tass--2020-09-11--Sinopec Holds First Virtual Open Day Event in Saudi Arabia

AL-KHOBAR , Saudi Arabia , Sept. 11 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation ( `` Sinopec '' , HKG : 0386 ) , China 's leading energy and chemical company , today held a Sinopec Open Day in Saudi Arabia .
This `` Better Energy , Better Life '' event exploring Sinopec 's comprehensive , multi-faceted approach to sustainability , is its first virtual , as well as first international Open Day .
To watch the video of Sinopec Virtual Open Day event , please visit : https : //www.youtube.com/watch ?
v=VanwNQqHr8g & feature=youtu.be This online event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia in 2000 and provided updates while inviting questions from the global audience .
For over two decades , Sinopec has consistently provided high-quality engineering , technology , and refining services for the Saudi petroleum and petrochemical industry , as well as supplied petroleum and petrochemical equipment , products , and services .
Sinopec , along with local partners , launched a world-class joint venture and cooperation refinery plant .
In 2000 , Sinopec established its first drilling rig in the country ; now , it oversees nearly 70 rigs .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has established a positive reputation in Saudi Arabia .
To propel the development of drilling technology , Sinopec established Sinopec Tech Middle East in Saudi Arabia 's Dhahran Techno Valley in 2017 , the first Chinese R & D center in the country .
This reflected Sinopec 's commitment to becoming the world 's leading clean energy chemical company through greater cooperation with local communities and the government .
Sinopec is currently carrying out a four-year 3D geophysical prospecting project in the country , with over 1,000 project personnel combating average highs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desert zone covering more than 200km2 .
Since entering Saudi Arabia in 2004 , the Sinopec Exploration team has completed nine geophysical prospecting projects marked by its leading technology and outstanding health safety & environment performance .
In 2008 , the Sinopec Training Center opened in Saudi Arabia to train local petroleum engineering personnel .
As Sinopec 's first overseas training center , it has since hosted 1,310 training courses and trained over 30,000 employees , in addition to cooperating with Saudi Aramco Training and multinational training institutions .
The training center is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange with a Silk Road bookstore for students to learn about Chinese culture .
To help Saudi Arabia realize its 2030 vision of building up a vibrant society , a thriving economy , and an ambitious nation , Sinopec is also constructing over 30 city overpasses and passages in Saudi Arabia , creating a 600km domestic water transportation system from Yanbu to the holy city of Medina as well as a 300km irrigation system .
Concurrent with this virtual open day event , Sinopec released the book `` My 100 Overseas Colleagues '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees around the world .
Meanwhile , Sinopec has also launched Sinopec Russia account on Facebook , Twitter , and VK to highlight its local appearance .
Sinopec has 327 offices , 350 ongoing projects , and 52,000 international employees across 60 countries and regions around the world .
Its overseas assets total more than RMB 600 billion .
In line with the Belt and Road Initiative , Sinopec forged energy partnerships on an international level to establish new platforms for global , win-win cooperation .
It is dedicated to assisting Belt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia , and Kuwait as they transform from resource-exporting countries to resource-processing countries , steering forward in their sustainable development .
In uncertain times , Sinopec has continued to work with local governments to battle the Covid-19 pandemic , promote the resumption of production and projects , and ensure the health of its employees around the world .
Sinopec Corp. is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China .
Its principal operations include the exploration and production , pipeline transportation and sale of petroleum and natural gas ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petroleum products , petrochemical products , coal chemical products , synthetic fibre , fertiliser and other chemical products ; the import and export , including an import and export agency business , of petroleum , natural gas , petroleum products , petrochemical and chemical products , and other commodities and technologies ; and research , development and application of technologies and information .
Sinopec sets 'fueling beautiful life ' as its corporate mission , puts 'people , responsibility , integrity , precision , innovation and win-win ' as its corporate core values , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , integrated resource allocation , open cooperation , and green and low-carbon growth , and strives to achieve its corporate vision of building a world leading energy and chemical company .

AL-KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation ("Sinopec", HKG: 0386), China's leading energy and chemical company, today held a Sinopec Open Day in Saudi Arabia. This "Better Energy, Better Life" event exploring Sinopec's comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to sustainability, is its first virtual, as well as first international Open Day.
To watch the video of Sinopec Virtual Open Day event, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VanwNQqHr8g&feature=youtu.be
A close and deepening cooperation
This online event highlighted Sinopec milestones since its entry into Saudi Arabia in 2000 and provided updates while inviting questions from the global audience.
For over two decades, Sinopec has consistently provided high-quality engineering, technology, and refining services for the Saudi petroleum and petrochemical industry, as well as supplied petroleum and petrochemical equipment, products, and services.
Sinopec, along with local partners, launched a world-class joint venture and cooperation refinery plant. In 2000, Sinopec established its first drilling rig in the country; now, it oversees nearly 70 rigs. With its safe, efficient construction, Sinopec has established a positive reputation in Saudi Arabia.
To propel the development of drilling technology, Sinopec established Sinopec Tech Middle East in Saudi Arabia's Dhahran Techno Valley in 2017, the first Chinese R&D center in the country. This reflected Sinopec's commitment to becoming the world's leading clean energy chemical company through greater cooperation with local communities and the government.
Sinopec is currently carrying out a four-year 3D geophysical prospecting project in the country, with over 1,000 project personnel combating average highs of 50° Celsius of daily basis in a desert zone covering more than 200km2. Since entering Saudi Arabia in 2004, the Sinopec Exploration team has completed nine geophysical prospecting projects marked by its leading technology and outstanding health safety & environment performance.
In 2008, the Sinopec Training Center opened in Saudi Arabia to train local petroleum engineering personnel. As Sinopec's first overseas training center, it has since hosted 1,310 training courses and trained over 30,000 employees, in addition to cooperating with Saudi Aramco Training and multinational training institutions. The training center is also an important venue for Sino-Arab cultural exchange with a Silk Road bookstore for students to learn about Chinese culture.
To help Saudi Arabia realize its 2030 vision of building up a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation, Sinopec is also constructing over 30 city overpasses and passages in Saudi Arabia, creating a 600km domestic water transportation system from Yanbu to the holy city of Medina as well as a 300km irrigation system.
Concurrent with this virtual open day event, Sinopec released the book "My 100 Overseas Colleagues", which tells the stories of Sinopec employees around the world. Meanwhile, Sinopec has also launched Sinopec Russia account on Facebook, Twitter, and VK to highlight its local appearance.
A growing international presence
Sinopec has 327 offices, 350 ongoing projects, and 52,000 international employees across 60 countries and regions around the world. Its overseas assets total more than RMB 600 billion. In line with the Belt and Road Initiative, Sinopec forged energy partnerships on an international level to establish new platforms for global, win-win cooperation. It is dedicated to assisting Belt and Road Initiative countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Kuwait as they transform from resource-exporting countries to resource-processing countries, steering forward in their sustainable development.
In uncertain times, Sinopec has continued to work with local governments to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, promote the resumption of production and projects, and ensure the health of its employees around the world.
About Sinopec
Sinopec Corp. is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China. Its principal operations include the exploration and production, pipeline transportation and sale of petroleum and natural gas; the sale, storage and transportation of petroleum products, petrochemical products, coal chemical products, synthetic fibre, fertiliser and other chemical products; the import and export, including an import and export agency business, of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemical and chemical products, and other commodities and technologies; and research, development and application of technologies and information.
Sinopec sets 'fueling beautiful life' as its corporate mission, puts 'people, responsibility, integrity, precision, innovation and win-win' as its corporate core values, pursues strategies of value-orientation, innovation-driven development, integrated resource allocation, open cooperation, and green and low-carbon growth, and strives to achieve its corporate vision of building a world leading energy and chemical company.
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VanwNQqHr8g
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/960416/SINOPEC_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Yang Ziya, sinopecgroup@brunswichgroup.com, +86-10-5960-8600


tass--2020-09-11--iChongqing: 2020 Smart China Expo Online Opens in Chongqing

CHONGQING , China , Sept. 11 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2020 Smart China Expo Online ( SCE OL ) will be held online to ensure epidemic prevention and control from September 15th to 17th , and deliver through a series of summits , exhibitions , contests , forums and releases .
Singapore 's Ministry of Trade and Industry ( MTII ) is an event organizer this year .
Singapore , a guest of honor at the 2019 SCE , serves as the co-host country this year .
The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on September 15th through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Turing Award laureates , heads of international organizations , representatives of foreign governments , and mayors of Chongqing 's sister cities will be addressing the SCE virtually via holographic projection technologies . ''
said Chen Jinshan , director of the SCE 's organizing committee and the city 's economic and information commission .
On the official website , there will be six virtual exhibition areas called Chongqing Online , Smart Products , Smart Applications , Smart Technology , Smart Products and Regional Cooperation .
SCE OL also has an offline presence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Lijia Intelligent Park Chongqing , called Smart Manufacturing Powerhouse and Renowned Smart City .
At present , over 500 domestic and foreign heavyweight guests have been invited to participate in the conference through various forms .
Over 300 industry giants , including members of the Fortune 500 worldwide , are expected to participate in the exhibition online .
More than 300 world-renowned and leading technology companies will exhibit online with their virtual modeling technology , while cutting edge industry will participate in 41 forums and 17 competitions .
There will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showcase the latest achievements in new technology , as well as new products and models in smart industry .
This year SCE OL continues to lead trends in technology .
AR , MR , XR , and other technologies are widely used .
The online exhibition platform uses visual guides , flat video-on-demand , live broadcasts , and many other innovative technologies .
Chongqing has concentrated the advantages of supportive government policy , excellent logistics , convenient transportation and international expertise these years .
In terms of innovative communication , the 2020 Smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for technological innovation and a hotbed for innovation that connects talented individuals and projects .
It also serves as a sharing platform where citizens can immerse themselves more deeply with popular science .
The organizing committee performs on-demand live broadcasts through important media platforms home and abroad so that audiences can enjoy highlights of the 2020 SCE OL through all major networks on their devices without leaving home .
For more information on the 2020 Smart China Expo Online , please check : www.ichongqing.info/special/2020-smart-china-expo-online/

CHONGQING, China, Sept. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2020 Smart China Expo Online (SCE OL) will be held online to ensure epidemic prevention and control from September 15th to 17th, and deliver through a series of summits, exhibitions, contests, forums and releases.
Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTII) is an event organizer this year. Singapore, a guest of honor at the 2019 SCE, serves as the co-host country this year.
Online and Offline, Holographic Projection
The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on September 15th through the official internet platform. "Nobel Prize and Turing Award laureates, heads of international organizations, representatives of foreign governments, and mayors of Chongqing's sister cities will be addressing the SCE virtually via holographic projection technologies." said Chen Jinshan, director of the SCE's organizing committee and the city's economic and information commission.
On the official website, there will be six virtual exhibition areas called Chongqing Online, Smart Products, Smart Applications, Smart Technology, Smart Products and Regional Cooperation. SCE OL also has an offline presence in the form of two small-scale boutique pavilions in the Lijia Intelligent Park Chongqing, called Smart Manufacturing Powerhouse and Renowned Smart City.
Smart Industry Participation and Direction
At present, over 500 domestic and foreign heavyweight guests have been invited to participate in the conference through various forms. Over 300 industry giants, including members of the Fortune 500 worldwide, are expected to participate in the exhibition online. More than 300 world-renowned and leading technology companies will exhibit online with their virtual modeling technology, while cutting edge industry will participate in 41 forums and 17 competitions. There will be 16 offline and 100 online releases to showcase the latest achievements in new technology, as well as new products and models in smart industry.
Leading trends in technology
This year SCE OL continues to lead trends in technology. AR, MR, XR, and other technologies are widely used. The online exhibition platform uses visual guides, flat video-on-demand, live broadcasts, and many other innovative technologies.
Chongqing has concentrated the advantages of supportive government policy, excellent logistics, convenient transportation and international expertise these years.
Online participation
In terms of innovative communication, the 2020 Smart China Expo Online forms an ideal workshop for technological innovation and a hotbed for innovation that connects talented individuals and projects. It also serves as a sharing platform where citizens can immerse themselves more deeply with popular science.
The organizing committee performs on-demand live broadcasts through important media platforms home and abroad so that audiences can enjoy highlights of the 2020 SCE OL through all major networks on their devices without leaving home.
For more information on the 2020 Smart China Expo Online, please check: www.ichongqing.info/special/2020-smart-china-expo-online/
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1252470/iChongqing_Smart_China_Expo_Online.jpg
CONTACT: Yuling Chen, +86-15025594881


tass--2020-09-11--Innodisk's expanding CAN bus product line sees skyrocketing demand

TAIPEI , Sept. 11 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Innodisk 's CAN bus expansion modules are taking the world by storm .
Unprecedented demand for autonomous vehicle technology amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continued growth of industrial automation and smart healthcare mean that Innodisk 's industry-leading CAN bus solutions are in high demand .
Innodisk 's long-standing expertise in industrial markets and its commitment to CAN bus innovation have made it a key supplier to innovators – large and small – in the autonomous vehicle , automation , and medical markets .
As a result , Innodisk 's CAN bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half of 2020 , with unit sales in that period already surpassing full-year sales in 2019 .
Modern autonomous vehicle systems depend on many sensors in lidar , radar , and camera systems for autonomous navigation in diverse roadside environments .
This large number of sensors requires that the vehicle controller system is equipped with enough CAN bus ports .
Innodisk designed its new four-port M.2 to CAN bus expansion module ( EGPC-B4S1 ) to address this demand .
The expansion module provides vehicle controller systems with four additional CAN bus ports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing demands for CAN bus ports and giving manufacturers new opportunities to innovate .
Industrial-Grade CAN Bus Expansion Designed for the Future The new Innodisk EGPC-B4S1 CAN bus module launches in the third quarter of 2020 and joins the two-port M.2 and mPCIe to CAN bus expansion modules in Innodisk 's growing CAN bus lineup .
Higher-level protocol support for SAE J1939 and CANopen launches for EGPC-B4S1 in Q4 2020 and is already fully supported in Innodisk 's existing CAN bus modules .
Innodisk 's CAN bus expansion modules are designed for industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( -40 degree Celsius to 85 degree Celsius ) , electrostatic discharge protection ( air : 15 kV , contact : 8 kV ) , as well as 2 kV HiPot protection – bringing CAN bus innovation to any industrial application .
Innodisk is a service-driven provider of flash memory , DRAM modules , and embedded peripheral products for industrial and enterprise applications .
With satisfied customers across a range of demanding industries , we have set ourselves apart with a commitment to exceptional products and service .

TAIPEI, Sept. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Innodisk's CAN bus expansion modules are taking the world by storm. Unprecedented demand for autonomous vehicle technology amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continued growth of industrial automation and smart healthcare mean that Innodisk's industry-leading CAN bus solutions are in high demand.
Sales Doubled in 2020
Innodisk's long-standing expertise in industrial markets and its commitment to CAN bus innovation have made it a key supplier to innovators – large and small – in the autonomous vehicle, automation, and medical markets. As a result, Innodisk's CAN bus product line sales nearly doubled in the first half of 2020, with unit sales in that period already surpassing full-year sales in 2019.
Innovations Tailored for Autonomous Vehicles
Modern autonomous vehicle systems depend on many sensors in lidar, radar, and camera systems for autonomous navigation in diverse roadside environments. This large number of sensors requires that the vehicle controller system is equipped with enough CAN bus ports.
Innodisk designed its new four-port M.2 to CAN bus expansion module (EGPC-B4S1) to address this demand. The expansion module provides vehicle controller systems with four additional CAN bus ports per card, satisfying autonomous vehicles' growing demands for CAN bus ports and giving manufacturers new opportunities to innovate.
Industrial-Grade CAN Bus Expansion Designed for the Future
The new Innodisk EGPC-B4S1 CAN bus module launches in the third quarter of 2020 and joins the two-port M.2 and mPCIe to CAN bus expansion modules in Innodisk's growing CAN bus lineup. Higher-level protocol support for SAE J1939 and CANopen launches for EGPC-B4S1 in Q4 2020 and is already fully supported in Innodisk's existing CAN bus modules.
Innodisk's CAN bus expansion modules are designed for industrial applications, featuring support for extreme temperatures (-40 degree Celsius to 85 degree Celsius), electrostatic discharge protection (air: 15 kV, contact: 8 kV), as well as 2 kV HiPot protection – bringing CAN bus innovation to any industrial application.
About Innodisk
Innodisk is a service-driven provider of flash memory, DRAM modules, and embedded peripheral products for industrial and enterprise applications. With satisfied customers across a range of demanding industries, we have set ourselves apart with a commitment to exceptional products and service.


tass--2020-09-12--Russian government to allocate another $467.13 mln for unemployment benefits

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree on allocating another 35.3 bln @ @ @ @ @ ) for unemployment benefits , press service of the Russian government announced on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ 109.4 bln rubles were spent for these purposes , which is more than 83 % @ @ @ @ @ in the budget .
To avoid non-payment , it was decided to additionally finance this @ @ @ @ @ press service said .
The Russian Federal Service for Labor and Employment was instructed to @ @ @ @ @ funds .
A report on this must be submitted to the government by February 1 @ @ @ @ @ order will make it possible to regularly and in full provide financial assistance to those @ @ @ @ @ difficult life situation .
If necessary , additional budget funds will be allocated for the @ @ @ @ @ the press service said .
Today the amount of unemployment benefits varies from 1,500 rubles @ @ @ @ @ 12,130 rubles ( $ 161.9 ) , depending on the recipient .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree on allocating another 35.3 bln rubles ($467.13 mln) for unemployment benefits, press service of the Russian government announced on Saturday.
"Before August 31, 109.4 bln rubles were spent for these purposes, which is more than 83% of the funds provided for in the budget. To avoid non-payment, it was decided to additionally finance this support measure," the press service said.
The Russian Federal Service for Labor and Employment was instructed to monitor the efficiency of spending funds. A report on this must be submitted to the government by February 1, 2021.
"The order will make it possible to regularly and in full provide financial assistance to those who find themselves in a difficult life situation. If necessary, additional budget funds will be allocated for the payment of benefits," the press service said.
Today the amount of unemployment benefits varies from 1,500 rubles ($20.02) to 12,130 rubles ($161.9), depending on the recipient.


tass--2020-09-12--Russia will react to possible new Western sanctions - Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will not leave possible new Western sanctions unanswered , Russian Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel .
`` The principle of reciprocity in international affairs @ @ @ @ @ We will see what new sanctions will be .
We , of course , will @ @ @ @ @ be left without reaction , '' Lavrov said .
Last week , the German government @ @ @ @ @ blogger Alexey Navalny was allegedly exposed to a poisonous substance from the Novichok group .
@ @ @ @ @ and its Western partners said that they would consider possible measures against Moscow .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ that Russia is ready for interaction with Germany .
He noted that before Navalny was @ @ @ @ @ toxic substances were detected in his body .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. Moscow will not leave possible new Western sanctions unanswered, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel.
"The principle of reciprocity in international affairs has not been canceled. We will see what new sanctions will be. We, of course, will react. This cannot be left without reaction," Lavrov said.
Last week, the German government issued a claim that Russian blogger Alexey Navalny was allegedly exposed to a poisonous substance from the Novichok group. In this regard, Berlin and its Western partners said that they would consider possible measures against Moscow. Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is ready for interaction with Germany. He noted that before Navalny was taken to Berlin, no toxic substances were detected in his body.


tass--2020-09-12--US lawmakers push Disney to explain Xinjiang cooperation on filming Mulan

TASS , September 12 .
A group of bipartisan US lawmakers , led by Republican Senator Marco Rubio ( Florida ) , sent a letter to the CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Chapek , demanding an explanation of the company 's cooperation with the authorities of China 's Xinjiang region in the northwest of China as part of the filming of Mulan live action remake , according to Rubio ’ s website .
`` We are writing to inquire about The Walt Disney Company ’ s cooperation with elements of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region ’ s ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the production of Mulan .
Disney ’ s apparent cooperation with officials of the People ’ s Republic of China ( PRC ) who are most responsible for committing atrocities—or for covering up those crimes—is profoundly disturbing , '' the letter said , noting that `` Publicly available information prior to the filming of Mulan showed the existence of mass internment camps for the detention of Uyghurs . ''
`` The decision to film parts of Mulan in the XUAR , in cooperation with local security and propaganda elements , offers tacit legitimacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrant the designation of genocide , '' the letter said .
Eighteen Senators and Members of the House of Representatives joined the initiative .
Mulan , directed by Niki Caro , is based on the 1998 animated film of the same name .
The film premiered in September 2020 .

TASS, September 12. A group of bipartisan US lawmakers, led by Republican Senator Marco Rubio (Florida), sent a letter to the CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Chapek, demanding an explanation of the company's cooperation with the authorities of China's Xinjiang region in the northwest of China as part of the filming of Mulan live action remake, according to Rubio’s website.
"We are writing to inquire about The Walt Disney Company’s cooperation with elements of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region’s (XUAR) security and propaganda authorities in the production of Mulan. Disney’s apparent cooperation with officials of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who are most responsible for committing atrocities—or for covering up those crimes—is profoundly disturbing," the letter said, noting that "Publicly available information prior to the filming of Mulan showed the existence of mass internment camps for the detention of Uyghurs."
"The decision to film parts of Mulan in the XUAR, in cooperation with local security and propaganda elements, offers tacit legitimacy to these perpetrators of crimes that may warrant the designation of genocide," the letter said.
Eighteen Senators and Members of the House of Representatives joined the initiative.
Mulan, directed by Niki Caro, is based on the 1998 animated film of the same name. The film premiered in September 2020.


tass--2020-09-12--Number of participants in Belarus protests on September 11 did not exceed 450 people

MINSK , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
No more than 450 people took part in protests in Belarus on Friday , the country 's Interior Ministry reported on Saturday .
According to the ministry , 32 demonstrators were detained , 18 of whom remain in custody .
`` The total number of participants in 13 protests , which took place in three regions of the republic , did not exceed 450 people .
At the same time , unauthorized events were noted in several places in the capital , '' the ministry 's Telegram channel said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
After the election , she left for Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
The opposition set up a Coordination Council for the transition of power in the country , calling on protesters to continue demonstrations .
The government demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, September 12. /TASS/. No more than 450 people took part in protests in Belarus on Friday, the country's Interior Ministry reported on Saturday. According to the ministry, 32 demonstrators were detained, 18 of whom remain in custody.
"The total number of participants in 13 protests, which took place in three regions of the republic, did not exceed 450 people. At the same time, unauthorized events were noted in several places in the capital," the ministry's Telegram channel said in a statement.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. After the election, she left for Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. The opposition set up a Coordination Council for the transition of power in the country, calling on protesters to continue demonstrations. The government demands that all unlawful protests be stopped.


tass--2020-09-12--COVID-19 vaccine shipped to all Russian regions to be delivered on September 14

SERTOLOVO , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The first batches of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine have been shipped to all regions of the country , delivery is expected until Monday , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Saturday .
`` The first batches of the vaccine for testing the supply chain have already been shipped , we are now checking the delivery system so that the staff gets to know it .
The first small batches have already been shipped to all regions , the Leningrad region will also receive [ the vaccine ] among the first ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vaccine will be delivered by Monday , '' he said .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine , which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials .
It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines .
On August 15 , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production .
The Minister also added that the use of the vaccine `` must be verified at every stage , '' so every stage is tested .
He also said that clinical studies of the second domestic vaccine against coronavirus are now being completed and , according to the minister , the tests are proceeding as planned .

SERTOLOVO, September 12. /TASS/. The first batches of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine have been shipped to all regions of the country, delivery is expected until Monday, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Saturday.
"The first batches of the vaccine for testing the supply chain have already been shipped, we are now checking the delivery system so that the staff gets to know it. The first small batches have already been shipped to all regions, the Leningrad region will also receive [the vaccine] among the first ones. In fact, the first samples of the vaccine will be delivered by Monday," he said.
On August 11, Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials. It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines. On August 15, the Russian Health Ministry announced the launch of vaccine production.
The Minister also added that the use of the vaccine "must be verified at every stage," so every stage is tested. He also said that clinical studies of the second domestic vaccine against coronavirus are now being completed and, according to the minister, the tests are proceeding as planned.


tass--2020-09-12--ISS to change orbit to avoid space debris

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The orbit of the International Space Station ( ISS ) will be adjusted @ @ @ @ @ a collision with a US spacecraft , Roscosmos said on Saturday .
`` On Monday @ @ @ @ @ , at 02:23 Moscow time , the International Space Station is predicted to approach the @ @ @ @ @ has turned into so-called ‘ space debris ’ , '' the state corporation noted .
@ @ @ @ @ be scheduled from 00:00 to 01:00 Moscow time on September 14 , 2020 .
Specialists @ @ @ @ @ continue to monitor this situation , '' the corporation said .
BRICSat-2 , an experimental @ @ @ @ @ US Navy , was launched into orbit in 2019 by SpaceX 's Falcon Heavy rocket @ @ @ @ @ state corporation stated that the Russian side `` has repeatedly drawn the attention of partners @ @ @ @ @ space that arise in connection with the creation of low-orbit satellite constellations , and proposes @ @ @ @ @ regulations .
`` .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. The orbit of the International Space Station (ISS) will be adjusted to ensure that it avoids a collision with a US spacecraft, Roscosmos said on Saturday.
"On Monday, September 14, 2020, at 02:23 Moscow time, the International Space Station is predicted to approach the American BRICSat-2 satellite, which has turned into so-called ‘space debris’," the state corporation noted.
"The evasion maneuver may be scheduled from 00:00 to 01:00 Moscow time on September 14, 2020. Specialists of the Roscosmos state corporation continue to monitor this situation," the corporation said.
BRICSat-2, an experimental communication satellite operated by the US Navy, was launched into orbit in 2019 by SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket, Roscosmos noted.
The state corporation stated that the Russian side "has repeatedly drawn the attention of partners to new threats in outer space that arise in connection with the creation of low-orbit satellite constellations, and proposes to develop the necessary interaction regulations.".


tass--2020-09-12--Number of coronavirus tests conducted in Russia surpasses 40 mln

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists have already carried out more than 40.2 mln tests for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said @ @ @ @ @ than 40.2 mln tests for coronavirus have been carried out in Russia , '' the @ @ @ @ @ past day , 356,000 tests have been carried out .
According to the service , @ @ @ @ @ supervision due to suspected coronavirus infection .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. Russian specialists have already carried out more than 40.2 mln tests for coronavirus, the press service of Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on Saturday.
"More than 40.2 mln tests for coronavirus have been carried out in Russia," the statement said. Over the past day, 356,000 tests have been carried out.
According to the service, 210,280 people remain under medical supervision due to suspected coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-09-12--Russia reports 5,488 new coronavirus cases over past day

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia increased by 5,488 over the past day , the total number of cases reached 1,057,362 , the operational headquarters to combat the spread of the new infection told reporters on Saturday .
According to the headquarters , the daily growth in 28 days does not exceed 0.5 % .
The smallest daily growth rates were seen in Moscow , the Moscow region , the Smolensk region , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % each ) , the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District , the Nenets Autonomous District , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 0.3 % each ) , and the Tyva Republic , Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District , Kaluga , Irkutsk , Bryansk , Tambov , Ryazan , Novosibirsk and Tver regions , Republics of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan ( 0.4 % each ) .
In particular , 670 new cases were identified in Moscow , 203 - in St. Petersburg , 170 - in the Moscow region , 159 - in the Rostov region , 156 - in the Nizhny Novgorod region .
In total , 165,343 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased to 5,428 over the past day to 873,535 .
According to the headquarters , 82.6 % of all infected people have already recovered .
At the same time , the number of deaths due to coronavirus increased in Russia by 119 over the past day against 102 a day earlier , a total of 18,484 patients died from the pandemic .
According to the headquarters , the total number of deaths was 1.75 % of all those infected in Russia .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia increased by 5,488 over the past day, the total number of cases reached 1,057,362, the operational headquarters to combat the spread of the new infection told reporters on Saturday.
According to the headquarters, the daily growth in 28 days does not exceed 0.5%.
The smallest daily growth rates were seen in Moscow, the Moscow region, the Smolensk region, the Chechen Republic (0.2% each), the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, the Nenets Autonomous District, the Chuvash Republic, the Tula Region (0.3% each), and the Tyva Republic, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Kaluga, Irkutsk, Bryansk, Tambov, Ryazan, Novosibirsk and Tver regions, Republics of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan (0.4% each).
In particular, 670 new cases were identified in Moscow, 203 - in St. Petersburg, 170 - in the Moscow region, 159 - in the Rostov region, 156 - in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
In total, 165,343 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia.
The number of Russians who recovered from coronavirus increased to 5,428 over the past day to 873,535. According to the headquarters, 82.6% of all infected people have already recovered.
At the same time, the number of deaths due to coronavirus increased in Russia by 119 over the past day against 102 a day earlier, a total of 18,484 patients died from the pandemic. According to the headquarters, the total number of deaths was 1.75% of all those infected in Russia.


tass--2020-09-12--Another 1,143 patients recover in Moscow after coronavirus treatment

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of recovered patients in Moscow after undergoing treatment for coronavirus increased @ @ @ @ @ to 228,673 people , Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova said on Saturday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ have recovered in Moscow continues to increase .
Over the past day after undergoing treatment @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
The total number of people who have recovered from the infection has increased @ @ @ @ @ said .
To confirm that a person does not have a disease , after treatment @ @ @ @ @ .
On discharge , all patients who need to be monitored are advised accordingly .
@ @ @ @ @ offered to become plasma donors .
A plasma donor can be a person aged 18 @ @ @ @ @ has had coronavirus and does not have chronic diseases .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. The number of recovered patients in Moscow after undergoing treatment for coronavirus increased by 1,143 over the day to 228,673 people, Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova said on Saturday.
"The number of people who have recovered in Moscow continues to increase. Over the past day after undergoing treatment, another 1,143 patients have recovered. The total number of people who have recovered from the infection has increased to 228,673," she said.
To confirm that a person does not have a disease, after treatment, doctors conduct special studies. On discharge, all patients who need to be monitored are advised accordingly. Recovered residents of Moscow are offered to become plasma donors. A plasma donor can be a person aged 18 to 55 years old who has had coronavirus and does not have chronic diseases.


tass--2020-09-12--Russia is ready to step up counter-terrorism cooperation with US - Ambassador

WASHINGTON , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to step up counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States and expects Washington to do the same , Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov told TASS on Friday .
On Friday , a flag on the territory of the Russian diplomatic mission was lowered in memory of those killed in the September 11 , 2001 terrorist attacks .
`` We are united by the moments not only when everything is fine , but especially in the moments of grief .
Nineteen years ago , there was a disaster .
Russian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who supported US President George W. Bush and the American people , '' Antonov said .
`` As a sign of respect and sorrow for the people who died in the terrorist attacks , we lowered the flag at the Russian embassy , '' the diplomat said .
`` The fight against terrorism is a very good opportunity , an area where we could cooperate with the United States .
We are ready for such interaction , now the ball is in the court of our American partners , '' the ambassador said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nineteen terrorists from the terrorist group al-Qaida ( banned in Russia ) hijacked four airliners in the United States .
They crashed two of the planes into New York ’ s tallest buildings at that time , the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center .
The third plane was flown into the Pentagon near Washington .
The fourth plane was also bound for the US capital , but crashed outside Shanksville in Pennsylvania .
The attacks claimed the lives of 2,997 people .
The relations between two countries Antonov also noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deep crisis , and no breakthroughs are expected in the near future .
`` At the current stage , Russia - United States relations are in a deep crisis .
We should hardly expect any breakthroughs in the near future , especially given the upcoming presidential elections in the United States , '' Antonov said .
`` We are ready to develop relations to the extent our American colleagues are ready for , '' he added .
`` So far , we do not see a great desire for it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why in this situation , communication and contacts between people , representatives of the spheres of culture and sports are especially important for us , '' he noted .

WASHINGTON, September 12. /TASS/. Russia is ready to step up counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States and expects Washington to do the same, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov told TASS on Friday.
On Friday, a flag on the territory of the Russian diplomatic mission was lowered in memory of those killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
"We are united by the moments not only when everything is fine, but especially in the moments of grief. Nineteen years ago, there was a disaster. Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the first who supported US President George W. Bush and the American people," Antonov said.
"As a sign of respect and sorrow for the people who died in the terrorist attacks, we lowered the flag at the Russian embassy," the diplomat said.
"The fight against terrorism is a very good opportunity, an area where we could cooperate with the United States. We are ready for such interaction, now the ball is in the court of our American partners," the ambassador said.
On September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists from the terrorist group al-Qaida (banned in Russia) hijacked four airliners in the United States. They crashed two of the planes into New York’s tallest buildings at that time, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The third plane was flown into the Pentagon near Washington. The fourth plane was also bound for the US capital, but crashed outside Shanksville in Pennsylvania. The attacks claimed the lives of 2,997 people.
The relations between two countries
Antonov also noted that Russia - United States relations are in a deep crisis, and no breakthroughs are expected in the near future.
"At the current stage, Russia - United States relations are in a deep crisis. We should hardly expect any breakthroughs in the near future, especially given the upcoming presidential elections in the United States," Antonov said. "We are ready to develop relations to the extent our American colleagues are ready for," he added.
"So far, we do not see a great desire for it," the ambassador noted. "That is why in this situation, communication and contacts between people, representatives of the spheres of culture and sports are especially important for us," he noted.


tass--2020-09-12--Russia will keep low level of public debt to ensure macroeconomic stability - experts

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s public debt will remain below the level of debt of developing countries , despite the government 's plans to bring it to 20 % of GDP - this is necessary to ensure macroeconomic stability , according to the experts interviewed by TASS .
Earlier , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that Russia ’ s national debt will approach 20 % of GDP in 2021 .
Even in this case , the level of debt will remain much smaller than the generally accepted safe debt burden , says Finam analyst Sergey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their average value is 53.8 % of GDP : for India it is 68.6 % , for Turkey - 35.6 % , for Brazil - 91.9 % , for South Africa - 65.3 % , for Saudi Arabia - 24 , 5 % .
Russian debt in relation to GDP is nominally small , '' he said .
The Russian government 's maintenance of a low level of public debt is associated with ensuring macroeconomic stability , since the structure of the Russian economy is strongly tied to raw materials , explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and analytical content department at BCS Broker .
Nevertheless , Russia can easily increase its national debt to 30 % of GDP without a threat to financial stability , chief economist of Sovcombank Kirill Sokolov says .
`` It is important what the debt is attracted for .
If this is an effective investment that will accelerate economic growth , then investors will welcome such an increase in debt , '' the expert stresses .
However , the transition to a higher level of public debt in the long term is a normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capital .
`` It is associated with the transition to inflation targeting and the consistent monetary policy pursued by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation , which led to a decrease in inflation volatility , '' they explain .
The Russian financial system may become the main buyer of the state debt , Sokolov from Sovcombank believes .
In particular , these are Russian banks with an extensive liquidity reserve , as well as pension funds and insurance companies .
A significant reduction in deposit rates can strengthen the interest of individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in demand from individuals for stock market instruments .
Due to fairly low deposit rates , we can expect an increase in the presence of individuals in the public debt market , '' notes Dmitry Postolenko , portfolio manager of Sberbank Asset Management .
Foreign investors , despite the deteriorating global sentiment towards emerging markets , the growing geopolitical uncertainty around Russia , remain interested in Russian federal loan bonds ( OFZs ) , adds Sofya Donets , economist at Renaissance Capital for Russia and the CIS .
`` Russia is coping with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the general background , the budgetary and external positions remain strong .
Now the high level of uncertainty can restrain external demand , but we can see its recovery at the end of 2020 if the sanctions risks are not implemented , '' she says .
As a last resort , the government can directly borrow from the Central Bank .
`` However , despite the fact that many other developing countries are following this path , this option will be used if all the others do not work , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for analysis of financial markets and macroeconomics at Alfa Capital .
Russia can build up debt both in rubles , which is potentially facilitated by historically minimal ruble interest rates and impressive reserves of ruble liquidity in the banking sector , and in foreign currency - this is allowed by record volumes of international reserves , Yuri Kravchenko , head of the department for analysis of banks and money market Veles Capital concludes .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. Russia’s public debt will remain below the level of debt of developing countries, despite the government's plans to bring it to 20% of GDP - this is necessary to ensure macroeconomic stability, according to the experts interviewed by TASS.
Earlier, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that Russia’s national debt will approach 20% of GDP in 2021.
Even in this case, the level of debt will remain much smaller than the generally accepted safe debt burden, says Finam analyst Sergey Perekhod.
"As for developing countries, their average value is 53.8% of GDP: for India it is 68.6%, for Turkey - 35.6%, for Brazil - 91.9%, for South Africa - 65.3%, for Saudi Arabia - 24, 5%. Russian debt in relation to GDP is nominally small," he said.
The Russian government's maintenance of a low level of public debt is associated with ensuring macroeconomic stability, since the structure of the Russian economy is strongly tied to raw materials, explains Vasily Karpunin, head of the information and analytical content department at BCS Broker.
Nevertheless, Russia can easily increase its national debt to 30% of GDP without a threat to financial stability, chief economist of Sovcombank Kirill Sokolov says.
"It is important what the debt is attracted for. If this is an effective investment that will accelerate economic growth, then investors will welcome such an increase in debt," the expert stresses.
However, the transition to a higher level of public debt in the long term is a normal process, according to analysts at VTB Capital.
"It is associated with the transition to inflation targeting and the consistent monetary policy pursued by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, which led to a decrease in inflation volatility," they explain.
How Russia can increase national debt
The Russian financial system may become the main buyer of the state debt, Sokolov from Sovcombank believes. In particular, these are Russian banks with an extensive liquidity reserve, as well as pension funds and insurance companies. A significant reduction in deposit rates can strengthen the interest of individual investors.
"We see an increase in demand from individuals for stock market instruments. Due to fairly low deposit rates, we can expect an increase in the presence of individuals in the public debt market," notes Dmitry Postolenko, portfolio manager of Sberbank Asset Management.
Foreign investors, despite the deteriorating global sentiment towards emerging markets, the growing geopolitical uncertainty around Russia, remain interested in Russian federal loan bonds (OFZs), adds Sofya Donets, economist at Renaissance Capital for Russia and the CIS.
"Russia is coping with the consequences of the pandemic quite steadily against the general background, the budgetary and external positions remain strong. Now the high level of uncertainty can restrain external demand, but we can see its recovery at the end of 2020 if the sanctions risks are not implemented," she says.
As a last resort, the government can directly borrow from the Central Bank.
"However, despite the fact that many other developing countries are following this path, this option will be used if all the others do not work," says Vladimir Bragin, head of the department for analysis of financial markets and macroeconomics at Alfa Capital.
Russia can build up debt both in rubles, which is potentially facilitated by historically minimal ruble interest rates and impressive reserves of ruble liquidity in the banking sector, and in foreign currency - this is allowed by record volumes of international reserves, Yuri Kravchenko, head of the department for analysis of banks and money market Veles Capital concludes.


tass--2020-09-13--Moscow reports 14 coronavirus deaths in past day - crisis center

MSOCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 14 novel coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past @ @ @ @ @ crisis center said on Saturday .
`` A total of 14 patients , who were @ @ @ @ @ positive for the novel coronavirus , died in Moscow , '' the crisis center said @ @ @ @ @ s novel coronavirus death toll currently stands at 4,982 .
Overall , more than 270,400 @ @ @ @ @ so far been registered in the Russian capital .
Some 228,700 patients have already recovered @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ people have been infected worldwide and more than 915,000 of them died .
To date @ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 873 535 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 18 484 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up @ @ @ @ @ the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MSOCOW, September 12. /TASS/. A total of 14 novel coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"A total of 14 patients, who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the novel coronavirus, died in Moscow," the crisis center said.
The Russian capital’s novel coronavirus death toll currently stands at 4,982.
Overall, more than 270,400 cases of the infection have so far been registered in the Russian capital. Some 228,700 patients have already recovered.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, about 28.5 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 915,000 of them died.
To date, 1 057 362 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 873 535 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 18 484 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-13--DPR reports Ukraine’s new engineering activity along contact line

DONETSK , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) has recorded on Saturday that new engineering work is being carried out on positions of Ukraine ’ s Armed Forces near the settlement of Shumy outside Gorlovka along the line disengaging the parties to the conflict , the DPR mission to the Joint Center for Ceasefire Control and Coordination ( JCCC ) said .
`` At 16.35 , it was again documented that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were conducting engineering activities on their positions near the settlement of Shumy , '' the Donetsk news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the JCCC .
On September 5 , DPR ’ s head , Denis Pushilin , issued an order to the republic ’ s forces to open fire to destroy Ukraine ’ s engineering facilities along the contact line outside Shumy mounted in breach of the agreements .
Pushilin called on the Ukrainian command to pull out soldiers from the area before 08:00 local time on September 7 .
Afterwards , Pushilin postponed the operation to dismantle the trenches until Wednesday , September 9 .
On Wednesday , an emergency meeting of the Contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an agreement via a video call for a DPR-Kiev joint inspection with participation of the OSCE near Shumy .
Nevertheless , the inspection did not take place .
Russia ’ s Plenipotentiary Representative to the Contact Group Boris Gryzlov said Ukraine derailed the joint inspection since Kiev ’ s representatives refused to let the inspectors into the area , where the construction of new Ukrainian facilities had been spotted , and attempted to remove the Donbass representatives from that mission .

DONETSK, September 12. /TASS/. The Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) has recorded on Saturday that new engineering work is being carried out on positions of Ukraine’s Armed Forces near the settlement of Shumy outside Gorlovka along the line disengaging the parties to the conflict, the DPR mission to the Joint Center for Ceasefire Control and Coordination (JCCC) said.
"At 16.35, it was again documented that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were conducting engineering activities on their positions near the settlement of Shumy," the Donetsk news agency said citing the DPR representative to the JCCC.
On September 5, DPR’s head, Denis Pushilin, issued an order to the republic’s forces to open fire to destroy Ukraine’s engineering facilities along the contact line outside Shumy mounted in breach of the agreements. Pushilin called on the Ukrainian command to pull out soldiers from the area before 08:00 local time on September 7. Afterwards, Pushilin postponed the operation to dismantle the trenches until Wednesday, September 9.
On Wednesday, an emergency meeting of the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine reached an agreement via a video call for a DPR-Kiev joint inspection with participation of the OSCE near Shumy. Nevertheless, the inspection did not take place. Russia’s Plenipotentiary Representative to the Contact Group Boris Gryzlov said Ukraine derailed the joint inspection since Kiev’s representatives refused to let the inspectors into the area, where the construction of new Ukrainian facilities had been spotted, and attempted to remove the Donbass representatives from that mission.


tass--2020-09-13--About 300 people detained during Yellow Vests protests in France — minister

PARIS , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
French law enforcement officers detained approximately 300 people during the Yellow Vests protests in France , the country ’ s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Saturday .
According to the minister , a total of 165 protesters were placed in custody in the capital , and about a dozen - in other regions .
`` Overall , about 6,000 people took part in the rallies , including approximately 2,500 in Paris , '' he said .
`` At present , the rally in Paris is already over .
Several people are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they will soon be taken to the prefecture . ''
Darmanin attributed the large number of detentions in Paris to the fact that `` many people had dangerous weapons on them . ''
In his words , two cars were set ablaze in the French capital .
`` However , in comparison with the difficulties that law enforcement officers faced while restoring order during previous rallies , today ’ s protest was held in a relatively calm atmosphere , '' the official added .
According to a survey by Ifop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or between 4 and 4.5 million people aged 18 or older ) currently support the protest movement .
In December 2018 , about a month after the protest movement emerged , the figure stood at 19 % .
Yellow Vests protests began in France on November 17 , 2018 .
They initially focused on skyrocketing fuel prices .
The demonstrations spiraled into clashes with the police and protests against the country ’ s leadership , whom protesters accused of failing to take sufficient measures to fight poverty .
The protesters ’ demands currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In particular , they are dissatisfied with plans to carry out a pension reform .

PARIS, September 12. /TASS/. French law enforcement officers detained approximately 300 people during the Yellow Vests protests in France, the country’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Saturday.
According to the minister, a total of 165 protesters were placed in custody in the capital, and about a dozen - in other regions.
"Overall, about 6,000 people took part in the rallies, including approximately 2,500 in Paris," he said. "At present, the rally in Paris is already over. Several people are still protesting, including at Champ de Mars, but they will soon be taken to the prefecture."
Darmanin attributed the large number of detentions in Paris to the fact that "many people had dangerous weapons on them."
In his words, two cars were set ablaze in the French capital.
"However, in comparison with the difficulties that law enforcement officers faced while restoring order during previous rallies, today’s protest was held in a relatively calm atmosphere," the official added.
According to a survey by Ifop, only 10% of French citizens (or between 4 and 4.5 million people aged 18 or older) currently support the protest movement. In December 2018, about a month after the protest movement emerged, the figure stood at 19%.
Yellow Vests protests began in France on November 17, 2018. They initially focused on skyrocketing fuel prices. The demonstrations spiraled into clashes with the police and protests against the country’s leadership, whom protesters accused of failing to take sufficient measures to fight poverty. The protesters’ demands currently include both socio-economic and political issues. In particular, they are dissatisfied with plans to carry out a pension reform.


tass--2020-09-13--US redeploys armor unit to Lithuania, 15 km from Belarusian border — Minsk

MINSK , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus has spotted the redeployment of a US armor battalion to a firing range in Lithuania , located 15 kilometers from the Belarusian border , Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said on Sunday in a televised interview on STV channel after a meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko .
`` Fulfilling the head of state ’ s assignment to follow the situation in the areas adjacent to Belarus and the movement of troops , we can see that NATO is moving forces in the neighboring states as part of Operations Enhanced Forward Presence and Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In particular , the redeployment of the 2nd Battalion of 69th Armor Regiment of the United States to the Pabrade firing range ( in Lithuania - TASS ) , 15 kilometers from our state border , is underway , '' he added .
According to the Belarusian defense minister , troops ’ movements also took place in the spring .
`` We can not help but be alarmed that about 500 people , 29 tanks and 43 Bradley fighting vehicles would be engaged in the vicinity of our border , '' Khrenin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more intensive flights of [ NATO ] aircraft along our state border and the surveillance of the ongoing developments in our state .
We can not help but be concerned about the flights of B-52 bombers along our state border , '' the minister added .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with heads of the defense and law enforcement bodies on Saturday , focusing on the situation on the western border and socio-political developments in the country .
He asked the defense minister and the chief of the General Staff to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ army ’ s actions in the near future .
The president said that if NATO forces have wrapped up their military exercises in Poland and Lithuania , Minsk should respond in kind .
Lukashenko emphasized that the country can not keep a large force on the border with Lithuania and Poland for so long if not needed , since it is very costly .

MINSK, September 12. /TASS/. Belarus has spotted the redeployment of a US armor battalion to a firing range in Lithuania, located 15 kilometers from the Belarusian border, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said on Sunday in a televised interview on STV channel after a meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko.
"Fulfilling the head of state’s assignment to follow the situation in the areas adjacent to Belarus and the movement of troops, we can see that NATO is moving forces in the neighboring states as part of Operations Enhanced Forward Presence and Atlantic Resolve," he said. "In particular, the redeployment of the 2nd Battalion of 69th Armor Regiment of the United States to the Pabrade firing range (in Lithuania - TASS), 15 kilometers from our state border, is underway," he added.
According to the Belarusian defense minister, troops’ movements also took place in the spring.
"We cannot help but be alarmed that about 500 people, 29 tanks and 43 Bradley fighting vehicles would be engaged in the vicinity of our border," Khrenin said.
"In addition, we see more intensive flights of [NATO] aircraft along our state border and the surveillance of the ongoing developments in our state. We cannot help but be concerned about the flights of B-52 bombers along our state border," the minister added.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with heads of the defense and law enforcement bodies on Saturday, focusing on the situation on the western border and socio-political developments in the country. He asked the defense minister and the chief of the General Staff to put forward their proposals for the Belarusian army’s actions in the near future. The president said that if NATO forces have wrapped up their military exercises in Poland and Lithuania, Minsk should respond in kind. Lukashenko emphasized that the country cannot keep a large force on the border with Lithuania and Poland for so long if not needed, since it is very costly.


tass--2020-09-13--Russian film director Konchalovsky wins Special Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival

ROME , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
An international jury led by Cate Blanchett awarded on Saturday the Special Jury @ @ @ @ @ Festival to Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky for his film ‘ Dear Comrades.
’ While receiving @ @ @ @ @ his `` colleague and wife Yulia Vysotskaya , '' who played the main role in @ @ @ @ @ friend and producer Alisher Usmanov . ''
Earlier , Konchalovsky won the festival ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and 2016 , for his pictures ‘ The Postman 's White Nights ’ and ‘ @ @ @ @ @ In 2002 , his film ‘ House of Fools ’ was awarded the Venice Film @ @ @ @ @ Jury Prize .
This year , the Golden Lion prize for Best Film went to @ @ @ @ @ Chloe Zhao .
Italy ’ s Pierfrancesco Favino received the Best Actor prize for his @ @ @ @ @ Coppa Volpi for Best Actress went to British actress Vanessa Kirby for the role in @ @ @ @ @ .
`` .

ROME, September 12. /TASS/. An international jury led by Cate Blanchett awarded on Saturday the Special Jury Prize of the Venice Film Festival to Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky for his film ‘Dear Comrades.’
While receiving the award, Konchalovsky thanked his "colleague and wife Yulia Vysotskaya," who played the main role in the movie, and "friend and producer Alisher Usmanov."
Earlier, Konchalovsky won the festival’s Silver Lion prizes in 2014 and 2016, for his pictures ‘The Postman's White Nights’ and ‘Paradise,’ respectively. In 2002, his film ‘House of Fools’ was awarded the Venice Film Festival’s Grand Special Jury Prize.
This year, the Golden Lion prize for Best Film went to ‘Nomadland,’ by Chloe Zhao. Italy’s Pierfrancesco Favino received the Best Actor prize for his role in ‘Padrenostro.’ Coppa Volpi for Best Actress went to British actress Vanessa Kirby for the role in ‘Pieces of a Woman.".


tass--2020-09-13--Two Russian Tu-142 antisubmarine aircraft fly over Barents, Norwegian, North Seas

SEVEROMORSK /Murmansk Region/ , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Two long-range antisubmarine Tu-142 aircraft of the Russian Northern Fleet have @ @ @ @ @ Barents , Norwegian and North Seas , they were shadowed by foreign fighter jets at @ @ @ @ @ , the fleet said in a press release on Saturday .
`` On September 12 @ @ @ @ @ Tu-142 of the Northern Fleet made scheduled flights over the neutral waters of the Barents @ @ @ @ @ .
The flight lasted over 11 hours , '' the press release said .
According @ @ @ @ @ fighter jets accompanied the Russian aircraft at certain stages of the route .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ strict compliance with international airspace rules , '' the press release added .

SEVEROMORSK /Murmansk Region/, September 12. /TASS/. Two long-range antisubmarine Tu-142 aircraft of the Russian Northern Fleet have trained scheduled missions over the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas, they were shadowed by foreign fighter jets at certain stages of their route, the fleet said in a press release on Saturday.
"On September 12, two long-range antisubmarine aircraft Tu-142 of the Northern Fleet made scheduled flights over the neutral waters of the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas. The flight lasted over 11 hours," the press release said.
According to the fleet, foreign fighter jets accompanied the Russian aircraft at certain stages of the route.
"All the flights took place in strict compliance with international airspace rules," the press release added.


tass--2020-09-12--Two people killed in crash of light sport aircraft outside Moscow

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Two people aboard the light sport aircraft that crashed outside Moscow on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ with emergencies services told TASS .
`` There were two people on board the crashed @ @ @ @ @ killed and their bodies were recovered on the plane , '' he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ confirmed to TASS by the branch of the Russian Emergencies Ministry for the Moscow Region @ @ @ @ @ said earlier that an eyewitness reported at 17.00 that a light sport aircraft SportStar had @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region .
According to immediate reports , one person was on board .
@ @ @ @ @ sandy quarry filled with water .
The debris and an open parachute were found on @ @ @ @ @ of 36 rescuers and divers and 11 vehicles have been engaged .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. Two people aboard the light sport aircraft that crashed outside Moscow on Saturday were killed, a source with emergencies services told TASS.
"There were two people on board the crashed light aircraft. Both were killed and their bodies were recovered on the plane," he said.
The pilot’s death was confirmed to TASS by the branch of the Russian Emergencies Ministry for the Moscow Region.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry said earlier that an eyewitness reported at 17.00 that a light sport aircraft SportStar had made a rough landing in the Moscow Region. According to immediate reports, one person was on board. The plane crashed into a sandy quarry filled with water. The debris and an open parachute were found on the surface. A total of 36 rescuers and divers and 11 vehicles have been engaged.


tass--2020-09-12--Russia calls on Apple Inc. not to indulge Ukraine in regard to Russian apps

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has called on Apple Inc. not to follow Kiev ’ s orders that the apps of Russian media should be removed from AppStore , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Saturday .
`` We call on Apple not to pander to the Ukrainian authorities and not to take any action that could actually transform the US IT corporation into an accomplice to Kiev ’ s crimes against freedom of speech , '' says the statement posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s site .
The Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand to Apple Inc. to take down the apps of Russian media outlets from Ukrainian AppStore demonstrates the repressive policy of Ukrainian authorities and proves that Kiev disregards its international obligations in the field of the freedom of expression , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said .
`` We view the demand of the Security Service of Ukraine to the US company Apple to remove apps of the Russian media outlets VGTRK , Rossiya Segodnya and NTV from Ukrainian AppStore as another manifestation of the Ukrainian authorities ’ repressive policy towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With this act of political censorship , Kiev has acknowledged defying cynically the key democratic principles of the free movement of information and unhindered access to is , totally disregarding own international obligations in the field of the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression , '' she stressed .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. Moscow has called on Apple Inc. not to follow Kiev’s orders that the apps of Russian media should be removed from AppStore, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Saturday.
"We call on Apple not to pander to the Ukrainian authorities and not to take any action that could actually transform the US IT corporation into an accomplice to Kiev’s crimes against freedom of speech," says the statement posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s site.
The Ukrainian Security Service’s (SBU) demand to Apple Inc. to take down the apps of Russian media outlets from Ukrainian AppStore demonstrates the repressive policy of Ukrainian authorities and proves that Kiev disregards its international obligations in the field of the freedom of expression, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
"We view the demand of the Security Service of Ukraine to the US company Apple to remove apps of the Russian media outlets VGTRK, Rossiya Segodnya and NTV from Ukrainian AppStore as another manifestation of the Ukrainian authorities’ repressive policy towards the media," Zakharova said.
"With this act of political censorship, Kiev has acknowledged defying cynically the key democratic principles of the free movement of information and unhindered access to is, totally disregarding own international obligations in the field of the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression," she stressed.


tass--2020-09-12--Belarusian law enforcers detain about 30 female protesters in Minsk

MINSK , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcement officers have detained about 30 women protesting on Svoboda ( Liberty ) Square in downtown Minsk on Saturday .
A TASS correspondent has reported from the site that women began gathering on Svoboda Square following an appeal from the opposition who had promised to lead `` the most massive and the loudest march of women . ''
On Friday , the organizers advised the participants to take `` photos and placards in support of all repressed Belarussian women '' and loudly shout their names to add `` any sound effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have gathered on the square .
Some women are wrapped in white-red-white flags .
Initially , the police were watching the rally , warning the protesters that the rally was unsanctioned and called on them to disperse .
Journalists were asked to show their accreditation .
Later , the police began apprehending the protesting women .
About 30 of them were taken away in police vans .
Then the bulk of protesters left Svoboda Square , but were replaced by a new march under the white-red-white flags of the Belarusian opposition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slogans .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered to be his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities .
In the early days they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
The authorities call for an end to illegal rallies , while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition demands more protests .

MINSK, September 12. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement officers have detained about 30 women protesting on Svoboda (Liberty) Square in downtown Minsk on Saturday.
A TASS correspondent has reported from the site that women began gathering on Svoboda Square following an appeal from the opposition who had promised to lead "the most massive and the loudest march of women."
On Friday, the organizers advised the participants to take "photos and placards in support of all repressed Belarussian women" and loudly shout their names to add "any sound effects" to the march.
Around 200 people have gathered on the square. Some women are wrapped in white-red-white flags. Initially, the police were watching the rally, warning the protesters that the rally was unsanctioned and called on them to disperse. Journalists were asked to show their accreditation.
Later, the police began apprehending the protesting women. About 30 of them were taken away in police vans. Then the bulk of protesters left Svoboda Square, but were replaced by a new march under the white-red-white flags of the Belarusian opposition. The female protesters beat pans chanting anti-government slogans.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered to be his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls. After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities. In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police. The authorities call for an end to illegal rallies, while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition demands more protests.


tass--2020-09-12--President of Ukraine Office: Normandy Four advisers to meet in the coming weeks

KIEV , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Quartet countries have agreed to @ @ @ @ @ weeks , according to press service of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ reached to meet in the format of advisers to the leaders of the countries participating @ @ @ @ @ the next weeks and to continue discussing the implementation of the Paris agreements and the @ @ @ @ @ in the Normandy format .
The meeting of political advisers to the leaders of the @ @ @ @ @ on Friday in Berlin .
At the end of the meeting , Deputy Chief of @ @ @ @ @ Office Dmitry Kozak said that no breakthroughs had been achieved .

KIEV, September 12. /TASS/. The advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Quartet countries have agreed to meet again within the next weeks, according to press service of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
According to the report, an agreement was reached to meet in the format of advisers to the leaders of the countries participating in the Normandy Quartet over the next weeks and to continue discussing the implementation of the Paris agreements and the preparation of the Berlin summit in the Normandy format.
The meeting of political advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Four countries took place on Friday in Berlin. At the end of the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Dmitry Kozak said that no breakthroughs had been achieved.


tass--2020-09-12--S&P changed outlook for Belarus’ sovereign credit rating to negative

NEW YORK , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
International rating agency Standard and Poor 's ( S & P ) @ @ @ @ @ the long-term sovereign credit rating of Belarus to negative from stable , according to the @ @ @ @ @ simultaneously confirmed the short-term and long-term credit rating of Belarus at `` B/B '' .
@ @ @ @ @ risks for the financial stability of the banking system of the republic , the rating @ @ @ @ @ point of view of the agency , in a pessimistic scenario , foreign exchange reserves @ @ @ @ @ Belarus might be depleted and risks for the government 's ability to fulfill its obligations @ @ @ @ @ the agency , since the first days of August , the republic 's gross reserves @ @ @ @ @ bln to an indicator equivalent to the provision of imports with foreign exchange reserves for @ @ @ @ @ P also pointed to growing uncertainty in Belarus , which may affect the republic ’ @ @ @ @ @ access to borrowed funds on the foreign market over the next 12-18 months .

NEW YORK, September 12. /TASS/. International rating agency Standard and Poor's (S&P) has changed the outlook for the long-term sovereign credit rating of Belarus to negative from stable, according to the agency's website.
It simultaneously confirmed the short-term and long-term credit rating of Belarus at "B/B".
The negative outlook reflects growing risks for the financial stability of the banking system of the republic, the rating agency explained. From the point of view of the agency, in a pessimistic scenario, foreign exchange reserves of the National Bank of Belarus might be depleted and risks for the government's ability to fulfill its obligations could appear.
According to the agency, since the first days of August, the republic's gross reserves have decreased by $1.4 bln to an indicator equivalent to the provision of imports with foreign exchange reserves for 2.6 months. S&P also pointed to growing uncertainty in Belarus, which may affect the republic’s economic growth and its access to borrowed funds on the foreign market over the next 12-18 months.


tass--2020-09-13--Some 250 protesters detained at rally in Minsk

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcement agencies detained nearly 250 participants of a rally in Minsk on Sunday , the Interior Ministry ’ s official spokesperson , Olga Chemodanova , said on her Telegram channel .
`` In various areas of the capital some 250 people were detained , '' the statement said .
`` All of them used flags and other symbolics , which had not been registered in accordance with the established procedure , and various posters , including insulting ones . ''
According to the Interior Ministry , as of 3 p.m. 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus and the total number of participants did not exceed 3,000 .
The law enforcement agencies warned protesters that they would face administrative responsibility for taking part in unauthorized events and criminal responsibility for organizing mass riots .
Mass protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election .
Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured victory garnering 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , came in second with 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition ’ s Coordination Council .
In the first days , the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers .
The opposition is calling to continue protests while the authorities are demanding the end of illegal rallies .

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement agencies detained nearly 250 participants of a rally in Minsk on Sunday, the Interior Ministry’s official spokesperson, Olga Chemodanova, said on her Telegram channel.
"In various areas of the capital some 250 people were detained," the statement said. "All of them used flags and other symbolics, which had not been registered in accordance with the established procedure, and various posters, including insulting ones."
According to the Interior Ministry, as of 3 p.m. 17 hotbeds of protest activity were recorded in Belarus and the total number of participants did not exceed 3,000.
The law enforcement agencies warned protesters that they would face administrative responsibility for taking part in unauthorized events and criminal responsibility for organizing mass riots.
Mass protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election. Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured victory garnering 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, came in second with 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the results of the vote and took part in creating the opposition’s Coordination Council. In the first days, the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers. The opposition is calling to continue protests while the authorities are demanding the end of illegal rallies.


tass--2020-09-13--EU tries not to lag behind US in its attempts to ‘punish’ Russia - Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union sacrifices its own geo-economic and strategic interests for the sake @ @ @ @ @ not to lag behind Washington in the attempts to `` punish Russia , '' Russian @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with `` Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin '' program on Rossiya-1 TV @ @ @ @ @ the EU has chosen the path of sacrificing its own geo-political and strategic interests for @ @ @ @ @ not to lag behind the US in what is called `` punishing Russia . ''
@ @ @ @ @ this , '' Lavrov said .
According to Lavrov , against this background is it @ @ @ @ @ s relations with the EU by using `` a safety net . ''
`` Now @ @ @ @ @ certainly build all our future plans ( I mean the opportunities of returning to a @ @ @ @ @ ) by using ‘ a safety net , '' Lavrov stressed .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. The European Union sacrifices its own geo-economic and strategic interests for the sake of immediate wishes in order not to lag behind Washington in the attempts to "punish Russia," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" program on Rossiya-1 TV channel.
"Unfortunately, the EU has chosen the path of sacrificing its own geo-political and strategic interests for the sake of immediate wishes not to lag behind the US in what is called "punishing Russia." We have got accustomed to this," Lavrov said.
According to Lavrov, against this background is it necessary to build Russia’s relations with the EU by using "a safety net." "Now we understand that we should certainly build all our future plans (I mean the opportunities of returning to a full-format partnership with the EU) by using ‘a safety net," Lavrov stressed.
Lavrov stressed that if the EU keeps sticking to its negative and destructive stance, Russia must not depend on its whims and should ensure its own development itself and in partnership with those who are ready for cooperation on an equal and mutually respecting basis.
Speaking on Russia’s possible response to the new Western sanctions, the top diplomat noted that Moscow would not leave these steps unanswered stressing that "no one abandoned the principle of reciprocity in international affairs."
"We will see what these new sanctions will be. We will certainly respond. This cannot be left without a response. First, this is wrong from the viewpoint of diplomacy laws. Second, we want to limit negative influence of various Western structures - the states and numerous so-called NGOs," he said.
Lavrov noted that Russia has learnt from the story with Western sanctions, which had begun long before the Ukrainian events and the Crimean referendum. "The administration [of former US president] Barack Obama set this process in motion after Edward Snowden showed up on our territory because he had been indicted. Indeed, he probably had violated US laws, but he shed light on the absolutely illegal and illegitimate criminal activity of US structures, which sought to promote unacceptable approaches in various foreign countries, and undermine legitimate governments," the minister explained.
According to Lavrov, since then Russia has got accustomed to sanctions. "And what is called import replacement is probably a narrow explanation of how we are responding to all this," he added.
"The principal geopolitical response is that during all these years we understood that our Western partners, including the EU members, regrettably, are unreliable. We had a lot of far-reaching plans," Lavrov said. "We have respective documents on how to further develop relations with the EU in the fields of energy, high technologies and economic cooperation in general."
Meanwhile, the foreign minister noted that Russia and the EU are in one geopolitical space. "Our common geography, logistics, infrastructure on the Eurasian continent certainly give us a very serious competitive advantage," Lavrov stressed.
"If we and the EU as well as other countries located here, including the SCO, the EAEU and ASEAN countries, which are very near, fail to use competitive advantages in geopolitical and geo-economic rivalry, which is now exacerbating, certainly, this will be a major mistake," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-09-13--Over 150,000 observers and 55,000 election officials monitor Russian polls

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
More than 150,000 observers and 55,000 members of election commissions monitored polls at the ballot stations in Russian regions , Russian Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova told reporters .
`` At the moment , more than 150,660 observers were really present [ at the polling stations ] as well as 55,000 members of election commissions with the right of a consultative vote , they have all rights of observers .
On average , there are three-four persons per every ballot station , '' Pamfilova said .
Some 64,000 observers were sent by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Civic Chamber , she noted .
On July 24 , the Central Election Commission approved the procedure of holding the single voting day according to which the key voting day is held on September 13 and early polls were scheduled for September 11 and September 12 .
The elections of different level are held in 83 Russian regions and more than 78,000 mandates will be replaced .
In four regions ( Tatarstan , the Kursk , Penza and Yaroslavl Regions ) the members of the State Duma will be elected , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislatures will be held .
In 18 regions direct elections of top officials will take place .
The MPs of regional legislatures should elect the heads of two regions - the Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Regions .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. More than 150,000 observers and 55,000 members of election commissions monitored polls at the ballot stations in Russian regions, Russian Central Election Commission Chairperson Ella Pamfilova told reporters.
"At the moment, more than 150,660 observers were really present [at the polling stations] as well as 55,000 members of election commissions with the right of a consultative vote, they have all rights of observers. On average, there are three-four persons per every ballot station," Pamfilova said.
Some 64,000 observers were sent by political parties and another 39,000 by the Civic Chamber, she noted.
On July 24, the Central Election Commission approved the procedure of holding the single voting day according to which the key voting day is held on September 13 and early polls were scheduled for September 11 and September 12.
The elections of different level are held in 83 Russian regions and more than 78,000 mandates will be replaced. In four regions (Tatarstan, the Kursk, Penza and Yaroslavl Regions) the members of the State Duma will be elected, and in eleven regions the elections of deputies of legislatures will be held. In 18 regions direct elections of top officials will take place. The MPs of regional legislatures should elect the heads of two regions - the Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Regions.


tass--2020-09-13--Over 217,400 remain under supervision over coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
More than 217,400 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected @ @ @ @ @ watchdog said on Sunday .
`` Some 217,447 people remain under medical supervision in Russia @ @ @ @ @ for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
More than 40.6 mln @ @ @ @ @ carried out , including 355,000 tests in the past day , according to the sanitary @ @

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. More than 217,400 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection, the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday.
"Some 217,447 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported.
More than 40.6 mln tests for COVID-19 have been carried out, including 355,000 tests in the past day, according to the sanitary watchdog.


tass--2020-09-13--Over 1,700 take part in Belarusian rallies on Saturday

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 1,700 people took part in the unauthorized mass rallies on Saturday in Belarus , Interior Ministry Spokesperson Olga Chemodanova said on Sunday .
The law enforcement officers detained 114 demonstrators and 87 of them remain in custody , the spokesperson said .
`` The total number of participants of 12 protests held in five regions of the republic did not exceed 1,700 .
Meanwhile , in the capital unauthorized events were registered in several places .
A total of 114 citizens were detained for violating the law on mass events ( including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in her statement posted on the ministry ’ s Telegram-channel .
Some 87 people were placed in custody until the hearing of cases on administrative offences is held in court .
According to the spokesperson , some demonstrators actively resisted the police officers ’ legal demands to stop illegal actions : they tore off face masks , snatched their uniform and prevented the service transport ’ s movement .
The traditional `` women ’ s march '' was also held in Minsk on Saturday .
The female participants initially gathered on Freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally and detained some demonstrators .
For two more hours , the convoy of people continued marching along central streets and more participants joined them .
Later the demonstrators began to disperse shouting the slogans and promising to gather again .

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. Nearly 1,700 people took part in the unauthorized mass rallies on Saturday in Belarus, Interior Ministry Spokesperson Olga Chemodanova said on Sunday.
The law enforcement officers detained 114 demonstrators and 87 of them remain in custody, the spokesperson said.
"The total number of participants of 12 protests held in five regions of the republic did not exceed 1,700. Meanwhile, in the capital unauthorized events were registered in several places. A total of 114 citizens were detained for violating the law on mass events (including 99 in Minsk)," Chemodanova said in her statement posted on the ministry’s Telegram-channel.
Some 87 people were placed in custody until the hearing of cases on administrative offences is held in court.
According to the spokesperson, some demonstrators actively resisted the police officers’ legal demands to stop illegal actions: they tore off face masks, snatched their uniform and prevented the service transport’s movement.
The traditional "women’s march" was also held in Minsk on Saturday. The female participants initially gathered on Freedom Square, but the police dispersed the rally and detained some demonstrators. For two more hours, the convoy of people continued marching along central streets and more participants joined them. Later the demonstrators began to disperse shouting the slogans and promising to gather again.


tass--2020-09-13--Slavic Brotherhood-2020 drills to be held on September 14-25 in Belarus

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian-Russian military drills Slavic Brotherhood-2020 will be held on the Brestsky firing range on September 14-25 , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday .
`` In accordance with the Plan of international activity for 2020 , on September 14-25 , joint Belarusian-Russian tactical exercises Slavic Brotherhood , which have been held annually since 2015 , will be carried out on the Bretsky firing range in the Republic of Belarus , '' the ministry said .
According to the ministry , the decision on holding these exercises was made back in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault division will take part in the drills .
During the drills , the paratroopers will practice the issues of streamlining cooperation when implementing tactical tasks .
The Russian forces will arrive in Belarus by railways .
Some 300 Russian servicemen and nearly 70 units of combat and special equipment of the airborne assault division will take part , the ministry said , stressing that after the exercises the Russian troops would return back home .
The Slavic Brotherhood-2020 trilateral drills involving the forces of Russia , Serbia and Belarus were supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proving ground in Belarus .
This exercise takes place on the territory of one of the participant countries , rotating every year : in 2019 , the exercise was carried out in Serbia , and in 2018 , it was held in Russia .
Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin announced that the European Union demanded that Belgrade cancel the upcoming drills in Belarus .
The Serbian government decided to freeze all military drills with other countries for six months .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. The Belarusian-Russian military drills Slavic Brotherhood-2020 will be held on the Brestsky firing range on September 14-25, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.
"In accordance with the Plan of international activity for 2020, on September 14-25, joint Belarusian-Russian tactical exercises Slavic Brotherhood, which have been held annually since 2015, will be carried out on the Bretsky firing range in the Republic of Belarus," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the decision on holding these exercises was made back in October 2019. Paratroopers of the Pskov airborne assault division will take part in the drills. During the drills, the paratroopers will practice the issues of streamlining cooperation when implementing tactical tasks.
The Russian forces will arrive in Belarus by railways. Some 300 Russian servicemen and nearly 70 units of combat and special equipment of the airborne assault division will take part, the ministry said, stressing that after the exercises the Russian troops would return back home.
The Slavic Brotherhood-2020 trilateral drills involving the forces of Russia, Serbia and Belarus were supposed to begin in late September at the Brestsky proving ground in Belarus. This exercise takes place on the territory of one of the participant countries, rotating every year: in 2019, the exercise was carried out in Serbia, and in 2018, it was held in Russia.
Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin announced that the European Union demanded that Belgrade cancel the upcoming drills in Belarus. The Serbian government decided to freeze all military drills with other countries for six months.