tass--2020-09-02--Press review: US concocts Asian NATO and Azerbaijan said to get Erdogan’s Syrian militants

US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun has disclosed a plan that American diplomats have been cooking up for a long time .
During his speech at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum , he alluded to the fact that the Indo-Pacific region needs to form a NATO-like alliance , with the United States , Japan , Australia and India among its first participants , who may later be joined by South Korea , New Zealand and Vietnam .
However , India follows a non-aligned policy course , Nezavisimaya Gazeta points out .
The US State Department hopes to alleviate any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such an alliance by the fall .
Washington ’ s aim is to create a coalition to counter a potential threat from China .
In the future , the alliance will attract states that share common values and interests from all over the world , Biegun noted .
This large-scale plan concerns both Asia and other continents , however , at the first stage , the US , Japan , Australia and India are considering joining the alliance .
However , both Japan and Australia are already tied to the US by defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , India has stuck to the non-aligned principle .
So will India change its traditional policy ?
Vinay Shukla , an editor at India Strategic magazine , told the paper that New Delhi is against a rift with China , and calls for maintaining dialogue .
Meanwhile , Washington wants to use the strong anti-Chinese sentiment that arose in the wake of clashes on the Indian-Chinese border to its advantage , the expert said .
Some experts agree that Russia has a weak economy , and India needs to cooperate with America ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join NATO , as the US has never helped it during a difficult moment , Shukla pointed out .
He added that America ’ s military-industrial complex is the one calling for the creation of a new security bloc , since defense corporations would stand to benefit from uncontrolled access to India ’ s arms market .
Sergey Lunev , a professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations ( MGIMO , told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that Washington wants to undermine India ’ s foreign policy course that was proclaimed after its independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean rolling back ties with Moscow , yet Russia is India ’ s main arms exporter , the expert pointed out , adding that other members of the proposed coalition , Japan and Australia , do not want to undermine trade relations with China .
According to official data , there are over 1,000,000 people diagnosed with COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , in Russia .
However , this figure only reflects the cases diagnosed through testing .
According to experts quizzed by Izvestia , the real number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus since the start of the pandemic may reach from 30 mln to 80 mln .
Specialists do not expect a significant second wave of COVID-19 in early September , claiming that the main carriers of the disease - doctors , delivery workers and cashiers - have already overcome the disease and are no longer spreading the infection .
According to Pavel Volchkov , who heads the genome engineering lab at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology , the million detected cases only include the most prominent cases of infection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mln Russians may have faced the disease already .
`` I am confident that at least 30 mln Russians have already encountered the coronavirus .
I think that the real number is between 50-60 mln , or maybe even a full 80 mln , '' the expert told the paper .
He noted that the share of Russian citizens with COVID-19 antibodies has reached 15-30 % on the outcomes of seroprevalence research .
`` This is a more reliable data that we can base our conclusions on .
However , we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that a person has antibodies , while they do have immunity to SARS-CoV-2 . ''
The possible start of the second wave of the pandemic remains an important issue , as people return from their vacations , schools and universities reopen , and people are spending more time indoors as the weather gets colder .
`` I do not doubt that there will be a small increase , '' said Roman Zinovkin , a leading researcher at the molecular biology lab of the Lomonosov Moscow State University in an interview with Izvestia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale of the second wave would not be as great .
`` The majority of key transmitters of the virus have already beaten the disease .
This includes people who have to come into contact with a large amount of people as part of their work , namely , doctors , police officers , delivery workers , and cashiers . ''
Experts note that it is hard to make predictions regarding statistical data .
Zinovkin noted that Russia ’ s COVID-19 count might hit 1.2 mln or 1.3 mln by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1.5 mln during the next year .
It is important that Russian doctors are already experienced in treating COVID-19 , so the death rate should be significantly lower than in the first months of the pandemic , experts point out , while the disease itself is likely to not be as severe .
Besides , the Russian health system is ready to admit more patients .
Several Telegram channels have reported that about 500 Turkish-backed troops previously stationed in Syria , namely fighters belonging to the Sultan Murad Division , the Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed to Azerbaijan .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta ’ s sources note that this information is pending confirmation , however , it is likely to be genuine .
Baku held a protest several days earlier , calling on Turkey `` to save Azerbaijan from the Armenians and the Russians . ''
They called on the government to place a Turkish military base on the territory of Azerbaijan and take revenge for the July clashes on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border .
Turkish TV showed footage from the demonstration , which later was picked up by several Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response from Moscow regarding this matter , and it is unclear whether Baku had allowed this protest to take place .
Igor Dimitriev , an expert on the region , said on his Telegram channel that `` the Turks have de facto built a military base in Azerbaijan . ''
`` There are rumors going around claiming that after the drills [ large-scale Azerbaijani-Turkish drills held in July-August 2020 - newspaper ] , Turkey left some of its troops in Azerbaijan , including F-16 jets with personnel in addition to a unit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Telman Abilov , who heads the Azerbaijani organization `` Military Lawyers '' thinks that an escalation of tensions on the border with Armenia may be related to gas shipments .
`` The escalation took place right after Turkey had reduced its purchase of Russian gas to a minimum .
At the same time , Ankara has diversified its energy sources , namely by buying Azeri gas .
On the other hand , Azerbaijani gas is set to enter the southern European market , where it will compete with Russian gas , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is an opinion held by some Azerbaijanis that `` the Russian-Armenian invasion seeks to undermine the construction of a transport corridor between the Caspian and Black Seas . ''
Military commentator Shamil Gareev told the paper that Moscow is likely to be concerned with Turkey ’ s expanded presence in the Middle East more than with the gas corridor , as Turkey is a NATO state with the second largest army in the alliance .
`` The real possibility of a Turkish base appearing there , as well as Syrian militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fail to contribute to the peaceful regulation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict .
The greenback ’ s exchange rate has hit a new low not seen since April 2018 .
The depreciation of the American currency is taking place against the backdrop of a massive nationwide monetary stimulus program as well as anxiety over the upcoming US presidential election .
European currencies , along with the yuan and the ruble , have strengthened their positions against the dollar .
However , the Russian ruble ’ s exchange rate remains low after a drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The greenback has been rapidly losing its positions on the global market .
On September 1 , the DXY index , which shows the dollar ’ s exchange rate against six leading currencies , dropped to a two-year low , reaching 91.75 points .
This is the lowest figure since April 30 , 2018 .
The US currency has continued to decline for four months running .
During this period , the dollar index has dropped by 8.5 % , and in the past week , the greenback has shown a 1.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar-ruble rate on the Moscow Exchange dropped to 73.44 rubles , which is the lowest figure since August 20 .
The ruble remains an outsider among developing currencies in the wake of the currency drop recorded during the summer .
`` Outside factors , such as the situation in Belarus , have put pressure on the Russian currency ’ s exchange rate .
However , in the context of low oil prices , the government benefits from a weak ruble in order to increase budget revenues through currency revaluation , '' said Kirill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts do not rule out that the dollar will continue to drop globally and in Russia .
`` Taking into account the ongoing stimulus policy in the US and large-scale measures to support the economy , the dollar will stay under pressure as inflation is expected to rise , '' head analyst at Promsvyazbank Bogdan Zvarich noted , adding that the dollar exchange rate against the ruble may go back to 72.5 rubles in the near future if oil prices continue to rise in a stable manner .
The seasonal PMI index of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from 48.4 points in July to 51.1 points in August , surpassing 50 for the first time in over a year , IHS Markit ’ s research informs .
A figure above 50 shows a rise in business activity , while a figure under 50 demonstrates its decrease .
In April 2020 , the PMI dropped to 31.3 points compared to 47.5 the month before .
According to IHS Markit , this was a record drop not seen since 1997 .
Now , Russian companies are noting an increase in demand towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in new orders has reached its highest since April 2019 , '' the company says , quoted by Vedomosti .
Vladimir Salnikov from the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Range Forecasting told Vedomosti that the PMI index shows the subjective stance of entrepreneurs , as it is a polling index ( IHS Markit analyzes the responses to surveys received by the heads of 300 industrial enterprises monthly ) .
Salnikov noted that while PMI is an early indicator , this year , it has fallen behind .
`` The industry had begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in late spring - early summer , businesses overestimated the negative repercussions of the pandemic and the risks associated with it .
Entrepreneurs were frightened of the coronavirus crisis , looking at the future with pessimism , so polls began to show optimism only in August , '' he explained .
`` Russia has looked rather well among others during the coronavirus pandemic , and it shows a good recovery , '' Vladimir Bessonov , head of the HSE Laboratory for Research in Inflation and Growth , told the paper .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia has never shown such a quick post-crisis recovery in its history .
2008 showed a quick drop , yet , the recovery took a year , and now we are talking about several months .
The expert pointed out that this might be tied to the non-economic causes of the current crisis .
However , experts do not expect that the economy will continue to grow .
Salnikov pointed out that Russia would reach a plateau over the coming months , with demand 8 % lower than the pre-crisis level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov predicted that industrial production at the end of 2020 might remain at the 2019 level if there is no second wave of COVID-19 .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Washington seeks to cobble together Asian NATO
US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun has disclosed a plan that American diplomats have been cooking up for a long time. During his speech at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, he alluded to the fact that the Indo-Pacific region needs to form a NATO-like alliance, with the United States, Japan, Australia and India among its first participants, who may later be joined by South Korea, New Zealand and Vietnam. However, India follows a non-aligned policy course, Nezavisimaya Gazeta points out. The US State Department hopes to alleviate any doubts that India may have about joining such an alliance by the fall. Washington’s aim is to create a coalition to counter a potential threat from China. In the future, the alliance will attract states that share common values and interests from all over the world, Biegun noted. This large-scale plan concerns both Asia and other continents, however, at the first stage, the US, Japan, Australia and India are considering joining the alliance. However, both Japan and Australia are already tied to the US by defense agreements. Meanwhile, in the past, India has stuck to the non-aligned principle. So will India change its traditional policy? Vinay Shukla, an editor at India Strategic magazine, told the paper that New Delhi is against a rift with China, and calls for maintaining dialogue. Meanwhile, Washington wants to use the strong anti-Chinese sentiment that arose in the wake of clashes on the Indian-Chinese border to its advantage, the expert said. Some experts agree that Russia has a weak economy, and India needs to cooperate with America; while some stress that India will never join NATO, as the US has never helped it during a difficult moment, Shukla pointed out. He added that America’s military-industrial complex is the one calling for the creation of a new security bloc, since defense corporations would stand to benefit from uncontrolled access to India’s arms market. Sergey Lunev, a professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that Washington wants to undermine India’s foreign policy course that was proclaimed after its independence in 1947. Joining the alliance would mean rolling back ties with Moscow, yet Russia is India’s main arms exporter, the expert pointed out, adding that other members of the proposed coalition, Japan and Australia, do not want to undermine trade relations with China. Izvestia: Russia hits one million COVID-19 cases
According to official data, there are over 1,000,000 people diagnosed with COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in Russia. However, this figure only reflects the cases diagnosed through testing. According to experts quizzed by Izvestia, the real number of Russians who have been infected with the novel coronavirus since the start of the pandemic may reach from 30 mln to 80 mln. Specialists do not expect a significant second wave of COVID-19 in early September, claiming that the main carriers of the disease - doctors, delivery workers and cashiers - have already overcome the disease and are no longer spreading the infection. According to Pavel Volchkov, who heads the genome engineering lab at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the million detected cases only include the most prominent cases of infection. He is sure that up to 80 mln Russians may have faced the disease already. "I am confident that at least 30 mln Russians have already encountered the coronavirus. I think that the real number is between 50-60 mln, or maybe even a full 80 mln," the expert told the paper. He noted that the share of Russian citizens with COVID-19 antibodies has reached 15-30% on the outcomes of seroprevalence research. "This is a more reliable data that we can base our conclusions on. However, we need to take into account that tests may not show that a person has antibodies, while they do have immunity to SARS-CoV-2." The possible start of the second wave of the pandemic remains an important issue, as people return from their vacations, schools and universities reopen, and people are spending more time indoors as the weather gets colder. "I do not doubt that there will be a small increase," said Roman Zinovkin, a leading researcher at the molecular biology lab of the Lomonosov Moscow State University in an interview with Izvestia. Nontheless, he noted that the scale of the second wave would not be as great. "The majority of key transmitters of the virus have already beaten the disease. This includes people who have to come into contact with a large amount of people as part of their work, namely, doctors, police officers, delivery workers, and cashiers." Experts note that it is hard to make predictions regarding statistical data. Zinovkin noted that Russia’s COVID-19 count might hit 1.2 mln or 1.3 mln by the end of the year, and it might climb to 1.5 mln during the next year. It is important that Russian doctors are already experienced in treating COVID-19, so the death rate should be significantly lower than in the first months of the pandemic, experts point out, while the disease itself is likely to not be as severe. Besides, the Russian health system is ready to admit more patients. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Turkish-backed Syrian militants reportedly headed to Azerbaijan
Read also Ankara, Baku slam media rumors of Turkey redeploying mercenaries from Syria to Azerbaijan
Several Telegram channels have reported that about 500 Turkish-backed troops previously stationed in Syria, namely fighters belonging to the Sultan Murad Division, the Free Syrian Army and Hamzat, have been deployed to Azerbaijan. Nezavisimaya Gazeta’s sources note that this information is pending confirmation, however, it is likely to be genuine. Baku held a protest several days earlier, calling on Turkey "to save Azerbaijan from the Armenians and the Russians." They called on the government to place a Turkish military base on the territory of Azerbaijan and take revenge for the July clashes on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Turkish TV showed footage from the demonstration, which later was picked up by several Russian media outlets. There is no official response from Moscow regarding this matter, and it is unclear whether Baku had allowed this protest to take place. Igor Dimitriev, an expert on the region, said on his Telegram channel that "the Turks have de facto built a military base in Azerbaijan." "There are rumors going around claiming that after the drills [large-scale Azerbaijani-Turkish drills held in July-August 2020 - newspaper], Turkey left some of its troops in Azerbaijan, including F-16 jets with personnel in addition to a unit of Turkish drones," the expert said. Telman Abilov, who heads the Azerbaijani organization "Military Lawyers" thinks that an escalation of tensions on the border with Armenia may be related to gas shipments. "The escalation took place right after Turkey had reduced its purchase of Russian gas to a minimum. At the same time, Ankara has diversified its energy sources, namely by buying Azeri gas. On the other hand, Azerbaijani gas is set to enter the southern European market, where it will compete with Russian gas," he said. Dimitriev wrote on Telegram that there is an opinion held by some Azerbaijanis that "the Russian-Armenian invasion seeks to undermine the construction of a transport corridor between the Caspian and Black Seas." Military commentator Shamil Gareev told the paper that Moscow is likely to be concerned with Turkey’s expanded presence in the Middle East more than with the gas corridor, as Turkey is a NATO state with the second largest army in the alliance. "The real possibility of a Turkish base appearing there, as well as Syrian militants backed by Turkey, are increasing tensions and fail to contribute to the peaceful regulation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Kommersant: US dollar plummets globally
Read also Dollar above 76 rubles on Moscow Exchange - trading data
The greenback’s exchange rate has hit a new low not seen since April 2018. The depreciation of the American currency is taking place against the backdrop of a massive nationwide monetary stimulus program as well as anxiety over the upcoming US presidential election. European currencies, along with the yuan and the ruble, have strengthened their positions against the dollar. However, the Russian ruble’s exchange rate remains low after a drop recorded in the summer, Kommersant informs. The greenback has been rapidly losing its positions on the global market. On September 1, the DXY index, which shows the dollar’s exchange rate against six leading currencies, dropped to a two-year low, reaching 91.75 points. This is the lowest figure since April 30, 2018. The US currency has continued to decline for four months running. During this period, the dollar index has dropped by 8.5%, and in the past week, the greenback has shown a 1.6% decrease. On Tuesday, the dollar-ruble rate on the Moscow Exchange dropped to 73.44 rubles, which is the lowest figure since August 20. The ruble remains an outsider among developing currencies in the wake of the currency drop recorded during the summer. "Outside factors, such as the situation in Belarus, have put pressure on the Russian currency’s exchange rate. However, in the context of low oil prices, the government benefits from a weak ruble in order to increase budget revenues through currency revaluation," said Kirill Sokolov, chief economist at Sovcombank. Experts do not rule out that the dollar will continue to drop globally and in Russia. "Taking into account the ongoing stimulus policy in the US and large-scale measures to support the economy, the dollar will stay under pressure as inflation is expected to rise," head analyst at Promsvyazbank Bogdan Zvarich noted, adding that the dollar exchange rate against the ruble may go back to 72.5 rubles in the near future if oil prices continue to rise in a stable manner. Vedomosti: August marked by optimism in Russian industrial production
Read also Moscow business average daily turnover up by more than 30% in June


tass--2020-09-02--Ex-PM Medvedev points to souring Russian-US relations

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian-US relations have deteriorated compared to the previous years , Deputy Chairman of @ @ @ @ @ former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday .
During an online conference with the @ @ @ @ @ Forum Ostrova-2020 , Medvedev answered a question by one of the forum ’ s participants @ @ @ @ @ to lead the US : President Donald Trump or Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ both Trump and Biden , and `` each of them is an interesting person in @ @ @ @ @ `` It is common to say in such situations that this is the choice of @ @ @ @ @ US nation has to decide who will head this leading global power , '' Medvedev @ @ @ @ @ values the relations with the USA .
`` However , it has been difficult to @ @ @ @ @ , they have deteriorated to a significant extent compared to some periods in the past @ @ @ @ @ noting that Russia is not at fault for this deterioration .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russian-US relations have deteriorated compared to the previous years, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday.
During an online conference with the members of the Youth Patriotic Forum Ostrova-2020, Medvedev answered a question by one of the forum’s participants on who is better equipped to lead the US: President Donald Trump or Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Medvedev noted that he knows both Trump and Biden, and "each of them is an interesting person in their own way."
"It is common to say in such situations that this is the choice of the American people, the US nation has to decide who will head this leading global power," Medvedev said, adding that Russia values the relations with the USA. "However, it has been difficult to build these relations, moreover, they have deteriorated to a significant extent compared to some periods in the past," Medvedev said, noting that Russia is not at fault for this deterioration.


tass--2020-09-02--Russia to complete trials of advanced coastal defense missile system by late 2021

`` The trials of the new Rubezh system are currently underway .
They will surely be completed by the end of 2021 , '' he said .
MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
The trials of the latest Rubezh coastal defense system with cruise missiles are due to be completed before the end of 2021 , Morinformsistema-Agat Group Deputy CEO - Chief Designer for Military and Technical Policy Nikolai Borisov told TASS on Wednesday .
About 2,500 CSTO troops to take part in Rubezh exercise in Tajikistan The Rubezh is a mobile version of the Bal coastal defense missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As compared to its predecessor , the Rubezh consists of one vehicle that combines several functions : combat control , reconnaissance , target acquisition and the launcher vehicle proper , '' he specified .
The latest system will fire Kh-35UE low-altitude anti-ship cruise missiles , the deputy chief designer said .
The Bal coastal defense missile system is mounted on the chassis produced in Belarus whereas the Rubezh is placed on the chassis of the domestically produced Kamaz truck .
The latest system will also be several times cheaper in its cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners in military and technical sphere have already displayed interest in this system , '' Borisov said .
The Bal coastal defense system with the Kh-35 anti-ship missile was accepted for service in 2008 and is designated to control territorial waters and straits , defend naval bases , other coastal facilities and infrastructure and areas vulnerable to amphibious assaults .
The coastal defense missile system is capable of operating in any weather conditions , day and night , providing fully autonomous guidance after launches , under an enemy ’ s intensive fire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dates back to 1942 when the People ’ s Commissariat of the USSR Shipbuilding Industry set up a special design bureau .
The Group largely develops , manufactures , provides warranty maintenance , upgrades , repairs and disposes of integrated multifunctional ship control systems , comprehensive automation tools of naval forces ’ command and shipborne missile and artillery weapons ’ control systems .
The Company also develops specialized and tactical simulators for the practical training of the crews of submarines and surface ships of various classes .

"The trials of the new Rubezh system are currently underway. They will surely be completed by the end of 2021," he said.
MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. The trials of the latest Rubezh coastal defense system with cruise missiles are due to be completed before the end of 2021, Morinformsistema-Agat Group Deputy CEO - Chief Designer for Military and Technical Policy Nikolai Borisov told TASS on Wednesday.
About 2,500 CSTO troops to take part in Rubezh exercise in Tajikistan
The Rubezh is a mobile version of the Bal coastal defense missile system, the deputy CEO explained.
"As compared to its predecessor, the Rubezh consists of one vehicle that combines several functions: combat control, reconnaissance, target acquisition and the launcher vehicle proper," he specified.
The latest system will fire Kh-35UE low-altitude anti-ship cruise missiles, the deputy chief designer said.
The Bal coastal defense missile system is mounted on the chassis produced in Belarus whereas the Rubezh is placed on the chassis of the domestically produced Kamaz truck. The latest system will also be several times cheaper in its cost price, he stressed.
"Our partners in military and technical sphere have already displayed interest in this system," Borisov said.
The Bal coastal defense system with the Kh-35 anti-ship missile was accepted for service in 2008 and is designated to control territorial waters and straits, defend naval bases, other coastal facilities and infrastructure and areas vulnerable to amphibious assaults. The coastal defense missile system is capable of operating in any weather conditions, day and night, providing fully autonomous guidance after launches, under an enemy’s intensive fire and jamming.
The Bal system comprises command posts, launchers and transporter-loader vehicles.
Morinformsistema-Agat Group
The history of Morinformsistema-Agat Group dates back to 1942 when the People’s Commissariat of the USSR Shipbuilding Industry set up a special design bureau. The Group largely develops, manufactures, provides warranty maintenance, upgrades, repairs and disposes of integrated multifunctional ship control systems, comprehensive automation tools of naval forces’ command and shipborne missile and artillery weapons’ control systems. The Company also develops specialized and tactical simulators for the practical training of the crews of submarines and surface ships of various classes.


tass--2020-09-02--Russia’s FSB busts clandestine gun-making ring across nine regions

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) apprehended 20 underground gunsmiths in 9 regions of Russia and shut down six gun workshops , the FSB press service told TASS Wednesday .
`` The Federal Security Service thwarted criminal activities of 20 residents of Crimea and the Krasnoyarsk , Voronezh , Kemerovo , Leningrad , Moscow , Rostov , Sverdlovsk and Tomsk regions .
All of them were involved in restoration of combat capabilities of civilian weapons in underground workshops with an intention of sale , '' the press service said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons underwent upgrades .
During the operation , 83 firearms were seized , including AKS-74U and AK-103 assault rifles , PPSh and PPS submachine guns , Mosin , SKS , SVT , AR-15 and Mauser rifles and carbines , TT , PM , SPSh , Glock and Nagant pistols and revolvers .
Besides , 16 grenades , over 5,000 rounds of various calibers , over 100 main weapon parts , 5 silencers and 150 bayonets were seized .
Measures on detection and thwarting of illegal activities , connected to illegal possession and modification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended 20 underground gunsmiths in 9 regions of Russia and shut down six gun workshops, the FSB press service told TASS Wednesday.
"The Federal Security Service thwarted criminal activities of 20 residents of Crimea and the Krasnoyarsk, Voronezh, Kemerovo, Leningrad, Moscow, Rostov, Sverdlovsk and Tomsk regions. All of them were involved in restoration of combat capabilities of civilian weapons in underground workshops with an intention of sale," the press service said.
The operation also shut down six workshops where weapons underwent upgrades.
During the operation, 83 firearms were seized, including AKS-74U and AK-103 assault rifles, PPSh and PPS submachine guns, Mosin, SKS, SVT, AR-15 and Mauser rifles and carbines, TT, PM, SPSh, Glock and Nagant pistols and revolvers. Besides, 16 grenades, over 5,000 rounds of various calibers, over 100 main weapon parts, 5 silencers and 150 bayonets were seized.
Measures on detection and thwarting of illegal activities, connected to illegal possession and modification of weapons, continue, the service added.


tass--2020-09-02--Russians over 60 can take part in clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russians over 60 years of age will be able to take part in the post-registration clinical trials of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V , Russian Health Ministry Aide Alexey Kuznetsov told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Citizens over 18 years of age are allowed to take part in the large-scale post-registration clinical trials of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine ( Sputnik V ) against the COVID-19 coronavirus infection developed by the Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry .
There is no maximum age restriction for volunteers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Sergei Sobyanin informed that persons over 18 years of age would be allowed to take part in the clinical trials of the vaccine in Moscow .
The vaccine ’ s directions for use inform that it is can be used by people aged 18-60 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines .
On August 15 , the Russian Health Ministry announced the launch of vaccine production .
Earlier , director of the Gamaleya Research Center Alexander Ginzburg informed TASS that vaccination of volunteers during the post-registration trials would begin on September 5-7 .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russians over 60 years of age will be able to take part in the post-registration clinical trials of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, Russian Health Ministry Aide Alexey Kuznetsov told TASS on Wednesday.
"Citizens over 18 years of age are allowed to take part in the large-scale post-registration clinical trials of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine (Sputnik V) against the COVID-19 coronavirus infection developed by the Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry. There is no maximum age restriction for volunteers," he said.
Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin informed that persons over 18 years of age would be allowed to take part in the clinical trials of the vaccine in Moscow. The vaccine’s directions for use inform that it is can be used by people aged 18-60.
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. On August 15, the Russian Health Ministry announced the launch of vaccine production.
Earlier, director of the Gamaleya Research Center Alexander Ginzburg informed TASS that vaccination of volunteers during the post-registration trials would begin on September 5-7.


tass--2020-09-02--Russian, Indian navies to hold joint drills in Andaman Sea

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and India will shortly hold joint naval drills in the Andaman Sea @ @ @ @ @ Russian Navy Main Command told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The Russian-Indian naval drills will @ @ @ @ @ Sea on September 4-5 , '' the source specified .
The Indian media reported that @ @ @ @ @ Russian Navy in the drills .
As was reported earlier , the Russian Pacific Fleet @ @ @ @ @ the large anti-submarine warfare ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov and the large sea tanker @ @ @ @ @ its deployment in the region .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russia and India will shortly hold joint naval drills in the Andaman Sea, a source in the Russian Navy Main Command told TASS on Wednesday.
"The Russian-Indian naval drills will take place in the Andaman Sea on September 4-5," the source specified.
The Indian media reported that three ships would represent the Russian Navy in the drills.
As was reported earlier, the Russian Pacific Fleet’s naval group comprising the large anti-submarine warfare ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov and the large sea tanker Boris Butoma is currently on its deployment in the region.


tass--2020-09-02--Over 70 people apprehended in September 1 protests in Minsk, human rights activists say

`` The list of people apprehended in Minsk on September 1 already includes over 70 people .
Many of them have been released already , but some will remain in a detention facility until the court hearing , including the apprehended journalists , '' the Vesna human rights center said in its Telegram channel .
The list is about to grow , the activists added .
Initially , about 10 journalists were apprehended ; some of them have been released after their papers were checked in a local police office , although 6 people had to stay in detention for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a BelaPAN news agency journalist ) .
The Belarusian Ministry of the Interior confirmed the apprehension , adding that the exact number of people will be announced Wednesday .
On September 1 , unauthorized mass protests against the outcome of the presidential elections took place in Minsk and the republic 's regions .
The rally of students of several state universities has become one of the largest , involving about 2,000 people .
The presidential elections took place on August 9 .
According to the Central Electoral Commission , the incumbent president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second , with 10.12 % support .
She refused to recognize the outcome ; shortly thereafter , she left Belarus for the neighboring Lithuania , where she currently remains .
Immediately after the outcome was announced , mass protests sparked across Belarus , initially ending up in clashes with the law enforcement .
Over 6,000 people have been apprehended .
The protests continue .

"The list of people apprehended in Minsk on September 1 already includes over 70 people. Many of them have been released already, but some will remain in a detention facility until the court hearing, including the apprehended journalists," the Vesna human rights center said in its Telegram channel.
The list is about to grow, the activists added. Initially, about 10 journalists were apprehended; some of them have been released after their papers were checked in a local police office, although 6 people had to stay in detention for the night (employees of tut.by website and a BelaPAN news agency journalist). The Belarusian Ministry of the Interior confirmed the apprehension, adding that the exact number of people will be announced Wednesday.
On September 1, unauthorized mass protests against the outcome of the presidential elections took place in Minsk and the republic's regions. The rally of students of several state universities has become one of the largest, involving about 2,000 people.
The presidential elections took place on August 9. According to the Central Electoral Commission, the incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko won with 80.10% of votes. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second, with 10.12% support. She refused to recognize the outcome; shortly thereafter, she left Belarus for the neighboring Lithuania, where she currently remains. Immediately after the outcome was announced, mass protests sparked across Belarus, initially ending up in clashes with the law enforcement. Over 6,000 people have been apprehended. The protests continue.


tass--2020-09-02--Over 1,000,000 COVID-19 cases detected in Russia

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has @ @ @ @ @ the total of 1,005,000 infections , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the daily growth has not exceeded 0.5 % for 18 days .
The lowest @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region ( 0 % ) , @ @ @ @ @ and Smolensk Regions , in Sevastopol ( 0.2 % each ) , in Chechnya , @ @ @ @ @ Kamchatka Region , the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region , the Tula @ @ @ @ @ % each ) .
For instance , 625 new cases were detected in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ , 158 cases - in the Moscow Region , 147 - in the Nizhny Novgorod @ @ @ @ @ cases were detected in the Rostov Region .
In all , currently 166,417 COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. The number of COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 4,952, with the total of 1,005,000 infections, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth has not exceeded 0.5% for 18 days.
The lowest daily growth rates over the past 24 hours were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0%), in Moscow, the Moscow and Smolensk Regions, in Sevastopol (0.2% each), in Chechnya, the Tyva Republic, the Kamchatka Region, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, the Tula and Bryansk Regions (0.3% each).
For instance, 625 new cases were detected in Moscow, 189 - in St. Petersburg, 158 cases - in the Moscow Region, 147 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, and 145 new cases were detected in the Rostov Region.
In all, currently 166,417 COVID-19 patients continue treatment in Russia.


tass--2020-09-02--Moscow Zoo announces birth of four Amur tiger cubs

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Four Amur tiger cubs have been born at the center of reproduction of @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Zoo near Volokolamsk ( Moscow Region ) , the Moscow mayor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
`` Amur tigers , also known as Ussurian and Siberian tigers , @ @ @ @ @ animals .
There are four adult Amur tigers living at our center in the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ male , and three females : Shiva , Baryshnya and Matryoshka .
Shiva was pregnant @ @ @ @ @ In the time coming up to the birth , she became stealthier and less active @ @ @ @ @ four cubs : two male and two female cubs , '' Director General of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Siberian tigers , also called Amur tigers , live primarily in Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ These tigers are included in the Red List of Endangered Species .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Four Amur tiger cubs have been born at the center of reproduction of rare species set up by the Moscow Zoo near Volokolamsk (Moscow Region), the Moscow mayor’s office informed on its website on Wednesday.
"Amur tigers, also known as Ussurian and Siberian tigers, are very rare and unique animals. There are four adult Amur tigers living at our center in the Moscow Region: Tikhon, a male, and three females: Shiva, Baryshnya and Matryoshka. Shiva was pregnant for about 100 days. In the time coming up to the birth, she became stealthier and less active. She gave birth to four cubs: two male and two female cubs," Director General of the Moscow Zoo Svetlana Akulova informed.
Siberian tigers, also called Amur tigers, live primarily in Russia’s Primorsky and Khabarovsk Regions. These tigers are included in the Red List of Endangered Species.


tass--2020-09-02--New daily high of COVID-19 infections registered in Ukraine

Moscow records more coronavirus cases in August compared with July KIEV , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian healthcare workers @ @ @ @ @ of 2,495 coronavirus infections with the total number of infections surpassing 125,000 , Ukraine ’ @ @ @ @ @ Council reported on Wednesday .
Over the past 24 hours , according to the agency @ @ @ @ @ the illness caused by the novel coronavirus `` 51 people have died , 1,015 have @ @ @ @ @ number of infections during the entire pandemic in Ukraine has reached 125,798 with 2,656 fatalities @ @ @ @

Moscow records more coronavirus cases in August compared with July
KIEV, September 2. /TASS/. Ukrainian healthcare workers registered a record daily high of 2,495 coronavirus infections with the total number of infections surpassing 125,000, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council reported on Wednesday.
Over the past 24 hours, according to the agency, due to complications of the illness caused by the novel coronavirus "51 people have died, 1,015 have recovered."
The total number of infections during the entire pandemic in Ukraine has reached 125,798 with 2,656 fatalities and 58,817 recoveries.


tass--2020-09-02--In Canada number of COVID-19 infections surpasses 129,000

OTTAWA , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the novel coronavirus infections in Canada over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the total to 129,425 , the Public Health Agency of Canada reported on @ @ @ @ @ , the agency reported 498 cases .
In all , 9,132 fatalities are registered in @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours 15 coronavirus patients have died .
Earlier the agency reported that over @ @ @ @ @ people over 60 .
Over 114,600 patients have recovered .
Over 5.5 mln Canadians were @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in Canada was registered on January 15 .
The highest number of @ @ @ @ @ ( 62,614 ) and Ontario ( 42,421 ) .
On June 29 , Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ things are continuing to move in the right direction , '' but the threat still @ @ @ @ @ , the country is ready for the second wave of the pandemic .

OTTAWA, September 2. /TASS/. The number of the novel coronavirus infections in Canada over the past 24 hours has increased by 477, bringing the total to 129,425, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported on Wednesday.
On August 31, the agency reported 498 cases. In all, 9,132 fatalities are registered in the country, over the past 24 hours 15 coronavirus patients have died. Earlier the agency reported that over 90% of fatalities are people over 60. Over 114,600 patients have recovered. Over 5.5 mln Canadians were tested.
The first case of the coronavirus in Canada was registered on January 15. The highest number of infections was detected in Quebec (62,614) and Ontario (42,421).
On June 29, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that "things are continuing to move in the right direction," but the threat still remains. According to him, the country is ready for the second wave of the pandemic.


tass--2020-09-02--Get Amplified with ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX™ 30 Series

HONG KONG , Sept. 1 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZOTAC Technology Limited , a global manufacturer of innovation , is proud to announce the advent of the all-new ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture .
Integrated with next-generation technologies , enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores , new streaming multiprocessors and superfast memory , the ZOTAC GAMING GPUs give rise to amplified gaming with ultra-graphics fidelity .
The new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs , the 2nd generation of RTX , features new RT Cores , Tensor Cores and streaming multiprocessors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates , and AI acceleration to games and creative applications .
Powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture , which delivers increases of up to 1.9X performance-per-watt over the previous generation , the RTX 30 Series effortlessly powers graphics experiences at all resolutions , even up to 8K at the top end .
The GeForce RTX 3090 , 3080 , and 3070 represent the greatest GPU generational leap in the history of NVIDIA .
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 30 Series introduces a fresh design with flourishes that exert motion in stillness and advancements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 Series based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture is a marvel of engineering , '' said Tony Wong , Chief Executive Officer of ZOTAC .
`` We move forward introducing refinements on the component level , restraint on external hardware design , and advancements in cooling to bring out the best of each GPU . ''
`` We look forward to ZOTAC 's engineering prowess and forward-thinking hardware design in pushing the most advanced GPU architecture even further , '' said Matt Wuebbling , vice president of global GeForce marketing at NVIDIA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its prominent design and absolute performance , the all-new AMP Extreme design introduces HoloBlack , a unique design embracing an aurora-like holographic finish that exerts motion in stillness .
The flourish shifts in color depending on the angle of view with a transparency that is only visible when the SPECTRA 2.0 RGB lighting glows underneath .
The design language to unify both front and back continues with the inclusion of a wraparound backplate with the addition of ARGB lighting .
A new 3-pin RGB header feature enables the connection of an external RGB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card lighting .
While the metal die-cast frontplate and backplate ensure all-around physical durability , AMP Extreme also features POWERBOOST , a high temperature resistant chip that enables continued longevity and stronger performance .
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 30 Series features Trinity and Twin Edge , the triple fan and dual fan models .
Both Trinity , Twin Edge and AMP Extreme come equipped with a more refined IceStorm 2.0 cooling system .
The powerful cooler introduces advancements under the hood and is purpose-built for wider coverage to keep the GPU cooler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fan increases airflow by up to 10 % when compared to our previous generation design while adjustments to the heatsink design , improved heat pipe layout , and wider coverage contribute to better overall performance .
The FREEZE fan stop feature has also been expanded to be available on more models than before .
Take advantage of the ZOTAC GAMING FireStorm Utility to fine-tune the graphics card , monitor the GPU , adjust the fan speed with Active Fan Control featured models , customize the RGB lighting , and more .
Trinity Models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series are available starting in the 2nd half of September 2020 , while AMP Extreme and Twin Edge models are expected to be available in October 2020 .
Behind the piercing stare of the robotic eyes , lies the strength and future technology that fills the ego of the undefeated and battle experienced .
Founded in 2017 , ZOTAC GAMING is the pioneer movement that comes forth from the core of the ZOTAC brand that aims to create the ultimate PC gaming hardware for those who live to game .
It is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise representing over a decade of precision performance , making ZOTAC GAMING a born leading force with the goal to deliver the best PC gaming experience .

HONG KONG, Sept. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZOTAC Technology Limited, a global manufacturer of innovation, is proud to announce the advent of the all-new ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture. Integrated with next-generation technologies, enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores, new streaming multiprocessors and superfast memory, the ZOTAC GAMING GPUs give rise to amplified gaming with ultra-graphics fidelity.
The new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, the 2nd generation of RTX, features new RT Cores, Tensor Cores and streaming multiprocessors, bringing stunning visuals, amazingly fast frame rates, and AI acceleration to games and creative applications. Powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, which delivers increases of up to 1.9X performance-per-watt over the previous generation, the RTX 30 Series effortlessly powers graphics experiences at all resolutions, even up to 8K at the top end. The GeForce RTX 3090, 3080, and 3070 represent the greatest GPU generational leap in the history of NVIDIA.
The Fastest GPU For Gaming
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 30 Series introduces a fresh design with flourishes that exert motion in stillness and advancements in cooling.
"The GeForce RTX 30 Series based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture is a marvel of engineering," said Tony Wong, Chief Executive Officer of ZOTAC. "We move forward introducing refinements on the component level, restraint on external hardware design, and advancements in cooling to bring out the best of each GPU."
"We look forward to ZOTAC's engineering prowess and forward-thinking hardware design in pushing the most advanced GPU architecture even further," said Matt Wuebbling, vice president of global GeForce marketing at NVIDIA.
AMP Extreme – Top Tier
Always a PC gamer's favorite with its prominent design and absolute performance, the all-new AMP Extreme design introduces HoloBlack, a unique design embracing an aurora-like holographic finish that exerts motion in stillness. The flourish shifts in color depending on the angle of view with a transparency that is only visible when the SPECTRA 2.0 RGB lighting glows underneath.
The design language to unify both front and back continues with the inclusion of a wraparound backplate with the addition of ARGB lighting. A new 3-pin RGB header feature enables the connection of an external RGB LED strip to sync with the graphics card lighting.
While the metal die-cast frontplate and backplate ensure all-around physical durability, AMP Extreme also features POWERBOOST, a high temperature resistant chip that enables continued longevity and stronger performance.
Trinity and Twin Edge Debut
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 30 Series features Trinity and Twin Edge, the triple fan and dual fan models. Both Trinity, Twin Edge and AMP Extreme come equipped with a more refined IceStorm 2.0 cooling system.
The powerful cooler introduces advancements under the hood and is purpose-built for wider coverage to keep the GPU cooler and running stronger. The new 11-blade fan increases airflow by up to 10% when compared to our previous generation design while adjustments to the heatsink design, improved heat pipe layout, and wider coverage contribute to better overall performance. The FREEZE fan stop feature has also been expanded to be available on more models than before.
Take advantage of the ZOTAC GAMING FireStorm Utility to fine-tune the graphics card, monitor the GPU, adjust the fan speed with Active Fan Control featured models, customize the RGB lighting, and more.
Availability
Trinity Models of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 30 Series are available starting in the 2nd half of September 2020, while AMP Extreme and Twin Edge models are expected to be available in October 2020.
About ZOTAC GAMING
Behind the piercing stare of the robotic eyes, lies the strength and future technology that fills the ego of the undefeated and battle experienced. Founded in 2017, ZOTAC GAMING is the pioneer movement that comes forth from the core of the ZOTAC brand that aims to create the ultimate PC gaming hardware for those who live to game. It is the epitome of our engineering prowess and design expertise representing over a decade of precision performance, making ZOTAC GAMING a born leading force with the goal to deliver the best PC gaming experience.


tass--2020-09-02--Russia carries out over 37 mln COVID-19 tests

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists have carried out more than 37 mln tests for the novel @ @ @ @ @ said on Wednesday .
Post-registration phase of coronavirus vaccination to begin in Moscow on September @ @ @ @ @ mln tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in Russia , '' the Federal Service @ @ @ @ @ Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
Over the past day 275,000 tests were carried out @ @ @ @ @ , some 210,716 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection @

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russian specialists have carried out more than 37 mln tests for the novel coronavirus, the sanitary watchdog said on Wednesday.
Post-registration phase of coronavirus vaccination to begin in Moscow on September 5-7
"More than 37.1 mln tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported. Over the past day 275,000 tests were carried out.
According to the watchdog, some 210,716 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-09-02--Russian president may address UNGA on September 22 - program

THE UNITED NATIONS , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin may address the 75th session of the @ @ @ @ @ September 22 , according to a preliminary program of speeches at the general debate released @ @ @ @ @ the debate is expected to be held in the format of recorded video addresses due @ @ @ @ @ However , the UN noted that leaders are not forbidden to personally visit the organization @ @ @ @ @ the Russian leader is the seventh in the list of speakers , after the heads @ @ @ @ @ States , Turkey , China , Chile and Cuba .
On the same day , @ @ @ @ @ French President Emmanuel Macron plan to address the UNGA .
The UNGA ’ s high-level @ @ @ @ @ for September 22-29 mainly in a virtual format .
So far , US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ Guterres have announced plans to arrive and deliver their speeches .

THE UNITED NATIONS, September 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin may address the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, according to a preliminary program of speeches at the general debate released on Tuesday.
This year the debate is expected to be held in the format of recorded video addresses due to the coronavirus restrictions. However, the UN noted that leaders are not forbidden to personally visit the organization’s headquarters.
Now the Russian leader is the seventh in the list of speakers, after the heads of Brazil, the United States, Turkey, China, Chile and Cuba. On the same day, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and French President Emmanuel Macron plan to address the UNGA.
The UNGA’s high-level week this year is scheduled for September 22-29 mainly in a virtual format. So far, US President Donald Trump and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have announced plans to arrive and deliver their speeches.


tass--2020-09-02--Greece allows entry for up to 500 Russians per week since Sept. 7

ATHENS , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Greece has allowed entry for up to 500 Russians per week since September 7 provided that they have a negative COVID-19 test result and a voucher confirming their hotel booking , said a joint ministerial decision , due to be in force for two weeks .
According to the regulation , Russians will be allowed to arrive by plane at the airports in Athens , Thessaloniki and Heraklion .
This regulation will be in effect from 00:01 on September 7 until 23:59 on September 21 .
Russian citizens are required to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ method 72 hours ahead of their arrival in Greece .
In case a selective COVID-19 test is conducted , Russian citizens are not allowed to leave their hotel until receiving the results .
Otherwise , they will have to pay a 5,000-euro fine .
Russia ’ s flagship carrier Aeroflot and Aegean Airlines suspended regular flights between Russia and Greece in March over the coronavirus outbreak .
Only evacuation flights were carried out until recently .
Currently , the situation with the coronavirus in Greece is under control , although since late July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - up to 150-290 new cases per day .
On Tuesday , 207 new coronavirus cases were registered and the total case tally reached 10,524 .
The total COVID-19 death toll in Greece hit 271 .

ATHENS, September 2. /TASS/. Greece has allowed entry for up to 500 Russians per week since September 7 provided that they have a negative COVID-19 test result and a voucher confirming their hotel booking, said a joint ministerial decision, due to be in force for two weeks.
According to the regulation, Russians will be allowed to arrive by plane at the airports in Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion. This regulation will be in effect from 00:01 on September 7 until 23:59 on September 21.
Russian citizens are required to have a negative COVID-19 test carried out by PCR method 72 hours ahead of their arrival in Greece.
In case a selective COVID-19 test is conducted, Russian citizens are not allowed to leave their hotel until receiving the results. Otherwise, they will have to pay a 5,000-euro fine.
Russia’s flagship carrier Aeroflot and Aegean Airlines suspended regular flights between Russia and Greece in March over the coronavirus outbreak. Only evacuation flights were carried out until recently.
Currently, the situation with the coronavirus in Greece is under control, although since late July the number of infections has been rising - up to 150-290 new cases per day. On Tuesday, 207 new coronavirus cases were registered and the total case tally reached 10,524. The total COVID-19 death toll in Greece hit 271.


tass--2020-09-01--Russian State University for the Humanities, Austria launch joint bachelor program

MOSCOW , September 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State University for the Humanities and the Russian-Austrian Commission of Historians , with the support of the Russian-Austrian public forum `` Sochi Dialogue '' , has launched a scientific and educational bachelor 's program dubbed Russia-Austria : history , politics , economics , culture .
The official opening of the program took place on Tuesday at the university , a TASS correspondent reports .
`` As part of the Russia-Austria educational program , leading Austrian diplomats , cultural figures , politicians and scientists will begin to conduct training sessions in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were honored to support this initiative , '' said Andrei Fursenko , Presidential Aide and co-chairman of the Sochi Dialogue Coordination Committee at the event .
As the rector of the RSUH Alexander Bezborodov noted , 17 students will be the first to enroll in the program .
As part of the training , student and teacher exchange programs with the Austrian University of Graz are planned .
`` I think that the Austrian direction is the most tolerant and promising for Russia today , and RSUH will direct its efforts as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious European and , in the future , a world scale , '' he said , adding that recruitment for the program will still be carried out every two years with the possibility of further annual admission .
Alexander Chubaryan , co-chairman of the Russian-Austrian Commission of Historians , Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences , also noted the importance of this educational project 's launch .
`` Our country lacks a lot of regional specialists and the fact that specialists in the field of Austria will now be trained is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific community , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, September 1. /TASS/. Russian State University for the Humanities and the Russian-Austrian Commission of Historians, with the support of the Russian-Austrian public forum "Sochi Dialogue", has launched a scientific and educational bachelor's program dubbed Russia-Austria: history, politics, economics, culture. The official opening of the program took place on Tuesday at the university, a TASS correspondent reports.
"As part of the Russia-Austria educational program, leading Austrian diplomats, cultural figures, politicians and scientists will begin to conduct training sessions in Moscow, and we, the Sochi Dialogue, were honored to support this initiative," said Andrei Fursenko, Presidential Aide and co-chairman of the Sochi Dialogue Coordination Committee at the event.
As the rector of the RSUH Alexander Bezborodov noted, 17 students will be the first to enroll in the program. As part of the training, student and teacher exchange programs with the Austrian University of Graz are planned.
"I think that the Austrian direction is the most tolerant and promising for Russia today, and RSUH will direct its efforts as much as possible so that this program has a serious European and, in the future, a world scale," he said, adding that recruitment for the program will still be carried out every two years with the possibility of further annual admission.
Alexander Chubaryan, co-chairman of the Russian-Austrian Commission of Historians, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also noted the importance of this educational project's launch. "Our country lacks a lot of regional specialists and the fact that specialists in the field of Austria will now be trained is a great contribution to our educational and scientific community," he noted.


tass--2020-09-03--Navalny could have been exposed to Novichok only in Germany, says Russian lawmaker

MOSCOW , September 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny could have been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family only in the Berlin-based Charite clinic , where he is receiving treatment , and allegations about Russia ’ s involvement run counter to common sense , a Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday .
`` Once they have found something linked with Novichok , most likely , he was exposed to it in this clinic , '' Andrei Lugovoi , a member of the security and anti-corruption committee of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a doctor could have done that if they really wanted to somehow expose Navalny to a toxic agent .
I am sure this is what really happened . ''
According to the lawmaker , it is absolutely illogical to claim that Navalny was poisoned by Novichok in Russia .
`` I assess the probability of such a scenario as zero from the point of view of common sense - it is absolutely illogical to poison a man and then send him to Germany so that they could find out he was poisoned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done at a state level , a way would have been found to avoid and explain it . ''
He described the situation as yet another provocation of external forces and a `` brilliant story '' to discredit the German-Russian relations .
He did not rule out that Berlin might have been misled about Navalny ’ s poisoning .
`` First of all , we must demand Germany share all the documents it has on this case .
The Russian prosecutor general ’ s office is doing it , '' Lugovoi stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of Navalny ’ s opponents not linked with government agencies getting access to a Novichok-type agent .
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk .
The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a ling ventilator .
He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning on August 22 .
Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body .
According to the doctors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Wednesday , the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family .
Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident and promised to inform the Russian ambassador about the results of Navalny ’ s samples tests .
The German Cabinet ’ s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that Germany will notify the European Union , NATO and the OPCW of the latest information on Navalny case and will `` discuss an appropriate joint response with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian response . ''
However , he did not elaborate on what steps could be taken .
Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Russia was ready for a comprehensive cooperation with Germany in order to clarify the situation around the Russian blogger .
He noted that no toxic agent had been identified before Navalny was taken to Berlin .
The Russian foreign ministry said that Moscow continued to wait for Germany to respond to the inquiry from the Russian prosecutor general ’ s office .
The Russia side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thorough investigation of the incident .
A source told TASS that Russian forensic experts had found no poisonous or toxic chemicals either in Navalny ’ s organism or on his belongings .
Moreover , during an inquiry the police had found no evidence of intentional infliction of bodily harm to Navalny .

MOSCOW, September 3. /TASS/. Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny could have been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family only in the Berlin-based Charite clinic, where he is receiving treatment, and allegations about Russia’s involvement run counter to common sense, a Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday.
"Once they have found something linked with Novichok, most likely, he was exposed to it in this clinic," Andrei Lugovoi, a member of the security and anti-corruption committee of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house, told TASS. "A nurse or a doctor could have done that if they really wanted to somehow expose Navalny to a toxic agent. I am sure this is what really happened."
According to the lawmaker, it is absolutely illogical to claim that Navalny was poisoned by Novichok in Russia. "I assess the probability of such a scenario as zero from the point of view of common sense - it is absolutely illogical to poison a man and then send him to Germany so that they could find out he was poisoned," he said. "Should it be done at a state level, a way would have been found to avoid and explain it."
He described the situation as yet another provocation of external forces and a "brilliant story" to discredit the German-Russian relations. He did not rule out that Berlin might have been misled about Navalny’s poisoning. "First of all, we must demand Germany share all the documents it has on this case. The Russian prosecutor general’s office is doing it," Lugovoi stressed.
He also dismissed as unrealistic a possibility of Navalny’s opponents not linked with government agencies getting access to a Novichok-type agent.
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk. The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a ling ventilator. He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning on August 22. Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body. According to the doctors, the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated.
On Wednesday, the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family. Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident and promised to inform the Russian ambassador about the results of Navalny’s samples tests. The German Cabinet’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that Germany will notify the European Union, NATO and the OPCW of the latest information on Navalny case and will "discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response." However, he did not elaborate on what steps could be taken.
Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Russia was ready for a comprehensive cooperation with Germany in order to clarify the situation around the Russian blogger. He noted that no toxic agent had been identified before Navalny was taken to Berlin. The Russian foreign ministry said that Moscow continued to wait for Germany to respond to the inquiry from the Russian prosecutor general’s office.
The Russia side has repeatedly said it is interested in a thorough investigation of the incident. A source told TASS that Russian forensic experts had found no poisonous or toxic chemicals either in Navalny’s organism or on his belongings. Moreover, during an inquiry the police had found no evidence of intentional infliction of bodily harm to Navalny.


tass--2020-09-03--West’s reaction to Navalny situation looks as though prepared in advance -Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , September 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday the West ’ s reaction to the incident with Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny looks as though it was prepared well in advance .
`` They rushed to microphones immediately as though they rehearsed it in advance , as though this information campaign was prepared in advance and all that was left to do was to press the button to release these carbon-copy statements all over the world , '' she said in an interview with the Vecher ( Evening ) With Vladimir Solovyov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It looks like some measures we have been threatened with were prepared well in advance .
Maybe , it is time to justify it somehow and begin implement , '' she added .
However , in her words , the German side has not yet given any information on that matter to the Russian ambassador in Berlin .
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk .
The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning on August 22 .
Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body .
According to the doctors , the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated .
On Wednesday , the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family .
Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident and promised to inform the Russian ambassador about the results of Navalny ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that Germany will notify the European Union , NATO and the OPCW of the latest information on Navalny case and will `` discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response . ''
However , he did not elaborate on what steps could be taken .

MOSCOW, September 3. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday the West’s reaction to the incident with Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny looks as though it was prepared well in advance.
"They rushed to microphones immediately as though they rehearsed it in advance, as though this information campaign was prepared in advance and all that was left to do was to press the button to release these carbon-copy statements all over the world," she said in an interview with the Vecher (Evening) With Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
"It looks like some measures we have been threatened with were prepared well in advance. Maybe, it is time to justify it somehow and begin implement," she added.
However, in her words, the German side has not yet given any information on that matter to the Russian ambassador in Berlin.
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk. The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a ling ventilator. He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning on August 22. Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body. According to the doctors, the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated.
On Wednesday, the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family. Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident and promised to inform the Russian ambassador about the results of Navalny’s samples tests. The German Cabinet’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that Germany will notify the European Union, NATO and the OPCW of the latest information on Navalny case and will "discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response." However, he did not elaborate on what steps could be taken.


tass--2020-09-03--Turkey to begin tests of Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine soon - health minister

ANKARA , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey may soon issue a permit for tests of the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine @ @ @ @ @ Fahrettin Koca said on Wednesday .
`` We have received an inquiry concerning trials of @ @ @ @ @ .
The related documents have already been checked and a permit will soon be issued @ @ @ @ @ adding that Turkey is currently testing two its own vaccines .
On August 11 , @ @ @ @ @ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , @ @ @ @ @ National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , and its @ @ @ @ @ in June-July .
The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for @ @ @ @ @ .
CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said earlier that Russian had @ @ @ @ @ vaccine doses from 20 world nations .

ANKARA, September 2. /TASS/. Turkey may soon issue a permit for tests of the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine, Turkish Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca said on Wednesday.
"We have received an inquiry concerning trials of the vaccine developed in Russia. The related documents have already been checked and a permit will soon be issued," he said, adding that Turkey is currently testing two its own vaccines.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines.
CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said earlier that Russian had received orders for one billion vaccine doses from 20 world nations.


tass--2020-09-03--Russian embassy in Germany calls for refraining from politicizing Navalny case

BERLIN , September 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s embassy in Germany has called on partners to refrain from politicization of the incident with Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny and base their statements only on facts .
`` We expect the German side to give a prompt answer to the August 27 , 2020 inquiry to the German ministry of justice from the Russian prosecutor general ’ s office on legal assistance within a prove into Navalny ’ s hospitalization conducted by Russian law enforcement agencies .
We call on partners to refrain from politicization of this incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope such verified facts will soon be provided .
We hope for comprehensive cooperation and information exchange with the use of the existing bilateral legal mechanisms , '' the embassy said on Wednesday .
The embassy recalled that Ambassador Sergei Nechayev had been summoned to the German foreign ministry but `` no substantive facts '' had been provided .
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk .
The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning on August 22 .
Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body .
According to the doctors , the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated .
On Wednesday , the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family .
Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Russia was ready for a comprehensive cooperation with Germany in order to clarify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He noted that no toxic agent had been identified before Navalny was taken to Berlin .
The Russian foreign ministry said that Moscow continued to wait for Germany to respond to the inquiry from the Russian prosecutor general ’ s office .

BERLIN, September 3. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy in Germany has called on partners to refrain from politicization of the incident with Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny and base their statements only on facts.
"We expect the German side to give a prompt answer to the August 27, 2020 inquiry to the German ministry of justice from the Russian prosecutor general’s office on legal assistance within a prove into Navalny’s hospitalization conducted by Russian law enforcement agencies. We call on partners to refrain from politicization of this incident, to rely only on facts and we hope such verified facts will soon be provided. We hope for comprehensive cooperation and information exchange with the use of the existing bilateral legal mechanisms," the embassy said on Wednesday.
The embassy recalled that Ambassador Sergei Nechayev had been summoned to the German foreign ministry but "no substantive facts" had been provided.
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk. The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a ling ventilator. He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning on August 22. Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body. According to the doctors, the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated.
On Wednesday, the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family.
Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Russia was ready for a comprehensive cooperation with Germany in order to clarify the situation around the Russian blogger. He noted that no toxic agent had been identified before Navalny was taken to Berlin. The Russian foreign ministry said that Moscow continued to wait for Germany to respond to the inquiry from the Russian prosecutor general’s office.


tass--2020-09-03--Germany defies legal mechanisms of cooperation with Russia in situation with Navalny - FM

MOSCOW , September 3 .
/TASS/ .
Berlin absolutely defies the legal mechanisms of cooperation with Moscow in the situation with Russian blogger Alexei Navalny , the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS on Wednesday .
`` We are again witnessing a situation when our counterparts prefer strong public statements , without presenting any facts but totally disregarding the current legal mechanisms of cooperation , to meticulous work based on physical facts and evidence and substantive cooperation between the law enforcement and health agencies , '' the foreign ministry said .
Nevertheless , the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their goal was to justify the previously drafted measures against Russia .
`` It is becoming clear why they use megaphone diplomacy , replace normal cooperation with an information campaign , make public appeals to the EU and NATO and mention the OPCW .
However , if the ultimate goal is still a thorough investigation by the law enforcement agencies with participation of the medical institutions - which we firmly insist on - then we call on our counterparts to fully cooperate and to exchange information using existing bilateral legal mechanisms , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled that a week ago , the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office submitted an official request for legal assistance to the German justice ministry , but the German counterparts have only confirmed the receipt of the request .
Along with this , the Foreign Ministry noted , the Prosecutor General ’ s Office expressed its readiness to share with the German side the results of tests and examinations conducted after Navalny ’ s hospitalization .
After Navalny had been transferred to Berlin ’ s Charite hospital , doctors from Omsk immediately offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to German doctors .
`` In a reply , the German hospital thanked them for concern , but did not ask for any particular help , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry added .
`` There is an impression that somebody forbids the German Health Ministry and health workers from communicating with their Russian counterparts . ''
`` Russia is still waiting for an official response from Berlin to the request from the Prosecutor General ’ s Office and Russian medical institutions , '' the foreign ministry concluded .
Earlier on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seibert said that at the initiative of the Charite hospital the Bundeswehr ’ s special laboratory had carried out toxicological analysis of Alexei Navalny ’ s test samples .
The analysis provided indisputable proof of the presence of a Novichok class nerve agent , he said .
Seibert added that Chancellor Angela Merkel held a meeting with some ministers and agreed a number of steps in the light of the latest data .
According to the spokesman , the German Foreign Ministry will inform Russia ’ s ambassador on the results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO and the OPCW will be updated on the Navalny case .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS that the Kremlin was unaware of the German authorities ’ conclusions that blogger Alexei Navalny was allegedly poisoned with the Novichok toxic agent .
A source told TASS that Russian forensic experts had not found any poisonous or toxic chemicals in Navalny ’ s system or on his belongings .
Moreover , during an inquiry the police had found no evidence of intentional infliction of bodily harm to Navalny .
Navalny was rushed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin .
On August 24 , German doctors said that indicators of cholinesterase inhibitors had been found in his body .
The doctors added that his life was not in danger but long-term complications for his nervous system could not be ruled out .

MOSCOW, September 3. /TASS/. Berlin absolutely defies the legal mechanisms of cooperation with Moscow in the situation with Russian blogger Alexei Navalny, the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS on Wednesday.
"We are again witnessing a situation when our counterparts prefer strong public statements, without presenting any facts but totally disregarding the current legal mechanisms of cooperation, to meticulous work based on physical facts and evidence and substantive cooperation between the law enforcement and health agencies," the foreign ministry said.
Nevertheless, the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that the German statements could become more comprehensible if their goal was to justify the previously drafted measures against Russia.
"It is becoming clear why they use megaphone diplomacy, replace normal cooperation with an information campaign, make public appeals to the EU and NATO and mention the OPCW. However, if the ultimate goal is still a thorough investigation by the law enforcement agencies with participation of the medical institutions - which we firmly insist on - then we call on our counterparts to fully cooperate and to exchange information using existing bilateral legal mechanisms," the statement says.
The Foreign Ministry recalled that a week ago, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office submitted an official request for legal assistance to the German justice ministry, but the German counterparts have only confirmed the receipt of the request. Along with this, the Foreign Ministry noted, the Prosecutor General’s Office expressed its readiness to share with the German side the results of tests and examinations conducted after Navalny’s hospitalization.
After Navalny had been transferred to Berlin’s Charite hospital, doctors from Omsk immediately offered any possible assistance in diagnostics in a letter to German doctors.
"In a reply, the German hospital thanked them for concern, but did not ask for any particular help," the Russian Foreign Ministry added. "There is an impression that somebody forbids the German Health Ministry and health workers from communicating with their Russian counterparts."
"Russia is still waiting for an official response from Berlin to the request from the Prosecutor General’s Office and Russian medical institutions," the foreign ministry concluded.
German statements on Navalny case
Earlier on Wednesday, the German Cabinet’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that at the initiative of the Charite hospital the Bundeswehr’s special laboratory had carried out toxicological analysis of Alexei Navalny’s test samples. The analysis provided indisputable proof of the presence of a Novichok class nerve agent, he said. Seibert added that Chancellor Angela Merkel held a meeting with some ministers and agreed a number of steps in the light of the latest data. According to the spokesman, the German Foreign Ministry will inform Russia’s ambassador on the results of the tests and that the European Union, NATO and the OPCW will be updated on the Navalny case.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS that the Kremlin was unaware of the German authorities’ conclusions that blogger Alexei Navalny was allegedly poisoned with the Novichok toxic agent. A source told TASS that Russian forensic experts had not found any poisonous or toxic chemicals in Navalny’s system or on his belongings. Moreover, during an inquiry the police had found no evidence of intentional infliction of bodily harm to Navalny.
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin. On August 24, German doctors said that indicators of cholinesterase inhibitors had been found in his body. The doctors added that his life was not in danger but long-term complications for his nervous system could not be ruled out.


tass--2020-09-03--No files from Navalny case received by Russia from Germany - diplomat

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has received no files yet concerning the blogger Alexei Navalny case , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a televised interview with Rossiya ’ 1 channel on Wednesday .
`` It is about 08.30 p.m. Moscow time .
As of now , Russia has not received a single file on this issue - neither [ in response ] to the requests filed by the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , nor to the letters sent by Russian doctors , nor after the statements made by Germany today , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the German hospital Charite .
Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body .
According to the doctors , the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated .
On Wednesday , the German government said that German military toxicologists had found traces of a nerve agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of blogger Alexei Navalny .
Berlin called on Moscow to explain the incident and promised to inform the Russian ambassador on results of the blogger ’ s tests .
The German Cabinet ’ s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that Germany will notify the European Union , NATO and the OPCW of the latest information in Navalny case and will `` discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response . ''
However , he did not elaborate on what steps could be taken .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russia has received no files yet concerning the blogger Alexei Navalny case, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a televised interview with Rossiya’1 channel on Wednesday.
"It is about 08.30 p.m. Moscow time. As of now, Russia has not received a single file on this issue - neither [in response] to the requests filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office, nor to the letters sent by Russian doctors, nor after the statements made by Germany today," she said.
Navalny case
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the German hospital Charite. Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body. According to the doctors, the symptoms of poisoning have gradually abated.
On Wednesday, the German government said that German military toxicologists had found traces of a nerve agent of the Novichok family in the body of blogger Alexei Navalny. Berlin called on Moscow to explain the incident and promised to inform the Russian ambassador on results of the blogger’s tests.
The German Cabinet’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that Germany will notify the European Union, NATO and the OPCW of the latest information in Navalny case and will "discuss an appropriate joint response with the partners in the light of the Russian response." However, he did not elaborate on what steps could be taken.


tass--2020-09-03--Former Italian PM Berlusconi tests positive for coronavirus

ROME , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has contracted the novel coronavirus infection , @ @ @ @ @ politician told TASS on Wednesday .
`` After a precautionary check , Berlusconi tested positive @ @ @ @ @ He continues to work from his Arcore residence where he will spend the quarantine period @ @ @ @ @ .
He added that Berlusconi , who remains the irreplaceable leader of his Forza Italia @ @ @ @ @ support candidates from the right-centrist coalition at the upcoming regional and municipal elections scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ giving interviews to the media . ''
The celebrated politician will turn 84 on September @ @ @ @ @ he was operated on the heart and the rehabilitation took longer than expected .
In @ @ @ @ @ businessman Flavio Briatore , who also tested positive for COVID-19 later .

ROME, September 2. /TASS/. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has contracted the novel coronavirus infection, a spokesperson for the 83-year-old politician told TASS on Wednesday.
"After a precautionary check, Berlusconi tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He continues to work from his Arcore residence where he will spend the quarantine period," the spokesperson said.
He added that Berlusconi, who remains the irreplaceable leader of his Forza Italia party, will continue to support candidates from the right-centrist coalition at the upcoming regional and municipal elections scheduled for September 20-21, "by giving interviews to the media."
The celebrated politician will turn 84 on September 29. Several years ago he was operated on the heart and the rehabilitation took longer than expected. In mid-August, he met with businessman Flavio Briatore, who also tested positive for COVID-19 later.


tass--2020-09-03--Russian envoy receives no notification of sanctions from German Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , September 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador to Berlin Sergei Nechayev did not receive any notification of possible sanctions in connection with the Navalny incident from the Germany Foreign Ministry , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Rossiya-1 ’ s 60 Minutes show on Wednesday .
`` Nothing of the sort was said , '' she pointed out .
Zakharova noted that statements calling for measures against Russia had already been made .
`` We have already been through this .
If this is the case , they should say openly that it has nothing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is just a political story aimed at justifying certain measures , '' Zakharova added .
According to the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman , until recently , `` our European colleagues were rather consistent in their statements about the need to look into all the circumstances , which is what Russia has called for . ''
`` But something must have gone wrong , '' she said .
The German government said earlier that Navalny had been poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow was ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to establish all circumstances of the Navalny incident .
Before Navalny was flown to Germany , medical tests had detected no traces of toxic substances in his body , Peskov added .
Zakharova , in turn , said that the German Foreign Ministry had failed to provide any evidence to the Russian ambassador .

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to Berlin Sergei Nechayev did not receive any notification of possible sanctions in connection with the Navalny incident from the Germany Foreign Ministry, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Rossiya-1’s 60 Minutes show on Wednesday.
"Nothing of the sort was said," she pointed out. Zakharova noted that statements calling for measures against Russia had already been made. "We have already been through this. If this is the case, they should say openly that it has nothing to do with medical and legal aspects, but it is just a political story aimed at justifying certain measures," Zakharova added.
According to the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, until recently, "our European colleagues were rather consistent in their statements about the need to look into all the circumstances, which is what Russia has called for." "But something must have gone wrong," she said.
The German government said earlier that Navalny had been poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow was ready to fully cooperate with Germany in order to establish all circumstances of the Navalny incident. Before Navalny was flown to Germany, medical tests had detected no traces of toxic substances in his body, Peskov added. Zakharova, in turn, said that the German Foreign Ministry had failed to provide any evidence to the Russian ambassador.