tass--2020-05-20--Cabinet approves directives to extend Rosneft CEO Sechin's contract for 5 years

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government has approved directives to extend the contract of Chief Executive @ @ @ @ @ Rosneft Igor Sechin for five more years , the Cabinet ’ s press service said @ @ @ @ @ have been approved , whereby representatives of interests of the Russian Federation — members of @ @ @ @ @ Rosneft — should vote for the draft resolution to appoint Igor Sechin for the position @ @ @ @ @ years from May 24 , 2020 at the Board meeting on the agenda item of @ @ @ @ @ executive authority , '' the press service said .
The Board meeting of Rosneft will @ @ @ @ @ .
Sechin took the office as the chief executive of Rosneft in May 2012 .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The Russian government has approved directives to extend the contract of Chief Executive Officer of Russian oil major Rosneft Igor Sechin for five more years, the Cabinet’s press service said on Wednesday.
"Directives have been approved, whereby representatives of interests of the Russian Federation — members of the Board of Directors of Rosneft — should vote for the draft resolution to appoint Igor Sechin for the position with the tenure of five years from May 24, 2020 at the Board meeting on the agenda item of the appointment of the sole executive authority," the press service said.
The Board meeting of Rosneft will be held on May 21. Sechin took the office as the chief executive of Rosneft in May 2012.


tass--2020-05-20--Russian military hospitals ready to admit civilians with COVID-19

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Defense ’ s multi-purpose medical centers in the Western Military District are ready to admit civilian patients diagnosed with the coronavirus , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during the Ministry 's board meeting Wednesday .
`` In the shortest time span , six multi-purpose medical centers for servicemen , diagnosed with COVID-19 , have been deployed in the Western Military District .
If needed , they are ready to admit civilian population as well , '' Shoigu said .
According to the minister , the Western Military District implements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of infection cases among military personnel to a minimum .
`` Among them are : detection of servicemen and civilian personnel with symptoms of viral infections ; reduction of personnel involved in day-to-day duties ; supervision of health of personnel on leave and in self-isolation ; and adjustments to training plans for the military units , organizations and control bodies , '' the minister noted .
Earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to construct 16 multi-purpose medical centers in a short time span .
The Russian government allocated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserve funds .
The sixteen centers for 1,600 patients were commissioned on May 15 .
All the centers include the newest medical equipment and a stock of all the necessary medicines , making it possible to provide medical aid in required volume and at a high technical level .
Personal protection gear has also been stockpiled for the medical personnel .
The centers ’ total staff is over 2,000 people .
All specialists were trained in diagnostics and treatment of the coronavirus infection at the Kirov Military Medical Academy .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Defense’s multi-purpose medical centers in the Western Military District are ready to admit civilian patients diagnosed with the coronavirus, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during the Ministry's board meeting Wednesday.
"In the shortest time span, six multi-purpose medical centers for servicemen, diagnosed with COVID-19, have been deployed in the Western Military District. If needed, they are ready to admit civilian population as well," Shoigu said.
According to the minister, the Western Military District implements a number of measures to reduce the number of infection cases among military personnel to a minimum. "Among them are: detection of servicemen and civilian personnel with symptoms of viral infections; reduction of personnel involved in day-to-day duties; supervision of health of personnel on leave and in self-isolation; and adjustments to training plans for the military units, organizations and control bodies," the minister noted.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to construct 16 multi-purpose medical centers in a short time span. The Russian government allocated for the purpose almost 8.8 billion rubles from reserve funds. The sixteen centers for 1,600 patients were commissioned on May 15.
All the centers include the newest medical equipment and a stock of all the necessary medicines, making it possible to provide medical aid in required volume and at a high technical level. Personal protection gear has also been stockpiled for the medical personnel. The centers’ total staff is over 2,000 people. All specialists were trained in diagnostics and treatment of the coronavirus infection at the Kirov Military Medical Academy.


tass--2020-05-20--Russia faces biggest military security threat from western direction, says defense chief

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The western direction poses the biggest threat to Russia ’ s security , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday .
`` The western strategic direction continues to pose the biggest threat to Russia ’ s military security , '' Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s board meeting .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry is implementing a set of measures in accordance with the plan of its activity in 2019-2025 to neutralize threats that emerge , Shoigu pointed out .
In 2020 , 28 organizational measures are planned in Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops ’ combat structure .
These measures are synchronized with the delivery of advanced weapons , the defense chief said .
`` In particular , `` about 2,000 new and upgraded weapon systems will be delivered , which will increase their share to over 65 % , '' Shoigu said .
The Russian Army has carried out over 320 operational and combat training measures , including more than 30 drills , since the start of the year to raise the professional level of the personnel and military command centers , the defense chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the [ Western Military ] District ’ s command are aimed at preparing command and staff drills with the groupings of the Baltic Fleet and the 6th army , '' Shoigu said , stressing that the drills were solely of defensive nature .
Preparations are also underway for the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff drills , the defense chief said .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The western direction poses the biggest threat to Russia’s security, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.
"The western strategic direction continues to pose the biggest threat to Russia’s military security," Shoigu said at the ministry’s board meeting.
Russia’s Defense Ministry is implementing a set of measures in accordance with the plan of its activity in 2019-2025 to neutralize threats that emerge, Shoigu pointed out.
In 2020, 28 organizational measures are planned in Russia’s Western Military District for improving the troops’ combat structure. These measures are synchronized with the delivery of advanced weapons, the defense chief said.
"In particular, "about 2,000 new and upgraded weapon systems will be delivered, which will increase their share to over 65%," Shoigu said.
The Russian Army has carried out over 320 operational and combat training measures, including more than 30 drills, since the start of the year to raise the professional level of the personnel and military command centers, the defense chief said.
"Today the main efforts of the [Western Military] District’s command are aimed at preparing command and staff drills with the groupings of the Baltic Fleet and the 6th army," Shoigu said, stressing that the drills were solely of defensive nature.
Preparations are also underway for the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff drills, the defense chief said.


tass--2020-05-20--Putin urges higher competitiveness of national agriculture on world markets

NOVO-OGAREVO , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the task for the domestic agriculture sector to increase competitiveness in world markets , to develop gardening , wine-growing , its own seed production , as well as using advanced scientific developments .
`` As in all sectors of the economy , ones should not overlook strategic issues here [ in the agriculture sector ] as well , it is necessary to increase the competitiveness of Russian agricultural products , making domestic products and food be in growing demand both in our country and abroad , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting on the situation in agriculture and the food industry .
In his opinion , competitiveness is `` the key parameter , '' when it comes to building agricultural , industrial , scientific and educational policies , as well as a system of support and stimulation of exports , and the development of deep processing of agricultural raw materials . ''
`` Russian companies have achieved impressive results in production of poultry , meat , primarily pork , vegetable oils and sugar , granulated sugar , '' Putin said .
He recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the output on these commodity items has grown significantly . ''
`` Of course , now we should go further and develop such areas as gardening , wine-growing , the production of beef , milk , '' the president believes .
Putin stressed that it is important to fully use the potential of national research institutions for the needs of agricultural production , so that domestic developments in the field of selection , genetics , biotechnology serve the growing of safe , high-quality crops .
`` First of all , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed additives , '' the head of state said .
`` It is equally important to develop pedigree cattle breeding and production veterinary drugs , '' Putin stressed .
According to him , this is not only `` an applied task for the science and business , '' but also `` the key condition , the guarantee of food security and independence of the country .
`` .

NOVO-OGAREVO, May 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the task for the domestic agriculture sector to increase competitiveness in world markets, to develop gardening, wine-growing, its own seed production, as well as using advanced scientific developments.
"As in all sectors of the economy, ones should not overlook strategic issues here [in the agriculture sector] as well, it is necessary to increase the competitiveness of Russian agricultural products, making domestic products and food be in growing demand both in our country and abroad," the head of the state said at a meeting on the situation in agriculture and the food industry.
In his opinion, competitiveness is "the key parameter," when it comes to building agricultural, industrial, scientific and educational policies, as well as a system of support and stimulation of exports, and the development of deep processing of agricultural raw materials."
"Russian companies have achieved impressive results in production of poultry, meat, primarily pork, vegetable oils and sugar, granulated sugar," Putin said.
He recalled that "over the past 10-20 years, the output on these commodity items has grown significantly."
"Of course, now we should go further and develop such areas as gardening, wine-growing, the production of beef, milk," the president believes.
Putin stressed that it is important to fully use the potential of national research institutions for the needs of agricultural production, so that domestic developments in the field of selection, genetics, biotechnology serve the growing of safe, high-quality crops.
"First of all, we are talking about import substitution of seeds and feed additives," the head of state said.
"It is equally important to develop pedigree cattle breeding and production veterinary drugs," Putin stressed. According to him, this is not only "an applied task for the science and business," but also "the key condition, the guarantee of food security and independence of the country.".


tass--2020-05-20--Situation with COVID-19 in Russia stabilizing, prime minister says

`` In the past three days there was the lowest growth in the number of the novel coronavirus infection cases and today it is below 3 % for the first time .
Today is also the first day when the number of those discharged after recovering exceeds the number of new cases , '' Mishustin told a board meeting of the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin believes that the situation with the spread of the coronavirus in the country has been gradually stabilizing , especially in Moscow .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news and probably , we have started overcoming the highest point in the load on the healthcare system . ''
`` This shows that the situation has been gradually stabilizing , especially in Moscow , which was the first to face the new infection , '' the prime minister said .
Russia has conducted more than 7 mln tests for the coronavirus , with nearly 200,000 people tested every day .
`` Thanks to this we see the true picture of the disease and can say that we are able to avoid an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative scenario , '' the prime minister stressed .
`` This is the result of proactive measures taken over the past months , and certainly , a self-sacrificing work of doctors and all those bearing the biggest burden of combating this dangerous virus . ''
The prime minister noted that the stabilization of the situation with COVID-19 cases enables the country to reduce the load on the healthcare system .
More than 164,000 hospital beds have been provided , including 24,700 in intensive care .
However , just 100,000 beds in hospital wards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care are used .
`` This shows that the reserves of the healthcare sector have been created and this situation enables some Russian regions to gradually lift earlier introduced restrictions , '' Mishustin said .

"In the past three days there was the lowest growth in the number of the novel coronavirus infection cases and today it is below 3% for the first time. Today is also the first day when the number of those discharged after recovering exceeds the number of new cases," Mishustin told a board meeting of the anti-coronavirus crisis center.
MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin believes that the situation with the spread of the coronavirus in the country has been gradually stabilizing, especially in Moscow.
According to him, "this is good news and probably, we have started overcoming the highest point in the load on the healthcare system." "This shows that the situation has been gradually stabilizing, especially in Moscow, which was the first to face the new infection," the prime minister said.
Russia has conducted more than 7 mln tests for the coronavirus, with nearly 200,000 people tested every day. "Thanks to this we see the true picture of the disease and can say that we are able to avoid an explosive growth in infections and the most negative scenario," the prime minister stressed.
"This is the result of proactive measures taken over the past months, and certainly, a self-sacrificing work of doctors and all those bearing the biggest burden of combating this dangerous virus."
The prime minister noted that the stabilization of the situation with COVID-19 cases enables the country to reduce the load on the healthcare system. More than 164,000 hospital beds have been provided, including 24,700 in intensive care. However, just 100,000 beds in hospital wards and less than 3,000 beds in intensive care are used. "This shows that the reserves of the healthcare sector have been created and this situation enables some Russian regions to gradually lift earlier introduced restrictions," Mishustin said.


tass--2020-05-20--Putin orders to consider conditions for special investment contracts extension

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Deadlines to honor investment commitments under special investment contracts can be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday .
Investment plans of machine-building companies , fertilizer producers and other enterprises can be revised for objective reasons in the current situation , according to the president .
`` Therefore , I agree .
Fulfillment of investment commitments by the business [ can ] be moved to the right , postponed until a later date for special investment contracts and competitiveness improvement programs , '' Putin said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of such a postponement .
Export figures of Russian agricultural products are satisfactory but imports do not decline , the president noted .
Agricultural exports from Russia totaled $ 25 bln in 2019 .
`` This is merely an incredible figure , compared to prior periods of the agricultural sector development .
Nobody thought 10-15 years ago that this could actually take place , '' he said .
`` Nevertheless , our exports [ of agricultural products ] dropped by 1 % last year , '' the head of state noted , specifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 20. /TASS/. Deadlines to honor investment commitments under special investment contracts can be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
Investment plans of machine-building companies, fertilizer producers and other enterprises can be revised for objective reasons in the current situation, according to the president.
"Therefore, I agree. Fulfillment of investment commitments by the business [can] be moved to the right, postponed until a later date for special investment contracts and competitiveness improvement programs," Putin said, asking the government to work out terms of such a postponement.
Export and import
Export figures of Russian agricultural products are satisfactory but imports do not decline, the president noted. Agricultural exports from Russia totaled $25 bln in 2019.
"This is merely an incredible figure, compared to prior periods of the agricultural sector development. Nobody thought 10-15 years ago that this could actually take place," he said. "Nevertheless, our exports [of agricultural products] dropped by 1% last year," the head of state noted, specifying that there are objective reasons for that.


tass--2020-05-20--Ukraine displays no wish to return Donbass, inability to return Crimea, experts say

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The incumbent Ukrainian government displays no intention to return Donbass and inability to return Crimea , Russian and Ukrainian experts said during the Monday online conference in TASS , dedicated to the first year of Vladimir Zelensky ’ s presidency .
`` The incumbent [ Ukrainian ] government does not want [ to return ] Donbass [ under its control ] and speaks about Crimea only to say something .
They treat the Crimean issue as a point of a mandatory program .
If they found a political will to unite and say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let us cement the status quo and restore some economic ties ’ , that would be the end of story , '' said Mikhail Pogrebinsky , director of the Kiev Center for Political Studies and Conflictology .
`` In theory , this is possible .
But in practice , this requires a political will to acknowledge the reality .
In reality , this will never happen . ''
The experts noted that Kiev has no compelling reason to implement the Minsk Agreements .
`` Zelensky must enter conflicts to change the situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not like conflicts , '' said Ruslan Bortnik , director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics .
`` The Nobel Peace Prize is a motivation for such people , and the current political leadership of Ukraine basically has no motivation and reason to implement the Minsk agreements . ''
Neither can public opinion provide enough motivation , because , according to Alexei Chesnakov , the leading expert at the Center for Current Policy ( Russia ) , `` the Ukrainian public wants peace on its own terms , [ it wants ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentiment that peace is needed at any cost , '' and Zelensky ’ s team `` cultivates this attitude . ''
`` If we talk about Crimea , they lack a 'wish ' here , whereas concerning Donbass — they just do n't want to .
This is the core restraining factor of the Ukrainian policy towards these two territories , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The incumbent Ukrainian government displays no intention to return Donbass and inability to return Crimea, Russian and Ukrainian experts said during the Monday online conference in TASS, dedicated to the first year of Vladimir Zelensky’s presidency.
"The incumbent [Ukrainian] government does not want [to return] Donbass [under its control] and speaks about Crimea only to say something. They treat the Crimean issue as a point of a mandatory program. If they found a political will to unite and say ‘we do not want Donbass, let us cement the status quo and restore some economic ties’, that would be the end of story," said Mikhail Pogrebinsky, director of the Kiev Center for Political Studies and Conflictology. "In theory, this is possible. But in practice, this requires a political will to acknowledge the reality. In reality, this will never happen."
The experts noted that Kiev has no compelling reason to implement the Minsk Agreements. "Zelensky must enter conflicts to change the situation, but he is a businessman, he does not like conflicts," said Ruslan Bortnik, director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics. "The Nobel Peace Prize is a motivation for such people, and the current political leadership of Ukraine basically has no motivation and reason to implement the Minsk agreements."
Neither can public opinion provide enough motivation, because, according to Alexei Chesnakov, the leading expert at the Center for Current Policy (Russia), "the Ukrainian public wants peace on its own terms, [it wants] victory over Donbass; there is no sentiment that peace is needed at any cost," and Zelensky’s team "cultivates this attitude."
"If we talk about Crimea, they lack a 'wish' here, whereas concerning Donbass — they just don't want to. This is the core restraining factor of the Ukrainian policy towards these two territories," he concluded.


tass--2020-05-20--Poland lacks strategic vision, if it views Russia as main threat — diplomat

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Polish leadership demonstrates absence of strategic vision as it continues viewing Russia @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her Facebook on Wednesday .
Ex-Polish president @ @ @ @ @ new national security strategy In this regard , the diplomat drew attention to the comment @ @ @ @ @ former Polish President Lech Walesa made in an interview with TASS about Poland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in which Russia was named as the main threat .
`` They don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have any ideas .
They seek to build something on old foundations , @ @ @ @ @ saying .
`` Absolutely true !
The use of old Cold War patterns testifies to @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Russian diplomat stressed .
Polish President Andrzej Duda signed on May 12 @ @ @ @ @ national security strategy , in which Russia was designated as the main threat to Warsaw @

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The Polish leadership demonstrates absence of strategic vision as it continues viewing Russia as the main threat, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her Facebook on Wednesday.
Ex-Polish president lashes out at authors of new national security strategy
In this regard, the diplomat drew attention to the comment Nobel Peace Prize laureate, former Polish President Lech Walesa made in an interview with TASS about Poland’s new national security strategy, in which Russia was named as the main threat.
"They don’t think ahead. They don’t have any ideas. They seek to build something on old foundations," Zakharova quoted Walesa as saying.
"Absolutely true! The use of old Cold War patterns testifies to the absence of strategic vision," the Russian diplomat stressed.
Polish President Andrzej Duda signed on May 12 the country’s new national security strategy, in which Russia was designated as the main threat to Warsaw.


tass--2020-05-20--Russian Agriculture Ministry keeps export outlook at $25 bln in 2020

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Agriculture keeps the forecast for exports of agricultural produce @ @ @ @ @ 25 bln in 2020 , Minister Dmitry Patrushev said on Wednesday .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ 9.4 bln overseas in this year .
This is $ 1.5 bln more than as @ @ @ @ @ the last year .
The target for 2020 is $ 25 bln , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Agriculture keeps the forecast for exports of agricultural produce in the amount of $25 bln in 2020, Minister Dmitry Patrushev said on Wednesday.
"We have already supplied products worth $9.4 bln overseas in this year. This is $1.5 bln more than as of the like date of the last year. The target for 2020 is $25 bln," the minister said.


tass--2020-05-20--Infection level still high in Moscow, mayor says

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus patients remains high in Moscow , the city ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a meeting of the coronavirus response council on Wednesday .
`` Increasing hospitalizations create a burden on the healthcare system , and on the other hand , this leads to a high death rate .
We can see that it is much higher in May than in April , '' he pointed out .
`` The April wave has brought critical patients in hospitals , '' Sobyanin added .
`` When we plan our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the infection level is still high , '' the Moscow mayor emphasized .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Moscow accounts for the majority of cases .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus patients remains high in Moscow, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a meeting of the coronavirus response council on Wednesday.
"Increasing hospitalizations create a burden on the healthcare system, and on the other hand, this leads to a high death rate. We can see that it is much higher in May than in April," he pointed out. "The April wave has brought critical patients in hospitals," Sobyanin added.
"When we plan our next steps, we need to realize that the infection level is still high," the Moscow mayor emphasized.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Moscow accounts for the majority of cases. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Almost 360,000 medics treating coronavirus patients in Russia, says deputy PM

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Almost 360,000 medical workers are treating coronavirus patients at inpatient facilities and on @ @ @ @ @ , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said in the upper house of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Today a total of almost 360,000 medical workers are providing medical assistance to such patients @ @ @ @ @ basis , '' the vice-premier said .
Medical workers in Russia received an additional 13.5 @ @ @ @ @ million ) in payments for treating coronavirus patients , Golikova said .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Almost 360,000 medical workers are treating coronavirus patients at inpatient facilities and on an outpatient basis in Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said in the upper house of Russia’s parliament on Wednesday.
"Today a total of almost 360,000 medical workers are providing medical assistance to such patients on an inpatient and outpatient basis," the vice-premier said.
Medical workers in Russia received an additional 13.5 billion rubles ($187.5 million) in payments for treating coronavirus patients, Golikova said.


tass--2020-05-21--Russian Black Sea Fleet frigates strike coastal targets in Crimea drills

SEVASTOPOL , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of the Black Sea Fleet frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen held artillery firings against coastal targets in Crimea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` During the first stage of the firings , the crews of artillery combat units of both ships practiced the algorithm of measures in accomplishing a combat training exercise .
At the second stage of the drills , the artillery personnel conducted preparatory firings from A-190 artillery systems against coastal targets , '' the press office said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Opuk combat training range in Crimea , the press office specified .
During qualification firings , the frigates ’ personnel successfully struck both visible and invisible coastal targets .
In order to strike the latter , the artillery crews employed navigational data with the reliance on an additional aiming point , the statement says .
The crews earlier practiced the frigates ’ emergency response preparedness for a battle and their deployment with the subsequent departure from the base for the designated areas in the Black Sea .
The warships like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project 11356R/M frigates ( the Project 11357 designation is also used ) .
These frigates are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels , submarines and ground installations , carry out patrols and defend sea lanes .
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface , coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km .
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1 , Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers .
The frigates also have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter ( Ka-27 or Ka-31 ) .

SEVASTOPOL, May 21. /TASS/. The crews of the Black Sea Fleet frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen held artillery firings against coastal targets in Crimea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"During the first stage of the firings, the crews of artillery combat units of both ships practiced the algorithm of measures in accomplishing a combat training exercise. At the second stage of the drills, the artillery personnel conducted preparatory firings from A-190 artillery systems against coastal targets," the press office said in a statement.
The firings were conducted in the area of the Opuk combat training range in Crimea, the press office specified.
During qualification firings, the frigates’ personnel successfully struck both visible and invisible coastal targets. In order to strike the latter, the artillery crews employed navigational data with the reliance on an additional aiming point, the statement says.
The crews earlier practiced the frigates’ emergency response preparedness for a battle and their deployment with the subsequent departure from the base for the designated areas in the Black Sea.
The warships like the Admiral Essen represent a new series of Project 11356R/M frigates (the Project 11357 designation is also used). These frigates are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels, submarines and ground installations, carry out patrols and defend sea lanes.
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface, coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km.
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1, Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems, A-190 100mm universal artillery guns, torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers. The frigates also have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter (Ka-27 or Ka-31).


tass--2020-05-21--Shopping centers, banks to incur losses if businesses nix leases early, warns Sberbank CEO

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/ TASS / .
The right of the entire business community to terminate lease agreements ahead of schedule without penalty charges will lead to large losses for owners of commercial real estate and for the banking industry , Sberbank CEO Herman Gref wrote in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Russian Government Dmitry Grigorenko , made available to TASS on Thursday .
The subject matter concerns the bill on the right of businesses to unilaterally terminate a lease if the company ’ s revenue after the introduction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
`` The measures proposed by the bill will lead to large-scale losses by commercial property owners without solving the industry ’ s problems in general , having created preferences for a number of players on the demand side of the shopping mall space .
The combination of the above factors in a very short time will lead to financial insolvency of landlords and their inability to fulfill commitments , '' Gref wrote .
According to him , the total loan portfolio of the industry is about 2.7 trillion rubles ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial real estate , the value of which due to the adoption of the bill will decrease by 20-30 % .

MOSCOW, May 21. / TASS /. The right of the entire business community to terminate lease agreements ahead of schedule without penalty charges will lead to large losses for owners of commercial real estate and for the banking industry, Sberbank CEO Herman Gref wrote in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Russian Government Dmitry Grigorenko, made available to TASS on Thursday.
The subject matter concerns the bill on the right of businesses to unilaterally terminate a lease if the company’s revenue after the introduction of the quarantine has fallen by more than 50%.
"The measures proposed by the bill will lead to large-scale losses by commercial property owners without solving the industry’s problems in general, having created preferences for a number of players on the demand side of the shopping mall space. The combination of the above factors in a very short time will lead to financial insolvency of landlords and their inability to fulfill commitments," Gref wrote.
According to him, the total loan portfolio of the industry is about 2.7 trillion rubles ($38 bln) and is secured by commercial real estate, the value of which due to the adoption of the bill will decrease by 20-30%.
If the bill passes, Gref proposes to extend it to tenants from the affected sectors of the economy, who really need the support.
"These enterprises primarily include small and medium-sized businesses that do not have a margin of safety and are in dire need of support," wrote he, adding that a way to determine which organization needs financial assistance is to see if it belongs to the small or medium size business, or to look at the size of the rented space, which will allow to "reliably identify the target segment for support measures."


tass--2020-05-21--Turkish minister expects air traffic with Russia to be restored in mid-July

ANKARA , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expects that air traffic @ @ @ @ @ been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic , will restore in mid July , as @ @ @ @ @ exclusive interview with TASS on Thursday .
`` Domestic tourism activities will begin in late @ @ @ @ @ trips will grow in June .
We hope that air traffic with many countries , @ @ @ @ @ and European ones , will start recovering in mid-June .
I hope that air traffic @ @ @ @ @ in mid-July , '' he said .
According to Ersoy , the number of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ declining and restrictions are being removed .
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case on March @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases in the country has exceeded 152,000 , as many as 113,987 patients have @ @ @ @ @ .

ANKARA, May 21. /TASS/. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expects that air traffic with Russia, which has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, will restore in mid July, as he himself said in an exclusive interview with TASS on Thursday.
"Domestic tourism activities will begin in late May and the number of trips will grow in June. We hope that air traffic with many countries, first and foremost, Asian and European ones, will start recovering in mid-June. I hope that air traffic with Russia will be restored in mid-July," he said.
According to Ersoy, the number of coronavirus cases in Turkey has been declining and restrictions are being removed.
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case on March 10. The number of confirmed cases in the country has exceeded 152,000, as many as 113,987 patients have recovered and 4,222 have died.


tass--2020-05-21--Russneft fulfills quota in OPEC+ deal in May

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/ TASS / .
The Russneft oil company , part of the Safmar group owned @ @ @ @ @ production by mid-May in accordance with quotas that the Russian Ministry of Energy distributed between @ @ @ @ @ deal to reduce oil production by 9.7 mln bpd in May-June , the company said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The operational plan to reduce production provided for a change in its structure @ @ @ @ @ the Western Siberian , Siberian assets , as well as in the Volga Region , @ @ @ @ @ The company noted that when shutting down part of the wells , it `` proceeded @ @ @ @ @ operating costs and operating efficiency under the existing market conditions , as well as based @ @ @ @ @ '' The company projects that by the end of 2020 , its oil production will @ @ @ @ @ when it reached 7.118 mln tonnes .
It operates in the oil and gas regions @ @ @ @ @ Volga-Ural region , Central Siberia , as well as in Azerbaijan .

MOSCOW, May 21. / TASS /. The Russneft oil company, part of the Safmar group owned businessman Mikhail Gutseriev, cut production by mid-May in accordance with quotas that the Russian Ministry of Energy distributed between Russian companies under the OPEC+ deal to reduce oil production by 9.7 mln bpd in May-June, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
"The operational plan to reduce production provided for a change in its structure and shutdown of wells in the Western Siberian, Siberian assets, as well as in the Volga Region," the statement said.
The company noted that when shutting down part of the wells, it "proceeded upon the assessment of current operating costs and operating efficiency under the existing market conditions, as well as based on its technical capabilities."
The company projects that by the end of 2020, its oil production will be below the 2019 level when it reached 7.118 mln tonnes. It operates in the oil and gas regions of Western Siberia, the Volga-Ural region, Central Siberia, as well as in Azerbaijan.


tass--2020-05-21--Number of coronavirus cases in Poland reaches around 20,000

WARSAW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Poland amounted to 19,983 , the Ministry of Health said on Thursday .
According to the report , 965 patients with coronavirus died in Poland in total , while 8,452 recovered .
Over the past day , 245 new cases were identified .
Around 2,300 patients with coronavirus remain in hospitals while more than 77,000 people are quarantined at home .
To counter the spread of coronavirus , the Polish authorities introduced a lockdown in mid-March , closed its borders for foreigners , and mandated everyone entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are required to maintain a social distance and wear masks when leaving their houses .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been infected worldwide and more than 329,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 317,554 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 92,681 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,099 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

WARSAW, May 21. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Poland amounted to 19,983, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.
According to the report, 965 patients with coronavirus died in Poland in total, while 8,452 recovered. Over the past day, 245 new cases were identified. Around 2,300 patients with coronavirus remain in hospitals while more than 77,000 people are quarantined at home.
To counter the spread of coronavirus, the Polish authorities introduced a lockdown in mid-March, closed its borders for foreigners, and mandated everyone entering the country to a 14-day quarantine. People are required to maintain a social distance and wear masks when leaving their houses.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,101,500 people have been infected worldwide and more than 329,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 317,554 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 92,681 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,099 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-21--Uralkali signs deal on potash deliveries to India

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Uralkali signed a contract for the supply of potash to India in 2020 at a price of $ 230 per tonne on the terms of delivery to the buyer ’ s port , the company said on Thursday .
`` Uralkali , one of the world ’ s largest potash producers , announces that Uralkali Trading , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uralkali , has concluded a contract with Indian Potash Limited ( IPL ) , major Indian importer of fertilizers , for potash deliveries until the end of 2020 , '' the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract price reflects the current market situation , `` in contrast to the commercial terms of the Chinese contract , which were considered suboptimal by most companies in the industry . ''
`` Uralkali believes that overall the price parameters of this agreement reflect the current market environment and consider the interests of both consumers and producers equally in the economic crisis , while supporting the Company 's position in one of its key markets , '' Uralkali Trading CEO Alexander Terletsky commented on the deal .
Uralkali is one of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company ’ s assets consist of 5 mines and 7 ore treatment plants in Russia .
The company ’ s shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange .

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Uralkali signed a contract for the supply of potash to India in 2020 at a price of $230 per tonne on the terms of delivery to the buyer’s port, the company said on Thursday.
"Uralkali, one of the world’s largest potash producers, announces that Uralkali Trading, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uralkali, has concluded a contract with Indian Potash Limited (IPL), major Indian importer of fertilizers, for potash deliveries until the end of 2020," the report said.
The company said that the contract price reflects the current market situation, "in contrast to the commercial terms of the Chinese contract, which were considered suboptimal by most companies in the industry."
"Uralkali believes that overall the price parameters of this agreement reflect the current market environment and consider the interests of both consumers and producers equally in the economic crisis, while supporting the Company's position in one of its key markets," Uralkali Trading CEO Alexander Terletsky commented on the deal.
Uralkali is one of the world’s largest potash producers and exporters. The company’s assets consist of 5 mines and 7 ore treatment plants in Russia. The company’s shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange.


tass--2020-05-21--Six diesel-electric subs to join Russia’s Pacific Fleet soon

`` In the short term , the submarine forces of the Pacific Fleet will receive a series of six Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines currently under construction at the Admiralty Shipyard in St. Petersburg , '' the Navy chief said in a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the 289th anniversary of Russia ’ s Pacific Fleet .
MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Six Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines will join Russia ’ s Pacific Fleet soon , Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said on Thursday .
Some life support systems of these submarines have been designed taking into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Far East , the Navy chief said .
There are also plans to further arm the Pacific Fleet ’ s submarine forces with 4th-generation nuclear-powered subs and develop the coastal infrastructure of their basing , he added .
`` Work will continue to upgrade Project 1155 large anti-submarine warfare ships and multi-purpose submarines of existing projects .
The service life of these ships and submarines has big upgrade potential and it will be used , '' Yevmenov said .
Meanwhile , the Pacific Fleet ’ s surface force will be armed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the regions of the Pacific Fleet ’ s basing , there are plans to actively develop the system of maintenance at shipyards of the United Ship-Building Corporation , which implies providing a full-cycle of the ships ’ service life , the Navy chief said .
`` The Pacific Fleet will continue to be a reliable outpost for preventing any threats from maritime and oceanic directions and will always be an important instrument in strengthening stability and mutual trust in the Asia-Pacific region , '' the Navy chief stressed .
Project 636.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kilo-II ) are 74 meters long and displace more than 3,900 tonnes .
Due to its strong hull , the submarine has an operational depth of 240 meters and can dive to a maximum depth of 300 meters .
Submarines of this Project have an operational range of up to 7,500 miles .
They are armed with Kalibr-PL cruise missiles that are launched from torpedo tubes from the sub ’ s submerged position .
Project 636 submarines are considered among the world ’ s most noiseless underwater cruisers .
They can develop a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have their sea endurance of 45 days and a crew of 52 men .

"In the short term, the submarine forces of the Pacific Fleet will receive a series of six Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines currently under construction at the Admiralty Shipyard in St. Petersburg," the Navy chief said in a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the 289th anniversary of Russia’s Pacific Fleet.
MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Six Project 636.3 diesel-electric submarines will join Russia’s Pacific Fleet soon, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov said on Thursday.
Some life support systems of these submarines have been designed taking into account the specifics of their operation in the Far East, the Navy chief said.
There are also plans to further arm the Pacific Fleet’s submarine forces with 4th-generation nuclear-powered subs and develop the coastal infrastructure of their basing, he added.
"Work will continue to upgrade Project 1155 large anti-submarine warfare ships and multi-purpose submarines of existing projects. The service life of these ships and submarines has big upgrade potential and it will be used," Yevmenov said.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Fleet’s surface force will be armed with frigates, corvettes and small missile ships. In the regions of the Pacific Fleet’s basing, there are plans to actively develop the system of maintenance at shipyards of the United Ship-Building Corporation, which implies providing a full-cycle of the ships’ service life, the Navy chief said.
"The Pacific Fleet will continue to be a reliable outpost for preventing any threats from maritime and oceanic directions and will always be an important instrument in strengthening stability and mutual trust in the Asia-Pacific region," the Navy chief stressed.
Project 636.3 submarines (NATO reporting name: Improved Kilo-II) are 74 meters long and displace more than 3,900 tonnes. Due to its strong hull, the submarine has an operational depth of 240 meters and can dive to a maximum depth of 300 meters. Submarines of this Project have an operational range of up to 7,500 miles. They are armed with Kalibr-PL cruise missiles that are launched from torpedo tubes from the sub’s submerged position.
Project 636 submarines are considered among the world’s most noiseless underwater cruisers. They can develop a speed of up to 20 knots, have their sea endurance of 45 days and a crew of 52 men.


tass--2020-05-21--Analyze this: Russians say psychological aid not needed to handle quarantine blues

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
The vast majority of Russians ( 86 % ) believe they do not need the aid of a psychologist over the possible consequences of self-isolation due to the pandemic .
Only 7 % said they would like to consult with a psychologist , according to a poll conducted by the Superjob recruitment website , obtained by TASS .
`` The majority of employers also believe that such consultations are not needed ( 82 % ) , while 9 % of business representatives are certain that talking with a specialist is required , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a psychologist ’ s aid is needed slightly more often than men ( 8 % and 6 % , correspondingly ) .
Young people aged under 24 express need for consultations less than the older people ( 4 % and 7 % , correspondingly ) .
The least need for a psychologist ’ s aid is expressed by the Russians who continue to travel to work during the quarantine ( 3 % ) .
The highest desire to visit a psychologist was expressed by respondents who work remotely ( 9 % ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and May 19 in all regions of Russia .
It encompassed 500 Russian recruitment companies and 1,600 Russians above 18 .

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. The vast majority of Russians (86%) believe they do not need the aid of a psychologist over the possible consequences of self-isolation due to the pandemic. Only 7% said they would like to consult with a psychologist, according to a poll conducted by the Superjob recruitment website, obtained by TASS.
"The majority of employers also believe that such consultations are not needed (82%), while 9% of business representatives are certain that talking with a specialist is required," the poll says.
Women say that a psychologist’s aid is needed slightly more often than men (8% and 6%, correspondingly). Young people aged under 24 express need for consultations less than the older people (4% and 7%, correspondingly). The least need for a psychologist’s aid is expressed by the Russians who continue to travel to work during the quarantine (3%). The highest desire to visit a psychologist was expressed by respondents who work remotely (9%).
The poll took place between May 15 and May 19 in all regions of Russia. It encompassed 500 Russian recruitment companies and 1,600 Russians above 18.


tass--2020-05-21--Russia did not propose US-Palestine summit on Middle East settlement — senior diplomat

According to the Russian envoy , the Middle East Quartet consultations between the special envoys of the Middle East Quartet members will hardly lead to a breakthrough MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia did not propose to hold a US-Palestine summit on the Middle East peace settlement , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov told TASS , commenting on the rumors that appeared in the media .
`` This is a complete nonsense , '' he said .
`` They come up with all sorts of phantasmagoria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s delirious .
They make it out of whole cloth ; they fantasize and then attribute it to me that I introduced some kind of proposal .
We have only one proposal — to comply with the UN Security Council resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement , that ’ s all we propose , '' the deputy foreign minister said .
He also debunked US media reports that he purportedly discussed perspectives of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement with some officials from the US National Security Council .
Earlier , the US-based Axios news website claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia allegedly proposed to organize a meeting between the US and Palestine with participation of other members of the Middle East Quartet ( the United States , the United Nations , the European Union and Russia itself ) and a number of other states .
Later , media speculated that such a meeting might take place at the highest level and may include separate contacts between Russia and the US on the Middle East issue .
Meanwhile , according to the Russian diplomat , the Middle East Quartet consultations between the special envoys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardly lead to a breakthrough .
`` Consultations will involve the special envoys of the Middle East Quartet .
I hope that the meeting will take place in the near future .
It is most likely to be held on the phone , but a video conference is also possible , '' he said .
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin is expected to represent Russia at the consultations .
However , Bogdanov was skeptical about the meeting .
`` The Americans are promoting their ‘ Deal of the Century , '' which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he noted , when asked if the upcoming consultations could produce any results amid rising tensions .
On May 17 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the time had come to annex parts of the West Bank .
In response , Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on May 19 announced an end to all agreements with Israel and the United States .

According to the Russian envoy, the Middle East Quartet consultations between the special envoys of the Middle East Quartet members will hardly lead to a breakthrough
MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Russia did not propose to hold a US-Palestine summit on the Middle East peace settlement, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov told TASS, commenting on the rumors that appeared in the media.
Read also Envoy says Palestine eager to continue talks with Israel
"This is a complete nonsense," he said. "They come up with all sorts of phantasmagoria. It’s ridiculous, it’s delirious. They make it out of whole cloth; they fantasize and then attribute it to me that I introduced some kind of proposal. We have only one proposal — to comply with the UN Security Council resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, that’s all we propose," the deputy foreign minister said.
He also debunked US media reports that he purportedly discussed perspectives of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement with some officials from the US National Security Council. Earlier, the US-based Axios news website claimed, citing unnamed Western diplomats, that Russia allegedly proposed to organize a meeting between the US and Palestine with participation of other members of the Middle East Quartet (the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia itself) and a number of other states. Later, media speculated that such a meeting might take place at the highest level and may include separate contacts between Russia and the US on the Middle East issue.


tass--2020-05-21--Press review: US production may exit China and Abbas runs to Putin over annexation fears

Izvestia : US manufacturing pullout from China to hinder global economic growth The steadily increasing trade war between the United States and China will retard the global economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic , analysts interviewed by Izvestia predicted .
According to a survey by Bank of America , relations between the two countries will be at loggerheads until the US presidential election in November .
Senators have a bill in the making to slap sanctions on China .
If adopted , US companies will step up the process of moving production from China to other countries , experts said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from it either , due to the ongoing sanctions set in place by the US and the EU , Izvestia wrote .
The majority of experts interviewed by the paper believe that the US-China spat will intensify closer to the November election , but others said that an escalation could be expected this month .
For the United States itself , moving production from China back home would be economically beneficial , Ekaterina Novikova from REU told Izvestia .
Because of the pandemic , the country faced a wave of enterprise shutdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record increase in the number of unemployed - up to 22 mln people , she recalled .
However , most likely , production will be relocated to other countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America , the commentators noted .
Leaving the Chinese market can be extremely expensive for US companies , because they will have to spend time on establishing logistics links and distribution channels , Alexey Antonov from Alor Broker told the newspaper .
Transferring plants can affect many sectors of the economy , most significantly , the field of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a portfolio manager at Sberbank Asset Management .
Russia is more likely to lose from the trade war .
An intensified confrontation between the two largest economies would weaken the fragile recovery after the crisis , chief economist at Sovcombank Kirill Sokolov warned Izvestia .
The aggravation of the geopolitical confrontation between America and China would negatively affect the price of oil , the Russian stock market , and the ruble exchange rate , he believes .
According to experts , moving production from China to Russia is unlikely due to the sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Palestinians turn to Russia over fears of Israeli annexation Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced in response to Israel ’ s Jordan Valley annexation bid that it would end all accords signed with Israel and the US .
According to experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta , it is unlikely that agreements , on the basis of which the Palestinian National Authority has existed for more than a quarter of a century , will indeed be broken .
Meanwhile , Abbas turned to Russian President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue .
Russia once again might become a mediator in the peace process , the newspaper wrote .
Abbas reaffirmed the Palestinian commitment to the peace process with Israel via the Middle East Quartet , that is , with the mediation of Russia , the European Union , the United States and the United Nations .
Moreover , according to the Palestinian Embassy in Russia , Abbas turned to Putin with a proposal to convene an international conference in Moscow to hammer out a new mechanism for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the main mediator in the peace process , '' Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
Alexander Shumilin , who heads the Europe-Middle East Center for at RAS Europe Institute told the newspaper , he believes that Abbas ’ s decision is proactive .
`` With his dramatic step , which , of course , complicates the situation , he wants to restrain Netanyahu until the annexation already happens .
What effect this will have is not clear .
I believe that Abbas will be able to somewhat slow down the annexation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the Trump administration has recently begun to act much more cautiously in the Middle East plays in favor of Abbas .
At the same time , the expert noted that Netanyahu is unlikely to abandon his plans , unless he faces overwhelming pressure .
`` A lot depends on the reaction of Arab countries , primarily Saudi Arabia .
Trump is listening to [ kingdom ’ s ] opinion , '' Shumilin said .
Meanwhile , although all Arab countries condemned Netanyahu ’ s plans , no one suggested any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the non-working holidays , a budding revival in demand for air travel was noticed in Russia in May , compared to April - it quintupled - ticket services told Izvestia .
Airlines have also begun to prepare for the summer by increasing the number of direct flights from the regions to Russian resort cities in the south .
The revival of air traffic will depend on regional policies to lift the coronavirus restrictions and conditions for transporting passengers , experts told the newspaper .
On May 12 , a phased easing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , the regions were allowed to gradually loosen up their lockdowns .
Amid a more favorable situation in the regions , airlines began to expand their routes .
From May 1 to May 18 , airline ticket sales quintupled compared to April , the Kupibilet service told Izvestia .
Another company , Tutu.ru also confirmed a surge in airline ticket sales from last week to Izvestia .
According to a service representative , demand began to grow after the end of the May holidays .
A source in a major airline told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled flights , began to purchase more tickets through carriers ' websites , bypassing intermediaries .
Therefore , their figure can even be somewhat underestimated .
S7 Airlines intends to restore almost all domestic routes , the company told Izvestia .
Last June , its route network totaled about 120 destinations in Russia .
Ural Airlines noted that they did not expect a quick recovery in demand , as Russians fear travel due to the pandemic .
However , the carrier also wants to expand its flight program from the regions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Given the restrictions , airlines are trying to somehow stimulate demand by selling tickets at the lowest possible prices .
The main thing now is to start with the most popular destinations , '' PR Director of Nordwind Airlines Alexander Sukhorukov told Izvestia .
Despite some recovery in the market , summer traffic will remain much lower than last year , Head of Infomost consulting agency Boris Rybak told Izvestia .
This is confirmed by the latest data .
A decrease in sales in May compared to the same period in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at Biletix - by 75 % .
The formal territory of the Northern Sea Route can be almost doubled to include the water zone from Murmansk to Sakhalin , such a decision here is being worked out along the lines of the state commission on the Arctic , Kommersant wrote .
The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East came up with the idea .
If the decision is made , it will make it possible to formally execute the order of the Russian head of state to increase freight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 mln tonnes by 2024 .
However , this could come to loggerheads with international law and other problems may arise , the newspaper cautioned .
The current water zone of the shipping route is limited by the borders designed to sustain the peculiarities of international law related to the freezing of seas .
At the end of 2018 , Rosatom became the infrastructure operator of the Northern Sea Route , and the Russian Ministry of Transport was responsible for the regulation of the industry and issuing permits for sailing in the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` quite difficult '' to prove the presence of ice in the new water areas amid global warming .
In addition , the so-called Polar Code has been functioning in the Arctic since 2017 , and the Route ’ s new zone extends far beyond its limits , which `` is unlikely to be adequately perceived by the international maritime community , '' the source said .
Another source told the newspaper that Rosatom is currently responsible for ports within the Northern Sea Route and the question arises as to whether new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transferred to it .
This will almost certainly create a new conflict between the state corporation and the Ministry of Transport , the source believes .
The Russian car industry is experiencing the most serious crisis in its recent history amid the coronavirus pandemic , even far deeper than the 2008-2009 meltdown , Kommersant wrote .
The automotive market , which was never able to fully recover , according to analysts , will reach the level of 2019 only by 2023 .
Although Russia ’ s government is trying to help restore demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distributed even among localized players .
As a result , some foreign concerns may be forced to curtail production in Russia .
The Association of European Businesses , summing up the results of automobile sales in Russia in the first full month of the lockdown , dubbed it “ Black April ” .
For the first time in the history of the Russian automobile industry , sales of cars and light commercial vehicles fell by 72.4 % .
The current market situation is not similar to the earlier problems in the Russian car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market will inevitably shrink against the redistribution of consumer priorities due to falling incomes , the concern noted .
Meanwhile , Nissan told the newspaper that limitations due to the epidemic are the main difficulty now .
Avtovaz believes that this year the market `` will show significant negative dynamics compared to 2019 , with very low sales in April-May and the possible start of a slight recovery in June '' .
Given this background , some players might leave the Russian market , the newspaper wrote .
Thus , Nissan is potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia by the budget brand Datsun .
Nissan ’ s sales last year fell by 20 % to almost 70,000 cars , according to the newspaper .
Meanwhile , the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade told Kommersant that so far none of the carmakers have officially announced their departure from the country .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: US manufacturing pullout from China to hinder global economic growth The steadily increasing trade war between the United States and China will retard the global economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, analysts interviewed by Izvestia predicted. According to a survey by Bank of America, relations between the two countries will be at loggerheads until the US presidential election in November. Senators have a bill in the making to slap sanctions on China. If adopted, US companies will step up the process of moving production from China to other countries, experts said. Russia will not be able to benefit from it either, due to the ongoing sanctions set in place by the US and the EU, Izvestia wrote.
Read also International cooperation to play important role in economic recovery — Bank of Russia
The majority of experts interviewed by the paper believe that the US-China spat will intensify closer to the November election, but others said that an escalation could be expected this month. For the United States itself, moving production from China back home would be economically beneficial, Ekaterina Novikova from REU told Izvestia. Because of the pandemic, the country faced a wave of enterprise shutdowns on its soil, which led to a record increase in the number of unemployed - up to 22 mln people, she recalled. However, most likely, production will be relocated to other countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America, the commentators noted. Leaving the Chinese market can be extremely expensive for US companies, because they will have to spend time on establishing logistics links and distribution channels, Alexey Antonov from Alor Broker told the newspaper. Transferring plants can affect many sectors of the economy, most significantly, the field of IT technologies, said Alexandra Falkova, a portfolio manager at Sberbank Asset Management. Russia is more likely to lose from the trade war. An intensified confrontation between the two largest economies would weaken the fragile recovery after the crisis, chief economist at Sovcombank Kirill Sokolov warned Izvestia. The aggravation of the geopolitical confrontation between America and China would negatively affect the price of oil, the Russian stock market, and the ruble exchange rate, he believes. According to experts, moving production from China to Russia is unlikely due to the sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and the European Union. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Palestinians turn to Russia over fears of Israeli annexation Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced in response to Israel’s Jordan Valley annexation bid that it would end all accords signed with Israel and the US. According to experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta, it is unlikely that agreements, on the basis of which the Palestinian National Authority has existed for more than a quarter of a century, will indeed be broken. Meanwhile, Abbas turned to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting to hold a conference on the issue. Russia once again might become a mediator in the peace process, the newspaper wrote.
Read also Envoy says Palestine eager to continue talks with Israel
Abbas reaffirmed the Palestinian commitment to the peace process with Israel via the Middle East Quartet, that is, with the mediation of Russia, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations. Moreover, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Russia, Abbas turned to Putin with a proposal to convene an international conference in Moscow to hammer out a new mechanism for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Thus, Russia was offered the role of the main mediator in the peace process," Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote. Alexander Shumilin, who heads the Europe-Middle East Center for at RAS Europe Institute told the newspaper, he believes that Abbas’s decision is proactive. "With his dramatic step, which, of course, complicates the situation, he wants to restrain Netanyahu until the annexation already happens. What effect this will have is not clear. I believe that Abbas will be able to somewhat slow down the annexation," the expert forecasted. According to Shumilin, the fact that the Trump administration has recently begun to act much more cautiously in the Middle East plays in favor of Abbas. At the same time, the expert noted that Netanyahu is unlikely to abandon his plans, unless he faces overwhelming pressure. "A lot depends on the reaction of Arab countries, primarily Saudi Arabia. Trump is listening to [kingdom’s] opinion," Shumilin said. Meanwhile, although all Arab countries condemned Netanyahu’s plans, no one suggested any specific measures. Izvestia: Russia’s air travel slowly coming back to life After the end of the non-working holidays, a budding revival in demand for air travel was noticed in Russia in May, compared to April - it quintupled - ticket services told Izvestia. Airlines have also begun to prepare for the summer by increasing the number of direct flights from the regions to Russian resort cities in the south.
Read also Coronavirus will not comptetely halt Russian tourism industry, says expert
The revival of air traffic will depend on regional policies to lift the coronavirus restrictions and conditions for transporting passengers, experts told the newspaper. On May 12, a phased easing of the COVID-19-related quarantine began in Russia. In particular, the regions were allowed to gradually loosen up their lockdowns. Amid a more favorable situation in the regions, airlines began to expand their routes. From May 1 to May 18, airline ticket sales quintupled compared to April, the Kupibilet service told Izvestia. Another company, Tutu.ru also confirmed a surge in airline ticket sales from last week to Izvestia. According to a service representative, demand began to grow after the end of the May holidays. A source in a major airline told Izvestia that people, fearing difficulties with cancelled flights, began to purchase more tickets through carriers' websites, bypassing intermediaries. Therefore, their figure can even be somewhat underestimated. S7 Airlines intends to restore almost all domestic routes, the company told Izvestia. Last June, its route network totaled about 120 destinations in Russia. Ural Airlines noted that they did not expect a quick recovery in demand, as Russians fear travel due to the pandemic. However, the carrier also wants to expand its flight program from the regions in the summer, the company told the newspaper. "Given the restrictions, airlines are trying to somehow stimulate demand by selling tickets at the lowest possible prices. The main thing now is to start with the most popular destinations," PR Director of Nordwind Airlines Alexander Sukhorukov told Izvestia. Despite some recovery in the market, summer traffic will remain much lower than last year, Head of Infomost consulting agency Boris Rybak told Izvestia. This is confirmed by the latest data. A decrease in sales in May compared to the same period in 2019 at Kupibilet reached 64%, and at Biletix - by 75%. Kommersant: Russia’s plans to extend Northern Sea Route may prove problematic The formal territory of the Northern Sea Route can be almost doubled to include the water zone from Murmansk to Sakhalin, such a decision here is being worked out along the lines of the state commission on the Arctic, Kommersant wrote. The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East came up with the idea. If the decision is made, it will make it possible to formally execute the order of the Russian head of state to increase freight traffic along the Northern Sea Route to 20 mln tonnes by 2024. However, this could come to loggerheads with international law and other problems may arise, the newspaper cautioned. The current water zone of the shipping route is limited by the borders designed to sustain the peculiarities of international law related to the freezing of seas. At the end of 2018, Rosatom became the infrastructure operator of the Northern Sea Route, and the Russian Ministry of Transport was responsible for the regulation of the industry and issuing permits for sailing in the water area. A source told Kommersant it is "quite difficult" to prove the presence of ice in the new water areas amid global warming. In addition, the so-called Polar Code has been functioning in the Arctic since 2017, and the Route’s new zone extends far beyond its limits, which "is unlikely to be adequately perceived by the international maritime community," the source said. Another source told the newspaper that Rosatom is currently responsible for ports within the Northern Sea Route and the question arises as to whether new terminals, and port charges will be transferred to it. This will almost certainly create a new conflict between the state corporation and the Ministry of Transport, the source believes. Kommersant: Russia’s car sales plummet amid pandemic The Russian car industry is experiencing the most serious crisis in its recent history amid the coronavirus pandemic, even far deeper than the 2008-2009 meltdown, Kommersant wrote. The automotive market, which was never able to fully recover, according to analysts, will reach the level of 2019 only by 2023. Although Russia’s government is trying to help restore demand, support is relatively small and unevenly distributed even among localized players. As a result, some foreign concerns may be forced to curtail production in Russia.


tass--2020-05-21--Putin decorates defense chief with 1st Class Order of Merits to the Fatherland

Lavrov says he knows Pentagon chief is interested in meeting with Shoigu MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on awarding Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu the 1st Class Order of Merits to the Fatherland with swords , the Kremlin ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated Defense Minister of Russia Sergei Shoigu on his 65th birthday and signed a decree on awarding the defense chief the ‘ For Merits to the Fatherland 1st Class ’ Order with swords , '' the press office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was born on May 21 , 1955 in the town of Chadan in the Tuva ASSR ( currently , the Republic of Tyva ) .
In 1977 , he graduated from the Krasnoyarsk Polytechnic Institute as construction engineer .
In 1991-1994 , he headed Russia ’ s State Committee for Civil Defense , Emergencies and Clean-Up of Natural Disasters .
In 1994-2012 , Shoigu served as Russia ’ s emergencies minister .
Between May 11 and November 6 , 2012 , he held the post of the Moscow Region governor .
On November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Russia ’ s defense minister .
Shoigu is army general , Hero of Russia , with a PhD in Economy .

Lavrov says he knows Pentagon chief is interested in meeting with Shoigu
MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on awarding Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu the 1st Class Order of Merits to the Fatherland with swords, the Kremlin’s press office reported on Thursday.
"President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated Defense Minister of Russia Sergei Shoigu on his 65th birthday and signed a decree on awarding the defense chief the ‘For Merits to the Fatherland 1st Class’ Order with swords," the press office said in a statement.
Sergei Shoigu was born on May 21, 1955 in the town of Chadan in the Tuva ASSR (currently, the Republic of Tyva). In 1977, he graduated from the Krasnoyarsk Polytechnic Institute as construction engineer.
In 1991-1994, he headed Russia’s State Committee for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Clean-Up of Natural Disasters.
In 1994-2012, Shoigu served as Russia’s emergencies minister. Between May 11 and November 6, 2012, he held the post of the Moscow Region governor. On November 6, 2012, Shoigu was appointed as Russia’s defense minister.
Shoigu is army general, Hero of Russia, with a PhD in Economy.


tass--2020-05-21--Scientists determine properties of liquid crystals that might help create electronic paper

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists from Siberian Federal University and Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences ( Institute of Physics ( Federal Research Center , Krasnoyarsk ) determined the structural peculiarities of liquid crystals , thanks to which the material can be used to create `` smart windows '' and electronic notebooks in the future , TASS reported on Thursday citing the press service of Siberian Federal University .
`` Scientists were the first in the world to study the orientational structures of cholesteric liquid crystals embedded in a polymer sheet with conical boundaries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forming defects that determine the electro-optical properties of these materials were identified in such drops .
The authors believe that composite materials that can be created based on such liquid crystals , can be widely used in 'smart windows ' , electronic paper and new generation lasers , ” the SFU press service said .
The internal structure of liquid crystals which lacks symmetry is called cholesteric — each layer of molecules is at an angle with respect to the neighboring one , and a spiral forms as a result .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , as part of polymer sheets , can become the basis of `` smart windows '' that regulate a room 's illumination , as well as ultra-thin electronic paper .
In order to do so , the scientists need to thoroughly study the structure of the material and identify those features due to which it acquires useful properties .
The authors of the study became the first in the world to conduct a study of the orientational structure of cholesteric liquid crystals and determined the characteristics defining their unique properties .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the size of liquid crystal drops in a sheet in particular .
The experiments showed that the drop 's diameter is associated with the orientation structure formed by the liquid crystal in the sheet — it can be twisted or layered .
Information on the exact parameters of the formation of different structures of liquid crystals is important for the development of composite materials based on them with the required properties that can change their optical properties under the impact of an electric field .
`` Moreover , it turned out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transitional structure occurs in which the symmetry has already been broken , but no layers have yet developed , this is one of our discoveries , '' said Anna Gardymova , associate professor of the Department of Instrument Engineering and Nanoelectronics of the Siberian Federal University .
The use of technologies such as `` smart windows '' or electronic paper will allow to save natural resources by giving up deforestation and will also help reduce energy consumption , the authors of the study say .
The results of the study supported by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published in the journal Molecules .

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Scientists from Siberian Federal University and Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Physics (Federal Research Center, Krasnoyarsk) determined the structural peculiarities of liquid crystals, thanks to which the material can be used to create "smart windows" and electronic notebooks in the future, TASS reported on Thursday citing the press service of Siberian Federal University.
"Scientists were the first in the world to study the orientational structures of cholesteric liquid crystals embedded in a polymer sheet with conical boundaries. The main configurations of the director and the forming defects that determine the electro-optical properties of these materials were identified in such drops. The authors believe that composite materials that can be created based on such liquid crystals, can be widely used in 'smart windows', electronic paper and new generation lasers,” the SFU press service said.
The internal structure of liquid crystals which lacks symmetry is called cholesteric — each layer of molecules is at an angle with respect to the neighboring one, and a spiral forms as a result. They have unique electro-optical properties and in the future, as part of polymer sheets, can become the basis of "smart windows" that regulate a room's illumination, as well as ultra-thin electronic paper. In order to do so, the scientists need to thoroughly study the structure of the material and identify those features due to which it acquires useful properties. The authors of the study became the first in the world to conduct a study of the orientational structure of cholesteric liquid crystals and determined the characteristics defining their unique properties.
The researchers examined the dependence of structure properties on the size of liquid crystal drops in a sheet in particular. The experiments showed that the drop's diameter is associated with the orientation structure formed by the liquid crystal in the sheet — it can be twisted or layered. Information on the exact parameters of the formation of different structures of liquid crystals is important for the development of composite materials based on them with the required properties that can change their optical properties under the impact of an electric field.
"Moreover, it turned out that between these 'extreme' stages a special transitional structure occurs in which the symmetry has already been broken, but no layers have yet developed, this is one of our discoveries," said Anna Gardymova, associate professor of the Department of Instrument Engineering and Nanoelectronics of the Siberian Federal University.
The use of technologies such as "smart windows" or electronic paper will allow to save natural resources by giving up deforestation and will also help reduce energy consumption, the authors of the study say. The results of the study supported by the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) are published in the journal Molecules.


tass--2020-05-21--Kamaz launches sales of new flagship truck model

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Kamaz has begun selling its new flagship K-5 truck model , the KAMAZ-54901 semi-trailer truck .
The vehicles will appear in regional dealerships in May - June , the company said in a statement on Thursday .
The vehicle is covered by the state ’ s preferential leasing program .
“ Production of the Kamaz-54901 was launched in 2019 .
Before the sales kick-off , batches of new tractors were turned over to several large carriers for a test operation .
The model was evaluated under real conditions and finalized by the manufacturer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , in 2020 , the company launched a proven product on the market , '' Kamaz said .
The company reported earlier that it planned to wrap up the vehicle ’ s certification and start the manufacture of Euro-6 eco-friendly trucks for the Russian car market in August 2020 .
According to the business plan for 2020 , Kamaz expects to sell 29,000 trucks domestically and 6,700 abroad .
At the same time , the motor vehicle producer plans to occupy a 46 % share of Russia ’ s truck market .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturer and is one of the world ’ s top 20 truck producers .
The company turns out trucks , trailers , buses , engines , powertrains and various tools .
The largest shareholders of Kamaz , according to information posted on the company 's website , are the Rostec state corporation ( 47.1 % ) , Avtoinvest ( 23.54 % ) and the German concern Daimler ( 15 % ) .

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Kamaz has begun selling its new flagship K-5 truck model, the KAMAZ-54901 semi-trailer truck. The vehicles will appear in regional dealerships in May - June, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
The vehicle is covered by the state’s preferential leasing program.
“Production of the Kamaz-54901 was launched in 2019. Before the sales kick-off, batches of new tractors were turned over to several large carriers for a test operation. The model was evaluated under real conditions and finalized by the manufacturer according to customer reviews. As a result, in 2020, the company launched a proven product on the market," Kamaz said.
The company reported earlier that it planned to wrap up the vehicle’s certification and start the manufacture of Euro-6 eco-friendly trucks for the Russian car market in August 2020.
According to the business plan for 2020, Kamaz expects to sell 29,000 trucks domestically and 6,700 abroad. At the same time, the motor vehicle producer plans to occupy a 46% share of Russia’s truck market.
Kamaz is Russia’s largest truck manufacturer and is one of the world’s top 20 truck producers. The company turns out trucks, trailers, buses, engines, powertrains and various tools.
The largest shareholders of Kamaz, according to information posted on the company's website, are the Rostec state corporation (47.1%), Avtoinvest (23.54%) and the German concern Daimler (15%).


tass--2020-05-21--‘Ukrainian Community of Crimea’ to tell UN about Russian speakers’ situation in Ukraine

SIMFEROPOL , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
A report on the situation concerning Russian-speaking population of Ukraine will be presented Thursday in the UN Security Council , within the framework of the informal video conference , organized by the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations , one of the participants , Anastasia Gridchina , the chairwoman of the Ukrainian Community of Crimea public organization , told TASS .
On Tuesday , Russia ’ s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky disclosed in his twitter that on May 21 , 15:00 New York time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN Security Council will take place , in which residents of Crimea will take part for the first time .
He did not specify who exactly would represent the peninsula .
`` I will speak at the UN Security Council video conference with a report on discrimination of the rights of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine .
I will be joined by my colleagues : the host of the Krym 24 regional TV channel Alexander Makar ; ex-head of the Millet Crimean Tatar broadcasting company , deputy of the Bakhchisaray City Council Erwin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mufti Asadullah Bairov , '' Gridchina commented .
She noted that the UN Security Council meeting , called in compliance with the so-called Arria Formula , which allows participation of the representatives of the public , will be dedicated to the situation in Crimea .
On March 11 , 2014 , amid the political crisis and change of power in Ukraine , the Supreme Council of Crimea and the Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence .
On March 16 , a referendum took place , in which over 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia : 96.77 % of voters in the Republic of Crimea and 95.6 % of voters in the city of Sevastopol supported the move .
On March 18 a treaty of accession of the new regions to Russia was signed .
Ukraine , the US and the EU refused to recognize the Crimean independence and its accession to Russia .

SIMFEROPOL, May 21. /TASS/. A report on the situation concerning Russian-speaking population of Ukraine will be presented Thursday in the UN Security Council, within the framework of the informal video conference, organized by the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, one of the participants, Anastasia Gridchina, the chairwoman of the Ukrainian Community of Crimea public organization, told TASS.
On Tuesday, Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky disclosed in his twitter that on May 21, 15:00 New York time, an informal video conference of the UN Security Council will take place, in which residents of Crimea will take part for the first time. He did not specify who exactly would represent the peninsula.
"I will speak at the UN Security Council video conference with a report on discrimination of the rights of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine. I will be joined by my colleagues: the host of the Krym 24 regional TV channel Alexander Makar; ex-head of the Millet Crimean Tatar broadcasting company, deputy of the Bakhchisaray City Council Erwin Musayev; and Crimean Muslims’ Deputy Mufti Asadullah Bairov," Gridchina commented.
She noted that the UN Security Council meeting, called in compliance with the so-called Arria Formula, which allows participation of the representatives of the public, will be dedicated to the situation in Crimea.
On March 11, 2014, amid the political crisis and change of power in Ukraine, the Supreme Council of Crimea and the Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence. On March 16, a referendum took place, in which over 80% of the residents voted in favor of joining Russia: 96.77% of voters in the Republic of Crimea and 95.6% of voters in the city of Sevastopol supported the move. On March 18 a treaty of accession of the new regions to Russia was signed. Ukraine, the US and the EU refused to recognize the Crimean independence and its accession to Russia.


tass--2020-05-21--Alrosa holds largest digital tender with over 800 diamonds

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian diamond producer Alrosa offered an option to buy rough diamonds through its digital platform amid the coronavirus pandemic related restrictions .
The company offers over 800 rough diamonds from 5-10 carats batches , according to its official statement .
The offered volume is the largest ALROSA has ever put on a digital tender .
`` Our offer gives customers interested in purchasing and ready to work remotely under current circumstances the opportunity to review and buy rough .
After analyzing the clients ’ needs , the company for the first time puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a digital tender .
We consciously decided to sell stones separately , allowing clients to choose goods according to their needs and desired characteristics .
Our proficiency in digital tenders allows us to offer clients a unique opportunity to make a commercial decision remotely instead of a traditional visit to the office , providing them with all information required , '' Deputy CEO of Alrosa Evgeny Agureev said .
According to the report , digital tender is based on technologies that `` provide customers with a full digital scan of each rough diamond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been holding pilot digital tenders since October 2019 together with traditional sessions , with digital scans allowing customers to pre-select rough diamonds before coming to the office , '' the company said .
3D-scan data includes each rough diamond ’ s external shape , internal inclusions , color and fluorescence .
Alrosa is one of the three largest diamond mining companies in the world — its share in world production reaches 25 % .
Another 6 % account for Angolan enterprise Catoca , in which Alrosa owns 41 % .
In Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic of Sakha ( Yakutia ) and the Arkhangelsk Region .
The company 's shareholders are the Russian Federation represented by the Federal Agency for State Property Management ( 33.02 % ) , Yakutia — 25 % and its districts — 8 % .
Around 34 % of the company 's shares are in free float .

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Russian diamond producer Alrosa offered an option to buy rough diamonds through its digital platform amid the coronavirus pandemic related restrictions. The company offers over 800 rough diamonds from 5-10 carats batches, according to its official statement.
The offered volume is the largest ALROSA has ever put on a digital tender.
"Our offer gives customers interested in purchasing and ready to work remotely under current circumstances the opportunity to review and buy rough. After analyzing the clients’ needs, the company for the first time puts such vast amount of diamonds up for a digital tender. We consciously decided to sell stones separately, allowing clients to choose goods according to their needs and desired characteristics. Our proficiency in digital tenders allows us to offer clients a unique opportunity to make a commercial decision remotely instead of a traditional visit to the office, providing them with all information required," Deputy CEO of Alrosa Evgeny Agureev said.
According to the report, digital tender is based on technologies that "provide customers with a full digital scan of each rough diamond for detailed analysis." "Alrosa has been holding pilot digital tenders since October 2019 together with traditional sessions, with digital scans allowing customers to pre-select rough diamonds before coming to the office," the company said. 3D-scan data includes each rough diamond’s external shape, internal inclusions, color and fluorescence.
Alrosa is one of the three largest diamond mining companies in the world — its share in world production reaches 25%. Another 6% account for Angolan enterprise Catoca, in which Alrosa owns 41%. In Russia, the company conducts activities in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Arkhangelsk Region. The company's shareholders are the Russian Federation represented by the Federal Agency for State Property Management (33.02%), Yakutia — 25% and its districts — 8%. Around 34% of the company's shares are in free float.