tass--2020-06-18--Moscow and London already working on economic relations — Russian ambassador

`` We are starting to drill in this direction with the available capabilities , '' said he .
Kelin emphasized that the dialogue between Russia and Great Britain is now at the very initial stages .
`` I know that British ambassador to Moscow , Deborah Bronnert , is taking certain steps in this direction .
We need to try to develop simple and understandable trading rules , based on which we could interact , including within the WTO , '' Kelin added .
Kelin noted that Great Britain is currently busy overcoming the difficult economic consequences associated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and is trying to cope with many challenges at the same time .
`` Of course , I understand very well that dialogue with Russia is not their number one priority now , but they do not forget about it , and we do not forget about it , '' the diplomat said .
Kelin explained that the UK was and remains an important economic partner for Russia : trade turnover is approximately $ 17-19 bln , which is comparable to the volume of trade between Russia and France .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 after three years of negotiating exit conditions .
Brussels and London have agreed on a transitional period until the end of this year , during which all European standards apply to the United Kingdom .
During this time , the parties must agree on a document on how to build future relations .
London has consistently stated its reluctance to extend the transition period , although the time remaining until the end of the year may not be enough to complete the negotiations that have taken place remotely in recent months due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuse each other of not wanting to compromise and say that they have not yet been able to make much progress .

"We are starting to drill in this direction with the available capabilities," said he. Kelin emphasized that the dialogue between Russia and Great Britain is now at the very initial stages.
"I know that British ambassador to Moscow, Deborah Bronnert, is taking certain steps in this direction. We need to try to develop simple and understandable trading rules, based on which we could interact, including within the WTO," Kelin added.
Kelin noted that Great Britain is currently busy overcoming the difficult economic consequences associated with the country's exit from the European Union, and is trying to cope with many challenges at the same time. "Of course, I understand very well that dialogue with Russia is not their number one priority now, but they do not forget about it, and we do not forget about it," the diplomat said. Kelin explained that the UK was and remains an important economic partner for Russia: trade turnover is approximately $17-19 bln, which is comparable to the volume of trade between Russia and France.
The UK left the EU on February 1, 2020 after three years of negotiating exit conditions. Brussels and London have agreed on a transitional period until the end of this year, during which all European standards apply to the United Kingdom. During this time, the parties must agree on a document on how to build future relations. London has consistently stated its reluctance to extend the transition period, although the time remaining until the end of the year may not be enough to complete the negotiations that have taken place remotely in recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both sides accuse each other of not wanting to compromise and say that they have not yet been able to make much progress.


tass--2020-06-18--Palestine to negotiate with Israel only if it freezes annexation, says ambassador

MOSCOW , June 18./TASS/ .
Talks between Palestine and Israel are possible only if Israel freezes the process to annex parts of the West Bank , Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal told an online conference on Thursday .
`` In spite of all the difficulties , we are eager to continue the political process of the settlement , but I openly say that the negotiations are possible only if Israel freezes the process of annexation , '' the diplomat said .
`` We won ’ t accept individual auspices of the US any longer .
I hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , the European Union and the United Nations ) will assume the mediatory role , we are ready for such process of negotiations , '' the diplomat stressed .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 17 it was time to annex some of the Palestinian territories on the West Bank .
Two days later , Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestine was terminating all agreements with Israel and the United States and stressed that Israel must be held responsible for attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territories .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended to take steps to annex parts of the West Bank in July .

MOSCOW, June 18./TASS/. Talks between Palestine and Israel are possible only if Israel freezes the process to annex parts of the West Bank, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal told an online conference on Thursday.
"In spite of all the difficulties, we are eager to continue the political process of the settlement, but I openly say that the negotiations are possible only if Israel freezes the process of annexation," the diplomat said. "We won’t accept individual auspices of the US any longer. I hope that the Middle East Quartet (Russia, the US, the European Union and the United Nations) will assume the mediatory role, we are ready for such process of negotiations," the diplomat stressed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 17 it was time to annex some of the Palestinian territories on the West Bank. Two days later, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestine was terminating all agreements with Israel and the United States and stressed that Israel must be held responsible for attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territories.
On May 25, Netanyahu confirmed that he intended to take steps to annex parts of the West Bank in July.


tass--2020-06-18--Lavrov cautions against giving artificial boost to Kosovo settlement

`` We believe that encouraging the so-called final normalization , fitting it within certain artificial timeframes would be counterproductive , '' Lavrov said after talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic .
Russia ’ s position on the Kosovo settlement remains invariable , he stressed .
`` We will be supporting any moves , any efforts , and any initiatives that will in practice help Belgrade and Pristina arrive at a viable mutually acceptable solution on the basis of Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council .
Let me reiterate that it was at Russia ’ s insistence that the resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
According to Lavrov , this solution must be in line with international law and must be approved by the Security Council .
`` We will agree , as President [ Vladimir ] Putin has repeatedly said , only with the solution that will suit the Serbs themselves , who protect their legitimate rights and interests in Kosovo , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` Russia goes on the premise that the EU , which has the mandate of the UN General Assembly as a mediator in the dialogue between Belgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations and must comply with them unbiasedly and efficiently and seek implementation of the earlier achieved decisions , in particular the decision to create an Association of Serb Municipalities , which many now prefer to forget .
It was achieved between Belgrade and Pristina with the assistance of the EU and is now being openly sabotaged by the Kosovo Albanian side , '' the foreign minister underscored .
Serbia ’ s Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija unilaterally proclaimed independence in February 2008 , which was recognized by the United Nations Court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 countries , including Russia , China , India , Israel , Greece , India and Spain , are categorically against recognizing Kosovo ’ s independence .
Nevertheless , Kosovo has been seeking to join international organizations , including UNESCO and Interpol .
Serbia ’ s diplomats have been urging developing countries to revise their decisions to recognize Kosovo ’ s independence .
Thus , over the past year , eighteen countries , including Ghana , Papua New Guinea , Burundi , Guinea-Bissau , Suriname , Liberia , Lesotho and Madagascar sided with @ @

"We believe that encouraging the so-called final normalization, fitting it within certain artificial timeframes would be counterproductive," Lavrov said after talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Russia’s position on the Kosovo settlement remains invariable, he stressed. "We will be supporting any moves, any efforts, and any initiatives that will in practice help Belgrade and Pristina arrive at a viable mutually acceptable solution on the basis of Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council. Let me reiterate that it was at Russia’s insistence that the resolution confirmed the territorial integrity of Serbia," he added.
According to Lavrov, this solution must be in line with international law and must be approved by the Security Council. "We will agree, as President [Vladimir] Putin has repeatedly said, only with the solution that will suit the Serbs themselves, who protect their legitimate rights and interests in Kosovo," Lavrov stressed.
"Russia goes on the premise that the EU, which has the mandate of the UN General Assembly as a mediator in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, must not dodge its obligations and must comply with them unbiasedly and efficiently and seek implementation of the earlier achieved decisions, in particular the decision to create an Association of Serb Municipalities, which many now prefer to forget. It was achieved between Belgrade and Pristina with the assistance of the EU and is now being openly sabotaged by the Kosovo Albanian side," the foreign minister underscored.
Serbia’s Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija unilaterally proclaimed independence in February 2008, which was recognized by the United Nations Court of Justice in 2010. However more than 60 countries, including Russia, China, India, Israel, Greece, India and Spain, are categorically against recognizing Kosovo’s independence. Nevertheless, Kosovo has been seeking to join international organizations, including UNESCO and Interpol.
Serbia’s diplomats have been urging developing countries to revise their decisions to recognize Kosovo’s independence. Thus, over the past year, eighteen countries, including Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Suriname, Liberia, Lesotho and Madagascar sided with Belgrade.


tass--2020-06-18--Russia sees UK ready to improve relations, says ambassador

MOSCOW , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is seeing some signals from the UK showing that it is ready to improve bilateral relations , and Moscow is ready for this , Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin said on Thursday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
`` We are ready to turn the page and to begin recovering our relations .
We note a certain evolution in the UK .
There are signals that some progress can be made .
So far , these signals have not led to any serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the diplomat said .
The diplomat explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit might be among the factors stalling the recovery of relations between Moscow and London .
`` However , we begin dialogue and contacts , and not just phone calls between leaders .
Phone calls between foreign ministry ’ s top officials have also begun .
For example , yesterday , [ Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister ] Vladimir Gennadyevich Titov spoke with the [ UK ] deputy foreign secretary for almost an hour .
I have had contacts as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground for it , and we are waiting until this period of sitting around is over so we can begin some practical action , '' Kelin added .

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. Russia is seeing some signals from the UK showing that it is ready to improve bilateral relations, and Moscow is ready for this, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin said on Thursday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"We are ready to turn the page and to begin recovering our relations. We note a certain evolution in the UK. There are signals that some progress can be made. So far, these signals have not led to any serious action, I will be honest," the diplomat said.
The diplomat explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit might be among the factors stalling the recovery of relations between Moscow and London.
"However, we begin dialogue and contacts, and not just phone calls between leaders. Phone calls between foreign ministry’s top officials have also begun. For example, yesterday, [Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister] Vladimir Gennadyevich Titov spoke with the [UK] deputy foreign secretary for almost an hour. I have had contacts as well. So we are laying the ground for it, and we are waiting until this period of sitting around is over so we can begin some practical action," Kelin added.


tass--2020-06-18--Supermicro launched a new high-performance X12 generation 4-socket SuperServer

SAN JOSE , California , June 18 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer , Inc. ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , a global leader in enterprise computing , storage , networking solutions and green computing technology , today launched a new high-performance X12 generation 4-socket SuperServer optimized for the new 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors ( codenamed Cooper Lake ) and Intel Optane Persistent Memory 200 series ( codenamed Barlow Pass ) , which were both officially launched by Intel today .
The tremendous growth in applications and use cases that require real-time analysis and manipulation of big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family to be one of the fastest-growing product lines in recent times .
`` As Supermicro 's first X12 generation system , this new 4-socket server is our most robust enterprise-class platform featuring the most powerful Intel Xeon Scalable Processors , Intel Optane Persistent Memory , and a new silicon based Root-of-Trust implementation for enhanced security , '' said Charles Liang , CEO and president of Supermicro .
`` This new SuperServer provides a powerful and trusted foundation for your most secure and mission critical workloads in enterprise , cloud-scale , or hybrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-socket server is the newest generation of a long line of proven , enterprise class , 4-socket Supermicro platforms which have powered some of the most demanding workloads such as SAP HANA , Oracle Enterprise Applications & Database , in-memory computing , and emerging AI use cases for some of the top enterprises & hyperscalers in the world .
This platform features the latest Intel CPU and storage technologies : up to 112 Xeon cores in its 4 CPU sockets and up to 18TB of system memory , when provisioned in a mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CPU interconnects have been doubled from 3 UPI lanes to 6 UPI lanes for vastly improved system latency and throughput .
Finally , this latest Intel Xeon Scalable platform adds support for the bfloat16 numeric format into Intel Deep Learning Boost , which accelerates AI training and inference , while retaining similar accuracy to larger FP32 formats .
Other new features supported by this new server include : • Up to 24 NVMe drives connected through direct PCI-E lanes symmetrically to the four CPUs for faster access to storage • Enhanced security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RoT ) implementation , signed and encrypted firmware delivery for a true , immutable chain-of-trust '' Platforms based on the new 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor , such as the Supermicro X12 SuperServer , are ready to take on the biggest AI , analytics and mission-critical application challenges , '' said Lisa Spelman , Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Xeon and Memory Group at Intel .
`` These platforms extend the Intel Xeon processor 's lead in built-in AI acceleration as well as the capacity and performance benefits of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to the latest Intel technologies , this new Supermicro quad-socket SuperServer supports up-to ten PCI-E expansion slots capable of fitting two double width , or six single-width GPU cards .
Power and thermal subsystems are capable of zero-down time maintenance with hot-swappable , redundant 2000-watt high-efficiency power supplies and four hot-swappable , heavy duty fans .
For more on Supermicro MP Systems , visit https : //www.supermicro.com/en/products/MP .
Follow Supermicro on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook to receive their latest news and announcements .
Supermicro ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ server technology , is a premier provider of advanced Server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center , Cloud Computing , Enterprise IT , Hadoop/Big Data , HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide .
Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its `` We Keep IT Green® '' initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient , environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market .
Supermicro , Server Building Block Solutions , and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer , Inc. Intel , the Intel logo , Xeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or its subsidiaries .
All other brands , names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

SAN JOSE, California, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a global leader in enterprise computing, storage, networking solutions and green computing technology, today launched a new high-performance X12 generation 4-socket SuperServer optimized for the new 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors (codenamed Cooper Lake) and Intel Optane Persistent Memory 200 series (codenamed Barlow Pass), which were both officially launched by Intel today. The tremendous growth in applications and use cases that require real-time analysis and manipulation of big data has helped Supermicro's 4-socket server family to be one of the fastest-growing product lines in recent times.
"As Supermicro's first X12 generation system, this new 4-socket server is our most robust enterprise-class platform featuring the most powerful Intel Xeon Scalable Processors, Intel Optane Persistent Memory, and a new silicon based Root-of-Trust implementation for enhanced security," said Charles Liang, CEO and president of Supermicro. "This new SuperServer provides a powerful and trusted foundation for your most secure and mission critical workloads in enterprise, cloud-scale, or hybrid environments."
This new Supermicro 2U 4-socket server is the newest generation of a long line of proven, enterprise class, 4-socket Supermicro platforms which have powered some of the most demanding workloads such as SAP HANA, Oracle Enterprise Applications & Database, in-memory computing, and emerging AI use cases for some of the top enterprises & hyperscalers in the world. This platform features the latest Intel CPU and storage technologies: up to 112 Xeon cores in its 4 CPU sockets and up to 18TB of system memory, when provisioned in a mix of DDR and Intel Optane Persistent Memory. CPU interconnects have been doubled from 3 UPI lanes to 6 UPI lanes for vastly improved system latency and throughput. Finally, this latest Intel Xeon Scalable platform adds support for the bfloat16 numeric format into Intel Deep Learning Boost, which accelerates AI training and inference, while retaining similar accuracy to larger FP32 formats.
Other new features supported by this new server include:
Up to 24 NVMe drives connected through direct PCI-E lanes symmetrically to the four CPUs for faster access to storage
Supports 100Gb/s networking along with OCP3.0 compliant Advanced IO Module form-factor
Enhanced security features such as new silicon-based Root-of-Trust (RoT) implementation, signed and encrypted firmware delivery for a true, immutable chain-of-trust
"Platforms based on the new 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor, such as the Supermicro X12 SuperServer, are ready to take on the biggest AI, analytics and mission-critical application challenges," said Lisa Spelman, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Xeon and Memory Group at Intel. "These platforms extend the Intel Xeon processor's lead in built-in AI acceleration as well as the capacity and performance benefits of Intel Optane persistent memory."
In addition to the latest Intel technologies, this new Supermicro quad-socket SuperServer supports up-to ten PCI-E expansion slots capable of fitting two double width, or six single-width GPU cards. Power and thermal subsystems are capable of zero-down time maintenance with hot-swappable, redundant 2000-watt high-efficiency power supplies and four hot-swappable, heavy duty fans.
For more on Supermicro MP Systems, visit https://www.supermicro.com/en/products/MP.
Follow Supermicro on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to receive their latest news and announcements.
About Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Supermicro (Nasdaq: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology, is a premier provider of advanced Server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/Big Data, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green®" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.
Supermicro, Server Building Block Solutions, and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Intel, the Intel logo, Xeon and Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.
All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SMCI-F
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1191821/Supermicro_X12_Image.jpg
CONTACT: Michael Kalodrich, Super Micro Computer, Inc., PR@supermicro.com


tass--2020-06-18--Serbian leader says any decision on Kosovo will need Russia’s approval

BELGRADE , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Any final solution to the Kosovo issue will need Russia ’ s approval , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Belgrade on Thursday .
`` Any final solution to the Kosovo issue will need Russia ’ s approval at the level of the United Nations Security Council and as a partner who has always supported Serbia , '' Vucic said .
The Serbian leader said he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in three or four days .
`` We will discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how Serbia could defend its interests in the best possible way .
I am waiting for meetings with European representatives , after which our government ’ s representative will go for talks to Washington D.C. , '' Vucic said .
Answering a question whether Serbia can recognize independent Kosovo for a lucrative financial offer and EU membership , Vucic said , `` It is clear what our answer will be .
If you want a direct answer , it is no . ''
On Monday , US Special Envoy Richard Grenell announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgrade and Pristina .
The talks , due in Washington D.C. on June 27 , will discuss the issue of the unrecognized Kosovo .

BELGRADE, June 18. /TASS/. Any final solution to the Kosovo issue will need Russia’s approval, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Belgrade on Thursday.
"Any final solution to the Kosovo issue will need Russia’s approval at the level of the United Nations Security Council and as a partner who has always supported Serbia," Vucic said.
The Serbian leader said he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in three or four days. "We will discuss the assessments and views on international events and how Serbia could defend its interests in the best possible way. I am waiting for meetings with European representatives, after which our government’s representative will go for talks to Washington D.C.," Vucic said.
Answering a question whether Serbia can recognize independent Kosovo for a lucrative financial offer and EU membership, Vucic said, "It is clear what our answer will be. If you want a direct answer, it is no."
On Monday, US Special Envoy Richard Grenell announced a new meeting between the representatives of Belgrade and Pristina. The talks, due in Washington D.C. on June 27, will discuss the issue of the unrecognized Kosovo.


tass--2020-06-18--Serbia will never introduce sanctions against Russia, says foreign minister

BELGRADE , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia will never introduce sanctions against its Russian friends , and it has @ @ @ @ @ , Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Thursday during a joint press conference with @ @ @ @ @ in response to a question by TASS .
`` We are an independent country , @ @ @ @ @ ourselves who to be friends with .
We will never introduce sanctions against our Russian @ @ @ @ @ from the West .
As for cooperation with NATO , we are ready for cooperation @ @ @ @ @ , we are not discussing full membership in the alliance , '' Dacic stated .

BELGRADE, June 18. /TASS/. Serbia will never introduce sanctions against its Russian friends, and it has no plans to join NATO, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Thursday during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in response to a question by TASS.
"We are an independent country, and we will decide for ourselves who to be friends with. We will never introduce sanctions against our Russian friends, despite the pressure from the West. As for cooperation with NATO, we are ready for cooperation with this organization, however, we are not discussing full membership in the alliance," Dacic stated.


tass--2020-06-18--Lavrov excoriates Kiev’s scheming remarks that Minsk accords not legally binding

BELGRADE , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Minsk agreements must be fully implemented , and statements by Ukrainian officials to the contrary stem from their unscrupulous intentions or the lack of knowledge of the actual situation , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on Thursday .
`` The statements , which we hear from Ukrainian officials , that these decisions are not binding , all that stems from duplicity or ignorance of the issue , I can acknowledge that .
There [ in Ukraine ] , many are engrossed in the Ukrainian settlement in order to bolster their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political strife , '' Russia ’ s top diplomat explained .
He stressed that Russia ’ s only ‘ red line ’ regarding the settlement process in eastern Ukraine is `` the need to strictly and fully implement the Minsk agreements in their corresponding order . ''
UN Security Council resolutions are binding on all states .
Russia ’ s top diplomat added that Western countries should make efforts to encourage Kiev to abide by the UN Security Council ’ s decisions .
According to Lavrov , Russia has repeatedly sent appropriate signals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European countries `` regarding the need to persuade Kiev ’ s representatives to stop neglecting their duties and shying away from meeting the requirements of the Security Council . ''
`` We also hear statements , including from the top Ukrainian officials , that the Minsk agreements are important only in order to keep anti-Russian sanctions in place .
I believe that our Western counterparts who work with Ukraine and verbally confirm that there is no alternative to the Minsk agreements should be ashamed for their charges , '' Lavrov concluded .

BELGRADE, June 18. /TASS/. The Minsk agreements must be fully implemented, and statements by Ukrainian officials to the contrary stem from their unscrupulous intentions or the lack of knowledge of the actual situation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on Thursday.
"The statements, which we hear from Ukrainian officials, that these decisions are not binding, all that stems from duplicity or ignorance of the issue, I can acknowledge that. There [in Ukraine], many are engrossed in the Ukrainian settlement in order to bolster their image on the back of this domestic political strife," Russia’s top diplomat explained.
He stressed that Russia’s only ‘red line’ regarding the settlement process in eastern Ukraine is "the need to strictly and fully implement the Minsk agreements in their corresponding order." UN Security Council resolutions are binding on all states.
Russia’s top diplomat added that Western countries should make efforts to encourage Kiev to abide by the UN Security Council’s decisions. According to Lavrov, Russia has repeatedly sent appropriate signals to international organizations and the capitals of European countries "regarding the need to persuade Kiev’s representatives to stop neglecting their duties and shying away from meeting the requirements of the Security Council."
"We also hear statements, including from the top Ukrainian officials, that the Minsk agreements are important only in order to keep anti-Russian sanctions in place. I believe that our Western counterparts who work with Ukraine and verbally confirm that there is no alternative to the Minsk agreements should be ashamed for their charges," Lavrov concluded.


tass--2020-06-18--Russian watchdog lifts blocking of Telegram messenger

MOSCOW , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Blocking of the Telegram messenger will be lifted in the territory of Russia @ @ @ @ @ mass media watchdog Roskomnadzor said on Thursday .
`` We positively assess the readiness to @ @ @ @ @ by Telegram founder [ Pavel Durov - TASS ] .
Roskomnadzor lifts requirements to limiting @ @ @ @ @ messenger by agreement with the Russian Office of General Prosecutor , '' the regulator said @ @ @ @ @ readiness to interact with all the Internet companies working in Russia `` for prompt prevention @ @ @ @ @ extremist information , child pornography and propaganda of suicides and drugs . ''
The watchdog @ @ @ @ @ April 2018 by the decision taken by the Tagansky Court of Moscow because of the @ @ @ @ @ transfer encryption codes to the Federal Security Service .
The messenger was accessible by users @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. Blocking of the Telegram messenger will be lifted in the territory of Russia, the national telecom and mass media watchdog Roskomnadzor said on Thursday.
"We positively assess the readiness to counter terrorism and extremism stated by Telegram founder [Pavel Durov - TASS]. Roskomnadzor lifts requirements to limiting the access to the Telegram messenger by agreement with the Russian Office of General Prosecutor," the regulator said.
The authority expressed its readiness to interact with all the Internet companies working in Russia "for prompt prevention of dissemination of terrorist and extremist information, child pornography and propaganda of suicides and drugs."
The watchdog started blocking of Telegram in April 2018 by the decision taken by the Tagansky Court of Moscow because of the messenger’s refusal to transfer encryption codes to the Federal Security Service. The messenger was accessible by users all that time.


tass--2020-06-18--EU prolongs sanctions against Russia for one year

BRUSSELS , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union has extended restrictive measures against Crimea and Sevastopol for a year as part of a policy of not recognizing the peninsula ’ s reunification with Russia , according to the statement of the EU Council .
According to the document , the sanctions were extended until June 23 , 2021 .
On June 11 , ambassadors of EU member states agreed to prolong restrictive measures against Russia on Crimea .
The decision is formalized by a `` written procedure '' without discussion .
The European Union imposed sanctions on Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
The EU sanctions policy includes three independent directions : visa restrictions against Russian citizens , economic sectoral sanctions against a number of Russian state-owned companies in the oil , defense and financial sectors , as well as restrictive measures against Crimea .
The first two sanction blocks are renewed once every six months , while measures against Crimea — once a year .
Sanctions against Crimea include a ban on imports of any Crimean goods to the EU and on any European investments in the territory of Crimea , including acquisition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing services , such as tourism .
European vessels are prohibited from entering Crimean ports and aircraft are prohibited from landing at Crimean airports , with the exception of emergency situations .
Exports of goods and technologies in the field of transport , telecommunications , energy sector , oil production and oil refining and natural resources is prohibited to Crimea , as well as provision of any technical services to companies operating in these sectors .

BRUSSELS, June 18. /TASS/. The European Union has extended restrictive measures against Crimea and Sevastopol for a year as part of a policy of not recognizing the peninsula’s reunification with Russia, according to the statement of the EU Council.
According to the document, the sanctions were extended until June 23, 2021.
On June 11, ambassadors of EU member states agreed to prolong restrictive measures against Russia on Crimea. The decision is formalized by a "written procedure" without discussion.
The European Union imposed sanctions on Russia in connection with events in Ukraine in 2014. The EU sanctions policy includes three independent directions: visa restrictions against Russian citizens, economic sectoral sanctions against a number of Russian state-owned companies in the oil, defense and financial sectors, as well as restrictive measures against Crimea. The first two sanction blocks are renewed once every six months, while measures against Crimea — once a year.
Sanctions against Crimea include a ban on imports of any Crimean goods to the EU and on any European investments in the territory of Crimea, including acquisition of real estate, financing businesses and providing services, such as tourism. European vessels are prohibited from entering Crimean ports and aircraft are prohibited from landing at Crimean airports, with the exception of emergency situations. Exports of goods and technologies in the field of transport, telecommunications, energy sector, oil production and oil refining and natural resources is prohibited to Crimea, as well as provision of any technical services to companies operating in these sectors.


tass--2020-06-18--Military peacekeepers suppress enemy communications in Volga area drills

MOSCOW , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
The electronic warfare personnel of the Central Military District ’ s peacekeeping unit suppressed a notional enemy ’ s cellular communications during drills at the Roshchinsky practice range in the Samara Region , the District ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` The peacekeepers accomplished special assignments of deploying electronic warfare systems , finding the direction of radio-electronic emission sources and interfering with communications systems .
The teams of Leer-3 unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with special frequency disruption modules created intense jamming and disrupted the hypothetical enemy ’ s cellular communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
During the drills , the personnel employed the Borisoglebsk-2 electronic warfare system to degrade satellite and radio-navigational systems .
The maneuvers involved about 500 personnel and over 60 items of military hardware , the statement says .
The 15th separate motor rifle brigade , set up on February 1 , 2005 to take part in operations for maintaining peace and security , is the sole peacekeeping unit in Russia ’ s ground forces and makes part of the Central Military District ’ s 2nd all-arms army .
The brigade is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed with BTR-82AM armored personnel carriers , Strelets reconnaissance , control and communications systems , Perunit-B and Grot-N satellite navigators of the Glonass orbital grouping , Orlan-10 , Leer-3 and Takhion-3 drones , Azart sixth-generation radio stations and Kovboi individual protection suits .

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. The electronic warfare personnel of the Central Military District’s peacekeeping unit suppressed a notional enemy’s cellular communications during drills at the Roshchinsky practice range in the Samara Region, the District’s press office reported on Thursday.
"The peacekeepers accomplished special assignments of deploying electronic warfare systems, finding the direction of radio-electronic emission sources and interfering with communications systems. The teams of Leer-3 unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with special frequency disruption modules created intense jamming and disrupted the hypothetical enemy’s cellular communications," the press office said in a statement.
During the drills, the personnel employed the Borisoglebsk-2 electronic warfare system to degrade satellite and radio-navigational systems. The maneuvers involved about 500 personnel and over 60 items of military hardware, the statement says.
The 15th separate motor rifle brigade, set up on February 1, 2005 to take part in operations for maintaining peace and security, is the sole peacekeeping unit in Russia’s ground forces and makes part of the Central Military District’s 2nd all-arms army.
The brigade is manned only with the contract-enlisted personnel and armed with BTR-82AM armored personnel carriers, Strelets reconnaissance, control and communications systems, Perunit-B and Grot-N satellite navigators of the Glonass orbital grouping, Orlan-10, Leer-3 and Takhion-3 drones, Azart sixth-generation radio stations and Kovboi individual protection suits.


tass--2020-06-18--Africa’s coronavirus fatalities top 7,000

PRETORIA , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 265,356 after increasing by 8,852 in the past 24 hours , while 7,098 patients died from the virus-related causes across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Thursday , adding that 122,000 patients recovered on the continent .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 80,412 ) and 1,674 deaths .
Egypt , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 1,766 ) .
Algeria reported 799 fatalities .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17,735 coronavirus infections and 469 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 12,590 and 66 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected worldwide and more than 450,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,430,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, June 18. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 265,356 after increasing by 8,852 in the past 24 hours, while 7,098 patients died from the virus-related causes across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Thursday, adding that 122,000 patients recovered on the continent.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (80,412) and 1,674 deaths. Egypt, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (1,766). Algeria reported 799 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 17,735 coronavirus infections and 469 fatalities, followed by Ghana (12,590 and 66).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 8,450,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 450,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,430,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-18--China Foreign Trade Centre Inks New Cooperation Agreements with Multiple Countries

GUANGZHOU , China , June 18 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Several online signing ceremonies were held at the 127th China Import and Export Fair ( `` Canton Fair '' or `` the Fair '' ) during which the China Foreign Trade Centre ( `` CFTC '' ) inked multiple partnership agreements with the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce , Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Czech Republic Governance Institute .
The landmark cooperation is part of a global partnership initiative brought forward by the virtual Canton Fair to promote the development of international trade .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the China Import and Export Fair and Director-General of the CFTC , said : `` Canton Fair has served as a crucial platform for China 's opening-up over the past sixty-three years and exemplifies our dedication to strengthening economic ties between China and the world . ''
He noted that the 127th online Canton Fair aims to create a win-win opportunity for global companies where they can showcase new products and innovative technologies , injecting a new impetus to the global trade growth and stabilizing supply chains .
`` Canton Fair has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the world .
The 126th Canton Fair attracted 2,400 buyers from Egypt .
The 127th virtual Canton Fair marks another milestone in proving its innovation and ingenuity .
I am glad to sign this partnership agreement with CFTC via the cloud platform which will undoubtedly usher in a new era for our cooperation '' , said Ezz Alaa , First Secretary of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce .
Majidreza Hariri , President of Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries , said that the partnership agreement `` highlights the achievements of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through geographic barriers to open up more trade opportunities for Iran and China .
`` I am convinced that this Canton Fair will further consolidate our economic ties and friendship , '' he said .
Jiri Vancura , Chairman of the Czech Republic Governance Institute , said that the Canton Fair is an efficient communication platform for the two countries which brings concrete benefits to companies from China and the Czech Republic .
He hopes that the Canton Fair can channel more trade resources to Central and Eastern European markets through the partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To offer better services to its partners and buyers , CFTC initiated the `` Canton Fair Global Partnership Program '' .
To date , CFTC has established partnerships with 133 institutions in 75 countries , including 36 institutions from 56 Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI ) countries .
The initiative aims to establish cooperation with leading international industrial and commercial institutions to create a mutually beneficial trade eco-system where enterprises on all sides can share trade resources and channels .
It is also designed to facilitate the business process and promote the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships .
For more information , please visit https : //www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/

GUANGZHOU, China, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Several online signing ceremonies were held at the 127th China Import and Export Fair ("Canton Fair" or "the Fair") during which the China Foreign Trade Centre ("CFTC") inked multiple partnership agreements with the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Czech Republic Governance Institute.
The landmark cooperation is part of a global partnership initiative brought forward by the virtual Canton Fair to promote the development of international trade.
Please visit: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/en/register/selectiveId for boundless opportunities!
During the signing ceremony, Li Jinqi, Secretary-General of the China Import and Export Fair and Director-General of the CFTC, said: "Canton Fair has served as a crucial platform for China's opening-up over the past sixty-three years and exemplifies our dedication to strengthening economic ties between China and the world."
He noted that the 127th online Canton Fair aims to create a win-win opportunity for global companies where they can showcase new products and innovative technologies, injecting a new impetus to the global trade growth and stabilizing supply chains.
"Canton Fair has a strong appeal to buyers from all over the world. The 126th Canton Fair attracted 2,400 buyers from Egypt. The 127th virtual Canton Fair marks another milestone in proving its innovation and ingenuity. I am glad to sign this partnership agreement with CFTC via the cloud platform which will undoubtedly usher in a new era for our cooperation", said Ezz Alaa, First Secretary of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce.
Majidreza Hariri, President of Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that the partnership agreement "highlights the achievements of the 127th virtual Canton Fair in breaking through geographic barriers to open up more trade opportunities for Iran and China. "I am convinced that this Canton Fair will further consolidate our economic ties and friendship," he said.
Jiri Vancura, Chairman of the Czech Republic Governance Institute, said that the Canton Fair is an efficient communication platform for the two countries which brings concrete benefits to companies from China and the Czech Republic. He hopes that the Canton Fair can channel more trade resources to Central and Eastern European markets through the partnership with the Czech Republic Governance Institute.
To offer better services to its partners and buyers, CFTC initiated the "Canton Fair Global Partnership Program". To date, CFTC has established partnerships with 133 institutions in 75 countries, including 36 institutions from 56 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. The initiative aims to establish cooperation with leading international industrial and commercial institutions to create a mutually beneficial trade eco-system where enterprises on all sides can share trade resources and channels. It is also designed to facilitate the business process and promote the development of the global economy and trade relationships.
For more information, please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/
CONTACT: Ms. Chloe Cai, +86-20-8913 8622, caiyiyi@cantonfair.org.cn


tass--2020-06-18--China's Sinopec registers new subsidiary on Hainan

HAIKOU , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
China 's Sinopec oil and gas corporation has registered a subsidiary Hainan Sinopec in Haikou , the administrative center of the southern province of Hainan , Xinhua reported with citing the company .
The registered capital of Hainan Sinopec is 200 million yuan ( about $ 28.2 million ) .
At the initial stage , the company will be engaged in the technical development and maintenance of the province 's oil and gas industry , as well as providing financial services to relevant enterprises , in particular , Hainan Refining and Chemical also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , as part of the Chinese government ’ s project free trade port on Hainan , the company plans to develop energy trading on the island , international electronic business , as well as carry out research in alternative energy sources .
Moreover , Sinopec intends to create an internationally competitive industrial base here for the search and development of hydrocarbons and new energy sources , and also an energy trade center .
The strategic cooperation agreement between Sinopec and the local government stipulating mutually beneficial cooperation in the development of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed in December 2018 .
Hainan is one of the regions of China where hydrocarbon production is most actively carried out in the offshore area .
At the same time , the island also carries out industrial processing of primary raw materials , cleaning and transportation of energy , as well as their storage .
The volume of exports of oil products and natural gas on Hainan in 2019 amounted to 17.5 billion yuan ( about $ 2.5 billion ) .

HAIKOU, June 18. /TASS/. China's Sinopec oil and gas corporation has registered a subsidiary Hainan Sinopec in Haikou, the administrative center of the southern province of Hainan, Xinhua reported with citing the company.
The registered capital of Hainan Sinopec is 200 million yuan (about $ 28.2 million). At the initial stage, the company will be engaged in the technical development and maintenance of the province's oil and gas industry, as well as providing financial services to relevant enterprises, in particular, Hainan Refining and Chemical also owned by Sinopec.
At the same time, as part of the Chinese government’s project free trade port on Hainan, the company plans to develop energy trading on the island, international electronic business, as well as carry out research in alternative energy sources. Moreover, Sinopec intends to create an internationally competitive industrial base here for the search and development of hydrocarbons and new energy sources, and also an energy trade center.
The strategic cooperation agreement between Sinopec and the local government stipulating mutually beneficial cooperation in the development of the Hainan free trade zone and port was signed in December 2018.
Hainan is one of the regions of China where hydrocarbon production is most actively carried out in the offshore area. At the same time, the island also carries out industrial processing of primary raw materials, cleaning and transportation of energy, as well as their storage.
The volume of exports of oil products and natural gas on Hainan in 2019 amounted to 17.5 billion yuan (about $ 2.5 billion).


tass--2020-06-19--Belarusian authorities thwarted a 'Maidan' attempt, Lukashenko says

`` We finally were able to act in advance and thwart a wide-scale plan to destabilize Belarus and bring the country to some kind of Maidan [ orchestrated revolution ] .
That was their plan .
Masks were ripped off of not only certain puppets we had here , but also of puppeteers who are outside Belarus , '' Lukashenko said , according to the BelTA news agency .
According to the Belarusian leader , `` today the focus of all political interests is on Belarus , both in the West and the East . ''
`` Observing the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that certain powers have activated and begin to get intensive , rocking the situation in the country .
We have watched this for a long time , '' Lukashenko said .
He warned that he would not allow rocking the country .
`` I would like you to understand that under no circumstances , both due to my constitutional duties as a president , and simply as a man who put his life to the establishment of this independent sovereign state , I will never allow breaking this country , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others to understand me .
There is no higher value than sovereign and independent Belarus for me .
And I will commit to preservation of this country , no matter the cost . ''
On June 11 , the State Control Committee announced a search in Belgazprombank .
The Committee ’ s Financial Investigation Department initiated criminal proceeding over charges of tax evasion on a particularly large scale and money laundering on a particularly large scale .
Belgazprombank ’ s ex-CEO , presidential candidate Viktor Babariko claimed that the situation involving the bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 17 , Babariko ’ s account , connected to his campaign fund , was blocked .
On June 18 , the State Control Committee announced that Babariko was apprehended because he was the direct mastermind behind the illegal activities .
Babariko ’ s son Eduard , who chaired his father ’ s campaign , was apprehended as well .
A total of over 20 people were arrested over the Belgazprombank case .
On Friday , the Prosecutor General of Belarus initiated a criminal case over charges of establishment or participation in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case face up to 15 years in prison .

MINSK, June 19. /TASS/. Belarusian authorities thwarted a large-scale plan to destabilize the state, which involved outside powers, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Friday during a meeting on the banking system.
"We finally were able to act in advance and thwart a wide-scale plan to destabilize Belarus and bring the country to some kind of Maidan [orchestrated revolution]. That was their plan. Masks were ripped off of not only certain puppets we had here, but also of puppeteers who are outside Belarus," Lukashenko said, according to the BelTA news agency.
According to the Belarusian leader, "today the focus of all political interests is on Belarus, both in the West and the East."
"Observing the situation throughout the last 24 hours, I see that certain powers have activated and begin to get intensive, rocking the situation in the country. We have watched this for a long time," Lukashenko said.
He warned that he would not allow a shake-up of the country. "I would like you to understand that under no circumstances, both due to my constitutional duties as president, and simply as a man who devoted his life to the establishment of this independent sovereign state, I will never allow this country to break up," he said. "I want you and others to understand me. There is no higher value than a sovereign and independent Belarus for me. And I am committed to the preservation of this country, no matter what the cost."
On June 11, the State Control Committee announced a search in Belgazprombank. The Committee’s Financial Investigation Department initiated criminal proceeding over charges of tax evasion on a particularly large scale and money laundering on a particularly large scale. Belgazprombank’s ex-CEO, presidential candidate Viktor Babariko claimed that the bank incident was politically orchestrated.
On June 17, Babariko’s account, connected to his campaign fund, was blocked. On June 18, the State Control Committee announced that Babariko was apprehended because he was the direct mastermind behind the illegal activities. Babariko’s son Eduard, who chaired his father’s campaign, was apprehended as well. A total of over 20 people were arrested over the Belgazprombank case.
On Friday, the Prosecutor General of Belarus initiated a criminal case over charges of establishment or participation in a criminal organization. Those involved in the case face up to 15 years in prison.


tass--2020-06-19--Number of coronavirus cases in Finland rises to 7,133

HELSINKI , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Finland reached 7,133 , increasing by four over the day , the Finnish National Institute of Health and Welfare reported on Friday .
One day earlier , 7,131 cases were reported .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , 326 deaths have been detected in the country .
From March 19 to May 13 , Finland closed its borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Since May 14 , the borders within the Schengen area have been opened for travel for work purposes and in urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions have resumed .
In Finland , a ban on gathering in groups of more than 10 people was in effect until the end of May , but from June 1 , it increased to 50 people .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 8,595,700 people have been infected worldwide and more than 456,600 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,546,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 569,063 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 324,406 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 7,841 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the coronavirus situation .

HELSINKI, June 19. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Finland reached 7,133, increasing by four over the day, the Finnish National Institute of Health and Welfare reported on Friday.
One day earlier, 7,131 cases were reported. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 326 deaths have been detected in the country.
From March 19 to May 13, Finland closed its borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Since May 14, the borders within the Schengen area have been opened for travel for work purposes and in urgent circumstances, studies in schools and preschool institutions have resumed. In Finland, a ban on gathering in groups of more than 10 people was in effect until the end of May, but from June 1, it increased to 50 people.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 8,595,700 people have been infected worldwide and more than 456,600 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,546,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 569,063 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 324,406 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 7,841 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-19--Putin orders to expedite work on bills aimed at preventing of oil spills

Lavrov says topic of anti-Russian sanctions was not raised during talks with Borrell '' We never discuss sanctions with those @ @ @ @ @ he said .

NOVO-OGAREVO, June 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to accelerate work on draft laws aimed at prevention of petroleum product spills.
"I ask the government and the State Duma to expedite work on the relevant bills," the head of state said, opening the meeting on the progress in diesel oil spill relief operations in Norilsk.
"Mechanisms of preventing such situations, appropriate, timely and comprehensive response to them and compensation of consequences should be provided in laws," Putin added.
Norilsk Nickel should fully cure damages from petroleum products spill in the Krasnoyarsk Region, Putin said.
"It is clear that consequences of the accident are grave for environment and aquatic biodiversity; huge time is needed for reclamation and remediation, and Norilsk Nickel staff is obliged to continue work until complete elimination of inflicted damage," the head of state said.
"It is important to learn lessons from the evolved situation," Putin said. High quality remediation of soil and water area should be provided, the president added.
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 [owned by the Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company, a member of the Norilsk Nickel Group] in Norilsk on May 29. About 21,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled in total on the area of 180,000 square meters of soil and penetrated water objects, causing pollution and damage to the environment.


tass--2020-06-19--Kremlin says top brass taking all safety measures to prepare for Victory Parade

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry is taking all necessary epidemiological safety measures during preparations for the Victory Parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday .
`` The Defense Ministry is taking all necessary epidemiological safety measures in the course of preparing for and holding the parade , '' Peskov said .
The Russian presidential spokesman said , however , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep a close eye on the preparations for the military parade and Russia ’ s Defense Ministry was not required to report on the process of rehearsals for the event .
Responding to a reporters ’ request to comment on the photos posted on the Internet and showing that the rehearsal ’ s participants were allegedly breaching the rules of keeping a physical distance and wearing masks amid the pandemic , Peskov said : `` I do not know what photographs you are talking about : which people and where are they standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he pointed out .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS. Russia’s Defense Ministry is taking all necessary epidemiological safety measures during preparations for the Victory Parade on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24 devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"The Defense Ministry is taking all necessary epidemiological safety measures in the course of preparing for and holding the parade," Peskov said.
The Russian presidential spokesman said, however, it was not the Kremlin’s prerogative to keep a close eye on the preparations for the military parade and Russia’s Defense Ministry was not required to report on the process of rehearsals for the event.
Responding to a reporters’ request to comment on the photos posted on the Internet and showing that the rehearsal’s participants were allegedly breaching the rules of keeping a physical distance and wearing masks amid the pandemic, Peskov said: "I do not know what photographs you are talking about: which people and where are they standing? This is just the Internet," he pointed out.


tass--2020-06-19--Belarusian leader confirms plans to attend Victory Parade in Moscow

MINSK , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will be present together with his sons at the @ @ @ @ @ June 24 , Lukashenko ’ s Spokesperson Natalia Eismont said after a telephone talk between @ @ @ @ @ Russia on Friday .
`` [ Russian President ] Vladimir Putin invited his Belarusian counterpart @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko will take part in it .
He will be on the stands together with @ @ @ @ @ Russian president noted , Alexander Lukashenko and his family are expected at the parade in @ @ @ @ @ '' the Belarusian news agency BelTA quoted the spokeswoman as saying .

"[Russian President] Vladimir Putin invited his Belarusian counterpart to the parade. Alexander Lukashenko will take part in it. He will be on the stands together with his sons. As the Russian president noted, Alexander Lukashenko and his family are expected at the parade in Moscow on June 24," the Belarusian news agency BelTA quoted the spokeswoman as saying.
MINSK, June 19. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will be present together with his sons at the Victory Parade in Moscow on June 24, Lukashenko’s Spokesperson Natalia Eismont said after a telephone talk between the leaders of Belarus and Russia on Friday.
Russia does not meddle in Belarus’s internal affairs, Kremlin says
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War would be held on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24.
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place, when soldiers, who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad, who stood their ground for Stalingrad, liberated Europe and stormed Berlin, marched on Red Square.
The Russian president instructed the defense chief to make sure that there weren’t any risks to the health of the military parade’s participants.
Belarus held its Victory Parade on May 9, despite the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-06-19--US Navy amphibious assault ship enters Black Sea

`` The dock landing ship USS Oak Hill ( LSD-51 ) entered the Black Sea yesterday evening .
It joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter DDG-78 , '' the web portal said .
KIEV , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The US Navy amphibious assault ship Oak Hill entered the Black Sea where it joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter , The Ukrainian web portal Dumskaya reported on Friday .
The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter entered the Black Sea on June 17 .
The press office of the US 6th Fleet reported on Thursday that the dock landing ship USS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Sea on June 18 `` to conduct maritime security operations and strengthen [ US ] relationships with region partners and allies . ''
The visit by the Oak Hill is the fourth entry of the US Navy ships into the Black Sea since early 2020 .
The ship is organically assigned to the Bataan amphibious ready group in the Mediterranean Sea .
The Oak Hill displaces over 19,000 tonnes , is 186 meters long and 26 meters wide , has a draft of 6.5 meters and develops a speed of 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marines of the 26th marine expeditionary unit and the amphibious assault personnel .
Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center announced on Wednesday that the Southern Military District ’ s forces and capabilities started tracking the US guided-missile destroyer Porter that had entered the Black Sea .

"The dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) entered the Black Sea yesterday evening. It joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter DDG-78," the web portal said.
KIEV, June 19. /TASS/. The US Navy amphibious assault ship Oak Hill entered the Black Sea where it joined the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter, The Ukrainian web portal Dumskaya reported on Friday.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter entered the Black Sea on June 17.
The press office of the US 6th Fleet reported on Thursday that the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill began its northbound transit into the Black Sea on June 18 "to conduct maritime security operations and strengthen [US] relationships with region partners and allies."
The visit by the Oak Hill is the fourth entry of the US Navy ships into the Black Sea since early 2020. The ship is organically assigned to the Bataan amphibious ready group in the Mediterranean Sea. The Oak Hill displaces over 19,000 tonnes, is 186 meters long and 26 meters wide, has a draft of 6.5 meters and develops a speed of 25 knots. The warship is currently carrying marines of the 26th marine expeditionary unit and the amphibious assault personnel.
Russia’s National Defense Control Center announced on Wednesday that the Southern Military District’s forces and capabilities started tracking the US guided-missile destroyer Porter that had entered the Black Sea.


tass--2020-06-19--No coronavirus infections among Russian diplomats in Beijing, says ambassador

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian embassy ’ s staff in China did not contract coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Denisov said on Friday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail @ @ @ @ @ us were affected .
Overall there are two or three people [ affected ] among @ @ @ @ @ but those are distant acquaintances .
There were no incidences among Russian citizens , '' @ @ @ @ @ the head of the Russian embassy in China , over the course of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ suspected cases of COVID-19 among Russian citizens .
`` And they were just that - @ @ @ @ @ envoy .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. The Russian embassy’s staff in China did not contract coronavirus, Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov said on Friday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"None of us were affected. Overall there are two or three people [affected] among Beijing’s diplomatic community but those are distant acquaintances. There were no incidences among Russian citizens," Denisov said.
According to the head of the Russian embassy in China, over the course of the pandemic in China there were five suspected cases of COVID-19 among Russian citizens. "And they were just that - suspicions," concluded the envoy.


tass--2020-06-19--Tehran rejects IAEA resolution, will retaliate

TEHRAN , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Tehran completely rejects the resolution adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) regarding the Iranian nuclear program and will take retaliatory measures , Iran ’ s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna Kazem Gharib Abadi said Friday .
`` Iran fully rejects this resolution and will respond appropriately , '' ISNA news agency quotes him as saying .
Gharib Abadi added , `` those who made this decision will bear responsibility for its consequences . ''
According to the envoy , the resolution was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations . ''
`` This is a completely unconstructive and political move that pushes us towards an unnecessary crisis of cooperation [ between Tehran and IAEA ] , '' the Iranian ambassador said .
On Friday , the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a draft resolution sponsored by the UK , France and Germany , demanding that Iran grants access to two facilities where , the agency suspects , the country could be illegally stockpiling nuclear materials .
Gharib Abadi earlier explained that this topic harkens back to propositions of 17 years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 .
Technical briefings also noted that these facilities are nothing but a farm and a desert .
Moreover , Iran does not intend to automatically clear access to these facilities based on groundless accusations put forward by its adversaries .

TEHRAN, June 19. /TASS/. Tehran completely rejects the resolution adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the Iranian nuclear program and will take retaliatory measures, Iran’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna Kazem Gharib Abadi said Friday.
"Iran fully rejects this resolution and will respond appropriately," ISNA news agency quotes him as saying. Gharib Abadi added, "those who made this decision will bear responsibility for its consequences."
According to the envoy, the resolution was adopted "based on false and unfounded accusations." "This is a completely unconstructive and political move that pushes us towards an unnecessary crisis of cooperation [between Tehran and IAEA]," the Iranian envoy said.
On Friday, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a draft resolution sponsored by the UK, France and Germany, demanding that Iran grant access to two facilities where, the agency suspects, the country could be illegally stockpiling nuclear materials.
Gharib Abadi earlier explained that this topic harkens back to propositions of 17 years ago which was closed by the IAEA board in 2015. Technical briefings also noted that these facilities are nothing but a farm and a desert. Moreover, Iran does not intend to automatically clear access to these facilities based on groundless accusations put forward by its adversaries.


tass--2020-06-19--IAEA approves resolution demanding access to suspected nuclear sites in Iran

VIENNA , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) Board of Governors has approved @ @ @ @ @ , France and Germany demanding that Iran provide them access to two suspected undeclared nuclear @ @ @ @ @ informed citing a diplomatic source .
On Friday , the IAEA Board of Governors convened @ @ @ @ @ the resolution on Iran proposed by the UK , Germany and France .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ to international organizations in Vienna Wang Qun said that China does not agree with this @ @ @ @ @ Iranian nuclear deal .
Meanwhile , Kazem Gharib Abadi , Iranian envoy to international organizations @ @ @ @ @ the IAEA Board of Governors to vote against this measure .
He explained that this @ @ @ @ @ from 17 years ago that were rejected by the IAEA back in 2015 .
It @ @ @ @ @ that these objects include a farm and a desert .
Iran stressed that it does @ @ @ @ @ access to these sites based on groundless accusations from other states .

VIENNA, June 19. /TASS/. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors has approved a resolution of the UK, France and Germany demanding that Iran provide them access to two suspected undeclared nuclear sites, Reuters news agency informed citing a diplomatic source.
On Friday, the IAEA Board of Governors convened in Vienna to vote on the resolution on Iran proposed by the UK, Germany and France.
Earlier, China’s permanent envoy to international organizations in Vienna Wang Qun said that China does not agree with this resolution that may hurt the Iranian nuclear deal.
Meanwhile, Kazem Gharib Abadi, Iranian envoy to international organizations in Vienna, called on the IAEA Board of Governors to vote against this measure. He explained that this resolution is based on claims from 17 years ago that were rejected by the IAEA back in 2015. It was noted during technical briefings that these objects include a farm and a desert. Iran stressed that it does not plan to provide automatic access to these sites based on groundless accusations from other states.


tass--2020-06-19--Russian Central Bank lowers key rate to 4.5%

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of Russia has cut the key rate by 1 percentage point @ @ @ @ @ once for the first time since 2015 to 4.5 % per annum amid more profound @ @ @ @ @ the regulator said in a statement following its board meeting on Friday .
`` On @ @ @ @ @ Bank of Russia decided to cut the key rate by 100 bp to 4.50 % @ @ @ @ @ have been more profound than expected due to a longer duration of restrictive measures in @ @ @ @ @ .
The effect of short-term pro-inflationary factors has been largely exhausted , '' the statement @ @

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia has cut the key rate by 1 percentage point (p.p.) at once for the first time since 2015 to 4.5% per annum amid more profound disinflationary factors than expected, the regulator said in a statement following its board meeting on Friday.
"On 19 June 2020, the Bank of Russia decided to cut the key rate by 100 bp to 4.50% per annum. Disinflationary factors have been more profound than expected due to a longer duration of restrictive measures in Russia and across the world. The effect of short-term pro-inflationary factors has been largely exhausted," the statement said.


tass--2020-06-19--Kremlin may adjust list of foreign guests invited to Victory Parade on June 24

`` The list ’ s adjustments are possible .
We will inform you , '' the Kremlin spokesman told reporters .
MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin may adjust the final list of foreign guests invited to the Victory Parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday .
Replying to a question about whether Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko would come to the Victory Parade in Moscow in the wake of his accusations that Moscow was supporting presidential contender Viktor Babariko in Belarus , Peskov recommended reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements .
`` There were statements from the Belarusian side .
There shouldn ’ t be any interpretations .
There are statements that simply need to be heard and seen , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said on June 17 that Lukashenko had accepted the invitation to attend the military parade in Moscow on June 24 devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War .
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic .
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26 , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade would be held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 .
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place , when soldiers , who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad , who stood their ground for Stalingrad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Red Square .
The Russian president instructed the defense chief to make sure that there weren ’ t any risks to the health of the military parade ’ s participants .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on June 11 that all the invitations the Kremlin had sent out to foreign guests to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on June 24 remained in force and the leaders of 12 states had confirmed attendance .

"The list’s adjustments are possible. We will inform you," the Kremlin spokesman told reporters.
MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. The Kremlin may adjust the final list of foreign guests invited to the Victory Parade on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
Replying to a question about whether Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko would come to the Victory Parade in Moscow in the wake of his accusations that Moscow was supporting presidential contender Viktor Babariko in Belarus, Peskov recommended reporters to rely on Minsk’s official statements.
"There were statements from the Belarusian side. There shouldn’t be any interpretations. There are statements that simply need to be heard and seen," the Kremlin spokesman said.
Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said on June 17 that Lukashenko had accepted the invitation to attend the military parade in Moscow on June 24 devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade would be held on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24.
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place, when soldiers, who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad, who stood their ground for Stalingrad, liberated Europe and stormed Berlin, marched on Red Square.
The Russian president instructed the defense chief to make sure that there weren’t any risks to the health of the military parade’s participants.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on June 11 that all the invitations the Kremlin had sent out to foreign guests to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on June 24 remained in force and the leaders of 12 states had confirmed attendance.


tass--2020-06-19--‘Can’t play Trump like a fiddle’: Kremlin puts Bolton’s Putin-baiting crusade to rest

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not think his US counterpart Donald Trump could be manipulated , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Friday , commenting on remarks made by Trump ’ s ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton ahead of publication of his book .
`` Putin can not play Trump like a fiddle , '' Peskov said , commenting on Bolton ’ s relevant remark .
`` What Putin thinks of Trump , he himself said repeatedly in numerous interviews . ''
Answering a question whether Putin considers Trump easy to manipulate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , the US Ministry of Justice , which also acts as the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , filed a lawsuit against Bolton over the upcoming publication of his memoirs .
The US authorities accuse Bolton of violation of non-disclosure obligations towards state secrets , which Bolton took upon himself when he became a presidential aide .
Bolton ’ s book was initially supposed to be published in March , but its publication was postponed first until May and later until June 23 .
On January 23 , the White House National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-aide ’ s lawyer , Charles Cooper , notifying him that the book contains state secrets and therefore can not be published in its current form .
The critics say the White House seeks to prevent undermining of the incumbent president ’ s ratings ahead of the upcoming elections , since Trump plans running for re-election .
Trump appointed Bolton his National Security Advisor in March 2018 , and dismissed him 18 months later .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not think his US counterpart Donald Trump could be manipulated, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Friday, commenting on remarks made by Trump’s ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton ahead of publication of his book.
"Putin cannot play Trump like a fiddle," Peskov said, commenting on Bolton’s relevant remark. "What Putin thinks of Trump, he himself said repeatedly in numerous interviews."
Answering a question whether Putin considers Trump easy to manipulate, Peskov said that he does not.
Earlier, the US Ministry of Justice, which also acts as the Prosecutor General’s Office, filed a lawsuit against Bolton over the upcoming publication of his memoirs. The US authorities accuse Bolton of violation of non-disclosure obligations towards state secrets, which Bolton took upon himself when he became a presidential aide.
Bolton’s book was initially supposed to be published in March, but its publication was postponed first until May and later until June 23. On January 23, the White House National Security Council sent a note to the ex-aide’s lawyer, Charles Cooper, notifying him that the book contains state secrets and therefore cannot be published in its current form. The critics say the White House seeks to prevent undermining of the incumbent president’s ratings ahead of the upcoming elections, since Trump plans running for re-election.
Trump appointed Bolton his National Security Advisor in March 2018, and dismissed him 18 months later.


tass--2020-06-19--Russia does not meddle in Belarus’s internal affairs, Kremlin says

`` We consider it Belarus ’ s internal affair and , of course , we have no intention to meddle in Belarusian internal affairs in any way , '' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday .
`` As for the [ Belarusian ] election themselves , there will most likely be observers , so all assessment will come later , after it is over , '' Kremlin spokesman said .
Commenting on allegations that Babariko ’ s actions were somehow controlled from Moscow , Peskov noted that `` naturally , some argumentation must follow here . ''
`` Such allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] can not be unfounded , they must be reinforced with some arguments , '' he said .
Answering a question whether Moscow is concerned that the Minsk events affect interests of companies , connected to Russia , Peskov underscored : `` Interests of Russian companies , especially our economic giants are , of course , always under protection of the Russian state . ''
`` This is one of our priorities - protection of our companies that work abroad , including in Belarus , '' he said .
`` Moscow and Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis . ''
Kremlin has no preferred candidates in the Belarusian presidential election , according to Peskov .
`` The Kremlin has no candidates in the Belarusian election .
Only the Belarusian people have candidates in the election , '' he said , when asked to comment on a claim that former head of Belgazprombank and Belarusian presidential candidate Viktor Babariko is supported by Moscow .
On June 11 , the Belarusian State Control Committee informed that it had begun to conduct searches in Belgazprombank .
The Committee ’ s Department of Financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 of Article 243 ( Tax evasion in particularly large amount ) and Part 2 of Article 235 ( Legalization of criminal income in particularly large amount ) .
The Department of Financial Investigations of the Belarusian State Control Committee has solid evidence that ex-CEO of Belgazprombank Victor Babariko was involved in unlawful activity , Committee Chairman Ivan Tertel told reporters earlier .
On June 18 , Babariko has been detained along with his son Eduard , who heads his election campaign .
In total , about 20 people have been detained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this case and his arrest are politically motivated .

"We consider it Belarus’s internal affair and, of course, we have no intention to meddle in Belarusian internal affairs in any way," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
"As for the [Belarusian] election themselves, there will most likely be observers, so all assessment will come later, after it is over," Kremlin spokesman said.
Commenting on allegations that Babariko’s actions were somehow controlled from Moscow, Peskov noted that "naturally, some argumentation must follow here."
"Such allegations against such respectable international companies [Gazprom] cannot be unfounded, they must be reinforced with some arguments," he said.
Answering a question whether Moscow is concerned that the Minsk events affect interests of companies, connected to Russia, Peskov underscored: "Interests of Russian companies, especially our economic giants are, of course, always under protection of the Russian state."
"This is one of our priorities - protection of our companies that work abroad, including in Belarus," he said. "Moscow and Minsk engage in regular contacts on a regular basis."
Kremlin has no preferred candidates in the Belarusian presidential election, according to Peskov.
"The Kremlin has no candidates in the Belarusian election. Only the Belarusian people have candidates in the election," he said, when asked to comment on a claim that former head of Belgazprombank and Belarusian presidential candidate Viktor Babariko is supported by Moscow.
On June 11, the Belarusian State Control Committee informed that it had begun to conduct searches in Belgazprombank. The Committee’s Department of Financial Investigations opened the criminal case under Part 2 of Article 243 (Tax evasion in particularly large amount) and Part 2 of Article 235 (Legalization of criminal income in particularly large amount).
The Department of Financial Investigations of the Belarusian State Control Committee has solid evidence that ex-CEO of Belgazprombank Victor Babariko was involved in unlawful activity, Committee Chairman Ivan Tertel told reporters earlier.
On June 18, Babariko has been detained along with his son Eduard, who heads his election campaign. In total, about 20 people have been detained in relation to this case. Babariko stated that this case and his arrest are politically motivated.