RDIF and ChemRar produced the first 100,000 courses of Avifavir in June , significantly exceeding initially planned production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
In June , the drug was delivered across Russia 's 35 regions and to the Republic of Belarus .
Agreement has also been reached for deliveries of Avifavir to the Republic of Kazakhstan in the near future .
In total , more than 100,000 courses will be produced in July .
The joint venture established by RDIF and ChemRar Group provided an additional opportunity to increase production capacity threefold , up to 300,000 courses per month , which will satisfy domestic demand for Avifavir in Russia and enable the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 29 , Avifavir received a registration certificate from Russia ’ s Ministry of Health and became the first Russian drug approved for treatment of COVID-19 patients .
On June 3 , the Ministry of Health included Avifavir in the latest , seventh edition of the guidelines for the prevention , diagnosis and treatment of the novel coronavirus infection .
It has shown high efficacy in clinical trials , disrupting the reproduction mechanisms of coronavirus .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is ready to export Avifavir drug against the coronavirus amid the shortage of such drugs globally due to the US authorities’ decision to purchase almost 100% of the manufactured Remdesivir in the coming months, the Fund said in a statement on Thursday.
"Avifavir is one of the world's most effective coronavirus drugs and produces better results than its peers, including the US drug Remdesivir made by Gilead Sciences. Given the US authorities’ decision to purchase almost 100% of the manufactured Remdesivir in the coming months and the shortage of effective drugs on the global market, Russia is ready to help other countries in the fight against coronavirus and begin exports of Avifavir. More than 50 countries have already expressed interest in the drug. RDIF and ChemRar intend to expand Avifavir's production and widen its supply geographically over the coming months," Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev was quoted as saying.
Moreover, RDIF and ChemRar produced the first 100,000 courses of Avifavir in June, significantly exceeding initially planned production levels of 60,000 courses, the statement said.
In June, the drug was delivered across Russia's 35 regions and to the Republic of Belarus. Agreement has also been reached for deliveries of Avifavir to the Republic of Kazakhstan in the near future. In total, more than 100,000 courses will be produced in July.
The joint venture established by RDIF and ChemRar Group provided an additional opportunity to increase production capacity threefold, up to 300,000 courses per month, which will satisfy domestic demand for Avifavir in Russia and enable the start of supplies to the international market.
On May 29, Avifavir received a registration certificate from Russia’s Ministry of Health and became the first Russian drug approved for treatment of COVID-19 patients. On June 3, the Ministry of Health included Avifavir in the latest, seventh edition of the guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the novel coronavirus infection. It has shown high efficacy in clinical trials, disrupting the reproduction mechanisms of coronavirus.


tass--2020-07-02--Moscow hopes US comes to realize that conflict with China imperils third countries

`` I must say , I hope that Washington will sooner or later comprehend that a conflict between both of these powerful states , the world ’ s largest economies will neither benefit them , nor this whole immense global village of ours , '' he said .
MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The US must understand what kind of threat a conflict with China bears , not only for their bilateral relations , but to other countries as well , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an interview for TASS Thursday .
He underscored that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers differs from the Cold War era , by whose principles the US keeps being guided .
`` Today ’ s geopolitical situation is fundamentally different from what it was during the Cold War era , when the formation along three sides of a triangle was perceived as ‘ two against one.
’ Today , this calculation doesn ’ t work .
A complication along any side of the triangle does not correspond to interests of any countries involved in it , as well as the world in general .
This is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the diplomat noted .
Speaking about the situation around Hong Kong , the senior diplomat underscored that Russia stands against any external interventions .
`` If we all respect the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of China — and I am certain there are no doubts about that — then we must view the Hong Kong situation as a strictly internal affair of China .
This is where our position stems from .
We stand categorically against any foreign meddling in relations between the central government and one of the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also noted that he considers it funny that reproaches for a lack of democracy come from those who `` ruled over the colonial Hong Kong for almost 100 years , but somehow did not use this time to introduce direct elections there , sending governor generals from overseas instead without taking the opinion of the locals into account . ''

"I must say, I hope that Washington will sooner or later comprehend that a conflict between both of these powerful states, the world’s largest economies will neither benefit them, nor this whole immense global village of ours," he said.
MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The US must understand what kind of threat a conflict with China bears, not only for their bilateral relations, but to other countries as well, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an interview for TASS Thursday.
He underscored that the current geopolitical situation and distribution of powers differs from the Cold War era, by whose principles the US keeps being guided.
"Today’s geopolitical situation is fundamentally different from what it was during the Cold War era, when the formation along three sides of a triangle was perceived as ‘two against one.’ Today, this calculation doesn’t work. A complication along any side of the triangle does not correspond to interests of any countries involved in it, as well as the world in general. This is why we are advocating a unifying agenda," the diplomat noted.
Speaking about the situation around Hong Kong, the senior diplomat underscored that Russia stands against any external interventions. "If we all respect the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of China — and I am certain there are no doubts about that — then we must view the Hong Kong situation as a strictly internal affair of China. This is where our position stems from. We stand categorically against any foreign meddling in relations between the central government and one of the country’s regions," he said.
He also noted that he considers it funny that reproaches for a lack of democracy come from those who "ruled over the colonial Hong Kong for almost 100 years, but somehow did not use this time to introduce direct elections there, sending governor generals from overseas instead without taking the opinion of the locals into account."


tass--2020-07-02--Military guru gets 7-year prison term for passing classified FSB data to German firm

ST. PETERSBURG , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
A St. Petersburg court has sentenced Vladimir Neelov to seven years in @ @ @ @ @ and transmitting information on training FSB staff to a German company , reporters were told @ @ @ @ @ ’ press service .
`` The court sentenced [ Neelov ] to seven years in @ @ @ @ @ the statement said .
The press service noted that the military expert was found guilty @ @ @ @ @ the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ( high treason ) .
The court hearing @ @ @ @ @ .
As the court established , the expert sold classified information on the training of @ @ @ @ @ German consulting firm .
The defendant admitted partial guilt stating to the court that he @ @ @ @ @ data he had handed over was secret .

ST. PETERSBURG, July 2. /TASS/. A St. Petersburg court has sentenced Vladimir Neelov to seven years in a maximum-security prison for treason and transmitting information on training FSB staff to a German company, reporters were told by the united city courts’ press service.
"The court sentenced [Neelov] to seven years in a high-security prison," the statement said.
The press service noted that the military expert was found guilty under the Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (high treason). The court hearing was held behind closed doors. As the court established, the expert sold classified information on the training of FSB field operatives to a German consulting firm. The defendant admitted partial guilt stating to the court that he did not believe that the data he had handed over was secret.


tass--2020-07-02--Kremlin says goals of overcoming COVID-19 pandemic and related crisis remain a priority

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The tasks of overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis linked to @ @ @ @ @ governors ’ work , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ with the epidemic , although the situation has improved so that it is not impeding @ @ @ @ @ life , but still the need to continue relevant precautionary measures and maintain the healthcare @ @ @ @ @ of readiness has not disappeared .
This direction of work will certainly remain a priority @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The tasks of overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis linked to it remain a priority of governors’ work, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
"If we talk about tasks associated with the epidemic, although the situation has improved so that it is not impeding the country’s political life, but still the need to continue relevant precautionary measures and maintain the healthcare system at the proper level of readiness has not disappeared. This direction of work will certainly remain a priority," Peskov said.


tass--2020-07-02--Nearly 56% of Nenets Region’s voters opposed to amendments after ballot count completed

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Almost 56 % of the Nenets Region ’ s residents voted against the @ @ @ @ @ , the Nenets Region Election Commission told TASS on Thursday after processing 100 % of @ @ @ @ @ The ] ballots have been 100 % processed , with 43.77 % in favor of @ @ @ @ @ and 55.94 % against .
The turnout was a bit over 58 % , '' @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Almost 56% of the Nenets Region’s residents voted against the amendments to the Russian Constitution, the Nenets Region Election Commission told TASS on Thursday after processing 100% of the ballots.
"[The] ballots have been 100% processed, with 43.77% in favor of [the amendments], and 55.94% against. The turnout was a bit over 58%," the source said.


tass--2020-07-02--Foreign leaders congratulate Putin on voting results over the phone

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a series of phone calls with foreign leaders @ @ @ @ @ they congratulated him on the successful outcome of the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments , @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
`` Today the president has a very intense traffic of international telephone conversations @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin held a series of phone calls with foreign leaders on Thursday, during which they congratulated him on the successful outcome of the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Today the president has a very intense traffic of international telephone conversations," he said.


tass--2020-07-02--Shipbuilders complete dock repairs of Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship

The warship was placed in the dock on April 22 .
The dockside repairs proceeded along with the cruiser ’ s maintenance , which was also done by the Shipyard ’ s specialists .
SEVASTOPOL , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The 13th Ship Repair Plant has completed the dockside repairs of the Guards missile cruiser Moskva , which is the Black Sea Fleet ’ s flagship , and is beginning to float it out from the dry dock , the Shipyard Spokesman Sergei Gorbachev told TASS on Thursday .
`` Today an operation is beginning to bring the cruiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the calculations show , the operation is set to be completed tomorrow .
This process takes more time as the repair was done in the dry dock and it is first necessary to fill it up with water and then start floating out the ship , '' the spokesman said .
After that , the structures used during the Moskva ’ s repairs will be dismantled and the site will be equipped for receiving the guard ship Smetlivy , which is going to be turned into a museum .
The Smetlivy will enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exact time will be known after the cruiser Moskva is floated out , the spokesman said .
The cruiser Moskva is the Project 1164 ‘ Atlant ’ lead ship .
It entered service in 1983 .
As its main armament , the warship carries 16 launchers of P-1000 Vulkan missiles .
In the second half of 2015 , the cruiser led the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce where it was shielding Russia ’ s Hmeymim airbase in Syria with its air defense weapons .
On July 22 , 2016 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nakhimov .

The warship was placed in the dock on April 22. The dockside repairs proceeded along with the cruiser’s maintenance, which was also done by the Shipyard’s specialists.
SEVASTOPOL, July 2. /TASS/. The 13th Ship Repair Plant has completed the dockside repairs of the Guards missile cruiser Moskva, which is the Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, and is beginning to float it out from the dry dock, the Shipyard Spokesman Sergei Gorbachev told TASS on Thursday.
"Today an operation is beginning to bring the cruiser Moskva out of the dock. As the calculations show, the operation is set to be completed tomorrow. This process takes more time as the repair was done in the dry dock and it is first necessary to fill it up with water and then start floating out the ship," the spokesman said.
After that, the structures used during the Moskva’s repairs will be dismantled and the site will be equipped for receiving the guard ship Smetlivy, which is going to be turned into a museum. The Smetlivy will enter the dock in several days. The exact time will be known after the cruiser Moskva is floated out, the spokesman said.
The cruiser Moskva is the Project 1164 ‘Atlant’ lead ship. It entered service in 1983. As its main armament, the warship carries 16 launchers of P-1000 Vulkan missiles.
In the second half of 2015, the cruiser led the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce where it was shielding Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria with its air defense weapons. On July 22, 2016, the cruiser Moskva was awarded the naval Order of Nakhimov.


tass--2020-07-02--Extension of New START matter of political will, expert says

`` The extension of the New START is a matter of political will .
Since Moscow is [ already ] interested in the extension of the treaty , the question is whether the White House would like to keep it .
Unfortunately , the American side prefers to preserve ambiguity until the very last moment , '' he noted in his written comments for TASS .
According to Topychkanov , the US is aware that making this treaty trilateral , with China ’ s involvement , is impossible .
`` The issue could be formulated in various ways : whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( in the foreseeable future , it won ’ t ) , or whether it will take part in the multilateral consultations on future nuclear arms restrictions ( this is possible ) .
The American side understands that making the New START trilateral is impossible , but it uses this pretext to exert pressure on China , '' the expert said .
`` China will not take part in nuclear arms control on par with Russia and the US until the nuclear arsenals become comparable .
Even the imaginary involvement of France and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the large gap in the number of warheads between them and the US and Russia remains , '' he continued .
The expert underscored that the bilateral agenda of nuclear arms control remains between Russia and the US .
`` As long as relations of nuclear deterrence remain between Russia and the US , a bilateral agenda of nuclear arms control would also remain .
Meanwhile , growing capabilities in nuclear weapons , strategic systems with conventional payloads , new technologies ( artificial intelligence , cyber- and others ) , are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a multilateral strategic dialogue .
We do not talk about multilateral restrictions in nuclear weapons , but at first , about nuclear doctrines and armaments .
Such a dialogue would help lay the groundwork for future multilateral agreements on nuclear weapons , '' he concluded .

"The extension of the New START is a matter of political will. Since Moscow is [already] interested in the extension of the treaty, the question is whether the White House would like to keep it. Unfortunately, the American side prefers to preserve ambiguity until the very last moment," he noted in his written comments for TASS.
According to Topychkanov, the US is aware that making this treaty trilateral, with China’s involvement, is impossible. "The issue could be formulated in various ways: whether China will join the New START talks (in the foreseeable future, it won’t), or whether it will take part in the multilateral consultations on future nuclear arms limitations (this is possible). The American side understands that making the New START trilateral is impossible, but it uses this pretext to exert pressure on China," the expert said.
"China will not take part in nuclear arms control on par with Russia and the US until the nuclear arsenals become comparable. Even the imaginary involvement of France and the UK won’t help, if the large gap in the number of warheads between them and the US and Russia remains," he continued.
The expert underscored that the bilateral agenda of nuclear arms control remains between Russia and the US. "As long as relations of nuclear deterrence remain between Russia and the US, a bilateral agenda of nuclear arms control would also remain. Meanwhile, growing capabilities in nuclear weapons, strategic systems with conventional payloads and new technologies (artificial intelligence, cyber- and others), are a serious point in favor of establishment of a multilateral strategic dialogue. We do not talk about multilateral limitations in nuclear weapons, but at first, about nuclear doctrines and armaments. Such a dialogue would help lay the groundwork for future multilateral agreements on nuclear weapons," he concluded.


tass--2020-07-02--Kremlin lauds constitutional vote as triumph and trust in Putin

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin considers the outcome of the vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution as a triumph .
`` Certainly , [ the Kremlin ] calls the [ outcome of the vote on amendments to the Constitution ] a triumph .
Actually , de facto a triumphal referendum was held on trust in President [ Vladimir ] Putin , '' Peskov told reporters .
According to Peskov , a high interest in amendments had been easily predicted since this was explained by public activity in the process of initiating and outlining the amendments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnout and highest level of support , which were seen today , would have been very difficult to forecast , '' he noted .
Speaking on the plan of fulfilling changes , which the Russians supported , Peskov noted that `` this is the issue of the country ’ s near future . ''
He declined to name an exact date when the citizens would feel the changes .
`` Now as the Russians supported all initiatives on changes to the Constitution , certainly , this will become a foundation for a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
On Friday , the Central Election Commission plans to confirm the outcome of the nationwide vote on amendments to the Constitution that ended on July 1 .
According to the CEC , with all ballots counted , 77.92 % of voters backed the amendments and 21.27 % opposed them .
Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said the overall turnout at the voting hit 65 % .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The Kremlin considers the outcome of the vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution as a triumph.
"Certainly, [the Kremlin] calls the [outcome of the vote on amendments to the Constitution] a triumph. Actually, de facto a triumphal referendum was held on trust in President [Vladimir] Putin," Peskov told reporters.
According to Peskov, a high interest in amendments had been easily predicted since this was explained by public activity in the process of initiating and outlining the amendments. "But certainly, this highest turnout and highest level of support, which were seen today, would have been very difficult to forecast," he noted.
Speaking on the course to fulfill the changes that Russians supported, Peskov noted that "this is an issue of the country’s imminent future." He declined to name a precise timeframe when the public would feel these changes. "Now, since Russians have supported all the initiatives on the amendments to the Constitution, certainly, this will become a foundation for a better future for our country," Peskov stressed.
On Friday, the Central Election Commission plans to confirm the outcome of the nationwide vote on amendments to the Constitution that ended on July 1. According to the CEC, with all ballots counted, 77.92% of voters backed the amendments and 21.27% opposed them. Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said the overall turnout at the voting hit 65%.


tass--2020-07-02--Press review: Russia votes on constitutional amendments and Astana trio meets on Syria

Media : Most Russians back constitutional amendments paving the way for political reform After the results of the high-profile nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments are announced , Russia will launch a political reform drive and is likely to change the format of voting in elections in the future , political scientists questioned by Izvestia said .
According to preliminary data , more than 78 % of Russians backed the amendments to the nation ’ s key law , while some 21 % opposed them .
The public supported Russia ’ s social policy and the goal of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The voter turnout hit a record high but varied in the regions and therefore pundits say the governors in the worst-performing regions could find themselves in hot water .
One of the outcomes of the political reform will be vesting the Russian State Duma with powers on appointing government members , and passing a law on the State Council that will significantly increase its authority .
However , this is unlikely to change the political balance of powers in the country , experts told the paper .
According to Head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has built a system of checks and balances and that ’ s why the consolidation of the elites will be more important .
`` Any serious staff rotation will create turbulence , risks and threats , '' he noted .
Meanwhile , political scientist Dmitry Fetisov believes that the governors who failed to ensure high voter turnout in their regions could face some consequences .
`` Some regions turned out to be an unpleasant surprise for the Kremlin .
For example , a very low turnout in the Novgorod Region ( lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as in Kamchatka .
I think all this will be analyzed , '' the expert predicted .
Head of the Foundation for Civil Society Development Konstantin Kostin told Vedomosti that the voter turnout of over 60 % was a good sign and was a surprise to a certain extent .
The high voter turnout was ensured by a public information campaign ( more than 95 % were aware of the vote ) , which lasted for nearly four months .
Many amendments concerned large social groups and the factor of President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain role , he said .
`` He is the most popular politician in the country , he has a significant group of supporters and they accepted his invitation to take part in the vote . ''
Another factor was that the ballot was held during the week and this experience could be used in elections at various levels , the expert noted .
`` The crisis of participation may be overcome by making the election system more convenient and now we have managed to do this . ''
According to him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than during the vote on the 1993 Constitution , when 58.4 % of Russians backed it and the turnout was 54.8 % .
Izvestia : Takeaways from the online summit of Astana guarantor states on Syria The Astana format ( Russia , Iran and Turkey ) on the Syrian settlement is still relevant and contributes to gradually normalizing the situation in the war-torn Middle East country , experts told Izvestia following a trilateral online summit held by the presidents of Russia , Iran and Turkey on July 1 .
During the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sanctions policy of Western states against Syria and called on his Iranian and Turkish colleagues to consider extra measures on combating terrorism .
The leaders of the three countries passed a joint statement expressing their commitment to Syria ’ s territorial integrity .
The meetings of the Astana guarantor states are greatly needed , especially for solving the conflict in Idlib , Turkish political scientist Kerim Has said .
However , it should not be expected that Russia , Iran and Turkey will be able to immediately resolve the Syrian conflict and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expert told Izvestia .
The Astana trio is actively working on normalizing life in the Arab republic and in the near future , more trilateral talks will be held .
`` Besides , it should be understood that since the last summit many important events have taken place in the Middle East region , which demand a constant synchronization of watches , '' Has said .
In October 2019 , the Turkish president declared the launch of a military operation dubbed Peace Spring in northern Syria against Kurdish units .
Early this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the death of dozens of Turkish soldiers , who came under fire by Assad ’ s forces .
In response , Ankara launched a new military operation dubbed Spring Shield , the expert noted .
Meanwhile , the deterioration in Idlib was temporarily prevented thanks to the talks between the Russian and Turkish leaders on March 5 .
`` In January , the US killed Qasem Soleimani , a high-ranking Iranian commander .
Moreover , the Lebanese crisis is worsening .
All this creates additional tensions in the Middle East and somehow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s why the meetings in the Astana format should not be underestimated , '' he said .
US President Donald Trump is set to launch a war if the prospect of creating Iranian nuclear weapons becomes real , US Special Envoy for Iran Brian Hook said .
This statement was made at a special moment when the UN Security Council is beginning to discuss a US-proposed resolution on extending the international embargo on the arms trade with Iran .
It expires on October 18 and Washington believes this is one of the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitions , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused the Iranian authorities of violating the embargo by supplying arms to its Middle Eastern allies .
He also said Iran can not be given a tool for creating instability in the region because this would affect the oil market and inflict damage to many countries , including Russia and China .
However , Pompeo did not convince anyone .
At the P5 group ’ s video conference on Tuesday , delegates from Russia and China , as well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is especially unpleasant for the US ) called for lifting the embargo .
It is unclear when the meeting on the US resolution is going to be held but after the video conference it became clear that one of the permanent members of the Security Council will veto it .
Senior Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of Oriental Studies Vladimir Sazhin noted that although Hook ’ s statement was part and parcel of the propaganda rhetoric , the US and Israel could indeed take last-ditch measures in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran become real .
`` But even if Iran de jure withdraws from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , it won ’ t create a nuclear bomb the next day .
This will take at least five or six years .
So , a potential US strike could be discussed as a remote prospect , '' the expert noted .
Izvestia : Germany braces to defend Nord Stream 2 from US sanctions assault Germany is mulling a response to Washington ’ s sanctions over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the assault on the sovereignty of Germany and Europe .
These statements came after a bill was submitted to the US House of Representatives on expanding restrictions against Nord Stream 2 , which could target European companies .
The proposed US restrictions could affect any vessels involved in the pipeline ’ s construction as well as companies cooperating with them .
Meanwhile , Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics National Research University Dmitry Suslov believes that the US could pass a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions on the Europeans .
The expert noted that neither the Trump administration nor the Democrats would benefit from a tougher bill .
This bill emerged as a means of exerting pressure on Germany , but now the White House seeks to pressure Berlin by withdrawing some forces from German soil .
`` If a tougher version of the bill is adopted , then most likely the Europeans will primarily use mechanisms to protect their companies , as they did when the United States withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal and reinstated unilateral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be ruled out that they could take some kind of sanctions against the US , which are purely symbolic , although the likelihood of this is also very small , '' the political analyst told Izvestia .
It takes some time to impose restrictions and the Europeans hope now that Democratic candidate Joe Biden will win the presidential election , Suslov said , noting that Brussels was unlikely to take any steps ahead of the vote .
Berlin hopes that the situation could improve in case of a Biden victory , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Institute of European Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Kamkin said .
`` However , Trump ’ s key rival choses even more anti-Russian messages and basically it can turn out that with Trump ’ s departure the sanctions pressure would not subside , '' the expert said .
Vedomosti : Wine sales could drop in Russia after new law comes into effect New rules of producing and selling wine could result in a decline in sales in Russia , representatives of the Russian Retail Market Experts Association and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers ) told Vedomosti .
The law on winegrowing and winemaking entered into force on June 26 .
It outlines rules on labels , production and selling wine and measures of state support .
Now , a Russian wine can be called only wine when made 100 % from domestically-grown grapes .
A Russian wine produced from foreign wine material can be only labeled as `` wine-containing beverage '' and the bottles and shelves in the shops should have a mark `` It ’ s not a wine , '' producers said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies of wine and trigger a rise in prices , the Russian Retail Market Experts Association warned .
Companies will have to give a different name to their products and some could halt production , Chairman of the Board at the association , Andrei Karpov , said .
Besides , radical changes on the shelves frustrate customers , who may doubt the quality of even good wines and switch to other beverages , including strong spirits , he noted .
After the new regulations , wine sales could drop in Russia , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Retail chains will not be able to purchase non-legally labeled wines ( primarily imported ) , and suppliers will not be able to label the goods properly due to unclear provisions of the law .
He believes that domestic wine sales could decrease 10-15 % .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Media: Most Russians back constitutional amendments paving the way for political reform
Read also 77.92% of Russians support constitutional amendments
After the results of the high-profile nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments are announced, Russia will launch a political reform drive and is likely to change the format of voting in elections in the future, political scientists questioned by Izvestia said. According to preliminary data, more than 78% of Russians backed the amendments to the nation’s key law, while some 21% opposed them. The public supported Russia’s social policy and the goal of the government is to fulfill it, experts said. The voter turnout hit a record high but varied in the regions and therefore pundits say the governors in the worst-performing regions could find themselves in hot water. One of the outcomes of the political reform will be vesting the Russian State Duma with powers on appointing government members, and passing a law on the State Council that will significantly increase its authority. However, this is unlikely to change the political balance of powers in the country, experts told the paper. According to Head of the Political Expert Group Konstantin Kalachev, Russia has built a system of checks and balances and that’s why the consolidation of the elites will be more important. "Any serious staff rotation will create turbulence, risks and threats," he noted. Meanwhile, political scientist Dmitry Fetisov believes that the governors who failed to ensure high voter turnout in their regions could face some consequences. "Some regions turned out to be an unpleasant surprise for the Kremlin. For example, a very low turnout in the Novgorod Region (lower than expected in the Siberian regions) as well as in Kamchatka. I think all this will be analyzed," the expert predicted. Head of the Foundation for Civil Society Development Konstantin Kostin told Vedomosti that the voter turnout of over 60% was a good sign and was a surprise to a certain extent. The high voter turnout was ensured by a public information campaign (more than 95% were aware of the vote), which lasted for nearly four months. Many amendments concerned large social groups and the factor of President Vladimir Putin’s personal participation played a certain role, he said. "He is the most popular politician in the country, he has a significant group of supporters and they accepted his invitation to take part in the vote." Another factor was that the ballot was held during the week and this experience could be used in elections at various levels, the expert noted. "The crisis of participation may be overcome by making the election system more convenient and now we have managed to do this." According to him, the voter turnout and the results were better than during the vote on the 1993 Constitution, when 58.4% of Russians backed it and the turnout was 54.8%. Izvestia: Takeaways from the online summit of Astana guarantor states on Syria The Astana format (Russia, Iran and Turkey) on the Syrian settlement is still relevant and contributes to gradually normalizing the situation in the war-torn Middle East country, experts told Izvestia following a trilateral online summit held by the presidents of Russia, Iran and Turkey on July 1. During the video conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the sanctions policy of Western states against Syria and called on his Iranian and Turkish colleagues to consider extra measures on combating terrorism. The leaders of the three countries passed a joint statement expressing their commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity. The meetings of the Astana guarantor states are greatly needed, especially for solving the conflict in Idlib, Turkish political scientist Kerim Has said. However, it should not be expected that Russia, Iran and Turkey will be able to immediately resolve the Syrian conflict and fully restore peace to the country, the expert told Izvestia. The Astana trio is actively working on normalizing life in the Arab republic and in the near future, more trilateral talks will be held.
"Besides, it should be understood that since the last summit many important events have taken place in the Middle East region, which demand a constant synchronization of watches," Has said. In October 2019, the Turkish president declared the launch of a military operation dubbed Peace Spring in northern Syria against Kurdish units. Early this year, tensions flared up in Idlib after the death of dozens of Turkish soldiers, who came under fire by Assad’s forces. In response, Ankara launched a new military operation dubbed Spring Shield, the expert noted. Meanwhile, the deterioration in Idlib was temporarily prevented thanks to the talks between the Russian and Turkish leaders on March 5. "In January, the US killed Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking Iranian commander. Moreover, the Lebanese crisis is worsening. All this creates additional tensions in the Middle East and somehow affects the Syrian settlement. That’s why the meetings in the Astana format should not be underestimated," he said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US threatens military action to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions US President Donald Trump is set to launch a war if the prospect of creating Iranian nuclear weapons becomes real, US Special Envoy for Iran Brian Hook said. This statement was made at a special moment when the UN Security Council is beginning to discuss a US-proposed resolution on extending the international embargo on the arms trade with Iran. It expires on October 18 and Washington believes this is one of the key obstacles containing the Iranian regime’s ambitions, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused the Iranian authorities of violating the embargo by supplying arms to its Middle Eastern allies. He also said Iran cannot be given a tool for creating instability in the region because this would affect the oil market and inflict damage to many countries, including Russia and China. However, Pompeo did not convince anyone.
Read also Pressure on Iran runs counter to claims of commitment to nuclear deal — Russian diplomat
At the P5 group’s video conference on Tuesday, delegates from Russia and China, as well as the United Kingdom, Germany and France (which is especially unpleasant for the US) called for lifting the embargo. It is unclear when the meeting on the US resolution is going to be held but after the video conference it became clear that one of the permanent members of the Security Council will veto it. Senior Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies Vladimir Sazhin noted that although Hook’s statement was part and parcel of the propaganda rhetoric, the US and Israel could indeed take last-ditch measures in case the prospects of obtaining nuclear weapons by Iran become real. "But even if Iran de jure withdraws from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, it won’t create a nuclear bomb the next day. This will take at least five or six years. So, a potential US strike could be discussed as a remote prospect," the expert noted. Izvestia: Germany braces to defend Nord Stream 2 from US sanctions assault Germany is mulling a response to Washington’s sanctions over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. The Bundestag is pressing to start protecting itself from the assault on the sovereignty of Germany and Europe. These statements came after a bill was submitted to the US House of Representatives on expanding restrictions against Nord Stream 2, which could target European companies.
Read also Deadlines for Nord Stream 2 completion to be reviewed after new US sanctions


tass--2020-07-02--Turnout in constitutional amendments vote is 67.97%, says election commission

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The turnout at the nationwide vote on the amendments to the Russian Constitution @ @ @ @ @ according to data provided by Russia ’ s Central Election Commission as of 12:00 Moscow @ @ @ @ @ to previous reports , 77.92 % backed the constitutional amendments with 100 % of ballots @ @ @ @ @ voted against them .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The turnout at the nationwide vote on the amendments to the Russian Constitution stood at 67.97%, according to data provided by Russia’s Central Election Commission as of 12:00 Moscow time on Thursday.
According to previous reports, 77.92% backed the constitutional amendments with 100% of ballots counted, while 21.27% voted against them.


tass--2020-07-02--Shipbuilders to deliver nuclear-powered Akula-class sub to Russian Navy after upgrade

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s Project 971 ‘ Shchuka-B ’ ( NATO reporting name Akula ) nuclear-powered submarine Vepr has completed trials after its repairs and upgrade and is set to re-enter service with the Fleet in mid-July , a source in the defense industry told TASS on Thursday .
`` The certificate of the acceptance/delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine will take place at the Nerpa Ship Repair Plant in the second ten-day period of July , '' the source said .
The nuclear-powered submarine fully completed the program of its trials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faults .
It was earlier planned that the sub would be delivered to the Fleet in the third ten-day period of June .
The press office of the Zvyozdochka Ship Repair Center that incorporates the Nerpa Ship Repair Plant declined to comment on the source ’ s information for TASS .
Project 971 nuclear-powered submarines have been developed by the St. Petersburg-based Malakhit Marine Engineering Design Bureau .
The sub Vepr was built at the Sevmash Shipyard in northwestern Russia and delivered to the Russian Navy in 1995 .
After their upgrade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Kalibr-PL strike missile systems .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s Project 971 ‘Shchuka-B’ (NATO reporting name Akula) nuclear-powered submarine Vepr has completed trials after its repairs and upgrade and is set to re-enter service with the Fleet in mid-July, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Thursday.
"The certificate of the acceptance/delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine will take place at the Nerpa Ship Repair Plant in the second ten-day period of July," the source said.
The nuclear-powered submarine fully completed the program of its trials and stayed at the Nerpa Shipyard for removing faults. It was earlier planned that the sub would be delivered to the Fleet in the third ten-day period of June.
The press office of the Zvyozdochka Ship Repair Center that incorporates the Nerpa Ship Repair Plant declined to comment on the source’s information for TASS.
Project 971 nuclear-powered submarines have been developed by the St. Petersburg-based Malakhit Marine Engineering Design Bureau. The sub Vepr was built at the Sevmash Shipyard in northwestern Russia and delivered to the Russian Navy in 1995.
After their upgrade, the submarines of this Project were armed with Kalibr-PL strike missile systems.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia’s 2020 constitution backed by twice as many compared to 1993, says senator

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The legitimacy of the Russian constitution amended in 2020 is higher than in 1993 , since it was supported by almost twice as many people , Andrei Klishas , chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building of Russia ’ s Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) and co-chair of the task force for drafting the constitutional amendments , told TASS Thursday .
`` The legitimacy of the 2020 constitution is incommensurably higher .
Back in 1993 , fewer than 33 million people voted for the constitution , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , '' Klishas noted .
`` The 2020 constitution envisages a presidential republic with a strong parliament and Constitutional Court as a constitutional control body , '' he stressed .
According to the senator , the amendments became the basis for a nationwide consolidation of society .
Klishas recalled that 77.9 % of Russians backed the changes as became known after 100 % of voting protocols were processed .
`` This is a sign of a mature political system as well as a sign of the Russian society ’ s political health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian constitution was completed across the whole country at 21:00 Moscow time on Wednesday .
Even though the official vote day was set for July 1 by Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s order , citizens could take part in it throughout the week due to coronavirus precautions meant to eliminate the risk of transmission .
All votes cast throughout the week were tallied .
According to the law , the absolute majority of voters who cast their ballots should back the amendments for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level was not set .
According to the Russian Central Election Commission , the changes were supported by 77,92 % of the voters at polling stations , while 21.27 % opposed them as per data released after 100 % of voting protocols were processed .
The turnout reached 65 % , according to latest reports .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The legitimacy of the Russian constitution amended in 2020 is higher than in 1993, since it was supported by almost twice as many people, Andrei Klishas, chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) and co-chair of the task force for drafting the constitutional amendments, told TASS Thursday.
"The legitimacy of the 2020 constitution is incommensurably higher. Back in 1993, fewer than 33 million people voted for the constitution, while now [this number is] 57.7 million," Klishas noted.
"The 2020 constitution envisages a presidential republic with a strong parliament and Constitutional Court as a constitutional control body," he stressed.
According to the senator, the amendments became the basis for a nationwide consolidation of society. Klishas recalled that 77.9% of Russians backed the changes as became known after 100% of voting protocols were processed. "This is a sign of a mature political system as well as a sign of the Russian society’s political health," the politician is confident.
The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian constitution was completed across the whole country at 21:00 Moscow time on Wednesday. Even though the official vote day was set for July 1 by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order, citizens could take part in it throughout the week due to coronavirus precautions meant to eliminate the risk of transmission. All votes cast throughout the week were tallied. According to the law, the absolute majority of voters who cast their ballots should back the amendments for them to enter into force, a minimal turnout level was not set.
According to the Russian Central Election Commission, the changes were supported by 77,92% of the voters at polling stations, while 21.27% opposed them as per data released after 100% of voting protocols were processed. The turnout reached 65%, according to latest reports.


tass--2020-07-02--US spy’s sentence enters into force, no obstacles to swap deal, says lawyer

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The defense team chose not to appeal the sentence of US national Paul @ @ @ @ @ Russia and it came into effect , his lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov told TASS on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ appeal it and the appeal deadlines have passed .
The sentence entered into force .
@ @ @ @ @ in order not to waste time .
Those two or three months that the complaint @ @ @ @ @ could be now spent on talks and arranging Whelan ’ s exchange for Russians convicted @ @ @ @ @ '' the lawyer said , noting that `` there are no legal obstacles for this @ @ @ @ @ effect . ''

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The defense team chose not to appeal the sentence of US national Paul Whelan convicted of espionage in Russia and it came into effect, his lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov told TASS on Thursday.
"We did not appeal it and the appeal deadlines have passed. The sentence entered into force. We decided to act so in order not to waste time. Those two or three months that the complaint’s consideration would take could be now spent on talks and arranging Whelan’s exchange for Russians convicted in the United States," the lawyer said, noting that "there are no legal obstacles for this after the sentence came into effect."


tass--2020-07-02--FSB shuts down illicit firearms-making network in nationwide raid

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has seized 77 weapons and @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide operation , the FSB public relations service told TASS .
`` The Federal @ @ @ @ @ of 13 residents from St. Petersburg , the Leningrad Region , the Kemerovo Region — @ @ @ @ @ , the Krasnoyarsk Region and the Khabarovsk Region who were engaged in remodeling civil arms @ @ @ @ @ Second World War battle zones to reinstate their combat capabilities , '' the service noted @ @ @ @ @ 77 firearms were seized : two machine guns , six assault rifles , 11 submachine @ @ @ @ @ revolvers , 30 rifles and carbines as well as 23 fragmentation hand grenades , 103 @ @ @ @ @ than 13,500 bullets of various calibers and 365 basic and assembling weapon parts .
The @ @ @ @ @ down five clandestine workshops equipped with special tools .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has seized 77 weapons and 103 kilograms of TNT in a nationwide operation, the FSB public relations service told TASS.
"The Federal Security Service foiled criminal activities of 13 residents from St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region, the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass, the Krasnodar Region, the Krasnoyarsk Region and the Khabarovsk Region who were engaged in remodeling civil arms and weapons excavated in the Second World War battle zones to reinstate their combat capabilities," the service noted.
As a result, 77 firearms were seized: two machine guns, six assault rifles, 11 submachine guns, 28 pistols and revolvers, 30 rifles and carbines as well as 23 fragmentation hand grenades, 103 kilograms of TNT, more than 13,500 bullets of various calibers and 365 basic and assembling weapon parts.
The FSB added that they shut down five clandestine workshops equipped with special tools.


tass--2020-07-02--Armenia reports 593 new coronavirus cases in past day

YEREVAN , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in Armenia grew by 593 in the past twenty-four hours compared to 523 a day earlier , the republic ’ s Health Ministry reported on Thursday .
`` In the past twenty-four hours , 593 new coronavirus cases were identified and 473 patients recovered from the illness .
To date , 15,036 patients have recovered from the disease while the total number of the infected stands at 26,658 , '' the ministry said in a statement .
Six coronavirus patients died at Armenian hospitals in the past twenty-four hours , bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic in the republic , the latest data indicate .
Yerevan hospitals conducted over 2,100 coronavirus tests in the past twenty-four hours , the ministry said .
The Armenian population equals 2.9 million people , which means that the coronavirus infection has been identified among 0.9 % of the republic ’ s residents since the start of the pandemic in the country .
Over this time , 115,765 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the republic , of which 23 % have been positive .
In the past week , Armenia registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily whereas for three consecutive days the COVID-19 case count equaled 700 .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on June 26 that the situation was prompting the authorities to tighten anti-epidemic requirements .
According to Pashinyan , Armenia was now among the states with the largest number of infections per 1 million people .
He stressed again that the basic problem was that Armenian citizens did not fully realize that they were massively breaching anti-epidemic requirements .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 10,819,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,270 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,040,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

YEREVAN, July 2. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in Armenia grew by 593 in the past twenty-four hours compared to 523 a day earlier, the republic’s Health Ministry reported on Thursday.
"In the past twenty-four hours, 593 new coronavirus cases were identified and 473 patients recovered from the illness. To date, 15,036 patients have recovered from the disease while the total number of the infected stands at 26,658," the ministry said in a statement.
Six coronavirus patients died at Armenian hospitals in the past twenty-four hours, bringing fatalities to 459 since the start of the pandemic in the republic, the latest data indicate.
Yerevan hospitals conducted over 2,100 coronavirus tests in the past twenty-four hours, the ministry said.
The Armenian population equals 2.9 million people, which means that the coronavirus infection has been identified among 0.9% of the republic’s residents since the start of the pandemic in the country. Over this time, 115,765 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the republic, of which 23% have been positive.
In the past week, Armenia registered no less than 400 new coronavirus cases daily whereas for three consecutive days the COVID-19 case count equaled 700.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on June 26 that the situation was prompting the authorities to tighten anti-epidemic requirements.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia was now among the states with the largest number of infections per 1 million people. He stressed again that the basic problem was that Armenian citizens did not fully realize that they were massively breaching anti-epidemic requirements.
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 10,819,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,270 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,040,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia reports less than 7,000 daily COVID-19 cases in the past week

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia recorded 6,760 new coronavirus cases in the past day and the daily @ @ @ @ @ 7,000 cases in the past week , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ center , the total case tally in Russia reached 661,165 .
Over the past three @ @ @ @ @ did not exceed 1 % .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Russia recorded 6,760 new coronavirus cases in the past day and the daily growth rate was less than 7,000 cases in the past week, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.
According to the crisis center, the total case tally in Russia reached 661,165. Over the past three days the daily growth rate did not exceed 1%.


tass--2020-07-02--77.92% of Russians support constitutional amendments

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The constitutional amendments have been supported by 77.92 % of Russians who took @ @ @ @ @ , the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) said after counting 100 % of ballots @ @ @ @ @ commission , 21.27 % of voters were opposed to the amendments .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ was 65 % .
The nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments ended in Russia at @ @ @ @ @ .
The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 , but due @ @ @ @ @ voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations closed .
The amendments @ @ @ @ @ supported by more than one half of those who took part in the vote .
@ @ @ @ @ turnout .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The constitutional amendments have been supported by 77.92% of Russians who took part in the nationwide vote, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said after counting 100% of ballots.
According to the election commission, 21.27% of voters were opposed to the amendments. According to the latest data, the turnout was 65%.
The nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time on Wednesday. The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1, but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations closed.
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than one half of those who took part in the vote. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-02--Over 1,400 people in Moscow donate plasma for coronavirus patients

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
More than 1,400 people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have become blood plasma donors in Moscow , 161 of them donated plasma several times , Moscow Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova told reporters .
`` Plasma with coronavirus antibodies is used as adjunctive therapy for hospital patients in moderate and grave condition .
In the [ Russian ] capital , 1,451 people donated plasma after recovering from the disease , more than 160 donors came again and donated it for the second , third and even fourth time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge everyone who defeated the infection to help those who are still undergoing treatment in hospitals , '' Rakova said .
She noted that there was a hotline for those who have recovered from COVID-19 to call if they are willing to become blood plasma donors .
`` Potential donors are tested for the number of antibodies that provide antiviral protection .
After that , city residents willing to become donors undergo a medical examination and medical tests .
If there are no contraindications ( HIV , hepatitis , previous surgery and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detection demonstrate their presence in sufficient quantities , a donor is invited to donate one ’ s plasma , '' Rakova added .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. More than 1,400 people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have become blood plasma donors in Moscow, 161 of them donated plasma several times, Moscow Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova told reporters.
"Plasma with coronavirus antibodies is used as adjunctive therapy for hospital patients in moderate and grave condition. In the [Russian] capital, 1,451 people donated plasma after recovering from the disease, more than 160 donors came again and donated it for the second, third and even fourth time. We are very grateful to them and urge everyone who defeated the infection to help those who are still undergoing treatment in hospitals," Rakova said.
She noted that there was a hotline for those who have recovered from COVID-19 to call if they are willing to become blood plasma donors.
"Potential donors are tested for the number of antibodies that provide antiviral protection. After that, city residents willing to become donors undergo a medical examination and medical tests. If there are no contraindications (HIV, hepatitis, previous surgery and others), and the results of antibody detection demonstrate their presence in sufficient quantities, a donor is invited to donate one’s plasma," Rakova added.


tass--2020-07-02--TUMI Builds On Legacy Of Innovation Through Sustainability

NEW YORK , July 2 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With a heritage of producing the highest quality products , today TUMI , the leading international travel and lifestyle brand , takes the next step in its mission to protect what matters .
TUMI is committed to minimizing its impact on the planet by designing for durability and introducing sustainable materials with the launch of Merge , the brand 's first travel collection made with recycled materials , as well as select styles within the Alpha Bravo and Devoe collections .
These new products give consumers the option to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style or quality .
`` When the time is right for travelers to embark on their next journey , our promise is to protect not only their treasured personal items , but also the world they travel to see , '' says Victor Sanz , TUMI 's Creative Director .
`` The TUMI brand is innovative by nature , but we are sustainable by choice .
And as such , we are committed to designing innovative products and manufacturing processes that take care of our planet , while ensuring that our people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TUMI is dedicated to building a more sustainable future and has created a program that underscores the importance of sustainability throughout every aspect of its business .
It focuses on : • Innovative Products , by designing products that are built to last and adopting recycled materials , TUMI has diverted more than 980,000 plastic bottles from landfills ; • Carbon Action , working to reduce carbon intensity by 15 % and transition to 100 % renewable energy by 2025 ; • Thriving Supply Chain , requiring suppliers to meet TUMI 's standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • People Focused , providing the global TUMI team with safe working environments and offering the best opportunities , culture and support .
Diversity & Inclusion is a key pillar of brand 's sustainability pledge .
TUMI 's journey is powered by people .
Their passion and dedication make them the brand 's greatest asset .
As a people-focused business , TUMI provides meaningful opportunities for all employees by investing in their success and creating a supportive working environment .
Making a positive impact on communities both near and far is a key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By working with exceptional charity partners , TUMI strives to make tough journeys lead to better places in order to create lasting and sustainable change globally .
`` We are continually on a journey , growing our business and ensuring we work with integrity every step of the way , '' says Jean DeCicco , General Manager TUMI North America .
`` Being with the company for more than ten years , I 've seen firsthand the positive evolution we 've gone through , and I 'm thrilled to continue leading forward with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we believe we have a responsibility to the world beyond the products we sell , most importantly to our people and our planet . ''
TUMI 's commitment to longevity has been a part of the brand 's DNA since the very beginning .
With a focus on the full lifespan of the product after it is sold , sustainability does n't stop at utilizing recycled materials .
Because value is more important than ever , TUMI purposefully engineers reparability into product design , creating bags that can be carried for even longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network helps to ensure that TUMI bags stay on the road , further minimizing impact on landfills .
`` We design and test all our materials relentlessly for durability and remain committed to the highest quality , '' says Christine Riley Miller , Director of Sustainability .
`` As part of our sustainability program , TUMI will continue to make changes across our business to minimize our impact on climate change .
The robust performance of recycled PET alone – meeting all of our 30 rigorous tests – enables us to use responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and uphold our commitment to protecting the planet we love to travel . ''
TUMI 's lightweight yet durable Merge collection , as well as select styles from rugged yet refined Alpha Bravo , and architecturally designed Devoe , feature materials that reflect the brand 's ethos of longevity while giving unwanted plastics a second life .
TUMI 's Spring 2020 products made with recycled materials have alone diverted more than 395,000 plastic bottles from landfills .
Merge 's recycled PET lining uses plastic bottles , preventing them from ending up in landfill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made from surplus nylon – also destined for landfills until it 's given new form as a hardworking textile ideally suited to modern travel .
Similarly , styles within Alpha Bravo and Devoe are made with body fabric comprised of post-industrial recycled nylon and lining made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles .
Since 1975 , TUMI has been creating world-class business and travel essentials , designed to upgrade , uncomplicate , and beautify all aspects of life on the move .
Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity , we 're committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions .
The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with upwards of 2,000 points of sale .
For more about TUMI , visit www.TUMI.com .

NEW YORK, July 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With a heritage of producing the highest quality products, today TUMI, the leading international travel and lifestyle brand, takes the next step in its mission to protect what matters. TUMI is committed to minimizing its impact on the planet by designing for durability and introducing sustainable materials with the launch of Merge, the brand's first travel collection made with recycled materials, as well as select styles within the Alpha Bravo and Devoe collections. These new products give consumers the option to make a positive choice for the planet without compromising style or quality.
"When the time is right for travelers to embark on their next journey, our promise is to protect not only their treasured personal items, but also the world they travel to see," says Victor Sanz, TUMI's Creative Director. "The TUMI brand is innovative by nature, but we are sustainable by choice. And as such, we are committed to designing innovative products and manufacturing processes that take care of our planet, while ensuring that our people are treated with respect and care."
TUMI is dedicated to building a more sustainable future and has created a program that underscores the importance of sustainability throughout every aspect of its business. It focuses on:
Innovative Products, by designing products that are built to last and adopting recycled materials, TUMI has diverted more than 980,000 plastic bottles from landfills;
Carbon Action, working to reduce carbon intensity by 15% and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2025;
Thriving Supply Chain, requiring suppliers to meet TUMI's standards of fair and responsible business; and
People Focused, providing the global TUMI team with safe working environments and offering the best opportunities, culture and support. Diversity & Inclusion is a key pillar of brand's sustainability pledge.
TUMI's journey is powered by people. Their passion and dedication make them the brand's greatest asset. As a people-focused business, TUMI provides meaningful opportunities for all employees by investing in their success and creating a supportive working environment. Making a positive impact on communities both near and far is a key part of TUMI's sustainability efforts. By working with exceptional charity partners, TUMI strives to make tough journeys lead to better places in order to create lasting and sustainable change globally.
"We are continually on a journey, growing our business and ensuring we work with integrity every step of the way," says Jean DeCicco, General Manager TUMI North America. "Being with the company for more than ten years, I've seen firsthand the positive evolution we've gone through, and I'm thrilled to continue leading forward with targeted action. As a brand, we believe we have a responsibility to the world beyond the products we sell, most importantly to our people and our planet."
TUMI's commitment to longevity has been a part of the brand's DNA since the very beginning. With a focus on the full lifespan of the product after it is sold, sustainability doesn't stop at utilizing recycled materials. Because value is more important than ever, TUMI purposefully engineers reparability into product design, creating bags that can be carried for even longer. Additionally, an extensive global repair network helps to ensure that TUMI bags stay on the road, further minimizing impact on landfills.
"We design and test all our materials relentlessly for durability and remain committed to the highest quality," says Christine Riley Miller, Director of Sustainability. "As part of our sustainability program, TUMI will continue to make changes across our business to minimize our impact on climate change. The robust performance of recycled PET alone – meeting all of our 30 rigorous tests – enables us to use responsible materials with no compromise for our customers and uphold our commitment to protecting the planet we love to travel."
Sustainable Products
TUMI's lightweight yet durable Merge collection, as well as select styles from rugged yet refined Alpha Bravo, and architecturally designed Devoe, feature materials that reflect the brand's ethos of longevity while giving unwanted plastics a second life. TUMI's Spring 2020 products made with recycled materials have alone diverted more than 395,000 plastic bottles from landfills.
Merge's recycled PET lining uses plastic bottles, preventing them from ending up in landfill. And its outer body fabric is made from surplus nylon – also destined for landfills until it's given new form as a hardworking textile ideally suited to modern travel. Similarly, styles within Alpha Bravo and Devoe are made with body fabric comprised of post-industrial recycled nylon and lining made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
Merge Collection, TUMI's first sustainable luggage collection
Body Fabric: post-industrial recycled nylon
Lining: post-consumer rPET
Bottles diverted on initial production: 214,000
Alpha Bravo Styles, made with recycled materials
Body Fabric: post-industrial recycled nylon
Lining: post-consumer rPET
Bottles diverted on initial production: 172,800
Devoe Styles, made with recycled materials
Body Fabric: post-industrial recycled nylon
Lining: post-consumer rPET
Bottles diverted on initial production: 8,600
About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we're committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with upwards of 2,000 points of sale. For more about TUMI, visit www.TUMI.com.
Press Contact: TUMI, Zoe Saunders, zoe.saunders@tumi.com


tass--2020-07-02--Awards USD$1 Million Prize, HUAWEI HMS App Innovation Contest Goes Global

SHENZHEN , China , July 2 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Developers around the world are being invited to put their skills to the test on a global stage with the launch of HUAWEI HMS App Innovation Contest , Apps UP , launching on 30th June .
The inaugural contest will see entrants compete against other experienced developers to create innovative apps that improve and help navigate everyday life .
Apps UP contest provides a platform for developers in each of the five competition regions : Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East & Africa , Latin America and China to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Core integrates Huawei 's Chipset-Device-Cloud capabilities , providing core capabilities to developers such as Machine Learning Kit , HiAI , AR Engine and more .
Developers can easily achieve direct access and global all-scenario intelligence distribution across all devices by integrating their apps with HMS Core .
With AppGallery 's continued growth and position as one of the top three global app marketplace , winners of the Apps UP contest will get the chance to have their apps promoted on HUAWEI AppGallery , making them accessible to hundreds of millions of device users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , combined with the benefits of AppGallery Connect , providing one-stop service open platform for mobile apps , which help developers innovate and carry out efficient operations .
• USD $ 1 million total funded by the Shining-Star Program , in cash prizes in the following categories : Best App , Best Game , Best Social Impact App , Most Popular App , Honorable Mention • Opportunity to compete on a global stage and showcase technical ability using leading HMS Core • Discussion with industry experts and Apps UP expert judging panel To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huawei hosted a live virtual event on Tuesday 30th June at 12:00 UTC+1 to showcase what 's in store for developers .
The event marked the opening of the global contest including talks from Zhang Ping'an , President of Consumer Cloud Service , Huawei Consumer Business Group , successful app developers , and HMS Core experts .
Examples of the integration with HMS Core showed at the launch event include art app Sketch AR , an application that uses HUAWEI HiAI to create a smarter app for virtual art creation .
Another is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kit and blends image recognition , HUAWEI HiAI Optical Character Recognition ( OCR ) translate popular children 's books into sign language to ensure deaf children can enjoy story time .
Commenting on the launch of the HUAWEI HMS App Innovation Contest , Apps UP , Zhang Ping'an said : `` The number of talented developers of HMS ecosystem is growing .
The work that developers do is integral to so much of our daily life .
Through the apps they create , they empower us to seamlessly navigate the world around us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invite developers to join us in building a better future and turn their ideas into reality using HMS Core offered by Huawei Mobile Services . ''
To enter , participants must register an account on the official website , https : //developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/digix/appsup between 30 June – 30 August 2020 and sign up either as an individual or as a team of up to three members .
All apps must be developed integrating HMS Core and submitted on the contest official website before 18:00 UTC+8 on 30 August 2020 , where a panel of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social value , business value , user experience and originality .
From there , at the stage of public review , the top 20 shortlisted apps in each region will be made available for the public to download on the contest official website or HUAWEI AppGallery from 21 September , making their way to the finals in October .
Ready to harness the endless potential of the app world with Huawei ?
To find out more , visit https : //developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/digix/appsup .

SHENZHEN, China, July 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Developers around the world are being invited to put their skills to the test on a global stage with the launch of HUAWEI HMS App Innovation Contest, Apps UP, launching on 30th June.
The inaugural contest will see entrants compete against other experienced developers to create innovative apps that improve and help navigate everyday life. Apps UP contest provides a platform for developers in each of the five competition regions: Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and China to showcase their skills and innovation.
HMS Core integrates Huawei's Chipset-Device-Cloud capabilities, providing core capabilities to developers such as Machine Learning Kit, HiAI, AR Engine and more. Developers can easily achieve direct access and global all-scenario intelligence distribution across all devices by integrating their apps with HMS Core.
With AppGallery's continued growth and position as one of the top three global app marketplace, winners of the Apps UP contest will get the chance to have their apps promoted on HUAWEI AppGallery, making them accessible to hundreds of millions of device users from more than 170 countries and regions, combined with the benefits of AppGallery Connect, providing one-stop service open platform for mobile apps, which help developers innovate and carry out efficient operations.
Prizes and wider benefits also include:
USD$1 million total funded by the Shining-Star Program, in cash prizes in the following categories: Best App, Best Game, Best Social Impact App, Most Popular App, Honorable Mention
Opportunity to compete on a global stage and showcase technical ability using leading HMS Core
Discussion with industry experts and Apps UP expert judging panel
Free access to Huawei Developers events, courses and certifications
To celebrate the launch of the contest, Huawei hosted a live virtual event on Tuesday 30th June at 12:00 UTC+1 to showcase what's in store for developers. The event marked the opening of the global contest including talks from Zhang Ping'an, President of Consumer Cloud Service, Huawei Consumer Business Group, successful app developers, and HMS Core experts.
Examples of the integration with HMS Core showed at the launch event include art app Sketch AR, an application that uses HUAWEI HiAI to create a smarter app for virtual art creation. Another is StorySign, which integrates with Machine Learning Kit and blends image recognition, HUAWEI HiAI Optical Character Recognition (OCR) translate popular children's books into sign language to ensure deaf children can enjoy story time.
Commenting on the launch of the HUAWEI HMS App Innovation Contest, Apps UP, Zhang Ping'an said: "The number of talented developers of HMS ecosystem is growing. The work that developers do is integral to so much of our daily life. Through the apps they create, they empower us to seamlessly navigate the world around us. At Huawei, we want to invite developers to join us in building a better future and turn their ideas into reality using HMS Core offered by Huawei Mobile Services."
How to enter
To enter, participants must register an account on the official website, https://developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/digix/appsup between 30 June – 30 August 2020 and sign up either as an individual or as a team of up to three members. All apps must be developed integrating HMS Core and submitted on the contest official website before 18:00 UTC+8 on 30 August 2020, where a panel of regional industry experts will score each entry on social value, business value, user experience and originality.
From there, at the stage of public review, the top 20 shortlisted apps in each region will be made available for the public to download on the contest official website or HUAWEI AppGallery from 21 September, making their way to the finals in October.
Ready to harness the endless potential of the app world with Huawei? To find out more, visit https://developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/digix/appsup .
#HMSInnovateforall
-ENDS-
CONTACT: Yiwen Zhu, zhuyiwen3@huawei.com


tass--2020-07-02--97.92% of voters in Chechnya support constitutional amendments

GROZNY , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Around 97.92 % of voters in the North Caucasian Republic of Chechnya have @ @ @ @ @ constitution , a spokesman for the republic ’ s election commission told TASS after 100 @ @ @ @ @ .
`` With 100 % of ballots counted , as many as 712,909 people , @ @ @ @ @ for , and 14,132 people , or 1.94 % voted against .
The voter turnout @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian constitution was held from @ @ @ @ @ , the official voting day .
The voting period was extended to reduce coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part .
@ @ @ @ @ turnout .

GROZNY, July 2. /TASS/. Around 97.92% of voters in the North Caucasian Republic of Chechnya have supported amendments to the Russian constitution, a spokesman for the republic’s election commission told TASS after 100% of ballot were counted.
"With 100% of ballots counted, as many as 712,909 people, or 97.92%, voted for, and 14,132 people, or 1.94% voted against. The voter turnout was 95.15%," he said.
The nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian constitution was held from June 25 through July 1, the official voting day. The voting period was extended to reduce coronavirus infection risks. The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-02--Japan sticks to its position on Kurils in light of constitutional amendment in Russia

TOKYO , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Japan ’ s government refrains from commenting on the voting on constitutional amendments in Russia but stresses that its position on the issue of South Kuril Islands and the peace treaty with Russia remains the same , Japan ’ s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters at a regular press conference on Thursday .
`` We are keeping a close eye on what is going on in Russia ’ s domestic and foreign policy but as a government we don ’ t comment it ( constitutional amendments - TASS ) .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing active talks to resolve the territorial dispute with the subsequent signing of a peae treaty , '' he told journalists when asked to comment on Russia ’ s voting .
Russia and Japan have been negotiating a peace treaty after World War II since the mid-20th century .
The main stumbling block to this is the issue of the ownership of the southern Kuril Islands .
After the end of World War II , all Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union .
However , Japan challenged the ownership of Iturup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of uninhibited islands of the Lesser Kuril Ridge called the Habomai Islands in Japan .
In 1956 , the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration on ceasing the state of war .
The two countries resumed diplomatic and other relations , however no peace treaty has been signed until now .
The Russian foreign ministry has repeatedly said that Russia ’ s sovereignty over these islands , which is committed to paper in international documents , can not be called to question .
The amendment to the Russian constitution envisages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories .
The nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian constitution was held from June 25 through July 1 , the official voting day .
The voting period was extended to reduce coronavirus infection risks .
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part .
There is no minimum voter turnout .
According to the latest update from the Central Election Commission after counting 99.9 % of ballots , the constitutional amendments won support of 77.93 % of voters .

TOKYO, July 2. /TASS/. Japan’s government refrains from commenting on the voting on constitutional amendments in Russia but stresses that its position on the issue of South Kuril Islands and the peace treaty with Russia remains the same, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters at a regular press conference on Thursday.
"We are keeping a close eye on what is going on in Russia’s domestic and foreign policy but as a government we don’t comment it (constitutional amendments - TASS). Our position remains unchanged. We stand for continuing active talks to resolve the territorial dispute with the subsequent signing of a peae treaty," he told journalists when asked to comment on Russia’s voting.
Russia and Japan have been negotiating a peace treaty after World War II since the mid-20th century. The main stumbling block to this is the issue of the ownership of the southern Kuril Islands. After the end of World War II, all Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union. However, Japan challenged the ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan islands and a number of uninhibited islands of the Lesser Kuril Ridge called the Habomai Islands in Japan.
In 1956, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration on ceasing the state of war. The two countries resumed diplomatic and other relations, however no peace treaty has been signed until now.
The Russian foreign ministry has repeatedly said that Russia’s sovereignty over these islands, which is committed to paper in international documents, cannot be called to question.
The amendment to the Russian constitution envisages a ban on ceding Russia’s territories.
The nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian constitution was held from June 25 through July 1, the official voting day. The voting period was extended to reduce coronavirus infection risks. The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part. There is no minimum voter turnout.
According to the latest update from the Central Election Commission after counting 99.9% of ballots, the constitutional amendments won support of 77.93% of voters.


tass--2020-07-02--Over 8,000 people covered by herd immunity study for coronavirus in three Russian regions

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
More than 8,100 people were covered by a herd immunity study to the novel coronavirus infection in three Russian regions in June , Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog said on Thursday .
`` A study of herd immunity to the novel coronavirus infection was conducted in June 2020 in three pilot regions , namely St. Petersburg , the Tyumen region , and the Khabarovsk Territory , '' it said .
`` The study covered 8,168 people , including 2,722 in ST. Petersburg , 2,758 in the Tyumen region , and 2,688 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog , herd immunity studies are conducted in 23 Russian regions .
The study involved both children and adults , both diagnosed with the coronavirus infection and not .
The study covered the following age categories : children aged from one to 17 and adults of six age groups , namely from 18 to 29 , from 30 to 39 , from 40 to 49 , from 50 to 59 , from 60 to 69 , and 70 and older The study of herd immunity is needed to expose specifics of the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation development in any individual region and generally in the country .
To date , 654,405coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 422,931 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 9,536 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. More than 8,100 people were covered by a herd immunity study to the novel coronavirus infection in three Russian regions in June, Russia’s sanitary watchdog said on Thursday.
"A study of herd immunity to the novel coronavirus infection was conducted in June 2020 in three pilot regions, namely St. Petersburg, the Tyumen region, and the Khabarovsk Territory," it said. "The study covered 8,168 people, including 2,722 in ST. Petersburg, 2,758 in the Tyumen region, and 2,688 in the Khabarovsk Territory."
According to the watchdog, herd immunity studies are conducted in 23 Russian regions.
The study involved both children and adults, both diagnosed with the coronavirus infection and not. The study covered the following age categories: children aged from one to 17 and adults of six age groups, namely from 18 to 29, from 30 to 39, from 40 to 49, from 50 to 59, from 60 to 69, and 70 and older
The study of herd immunity is needed to expose specifics of the epidemic process, develop a forecast for the situation development in any individual region and generally in the country.
To date, 654,405coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 422,931 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,536 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-01--Astana guarantors say Syria's independence and integrity must be respected

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
The principles of independence and integrity of Syria should be universally respected , @ @ @ @ @ , Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian and Turkish counterparts , Hassan Rouhani and @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday in their joint statement after an online summit in the Astana format .
The @ @ @ @ @ commitment to the sovereignty , independence , unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab @ @ @ @ @ the goals and principles of the UN Charter '' .
They `` emphasized that these @ @ @ @ @ compliance and that no actions by anyone should undermine it '' .
The Russian , @ @ @ @ @ all attempts to create a new reality in Syria `` on the ground '' under @ @ @ @ @ on terror .
`` In this regard we rejected all attempts of creating a new @ @ @ @ @ '' under the pretext of the war on terror , including illegal initiatives on self-rule @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. The principles of independence and integrity of Syria should be universally respected, no one should undermine them, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian and Turkish counterparts, Hassan Rouhani and Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday in their joint statement after an online summit in the Astana format.
The parties noted a firm "commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as the goals and principles of the UN Charter". They "emphasized that these principles are subject to universal compliance and that no actions by anyone should undermine it".
The Russian, Iranian and Turkish presidents rejected all attempts to create a new reality in Syria "on the ground" under the pretext of the war on terror. "In this regard we rejected all attempts of creating a new reality "on the ground" under the pretext of the war on terror, including illegal initiatives on self-rule," the document said.