tass--2020-08-15--Russians may get full access to COVID-19 vaccine in about 12 months

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Head of the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Ginzburg hopes that Russians will get full access to the novel coronavirus vaccine developed by the center in about 9-12 months .
`` It is important to understand when we will be able to meet the demand of the country .
I hope that it will happen within 9-12 months , '' he told TASS .
Earlier , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a session with Russian President Vladimir Putin that medical workers and teachers would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The head of the Gamaleya Research Center noted that the amount of vaccine doses will be enough to vaccinate the first groups of the population .
Ginzburg informed that the vaccine would first be supplied to 10-15 regions of the country , however , he did not specify where .
He added that in a about a month , about one million vaccine doses would be produced at three plants producing monoclonal antibodies .
`` By the end of the year , there will be 1.5-2 mln doses produced .
These are tangible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s scale , '' he said .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine , which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials .
It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines .
According to the Russian Health Ministry , experience shows that such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lasts for up to two years .
Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received applications for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Head of the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Ginzburg hopes that Russians will get full access to the novel coronavirus vaccine developed by the center in about 9-12 months.
"It is important to understand when we will be able to meet the demand of the country. I hope that it will happen within 9-12 months," he told TASS.
Earlier, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a session with Russian President Vladimir Putin that medical workers and teachers would be the first to get the vaccine. The head of the Gamaleya Research Center noted that the amount of vaccine doses will be enough to vaccinate the first groups of the population.
Ginzburg informed that the vaccine would first be supplied to 10-15 regions of the country, however, he did not specify where.
He added that in a about a month, about one million vaccine doses would be produced at three plants producing monoclonal antibodies. "By the end of the year, there will be 1.5-2 mln doses produced. These are tangible and good numbers on the country’s scale," he said.
On August 11, Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials. It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines. According to the Russian Health Ministry, experience shows that such vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years. Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received applications for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries.


tass--2020-08-15--US set to resume work on UN Security Council sanctions against Iran — envoy

UNITED NATIONS , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Within the next few days , the United States will start working to resume UN sanctions against Iran , the US permanent representative to the United Nations said after the Security Council rejected the US proposal to resume the arms embargo on the Islamic Republic .
`` Under Resolution 2231 , the United States has every right to initiate snapback of provisions of previous Security Council resolutions .
In the coming days , the United States will follow through on that promise to stop at nothing to extend the arms embargo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` The Trump administration ’ s vision for peace in the Middle East will endure the abject failures of the UN Security Council , '' Craft added .
Earlier US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said the UN Security Council rejected the US resolution to extend the arms embargo against Iran .
Two security council members ( US and the Dominican Republic ) voted in favor , two ( Russia and China ) voted against , the rest abstained .
Under the Iran nuclear deal , the restrictions on selling armaments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US officials have numerously stated that they will seek the embargo ’ s extension , despite the US pullout from the Iran nuclear deal .

UNITED NATIONS, August 15. /TASS/. Within the next few days, the United States will start working to resume UN sanctions against Iran, the US permanent representative to the United Nations said after the Security Council rejected the US proposal to resume the arms embargo on the Islamic Republic.
"Under Resolution 2231, the United States has every right to initiate snapback of provisions of previous Security Council resolutions. In the coming days, the United States will follow through on that promise to stop at nothing to extend the arms embargo," Ambassador Kelly Craft said in a statement.
"The Trump administration’s vision for peace in the Middle East will endure the abject failures of the UN Security Council," Craft added.
Earlier US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said the UN Security Council rejected the US resolution to extend the arms embargo against Iran. Two security council members (US and the Dominican Republic) voted in favor, two (Russia and China) voted against, the rest abstained.
Under the Iran nuclear deal, the restrictions on selling armaments to Iran expire on October 18. US officials have numerously stated that they will seek the embargo’s extension, despite the US pullout from the Iran nuclear deal.


tass--2020-08-15--Russia, Switzerland resume air travel

Russia, Switzerland resume air travel

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Starting from Saturday , Russia and Switzerland will resume air travel , suspended in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic .
At the moment , flights between the two states will be carried out only by Russia ’ s flagship air carrier Aeroflot .
The first flight from Moscow to Geneva is scheduled to take off at 15:60 Moscow time on Saturday .
So far , only one flight a week is scheduled .
SWISS , an air carrier from Switzerland , also plans to resume flights to Moscow but is yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is yet impossible to confirm a date for resumption , because it is yet to be approved by the authorities , '' a SWISS spokesperson said .
On August 5 , the government of Switzerland excluded Russia from the list of countries with increased novel coronavirus infection risks .
From August 8 , Switzerland no longer requires a compulsory 10-day quarantine for passengers arriving from Russia .
However , the country remains closed for tourists from Russia , allowing only holders of a Swiss residence permit to enter its territory .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders for all foreigners to curb the spread of coronavirus .
Furthermore , international passenger air travel was fully suspended on March 27 .
From August 1 , Russia has been gradually lifting restrictions on international flights , resuming air service with Turkey , the United Kingdom and Tanzania .
Passengers of international flights will have to comply with new requirements .
All Russians who arrive to the country from abroad are to fill a special form on the portal of state services prior to their registration to the flight .
Moreover , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , Russian citizens are to undergo a novel coronavirus test and upload the result to the state services portal .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Starting from Saturday, Russia and Switzerland will resume air travel, suspended in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
At the moment, flights between the two states will be carried out only by Russia’s flagship air carrier Aeroflot. The first flight from Moscow to Geneva is scheduled to take off at 15:60 Moscow time on Saturday. So far, only one flight a week is scheduled.
SWISS, an air carrier from Switzerland, also plans to resume flights to Moscow but is yet to name the exact date. "It is yet impossible to confirm a date for resumption, because it is yet to be approved by the authorities," a SWISS spokesperson said.
On August 5, the government of Switzerland excluded Russia from the list of countries with increased novel coronavirus infection risks. From August 8, Switzerland no longer requires a compulsory 10-day quarantine for passengers arriving from Russia. However, the country remains closed for tourists from Russia, allowing only holders of a Swiss residence permit to enter its territory.
On March 18, Russia shut down its borders for all foreigners to curb the spread of coronavirus. Furthermore, international passenger air travel was fully suspended on March 27. From August 1, Russia has been gradually lifting restrictions on international flights, resuming air service with Turkey, the United Kingdom and Tanzania.
Passengers of international flights will have to comply with new requirements. All Russians who arrive to the country from abroad are to fill a special form on the portal of state services prior to their registration to the flight. Moreover, within three days after arriving to the country, Russian citizens are to undergo a novel coronavirus test and upload the result to the state services portal.


tass--2020-08-15--Number of coronavirus cases worldwide up 9.3% this week

MOSCOW , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide grew by 9.3 % this week , sliding below 10 % for the first time since the start of the pandemic , according to TASS calculations .
A total of 1.8 million new cases were registered worldwide in the past seven days , up 9.3 % Last week , the growth amounted to 10.4 % The overall number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide now stands at 20.9 million , or 0.27 % of the global population .
The spread of the infection slowed down in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hotspot of the pandemic .
Another hotspot is Asia , where highest-ever daily figures are being reported .
The situation remains stable in western and southern European countries , once among the hardest-hit .
The number of convalescents increased by 1.55 million this week , reaching 13 million or 62 % of those infected .
Preliminary mortality ( final figures will be available only when the pandemic is over ) dropped to all-time low of 3.6 % In the past seven days , about 40,000 coronavirus-positive people died worldwide , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The highest daily growth figures were reported in India , the United States and Brazil .
The same countries , but in a different order - US , Brazil , India - have the highest number of infected .
India reported on average 62,000 new coronavirus cases daily this week .
The number of infected increased by 21 % in the reported period to reach 2.5 million .
The United States , where 5.2 people have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus , reported about 54,000 new cases daily .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowed down from 8.5 % to 7.6 % Brazil , which is the world ’ s second hardest-hit country with 3.2 million confirmed novel coronavirus cases , reports on average about 45,000 new cases each day .
The weekly growth in the country , however , declined to its lowest in the past three months and stood at 10.6 % Russia , which is ranked fourth in terms of overall number of those infected ( about 913,000 ) , registers about 5,000 cases daily .
Its weekly growth declined to 4.1 % this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past week ) .
Other countries where daily growth figures remain high are Colombia ( about 11,500 cases recorded daily ) , Peru ( about 7,500 cases ) , Argentina ( about 7,000 cases ) and Mexico ( about 6,000 cases ) .
The countries with the highest number of cases per 100,000 population are Qatar ( about 4,000 ) , Bahrain ( some 2,700 cases ) and Chile ( about 2,000 ) .
The United States and Brazil are ranked eighth and tenth respectively , with 1,600 and 1,510 cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 178 infected per 100,000 of the population ) .
Russia has 622 cases per 100,000 people .
In the past seven days , about 40,000 coronavirus-positive people died worldwide , compared to 42,000 in the past week .
The United States has the highest national death toll with more than 167,000 fatalities , followed by Brazil ( some 105,000 ) , Mexico ( 55,000 ) and India ( 48,000 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , 912,823 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , 15,498 of them fatal .
In all , 722,964 patients have already recovered .

MOSCOW, August 14. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide grew by 9.3% this week, sliding below 10% for the first time since the start of the pandemic, according to TASS calculations.
A total of 1.8 million new cases were registered worldwide in the past seven days, up 9.3% Last week, the growth amounted to 10.4%
The overall number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide now stands at 20.9 million, or 0.27% of the global population.
The spread of the infection slowed down in North America, but South America still remains a hotspot of the pandemic. Another hotspot is Asia, where highest-ever daily figures are being reported. The situation remains stable in western and southern European countries, once among the hardest-hit.
The number of convalescents increased by 1.55 million this week, reaching 13 million or 62% of those infected.
Preliminary mortality (final figures will be available only when the pandemic is over) dropped to all-time low of 3.6% In the past seven days, about 40,000 coronavirus-positive people died worldwide, bringing the overall death toll to approximately 755,000.
Maximum daily growth
The highest daily growth figures were reported in India, the United States and Brazil. The same countries, but in a different order - US, Brazil, India - have the highest number of infected.
India reported on average 62,000 new coronavirus cases daily this week. The number of infected increased by 21% in the reported period to reach 2.5 million.
The United States, where 5.2 people have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus, reported about 54,000 new cases daily. However, in relative terms, the growth slowed down from 8.5% to 7.6%
Brazil, which is the world’s second hardest-hit country with 3.2 million confirmed novel coronavirus cases, reports on average about 45,000 new cases each day. The weekly growth in the country, however, declined to its lowest in the past three months and stood at 10.6%
Russia, which is ranked fourth in terms of overall number of those infected (about 913,000), registers about 5,000 cases daily. Its weekly growth declined to 4.1% this week (compared to 4.4% in the past week).
Other countries where daily growth figures remain high are Colombia (about 11,500 cases recorded daily), Peru (about 7,500 cases), Argentina (about 7,000 cases) and Mexico (about 6,000 cases).
Number of cases per 100,000 people
The countries with the highest number of cases per 100,000 population are Qatar (about 4,000), Bahrain (some 2,700 cases) and Chile (about 2,000).
The United States and Brazil are ranked eighth and tenth respectively, with 1,600 and 1,510 cases per 100,000 people.
India is ranked 91th (178 infected per 100,000 of the population). Russia has 622 cases per 100,000 people.
Highest mortality
In the past seven days, about 40,000 coronavirus-positive people died worldwide, compared to 42,000 in the past week.
The United States has the highest national death toll with more than 167,000 fatalities, followed by Brazil (some 105,000), Mexico (55,000) and India (48,000).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported in every corner of the globe. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
To date, 912,823 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, 15,498 of them fatal. In all, 722,964 patients have already recovered.


tass--2020-08-15--Security Council rejects US resolution to extend arms embargo on Iran

UNITED NATIONS , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The US resolution to extend the arms embargo on Iran failed to get the required number of votes during a UN Security Council session on Friday , as the majority of members abstained .
According to Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani , Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of August 2020 , two countries voted in favor of the resolution ( the United States and the Dominican Republic ) , two were against ( Russia and China ) .
The remaining 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom , Belgium , Germany , Vietnam , South Africa , Indonesia , Niger , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Tunisia , Estonia ) .
The voting was held in the written format due to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement the United Nations Security Council `` failed today to uphold its fundamental mission '' of maintaining international peace and security .
`` It rejected a reasonable resolution to extend the 13-year old arms embargo on Iran and paved the way for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism to buy and sell conventional weapons without specific UN restrictions in place for the first time in over a decade , '' the statement says , describing the Security Council ’ s move as `` inexcusable . ''
`` The Security Council rejected direct appeals to extend the arms embargo from numerous countries in the Middle East endangered by Iran ’ s violence .
Arab nations and Israel strongly supported extending the embargo , '' the US top diplomat said .
`` The United States will never abandon our friends in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council .
We will continue to work to ensure that the theocratic terror regime does not have the freedom to purchase and sell weapons that threaten the heart of Europe , the Middle East and beyond , '' Pompeo added .
US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft announced on Wednesday that the United States had submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council on extending the embargo on selling conventional weapons to Iran and buying them from it , until the Security Council rules otherwise .
Washington urged all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the Iran nuclear deal , the restrictions on selling armaments to Iran expire on October 18 .
US officials have numerously stated that they will seek the embargo ’ s extension , despite the US pullout from the Iran nuclear deal .
In June , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General and the Security Council Chairman pointing to the lack of any objective reasons to discuss the topic of the arms embargo extension at the UN Security Council .
The Russian top diplomat recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the procedure of arms supplies to Iran had a temporary nature .
He stressed that it did not provide for the use of restrictions on weapons supplies to Iran after October 18 , 2020 and there were neither legal nor any other reasons to revise it .
On Friday , Russian President Vladimir Putin came out with an initiative to organize a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members , Germany and Iran to discuss problems of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heads of state from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the leaders of Germany and Iran in the near future , '' the president said in a statement posted on the Kremlin website .
`` The purpose is to identify steps that will allow for avoiding confrontation and an aggravation of the situation in the UN Security Council and for furnishing collective support for the further uninterrupted implementation of UN Security Council ’ s Resolution 2231 , which provided an international legal basis for JCPOA [ Joint Comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear program ] implementation .
`` .

UNITED NATIONS, August 15. /TASS/. The US resolution to extend the arms embargo on Iran failed to get the required number of votes during a UN Security Council session on Friday, as the majority of members abstained.
According to Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of August 2020, two countries voted in favor of the resolution (the United States and the Dominican Republic), two were against (Russia and China).
The remaining 11 nations abstained (France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Vietnam, South Africa, Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, Estonia).
The voting was held in the written format due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement the United Nations Security Council "failed today to uphold its fundamental mission" of maintaining international peace and security.
"It rejected a reasonable resolution to extend the 13-year old arms embargo on Iran and paved the way for the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell conventional weapons without specific UN restrictions in place for the first time in over a decade," the statement says, describing the Security Council’s move as "inexcusable."
"The Security Council rejected direct appeals to extend the arms embargo from numerous countries in the Middle East endangered by Iran’s violence. Arab nations and Israel strongly supported extending the embargo," the US top diplomat said.
"The United States will never abandon our friends in the region who expected more from the Security Council. We will continue to work to ensure that the theocratic terror regime does not have the freedom to purchase and sell weapons that threaten the heart of Europe, the Middle East and beyond," Pompeo added.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft announced on Wednesday that the United States had submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council on extending the embargo on selling conventional weapons to Iran and buying them from it, until the Security Council rules otherwise. Washington urged all the Security Council members to support this initiative.
Under the Iran nuclear deal, the restrictions on selling armaments to Iran expire on October 18. US officials have numerously stated that they will seek the embargo’s extension, despite the US pullout from the Iran nuclear deal.
In June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General and the Security Council Chairman pointing to the lack of any objective reasons to discuss the topic of the arms embargo extension at the UN Security Council. The Russian top diplomat recalled that under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 the procedure of arms supplies to Iran had a temporary nature. He stressed that it did not provide for the use of restrictions on weapons supplies to Iran after October 18, 2020 and there were neither legal nor any other reasons to revise it.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin came out with an initiative to organize a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members, Germany and Iran to discuss problems of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "We suggest holding an online meeting of the heads of state from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the leaders of Germany and Iran in the near future," the president said in a statement posted on the Kremlin website. "The purpose is to identify steps that will allow for avoiding confrontation and an aggravation of the situation in the UN Security Council and for furnishing collective support for the further uninterrupted implementation of UN Security Council’s Resolution 2231, which provided an international legal basis for JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program] implementation.".


tass--2020-08-16--Trump not ruling out new bans on Chinese tech companies’ work in the US

WASHINGTON , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Further bans on operations of Chinese technology companies in the United States are @ @ @ @ @ said at the press conference on Saturday .
`` We are looking at other things @ @ @ @ @ , '' Trump said , responding to a question whether new restrictions for operations of @ @ @ @ @ , without specifically mentioning companies .
The US earlier imposed restrictions against China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , Trump said .
`` Well , the big thing is Huawei , right ?
@ @ @ @ @ , '' the US President noted .
In August 2019 , the US made effective @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s ZTE and Huawei telecommunication equipment by US government institutions .

WASHINGTON, August 16. /TASS/. Further bans on operations of Chinese technology companies in the United States are considered, President Donald Trump said at the press conference on Saturday.
"We are looking at other things. Yes, we are," Trump said, responding to a question whether new restrictions for operations of Chinese companies can be introduced, without specifically mentioning companies.
The US earlier imposed restrictions against China’s Huawei work in the country, Trump said. "Well, the big thing is Huawei, right? And Huawei is not here," the US President noted.
In August 2019, the US made effective the ban on purchase of China’s ZTE and Huawei telecommunication equipment by US government institutions.


tass--2020-08-16--Trump to strongly look out at possibility of pardoning Snowden

WASHINGTON , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump will seriously consider the possibility of pardoning Edward Snowden , an ex-NSA contractor .
The US leader made such a statement at the press conference on Saturday .
`` I will start looking out at it , '' Trump said , adding that he will consider the issue `` very strongly . ''
The matter of pardoning Snowden is extremely controversial , the US leader said .
Many people believe he should be `` treated differently , '' while many others say `` he did very bad things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snowden made public information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services , including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders .
Fleeing from prosecution , Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries , including Russia .
On August 1 , 2014 , he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years , which was later extended .
In the United States , Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act .
He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the counts .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security .

WASHINGTON, August 16. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump will seriously consider the possibility of pardoning Edward Snowden, an ex-NSA contractor. The US leader made such a statement at the press conference on Saturday.
"I will start looking out at it," Trump said, adding that he will consider the issue "very strongly."
The matter of pardoning Snowden is extremely controversial, the US leader said. Many people believe he should be "treated differently," while many others say "he did very bad things," Trump noted.
In 2013, Snowden made public information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services, including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders. Fleeing from prosecution, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended. In the United States, Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the counts. The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security.


tass--2020-08-16--Russian Prime Minister to report initiatives of Far East residents to President

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Initiatives presented by residents of the Far East will be reported to President @ @ @ @ @ from trip to the region , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told reporters on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ initiatives and I will report them to the Russian President after arrival , '' Mishustin @ @ @ @ @ earlier development of the Far East is among top priorities of the Russian state policy @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We met doctors , teachers , businessmen and enthusiasts during our presence here @ @ @ @ @ .
All of them love their region , want to make it better , so @ @ @ @ @ , the youth come here , stay , study , run business and deal with @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mishustin said .

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, August 16. /TASS/. Initiatives presented by residents of the Far East will be reported to President Vladimir Putin after the return from trip to the region, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told reporters on Sunday.
"There were lots of initiatives and I will report them to the Russian President after arrival," Mishustin said.
The President said earlier development of the Far East is among top priorities of the Russian state policy, the Prime Minister added.
"We met doctors, teachers, businessmen and enthusiasts during our presence here, in the Far East. All of them love their region, want to make it better, so that it is comfortable here, the youth come here, stay, study, run business and deal with development of the Far East," Mishustin said.


tass--2020-08-16--Trump: US to start working on return of UN sanctions against Iran next week

WASHINGTON , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
The United States will start working on launching the procedure for reinstatement of @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump said at a press conference on Saturday .
`` We will be @ @ @ @ @ will be watching it next week , '' the US President said .
The US @ @ @ @ @ until the UN Security Council decides otherwise in its draft resolution .
The draft was @ @ @ @ @ of countries abstained when voting and Russia and China were against it .
Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ there are no objective grounds to discuss the extension of the arms embargo on Iran @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON, August 16. /TASS/. The United States will start working on launching the procedure for reinstatement of UN sanctions on Iran, President Donald Trump said at a press conference on Saturday.
"We will be doing a snapback. You will be watching it next week," the US President said.
The US suggested extending the arms embargo until the UN Security Council decides otherwise in its draft resolution. The draft was not approved because the majority of countries abstained when voting and Russia and China were against it.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeatedly said there are no objective grounds to discuss the extension of the arms embargo on Iran in the UN Security Council.


tass--2020-08-16--Russian government to increase Reserve Fund by $24.7 bln

MOSCOW , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Reserve Fund of the Russian government will grow by 1.8 trillion rubles @ @ @ @ @ according to the Cabinet resolution signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .
The resolution was @ @ @ @ @ legal information on Saturday .
The Russian Finance Ministry is ordered `` to introduce in @ @ @ @ @ of the consolidated spending report of the federal budget for 2020 , providing for the @ @ @ @ @ the Reserve Fund of the Russian Federation Government by 1,800,000,000,000 rubles , '' the resolution @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Prime Minister tasked to provide for the increase in the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ bln rubles ( $ 14 mln ) in 2020 at the expense of budget allocations @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 16. /TASS/. The Reserve Fund of the Russian government will grow by 1.8 trillion rubles ($24.7 bln) according to the Cabinet resolution signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The resolution was posted on the website of legal information on Saturday.
The Russian Finance Ministry is ordered "to introduce in due course amendments into figures of the consolidated spending report of the federal budget for 2020, providing for the increase of the amount of the Reserve Fund of the Russian Federation Government by 1,800,000,000,000 rubles," the resolution says.
On April 15, the Russian Prime Minister tasked to provide for the increase in the government’s reserve fund by 1.02 bln rubles ($14 mln) in 2020 at the expense of budget allocations unclaimed in other areas.


tass--2020-08-16--Belarusian president asks government to perform functions until new Cabinet is formed

MINSK , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on powers of the government of @ @ @ @ @ tasking the prime minister and Cabinet ministers to continue discharging their functions until the new @ @ @ @ @ news agency reports on Saturday .
In Belarus , the active government relinquishes its authority @ @ @ @ @ of state .
The new government has largely been formed already and some ‘ nuances @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko said earlier on Saturday .
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9 .
@ @ @ @ @ announced on the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other @ @ @ @ @ leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following @ @ @ @ @ , several thousand people were detained ; dozens of police officers and protesters were injured @

MINSK, August 16. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on powers of the government of the Republic of Belarus, tasking the prime minister and Cabinet ministers to continue discharging their functions until the new government is formed, BelTA news agency reports on Saturday.
In Belarus, the active government relinquishes its authority after elections of the head of state.
The new government has largely been formed already and some ‘nuances’ are only possible, Lukashenko said earlier on Saturday.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained; dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-16--Belarus does not want to be ‘buffer zone’ between Russia and the West - president

MINSK , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus does not want to become a cordon between Russia and the Western @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko said on Saturday , cited by BelTA news agency .
`` I have already @ @ @ @ @ disintegration of the Soviet Union , when there was an attempt to create the Baltic-Black @ @ @ @ @ sanitary zone : ’ three Baltic states , Belarus and Ukraine , to separate Russia @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko said .
Belarus does not want to be a ‘ buffer zone , ’ @ @ @ @ @ understand what a result can be .
Therefore , we agreed with the Russian President @ @ @ @ @ interaction in this aspect , '' the Belarusian president added .
Earlier on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ and Belarus had a telephone conversation .
Presidents discussed the situation in Belarus after presidential @ @ @ @ @ problems would be settled soon , the Kremlin ’ s press service said .

MINSK, August 16. /TASS/. Belarus does not want to become a cordon between Russia and the Western states, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Saturday, cited by BelTA news agency.
"I have already passed through that after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, when there was an attempt to create the Baltic-Black Sea Region - a ‘sanitary zone:’ three Baltic states, Belarus and Ukraine, to separate Russia from the West," Lukashenko said. Belarus does not want to be a ‘buffer zone,’ he said. "We understand what a result can be. Therefore, we agreed with the Russian President that we will act with interaction in this aspect," the Belarusian president added.
Earlier on Saturday, head of states of Russia and Belarus had a telephone conversation. Presidents discussed the situation in Belarus after presidential elections and expressed confidence that problems would be settled soon, the Kremlin’s press service said.


tass--2020-08-16--Trump: US will not probably participate in online summit on Iran before elections

WASHINGTON , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
The United States will not probably take part in an online summit on @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin , President Donald Trump said at a press conference on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ the US leader said .
Washington will probably want to wait until presidential elections in @ @ @ @ @ added .
On August 14 , Russian President Vladimir Putin came out with an initiative @ @ @ @ @ the United Nations Security Council permanent members , Germany and Iran to discuss problems of @ @ @ @ @ Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) .
The purpose of the event is to @ @ @ @ @ avoiding confrontation and aggravation of the situation in the UN Security Council , '' the @ @ @ @ @ statement posted on the Kremlin ’ s website .

WASHINGTON, August 16. /TASS/. The United States will not probably take part in an online summit on Iran proposed earlier by Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump said at a press conference on Saturday.
"Probably not," the US leader said. Washington will probably want to wait until presidential elections in the country end, Trump added.
On August 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin came out with an initiative to organize a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members, Germany and Iran to discuss problems of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The purpose of the event is to identify steps that will allow avoiding confrontation and aggravation of the situation in the UN Security Council," the Russian leader said in the statement posted on the Kremlin’s website.


tass--2020-08-16--The lengthiest action near Belarusian embassy in Moscow over week ended

MOSCOW , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
The protest action near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow has ended .
It @ @ @ @ @ hours and has become the longest since August 9 , when protesters gathered for the @ @ @ @ @ from the scene .
Up to four hundred individuals were present today near the embassy @ @ @ @ @ living chain from the embassy down the street .
Not more than three individuals were @ @ @ @ @ is the seventh day in succession when people dissatisfied with the outcome of presidential elections @ @ @ @ @ local law enforcement agencies gathered near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow .

MOSCOW, August 16. /TASS/. The protest action near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow has ended. It lasted for more than 12 hours and has become the longest since August 9, when protesters gathered for the first time, TASS reports from the scene.
Up to four hundred individuals were present today near the embassy. People gathered made a living chain from the embassy down the street.
Not more than three individuals were detained in total. This is the seventh day in succession when people dissatisfied with the outcome of presidential elections and subsequent tough actions of local law enforcement agencies gathered near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow.


tass--2020-08-16--Belarus releases detained Russian journalist Vazhenkov

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian journalist Artyom Vazhenkov , previously detained on suspicion of participating in the @ @ @ @ @ released , coordinator of a human rights organization that provides assistance to the detained Russian @ @ @ @ @ `` I just learned that Vazhenkov was released .
For the entire time that he @ @ @ @ @ never charged , '' Pryanishnikov said .
According to him , in the near future @ @ @ @ @ will prepare the documents necessary for leaving the Belarusian state .
`` For some reason @ @ @ @ @ .
As soon as the embassy prepares them , Vazhenkov will leave the country and @ @ @ @ @ Pryanishnikov concluded .
The Investigative Committee of Belarus has confirmed the detention of Russian journalists @ @ @ @ @ .
It was reported that they were suspects in the case of participation in mass @ @

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Russian journalist Artyom Vazhenkov, previously detained on suspicion of participating in the riots in Belarus, was released, coordinator of a human rights organization that provides assistance to the detained Russian Alexey Pryanishnikov told TASS.
"I just learned that Vazhenkov was released. For the entire time that he was detained, he was never charged," Pryanishnikov said. According to him, in the near future the Russian Embassy in Belarus will prepare the documents necessary for leaving the Belarusian state. "For some reason, he has no documents. As soon as the embassy prepares them, Vazhenkov will leave the country and return to Russia," Pryanishnikov concluded.
The Investigative Committee of Belarus has confirmed the detention of Russian journalists Artem Vazhenkov and Igor Rogov. It was reported that they were suspects in the case of participation in mass riots.


tass--2020-08-16--WHO reports record growth of coronavirus cases globally over last day

GENEVA , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 21.02 mln , @ @ @ @ @ 294,000 in 24 hours - record figure during the pandemic .
According to data released @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) , the number of deaths increased by almost 10,000 and @ @ @ @ @ 11:00 Moscow time on August 15 , 21,026,758 cases and 755,786 deaths were registered in @ @ @ @ @ of cases increased by 294,237 per day , the number of deaths increased by 9,985.
@ @ @ @ @ only officially confirmed information on cases of infection and death provided by states .
In @ @ @ @ @ officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, August 15. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 21.02 mln, having increased by more than 294,000 in 24 hours - record figure during the pandemic. According to data released on Saturday by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths increased by almost 10,000 and exceeded 755,000.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 15, 21,026,758 cases and 755,786 deaths were registered in the world. The number of cases increased by 294,237 per day, the number of deaths increased by 9,985.
WHO statistics take into account only officially confirmed information on cases of infection and death provided by states.
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.


tass--2020-08-15--Moscow reports 11 deaths due to coronavirus over past day

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of deaths due to coronavirus in Moscow increased by 11 per @ @ @ @ @ for control and monitoring of the situation with the spread of coronavirus reported on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ 11 patients died , all of them were diagnosed with pneumonia , and had positive @ @ @ @ @ , '' the headquarters said .
In total , 4,656 people with coronavirus have died @ @ @ @ @ of August 15 , almost 251,700 cases of coronavirus infection were recorded in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ patients recovered in the capital .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. The number of deaths due to coronavirus in Moscow increased by 11 per day, the operational headquarters for control and monitoring of the situation with the spread of coronavirus reported on Saturday.
"In Moscow, 11 patients died, all of them were diagnosed with pneumonia, and had positive test result for coronavirus infection," the headquarters said.
In total, 4,656 people with coronavirus have died in the capital.
As of August 15, almost 251,700 cases of coronavirus infection were recorded in Moscow, in total, about 196,100 patients recovered in the capital.


tass--2020-08-15--Swiss Airlines resumes flights from Russia

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Swiss Airlines resumed flights from Russia on Saturday , Domodedovo airport said in @ @ @ @ @ `` Domodedovo has served the first regular flight of Swiss Airlines after the resumption of @ @ @ @ @ .
Flight LX 1327 took off today from Domodedovo to Zurich , '' the airport @ @ @ @ @ Swiss carrier announced plans to resume flights to Moscow , but did not give an @ @ @ @ @ authorities have excluded Russia from the list of states posing an increased risk of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ From August 8 , Switzerland has canceled the requirement to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the Swiss Embassy in Moscow told TASS earlier , only citizens with @ @ @ @ @ visit the country , entry is still closed for tourists .
Russia has gradually begun @ @ @ @ @ August 1 .
At the moment , flights have been resumed with Turkey , the @ @ @ @ @ and Switzerland .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Swiss Airlines resumed flights from Russia on Saturday, Domodedovo airport said in its official telegram channel.
"Domodedovo has served the first regular flight of Swiss Airlines after the resumption of flights between Russia and Switzerland. Flight LX 1327 took off today from Domodedovo to Zurich," the airport said.
Earlier, the Swiss carrier announced plans to resume flights to Moscow, but did not give an exact date.
The Swiss authorities have excluded Russia from the list of states posing an increased risk of coronavirus infection from August 5. From August 8, Switzerland has canceled the requirement to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine for passengers arriving from Russia. However, the Swiss Embassy in Moscow told TASS earlier, only citizens with a residence permit can now visit the country, entry is still closed for tourists.
Russia has gradually begun to resume international flights on August 1. At the moment, flights have been resumed with Turkey, the United Kingdom, Tanzania, and Switzerland.


tass--2020-08-15--Belarus has not yet applied to CSTO for help - press secretary

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus has not yet applied to the Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) with a request for assistance , CSTO press secretary Vladimir Zaynetdinov told TASS on Saturday .
`` At the moment , the CSTO secretariat has not received any requests from Belarus for assistance , '' Zaynetdinov noted .
He noted that if such a request is received from the Belarusian side , it will be considered in accordance with the established procedure .
`` The grounds for providing assistance are spelled out in the Collective Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization 's charter .
However , all decisions on assistance are made in the organization only after appropriate consultations with all CSTO member states , '' the press secretary explained .
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko earlier said that Russia , at the first request , will help in ensuring the security of the country .
`` When it comes to the military component , we have an agreement with the Russian Federation within the framework of the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization , '' Lukashenko explained .
Belarusian presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers and protesters were injured .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Belarus has not yet applied to the Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) with a request for assistance, CSTO press secretary Vladimir Zaynetdinov told TASS on Saturday.
"At the moment, the CSTO secretariat has not received any requests from Belarus for assistance," Zaynetdinov noted.
He noted that if such a request is received from the Belarusian side, it will be considered in accordance with the established procedure. "The grounds for providing assistance are spelled out in the Collective Security Treaty in Article 4 and in the organization's charter. However, all decisions on assistance are made in the organization only after appropriate consultations with all CSTO member states," the press secretary explained.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko earlier said that Russia, at the first request, will help in ensuring the security of the country. "When it comes to the military component, we have an agreement with the Russian Federation within the framework of the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization," Lukashenko explained.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--Situation in Belarus remains calm amid ongoing protests - Interior Affairs Ministry

MINSK , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Belarus , despite the ongoing protests throughout the country , remains calm , press secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic Olga Chemodanova told TASS .
`` So far everything is calm , no incidents have been noted , '' she said .
When asked whether there were any arrests on August 14 , Chemodanova said , `` No , I have no such information . ''
Touching upon the issue of the detained citizens who remain in isolation cells , the official representative of the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific figure , saying that the Center for Isolation of Offenders on Okrestsina Street in Minsk still has `` a minimum number '' of people .
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 15. /TASS/. The situation in Belarus, despite the ongoing protests throughout the country, remains calm, press secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic Olga Chemodanova told TASS.
"So far everything is calm, no incidents have been noted," she said. When asked whether there were any arrests on August 14, Chemodanova said, "No, I have no such information."
Touching upon the issue of the detained citizens who remain in isolation cells, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs could not give a specific figure, saying that the Center for Isolation of Offenders on Okrestsina Street in Minsk still has "a minimum number" of people.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--Lukashenko says Russia will provide assistance in ensuring Belarus’ security

MINSK , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that Russia , at the first request , will help in ensuring the security of the country , BelTA agency reported .
According to Lukashenko , the agreement was reached during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday .
`` We have agreed - at our first request , comprehensive assistance will be provided to ensure the security of the Republic of Belarus , '' he said .
`` When it comes to the military component , we have an agreement with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization , '' Lukashenko explained .
`` These moments fit this agreement .
Therefore , today I had a long , detailed conversation with the Russian president about the situation .
I must say , I was even somewhat surprised - [ Putin ] is absolutely aware of what is happening , '' he added .
The President of Belarus also noted the buildup of the military component in neighboring Poland and Lithuania , where NATO military exercises are held .
`` I am more worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory of our neighboring states - Poland and Lithuania .
As you know , military exercises of NATO troops are taking place there .
That would have been fine , but there is an escalation and a build-up of the armed component in these territories .
Naturally we can not turn a blind eye to it , we can not observe this calmly .
And when early in the morning I was listening to the report of the Chief of the General Staff , I noticed : our military is also worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , he noted that the topic was discussed last year , and at the time a certain algorithm for responding to such events was developed .
It was reported earlier that Russian and Belarusian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have discussed the situation in and around Belarus during a phone call on Saturday .
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 15. /TASS/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that Russia, at the first request, will help in ensuring the security of the country, BelTA agency reported.
According to Lukashenko, the agreement was reached during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday. "We have agreed - at our first request, comprehensive assistance will be provided to ensure the security of the Republic of Belarus,"he said.
"When it comes to the military component, we have an agreement with the Russian Federation within the framework of the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization,"Lukashenko explained. "These moments fit this agreement. Therefore, today I had a long, detailed conversation with the Russian president about the situation. I must say, I was even somewhat surprised - [Putin] is absolutely aware of what is happening,"he added.
The President of Belarus also noted the buildup of the military component in neighboring Poland and Lithuania, where NATO military exercises are held. "I am more worried about the situation that is unfolding on the territory of our neighboring states - Poland and Lithuania. As you know, military exercises of NATO troops are taking place there. That would have been fine, but there is an escalation and a build-up of the armed component in these territories. Naturally we cannot turn a blind eye to it, we cannot observe this calmly. And when early in the morning I was listening to the report of the Chief of the General Staff, I noticed: our military is also worried about this problem," Lukashenko said.
At the same time, he noted that the topic was discussed last year, and at the time a certain algorithm for responding to such events was developed.
It was reported earlier that Russian and Belarusian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have discussed the situation in and around Belarus during a phone call on Saturday.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--Russia’s Su-27 fighter scrambled to intercept US aircraft over Black Sea

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled in connection to US @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s border over the Black Sea , Russia ’ s National Defense Control @ @ @ @ @ According to the military , Russian radar stations spotted a target in the air over @ @ @ @ @ Black Sea , approaching the state border of Russia .
`` The crew of the @ @ @ @ @ object at a safe distance to and identified it as the US Navy 's EP-3E @ @ @ @ @ the center reported .
The center noted , `` after the US Navy plane turned @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation , the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield . ''
@ @ @ @ @ fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules .
There was no violation @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Russia’s Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled in connection to US EP-3E Aries reconnaissance aircraft approaching Russia’s border over the Black Sea, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Saturday.
According to the military, Russian radar stations spotted a target in the air over the neutral waters of the Black Sea, approaching the state border of Russia. "The crew of the Russian fighter approached the airborne object at a safe distance to and identified it as the US Navy's EP-3E Aries reconnaissance aircraft," the center reported.
The center noted, "after the US Navy plane turned from the state border of the Russian Federation, the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield."
The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules. There was no violation of the state border.


tass--2020-08-15--Lukashenko says authorities can contain situation in Belarus

MINSK , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko admitted that the situation in the country is not easy , but assured that the government would be able to contain it , he said at a meeting in the Defense Ministry 's strategic management center on Saturday .
`` You know as well as I do what is happening in the country .
Slowly they begin or continue to shake the situation , our society , '' he said .
`` I just want to say once again that nothing will come of this .
We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We will contain the situation , '' BelTA quoted Lukashenko .
He added that Belarus will never be ruled by any government from abroad and that it does not need international mediators to resolve the situation with opposition protests following the results of the presidential elections .
`` We have a normal government , created according to the constitution .
We do not need any foreign governments or intermediaries .
Without offending the leadership of these republics , I want to say - keep your issues under control , '' Lukashenko said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government from abroad , or from anywhere , and it will never rule the country , '' he added .
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 15. /TASS/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko admitted that the situation in the country is not easy, but assured that the government would be able to contain it, he said at a meeting in the Defense Ministry's strategic management center on Saturday.
"You know as well as I do what is happening in the country. Slowly they begin or continue to shake the situation, our society," he said. "I just want to say once again that nothing will come of this. We will not give up the country to anyone. We will contain the situation," BelTA quoted Lukashenko.
He added that Belarus will never be ruled by any government from abroad and that it does not need international mediators to resolve the situation with opposition protests following the results of the presidential elections. "We have a normal government, created according to the constitution. We do not need any foreign governments or intermediaries. Without offending the leadership of these republics, I want to say - keep your issues under control," Lukashenko said. "We do not need any government from abroad, or from anywhere, and it will never rule the country," he added.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--Blogger Putilo, ex-Belarus presidential contender Tsepkalo put on wanted list in Russia

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Creator of NEXTA telegram channel Stepan Putilo and former contender for the presidency @ @ @ @ @ out on wanted in Russia , according to the database of the Russian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ specified that both Putilo and Tsepkalo have been put on the international wanted list by @ @ @ @ @ to the information posted in NEXTA telegram channel , Putilo has been living in Poland @ @ @ @ @ father is a sports news presenter on Belsat channel .
Valery Tsepkalo told reporters that @ @ @ @ @ was opened against him .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Creator of NEXTA telegram channel Stepan Putilo and former contender for the presidency of Belarus Valery Tsepkalo were out on wanted in Russia, according to the database of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
It was specified that both Putilo and Tsepkalo have been put on the international wanted list by the Belarusian authorities. According to the information posted in NEXTA telegram channel, Putilo has been living in Poland since 2018, and his father is a sports news presenter on Belsat channel.
Valery Tsepkalo told reporters that a criminal case on bribery was opened against him.


tass--2020-08-15--Belarus’ opposition plans to form coordinating council for transfer of power on August 17

MINSK , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The opposition in Belarus is starting to form a coordinating council for the transfer of power in the country , lawyer of the joint headquarters of ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya Maxim Znak told TASS .
`` We have started accepting applications with the goal of including the most respected people in Belarus in the council , '' he said , adding `` Over 100 such applications have already been received .
The proposals will be processed over the weekend , and on Monday we plan to make a collective decision '' .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have political goals .
`` We are only discussing creating safe conditions for the transfer of power , we want to outline the process of what the Belarusian society wants .
It has shown it , '' Znak said .
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced in the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and the law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 15. /TASS/. The opposition in Belarus is starting to form a coordinating council for the transfer of power in the country, lawyer of the joint headquarters of ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya Maxim Znak told TASS.
"We have started accepting applications with the goal of including the most respected people in Belarus in the council," he said, adding "Over 100 such applications have already been received. The proposals will be processed over the weekend, and on Monday we plan to make a collective decision".
According to him, the council does not have political goals. "We are only discussing creating safe conditions for the transfer of power, we want to outline the process of what the Belarusian society wants. It has shown it," Znak said.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and the law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--Putin, Lukashenko commend work of official bodies on return of 32 Russian citizens

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have commended the cooperation between the countries ’ official bodies on the issue of the return of 32 detained Russian citizens , the Kremlin press service informed on Saturday .
`` In light of yesterday ’ s return of 32 citizens detained earlier in Belarus to Russia , [ Putin and Lukashenko ] have commended the close cooperation of competent agencies on this issue , '' the message says .
The sides have agreed to maintain regular contacts on various levels , reaffirming their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which fully corresponds to the core interests of the brotherly nations of Russia and Belarus , '' the press service added .
The phone call was held on the initiative of Belarus .
The Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office said on Friday that `` under a motion issued by Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov on August 5 in conformity with the Minsk Convention of Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil , Family and Criminal Cases of January 22 , 1993 , thirty-two Russian nationals who were earlier detained in Belarus have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' One more person who was among those detained stayed in Belarus as he holds both Russian and Belarusian passports .
Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev later stated that the Russians had been returned in strict correspondence with the norms of international law , stressing that professional cooperation between the country ’ s prosecution bodies helped carry out this legal procedure .
Early on July 29 , 32 Russian citizens were apprehended near Minsk , and one more was detained in southern Belarus .
In his address to the nation and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko said the Russians were deliberately deployed to his country .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims that Russia might have sent its citizens to Belarus to destabilize the situation in the republic .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have commended the cooperation between the countries’ official bodies on the issue of the return of 32 detained Russian citizens, the Kremlin press service informed on Saturday.
"In light of yesterday’s return of 32 citizens detained earlier in Belarus to Russia, [Putin and Lukashenko] have commended the close cooperation of competent agencies on this issue," the message says.
The sides have agreed to maintain regular contacts on various levels, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening partner ties, "which fully corresponds to the core interests of the brotherly nations of Russia and Belarus," the press service added.
The phone call was held on the initiative of Belarus.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office said on Friday that "under a motion issued by Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov on August 5 in conformity with the Minsk Convention of Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family and Criminal Cases of January 22, 1993, thirty-two Russian nationals who were earlier detained in Belarus have crossed Russia’s state border." One more person who was among those detained stayed in Belarus as he holds both Russian and Belarusian passports.
Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev later stated that the Russians had been returned in strict correspondence with the norms of international law, stressing that professional cooperation between the country’s prosecution bodies helped carry out this legal procedure.
Early on July 29, 32 Russian citizens were apprehended near Minsk, and one more was detained in southern Belarus. In his address to the nation and the parliament on August 4, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the Russians were deliberately deployed to his country. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims that Russia might have sent its citizens to Belarus to destabilize the situation in the republic.


tass--2020-08-15--Putin, Lukashenko confident situation in Belarus will be resolved soon - Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Belarusian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have discussed the situation in Belarus over the phone , expressing confidence that all the issues will be resolved soon , the Kremlin press service informed on Saturday .
`` Alexander Lukashenko has informed about the situation in Belarus in the wake of the presidential election .
Both sides have expressed confidence that all issues that arose would be resolved soon .
It is important that destructive forces do not use those issues with the aim to damage the mutually beneficial cooperation between both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message says .
The phone call was held on the initiative of Belarus .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Russian and Belarusian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have discussed the situation in Belarus over the phone, expressing confidence that all the issues will be resolved soon, the Kremlin press service informed on Saturday.
"Alexander Lukashenko has informed about the situation in Belarus in the wake of the presidential election. Both sides have expressed confidence that all issues that arose would be resolved soon. It is important that destructive forces do not use those issues with the aim to damage the mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries within the Union State," the message says.
The phone call was held on the initiative of Belarus.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and the law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--Azerbaijan says news of Russian COVID-19 vaccine very promising

BAKU , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The news of a Russian COVID-19 vaccine are very promising , however , Azerbaijan has not discussed its purchase yet , Yagut Garaeva , a spokesperson for the republic ’ s government task force stated during a briefing on Saturday .
`` The news is very promising ; however , it is too early to talk about anything concrete , '' she said .
The spokesperson added that the Azerbaijani competent bodies are in contact with international organizations and leading European manufacturers .
`` As for the Russian vaccine , we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she noted .
`` So far , we have not begun any talks with Russia in relation to the vaccine , '' Garaeva concluded .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine , which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials .
It was created on a platform that had been used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines .
According to the Russian Health Ministry , experience shows that such vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years .
Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received requests for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries .

BAKU, August 15. /TASS/. The news of a Russian COVID-19 vaccine are very promising, however, Azerbaijan has not discussed its purchase yet, Yagut Garaeva, a spokesperson for the republic’s government task force stated during a briefing on Saturday.
"The news is very promising; however, it is too early to talk about anything concrete," she said.
The spokesperson added that the Azerbaijani competent bodies are in contact with international organizations and leading European manufacturers. "As for the Russian vaccine, we need to wait for the results of its use," she noted. "So far, we have not begun any talks with Russia in relation to the vaccine," Garaeva concluded.
On August 11, Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials. It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines. According to the Russian Health Ministry, experience shows that such vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years. Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received requests for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries.


tass--2020-08-15--Four miners killed after conveyor belt collapses at mine in Russia’s Vorkuta

TASS , August 15 .
Four miners have been killed after a conveyor belt collapsed at a mine in Russia @ @ @ @ @ Komi Republic ) , a source in the emergency services informed TASS .
`` An @ @ @ @ @ conveyor belt for coal transportation collapsed at the Vorgashorskaya mine .
Four workers of the @ @ @ @ @ '' the source stated .
Four rescue units are at the scene .
According to @ @ @ @ @ has been injured .
The Russian Emergencies Ministry ’ s directorate for the Komi Republic @ @ @ @ @ accident .

TASS, August 15. Four miners have been killed after a conveyor belt collapsed at a mine in Russia’s Vorkuta (the Komi Republic), a source in the emergency services informed TASS.
"An above-ground mine gallery with a conveyor belt for coal transportation collapsed at the Vorgashorskaya mine. Four workers of the mine have been killed," the source stated.
Four rescue units are at the scene. According to preliminary reports, no one has been injured.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry’s directorate for the Komi Republic confirmed the report of the accident.


tass--2020-08-15--Belarusian opposition considers Tikhanovskaya elected president for transition period

MINSK , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian opposition considers presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya the elected leader of the country for the transition period , Valery Tsepkalo , an opposition politician that was not registered by the Belarusian Central Election Commission as a presidential candidate , stated on Saturday .
`` There is no discussion of any six months of [ Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s ] leadership .
The president for the transition period is Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , the lawfully elected president of the Republic of Belarus , '' he wrote on his Telegram channel .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus on Friday , Tikhanovskaya ’ s campaign office stated that it does not recognize Lukashenko ’ s victory .
Tikhanovskaya said that she is establishing a coordination council to ensure the transition of power .
Her team said earlier that they support the organization of a new election within six months , with observers from foreign organization invited to monitor the election .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and the law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
As a result , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 15. /TASS/. The Belarusian opposition considers presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya the elected leader of the country for the transition period, Valery Tsepkalo, an opposition politician that was not registered by the Belarusian Central Election Commission as a presidential candidate, stated on Saturday.
"There is no discussion of any six months of [Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s] leadership. The president for the transition period is Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the lawfully elected president of the Republic of Belarus," he wrote on his Telegram channel.
After the official election results were announced in Belarus on Friday, Tikhanovskaya’s campaign office stated that it does not recognize Lukashenko’s victory. Tikhanovskaya said that she is establishing a coordination council to ensure the transition of power.
Her team said earlier that they support the organization of a new election within six months, with observers from foreign organization invited to monitor the election.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and the law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-15--About 400 people form chain near Belarusian embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 15 .
/TASS/ .
About 400 people have gathered near the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow , forming @ @ @ @ @ the Belarusian protesters , TASS reports from the scene .
The majority of those gathered @ @ @ @ @ people .
They are holding flowers and white balloons in their hands .
They are @ @ @ @ @ ribbon that covers the entire chain .
The police are calling on the members of @ @ @ @ @ react to provocations .

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. About 400 people have gathered near the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow, forming a chain in support of the Belarusian protesters, TASS reports from the scene.
The majority of those gathered near the embassy are young people. They are holding flowers and white balloons in their hands. They are also holding a long white ribbon that covers the entire chain.
The police are calling on the members of the peaceful action not to react to provocations.


tass--2020-08-16--Grandson of Kazakhstan’s first president Nazarbayev died in London

NUR-SULTAN , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Aisultan Nazarbayev , the grandson of Kazakhstan ’ s first President Nursultan Nazarbayev and son of former Senate Speaker Dariga Nazarbayev , died at the age of 30 in London , zakon.kz news portal reported on Sunday .
`` This night Aisultan Nazarbayev died in London .
The cause of his death is being verified .
According to preliminary data , this is cardiac arrest .
Other details are unknown .
Aisultan Rakhatovich was [ nearly ] 30 years , '' the statement said .
Aisultan is the son of Nazarbayev ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaker of Kazakhstan ’ s upper house until early May .
His father Rakhat Aliyev , who had held several posts in the government , moved to Austria and was granted political asylum .
Later he was arrested upon Kazakhstan ’ s request and was imprisoned and died in his cell in 2015 .
According to zakon.kz , Aisultan graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 2010 and worked for Kazakhstan ’ s main intelligence department for one year since 2012 .
On February 13 , 2020 Aisultan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page requesting political asylum in the UK , complaining of pressure against him .
On the same day , Kazakhstan ’ s Minister of Information and Social Development Dauren Abayev dismissed this speculation , saying that Aisultan was `` a drug addict .
`` .

NUR-SULTAN, August 16. /TASS/. Aisultan Nazarbayev, the grandson of Kazakhstan’s first President Nursultan Nazarbayev and son of former Senate Speaker Dariga Nazarbayev, died at the age of 30 in London, zakon.kz news portal reported on Sunday.
"This night Aisultan Nazarbayev died in London. The cause of his death is being verified. According to preliminary data, this is cardiac arrest. Other details are unknown. Aisultan Rakhatovich was [nearly] 30 years," the statement said.
Aisultan is the son of Nazarbayev’s elder daughter Dariga, who served as speaker of Kazakhstan’s upper house until early May. His father Rakhat Aliyev, who had held several posts in the government, moved to Austria and was granted political asylum. Later he was arrested upon Kazakhstan’s request and was imprisoned and died in his cell in 2015.
According to zakon.kz, Aisultan graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 2010 and worked for Kazakhstan’s main intelligence department for one year since 2012.
On February 13, 2020 Aisultan allegedly wrote two posts on his Facebook page requesting political asylum in the UK, complaining of pressure against him. On the same day, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Information and Social Development Dauren Abayev dismissed this speculation, saying that Aisultan was "a drug addict.".


tass--2020-08-16--Belarusian leader says won’t allow to ‘give away’ his country

MINSK , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he won ’ t allow to `` give away '' his country even if he dies .
`` Together with you , despite all difficulties and troubles , we have built a beautiful country .
To whom have you decided to give it away ?
If anyone wants to give away the country , I won ’ t let you do this even when I am dead , '' Lukashenko said .
Alexander Lukashenko said , Belarus would die as a state if it agreed to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership is calling on us to hold a new election , '' Lukashenko said .
`` If we yield to their wishes we will die as a state , '' he stressed .
According to Lukashenko , foreign puppeteers are orchestrating riots in the country and want Belarusian borders to move from Brest back to Minsk like before World War II .
`` They won ’ t let us live calmly .
Even if they calm down now , they will emerge like rats from their holes some time later , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition supporters .
`` They [ the opposition - TASS ] are controlled by people from outside , puppeteers .
They see the Western borders of our Belarus here , near Minsk like back in 1939 , and not near Brest , '' Lukashenko told a rally in his support on Independence Square in Minsk .
`` This is not going to happen , '' he stressed .
`` We will all become the Brest fortress , we won ’ t give away our country. ''
.
A rally in support of incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independence Square in Minsk .
On Sunday , the opposition will also gather for a protest in the Belarusian capital .

MINSK, August 16. /TASS/. Incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he won’t allow to "give away" his country even if he dies.
"Together with you, despite all difficulties and troubles, we have built a beautiful country. To whom have you decided to give it away? If anyone wants to give away the country, I won’t let you do this even when I am dead," Lukashenko said.
Alexander Lukashenko said, Belarus would die as a state if it agreed to hold a rerun election.
"The NATO leadership is calling on us to hold a new election," Lukashenko said. "If we yield to their wishes we will die as a state," he stressed.
According to Lukashenko, foreign puppeteers are orchestrating riots in the country and want Belarusian borders to move from Brest back to Minsk like before World War II.
"They won’t let us live calmly. Even if they calm down now, they will emerge like rats from their holes some time later," the Belarusian president said, referring to the opposition supporters.
"They [the opposition - TASS] are controlled by people from outside, puppeteers. They see the Western borders of our Belarus here, near Minsk like back in 1939, and not near Brest," Lukashenko told a rally in his support on Independence Square in Minsk. "This is not going to happen," he stressed. "We will all become the Brest fortress, we won’t give away our country.".
A rally in support of incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko is now held on Independence Square in Minsk. On Sunday, the opposition will also gather for a protest in the Belarusian capital.


tass--2020-08-16--Putin confirms readiness to help Belarus based on Union State Treaty

MOSCOW , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday confirmed Moscow ’ s readiness to provide assistance in solving problems based on the treaty on creating the Union State and in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization , the Kremlin press service said .
`` Russia confirmed readiness to provide necessary assistance in ironing out emerging problems based on the principles of the treaty on creating the Union State and also if needed in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussing the situation in Belarus after the presidential election , `` including given the external pressure on the republic , '' the press service said .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tihanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MOSCOW, August 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday confirmed Moscow’s readiness to provide assistance in solving problems based on the treaty on creating the Union State and in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Kremlin press service said.
"Russia confirmed readiness to provide necessary assistance in ironing out emerging problems based on the principles of the treaty on creating the Union State and also if needed in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization," the statement said.
The two leaders continued discussing the situation in Belarus after the presidential election, "including given the external pressure on the republic," the press service said.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tihanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with the police. The protests continued for several days and, according to the Interior Ministry, several thousand people were detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-16--Senior Russian diplomat rules out Chinese participation in Vienna consultations

MOSCOW , August 16 .
/TASS/ .
The participation of Chinese representatives in the upcoming round of consultations on strategic stability in Vienna is ruled out , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS on Sunday .
`` I absolutely rule out the option that the Chinese representatives could be [ present at the consultations ] there .
They have said this multiple times and I don ’ t have any grounds to mistrust them , '' Ryabkov said .
According to Ryabkov , Moscow is not expecting any breakthrough at the upcoming round of Russian-US consultations on strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not expect any breakthrough at the meeting because the positions of the sides radically differ in certain aspects .
And progress , if there is one , is fixed very slowly , '' Ryabkov said , adding that he did not expect that any deals would be reached .
Dimlomat also said that there was no evidence that Washington had changed its stance on extending New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) .
`` There is no progress on New START .
There is no evidence that the US approach has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some signals that differ from what the Americans had said earlier , but these signals are related to New START to a lesser extent .
They refer to what and how to do in the future , '' Ryabkov said .
Moscow believes during the future discussions on strategic stability it is necessary to take into account the potentials of all states and involve them into dialogue , Deputy Foreign Minister told TASS .
`` We understand very well that in the further dialogue on strategic stability it is necessary to take into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve them into this dialogue in order to show that this is our common collective responsibility , '' Ryabkov said .
`` But the decision on whether to participate in it or not is a sovereign decision for each country , '' the senior diplomat stressed .

MOSCOW, August 16. /TASS/. The participation of Chinese representatives in the upcoming round of consultations on strategic stability in Vienna is ruled out, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS on Sunday.
"I absolutely rule out the option that the Chinese representatives could be [present at the consultations] there. They have said this multiple times and I don’t have any grounds to mistrust them," Ryabkov said.
According to Ryabkov, Moscow is not expecting any breakthrough at the upcoming round of Russian-US consultations on strategic stability in Vienna.
"I do not expect any breakthrough at the meeting because the positions of the sides radically differ in certain aspects. And progress, if there is one, is fixed very slowly," Ryabkov said, adding that he did not expect that any deals would be reached.
Dimlomat also said that there was no evidence that Washington had changed its stance on extending New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty).
"There is no progress on New START. There is no evidence that the US approach has been changing. Yes, sometimes we hear some signals that differ from what the Americans had said earlier, but these signals are related to New START to a lesser extent. They refer to what and how to do in the future," Ryabkov said.
Moscow believes during the future discussions on strategic stability it is necessary to take into account the potentials of all states and involve them into dialogue, Deputy Foreign Minister told TASS.
"We understand very well that in the further dialogue on strategic stability it is necessary to take into account the potentials of all states and involve them into this dialogue in order to show that this is our common collective responsibility," Ryabkov said.
"But the decision on whether to participate in it or not is a sovereign decision for each country," the senior diplomat stressed.