tass--2020-09-12--Navalny case not discussed at Berlin meeting of Normandy Four political adviser - Kozak

BERLIN , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Topics related to the incident with Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny were not raised at Friday ’ s meeting of the political advisers to the Normandy Four leaders , deputy head of the Russian president ’ s administration Dmitry Kozak said after the meeting in Berlin .
`` No , these matters were not discussed .
We kept to the agenda , '' he told reporters .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was connected to a 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 .
Charite medics said on September 7 Navalny had been taken out of the medically-induced coma and was being disconnected from the ventilator .
Last week , the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family .
Following this , Berlin and its Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident and warned they would look at possible sanctions against Moscow .
The Russian side stresses that it is interested in a thorough investigation of the incident but has not yet received any reply from Germany to its inquiry .
Apart from that , Moscow points to the fact that no toxic agent had been spotted in Navalny ’ s samples before he was taken to Germany whereas the latter has given no evidence to back its theory .
Issues of a next Normandy Four summit were not raised at a meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian president ’ s administration Dmitry Kozak said on Friday .
`` The topic of the summit was not even discussed , '' he told reporters .
Talks in the so-called Normandy format over Ukraine began to be held in June 2014 .
During special ceremonies on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the allied landings in Normandy during World War II , the leaders of Russia , Ukraine , France and Germany for the first time discussed ways of settling the conflict in Donbass .
A number of telephone conversations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between foreign ministers have been held since .
The latest summit in the Normandy format was held in Paris in December 2019 .
Their next summit was supposed to be held in a span of four months on condition that the Paris summit ’ s resolutions were implemented .
Political advisers to the Normandy Four leaders exchanged views on the entire spectrum of issues of the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine but failed to reach breakthrough solutions , deputy head of the Russian president ’ s administration Dmitry Kozak said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No breakthroughs have been reached , '' he said .
`` We just exchanged views on the entire spectrum of issues related to the conflict settlement .
Regrettably , I can not say that we managed to reach agreement on all of them . ''
`` We agreed to support the ceasefire , and that the additional measures that were adopted on July 22 would be observed unconditionally , that both sides would implement the mechanisms of ensuring the ceasefire , '' he said , adding that the political advisers discussed `` principled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Minsk agreements and practical steps to do that .
According to Kozak , the `` stumbling block '' at the talks is the position of the majority on Ukraine ’ s Verkhovna Rada ( parliament ) demanding Kiev `` step aside from the Minsk agreements . ''
`` We agreed that the Verkhobna Rada in the near future would consider a draft resolution to adjust the one passed on July 15 , '' he noted .
He also said that the political advisers had agreed to try to coordinate all disputable matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We agreed that dialogue on these issues will be continues at the level of our aides and deputies and that we will try to reach coordinated solutions by the end of September , '' he said .
`` The key question of principled importance is whether we are going to continue work within the Trilateral Contact Group and in the Normandy Four format on the basis of the Minsk agreements or deviating from them , '' he stressed .
He recalled that Ukrainian officials were calling for the revision of the Minsk agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them . ''
`` We then need to hear concrete proposals about what you want , '' he said , stressing that the Ukrainian side ’ s statements were mainly declarative in character .
`` We want clarity to be able to keep to unified principles , common positions within all the formats talks are being held in to avoid speaking in different languages , '' he added .
The previous meeting of the Normandy Four political advisers was held in Berlin on July 3 .
Dmitry Kozak , who represented Russia at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breakthrough had been reached .
Thus , in his words , the Ukrainian side did not clearly said when a document of decentralization-related amendments to the Ukrainian constitution , as envisaged by the Minsk agreements , would be elaborated .
Talks in the so-called Normandy format over Ukraine began to be held in June 2014 .
During special ceremonies on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the allied landings in Normandy during World War II , the leaders of Russia , Ukraine , France and Germany for the first time discussed ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A number of telephone conversations and summit meetings , as well as contacts between foreign ministers have been held since .
The latest summit in the Normandy format was held in Paris in December 2019 .
It was the first personal meeting between Russian and Ukrainian Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky .

BERLIN, September 11. /TASS/. Topics related to the incident with Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny were not raised at Friday’s meeting of the political advisers to the Normandy Four leaders, deputy head of the Russian president’s administration Dmitry Kozak said after the meeting in Berlin.
"No, these matters were not discussed. We kept to the agenda," he told reporters.
Navalny case
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 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.
Charite medics said on September 7 Navalny had been taken out of the medically-induced coma and was being disconnected from the ventilator.
Last week, the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family. Following this, Berlin and its Western partners demanded Moscow clarify the circumstances of the incident and warned they would look at possible sanctions against Moscow.
The Russian side stresses that it is interested in a thorough investigation of the incident but has not yet received any reply from Germany to its inquiry. Apart from that, Moscow points to the fact that no toxic agent had been spotted in Navalny’s samples before he was taken to Germany whereas the latter has given no evidence to back its theory.
Next Normandy Four summit
Issues of a next Normandy Four summit were not raised at a meeting in Berlin, deputy head of the Russian president’s administration Dmitry Kozak said on Friday.
"The topic of the summit was not even discussed," he told reporters.
Talks in the so-called Normandy format over Ukraine began to be held in June 2014. During special ceremonies on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the allied landings in Normandy during World War II, the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany for the first time discussed ways of settling the conflict in Donbass. A number of telephone conversations and summit meetings, as well as contacts between foreign ministers have been held since. The latest summit in the Normandy format was held in Paris in December 2019. Their next summit was supposed to be held in a span of four months on condition that the Paris summit’s resolutions were implemented.
Ukraine
Political advisers to the Normandy Four leaders exchanged views on the entire spectrum of issues of the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine but failed to reach breakthrough solutions, deputy head of the Russian president’s administration Dmitry Kozak said on Friday after the meeting in Berlin.
"No breakthroughs have been reached," he said. "We just exchanged views on the entire spectrum of issues related to the conflict settlement. Regrettably, I cannot say that we managed to reach agreement on all of them."
"We agreed to support the ceasefire, and that the additional measures that were adopted on July 22 would be observed unconditionally, that both sides would implement the mechanisms of ensuring the ceasefire," he said, adding that the political advisers discussed "principled approached" and to the implementation of the Minsk agreements and practical steps to do that.
According to Kozak, the "stumbling block" at the talks is the position of the majority on Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) demanding Kiev "step aside from the Minsk agreements."
"We agreed that the Verkhobna Rada in the near future would consider a draft resolution to adjust the one passed on July 15," he noted.
He also said that the political advisers had agreed to try to coordinate all disputable matters by the end of September. "We agreed that dialogue on these issues will be continues at the level of our aides and deputies and that we will try to reach coordinated solutions by the end of September," he said.
"The key question of principled importance is whether we are going to continue work within the Trilateral Contact Group and in the Normandy Four format on the basis of the Minsk agreements or deviating from them," he stressed.
He recalled that Ukrainian officials were calling for the revision of the Minsk agreements as "Ukraine is not satisfied with them." "We then need to hear concrete proposals about what you want," he said, stressing that the Ukrainian side’s statements were mainly declarative in character. "We want clarity to be able to keep to unified principles, common positions within all the formats talks are being held in to avoid speaking in different languages," he added.
The previous meeting of the Normandy Four political advisers was held in Berlin on July 3. Dmitry Kozak, who represented Russia at the meeting, said after it no breakthrough had been reached. Thus, in his words, the Ukrainian side did not clearly said when a document of decentralization-related amendments to the Ukrainian constitution, as envisaged by the Minsk agreements, would be elaborated.
Talks in the so-called Normandy format over Ukraine began to be held in June 2014. During special ceremonies on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the allied landings in Normandy during World War II, the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany for the first time discussed ways of settling the conflict in Donbass. A number of telephone conversations and summit meetings, as well as contacts between foreign ministers have been held since. The latest summit in the Normandy format was held in Paris in December 2019. It was the first personal meeting between Russian and Ukrainian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky.


tass--2020-09-12--First batch of Sputnik V vaccine has been shipped to Russian regions - Health Ministry

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
The first pilot batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus for risk groups has been shipped to the regions of Russia , a spokesperson at the Healthcare Ministry told reporters .
`` The first batch of Sputnik V ( Gam-COVID-Vac ) vaccine , developed by the the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry , has been shipped to the regions .
As part of the pilot delivery , the logistics chains for delivering the vaccine to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 of citizens from the high-risk group will be ensured , '' the ministry ’ s spokesperson said .
On August 11 , Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed clinical trials in June-July .
It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines .
The Healthcare Ministry noted that the experience of use of similar preparations shows that they are capable of providing a lengthy immunity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that Phase Three of clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus started in Russia .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. The first pilot batch of the Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus for risk groups has been shipped to the regions of Russia, a spokesperson at the Healthcare Ministry told reporters.
"The first batch of Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) vaccine, developed by the the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry, has been shipped to the regions. As part of the pilot delivery, the logistics chains for delivering the vaccine to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, distribution and organization of vaccination against COVID-19 of citizens from the high-risk group will be ensured," the ministry’s spokesperson said.
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed clinical trials in June-July. It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines. The Healthcare Ministry noted that the experience of use of similar preparations shows that they are capable of providing a lengthy immunity of up to two years.
On Wednesday, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that Phase Three of clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus started in Russia.


tass--2020-09-11--Kiev sends note to Minsk over search of ambassador’s car by Belarusian border guards

KIEV , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev has sent a note of protest to Minsk after the Ukrainian ambassador Igor Kizim ’ s car was searched by Belarusian border guards , the UNN agency said on Friday , citing the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry .
`` Immediately after the incident with the search of the Ukrainian ambassador ’ s car in Belarus , Ukraine sent a note to the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus , demanding explanations and assessments of Belarusian border guards ’ actions , '' the agency said .
According to diplomats , Kiev views this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus as `` unfriendly . ''
`` Ukraine retains the right to respond in kind after this incident , '' the Foreign Ministry added .
Earlier , Kizim said that border guards violated international law by searching his car at a Belarusian border crossing point when he was returning from Kiev .
In the meantime , Belarus ’ State Border Committee said that border guards had inspected neither the ambassador ’ s car nor his luggage .
According to them , their inspection of the vehicle was `` part of the border control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Law on State Border of the Republic of Belarus . ''
Therefore , according to Belarus ’ version , the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations , which say about inviolability of diplomatic and consular bags , were not violated .
Kizim returned to Minsk after consultations at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry .
On August 17 the Ukrainian ambassador was recalled from Minsk in the wake of protests following the Belarusian presidential election .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said that it was decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospects for the Belarusian-Ukrainian relations in new reality . ''
It was Kiev ’ s first such step in relations with Minsk , and it had been caused by Minsk ’ s handover to Moscow of 32 Russians detained in Belarus in late July .
Kuleba emphasized that it was done `` in spite of all legal and ethical grounds to hand them to Ukraine . ''
Kiev subsequently suspended official political contacts with Minsk referring to the situation in that country .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered to be his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities .
In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police .
The authorities call for an end to illegal rallies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition demands more protests .

KIEV, September 11. /TASS/. Kiev has sent a note of protest to Minsk after the Ukrainian ambassador Igor Kizim’s car was searched by Belarusian border guards, the UNN agency said on Friday, citing the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
"Immediately after the incident with the search of the Ukrainian ambassador’s car in Belarus, Ukraine sent a note to the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus, demanding explanations and assessments of Belarusian border guards’ actions," the agency said. According to diplomats, Kiev views this action against Ukraine’s ambassador to Belarus as "unfriendly."
"Ukraine retains the right to respond in kind after this incident," the Foreign Ministry added.
Earlier, Kizim said that border guards violated international law by searching his car at a Belarusian border crossing point when he was returning from Kiev.
In the meantime, Belarus’ State Border Committee said that border guards had inspected neither the ambassador’s car nor his luggage. According to them, their inspection of the vehicle was "part of the border control procedure in conformity with Article 27 of the Law on State Border of the Republic of Belarus." Therefore, according to Belarus’ version, the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which say about inviolability of diplomatic and consular bags, were not violated.
Kizim returned to Minsk after consultations at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. On August 17 the Ukrainian ambassador was recalled from Minsk in the wake of protests following the Belarusian presidential election. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said that it was decided to hold consultations and to "evaluate prospects for the Belarusian-Ukrainian relations in new reality."
It was Kiev’s first such step in relations with Minsk, and it had been caused by Minsk’s handover to Moscow of 32 Russians detained in Belarus in late July. Kuleba emphasized that it was done "in spite of all legal and ethical grounds to hand them to Ukraine." Kiev subsequently suspended official political contacts with Minsk referring to the situation in that country.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered to be his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls. After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities. In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police. The authorities call for an end to illegal rallies, while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition demands more protests.


tass--2020-09-11--Police detaining most active protesters in central Minsk, TASS reports from the site

KIEV , September 11./TASS/ .
Law enforcement officers are detaining participants in a protest rally on Independence Square in central Minsk , which has been a venue of protests for already over a month .
Several women with white-red-white flags were stopped there and escorted to a minibus .
Officers asked the journalists covering the events to step aside .
However , this has not prevented participants in the protest rally from launching a new action that looks like a procession of the Cross around a Roman-Catholic church , known as the Red Church , located on the square .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the church , carrying posters with an appeal to punish those responsible for crackdown on protesters .
Police urge protesters to disperse .
The square saw thousands-strong protests within the first three weeks after the August 9 presidential election , but then the crowds thinned , with no more than several dozen people getting together there in the past few days .
After protests subsided to a certain extent , police have been detaining protesters selectively , nabbing the most active ones .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered to be his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities .
In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police .
The authorities call for an end to illegal rallies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition demands more protests .

KIEV, September 11./TASS/. Law enforcement officers are detaining participants in a protest rally on Independence Square in central Minsk, which has been a venue of protests for already over a month.
Several women with white-red-white flags were stopped there and escorted to a minibus. Officers asked the journalists covering the events to step aside. However, this has not prevented participants in the protest rally from launching a new action that looks like a procession of the Cross around a Roman-Catholic church, known as the Red Church, located on the square. Some protesters stand at the entrance to the church, carrying posters with an appeal to punish those responsible for crackdown on protesters. Police urge protesters to disperse.
The square saw thousands-strong protests within the first three weeks after the August 9 presidential election, but then the crowds thinned, with no more than several dozen people getting together there in the past few days. After protests subsided to a certain extent, police have been detaining protesters selectively, nabbing the most active ones.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered to be his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls. After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities. In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police. The authorities call for an end to illegal rallies, while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition demands more protests.


tass--2020-09-11--Russia, Greek top diplomats discuss current state of legal framework for cooperation

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic , the state of the @ @ @ @ @ , and a schedule of bilateral contacts were in focus of a telephone conversation between @ @ @ @ @ , Sergey Lavrov and Nikos Dendias , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ discussed cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic and analyzed the state of the legal framework @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .
`` The sides also exchange views on issues of the international and @ @ @ @ @ a schedule of future bilateral contacts , '' the ministry added .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ estimated the implementation of the Russia-Greece Year of Language and Literature 2019-2020 and expressed the @ @ @ @ @ of the Russia-Greece Year of History in 2021 .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic, the state of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation, and a schedule of bilateral contacts were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian and Greek Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Nikos Dendias, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
"The two top diplomats discussed cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic and analyzed the state of the legal framework for cooperation," the ministry said.
"The sides also exchange views on issues of the international and regional agenda, and on a schedule of future bilateral contacts," the ministry added.
According to the ministry, the ministers highly estimated the implementation of the Russia-Greece Year of Language and Literature 2019-2020 and expressed the hope for a successful organization of the Russia-Greece Year of History in 2021.


tass--2020-09-11--Snow studies: how to control drifting snow in Arctic regions

KRASNOYARSK , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Experts of the Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk addressed the problem of snowdrifts along the road between Norilsk and the Alykel Airport in the Taimyr District .
Six-meter snowdrifts are not a rare phenomenon there .
Local authorities await recommendations on managing drifting snow , experts told TASS .
`` In complicated weather conditions - strong winds , snowstorms , ice - when weather alert is issued , traffic stops , causing major inconveniences for people in Kaierkan , workers at the Nadezhdinsky Metallurgical Plant , everyone living in Greater Norilsk as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Alykel airport , '' the University ’ s Head of Arctic Studies and the project ’ s leader Yuri Zakharinsky told TASS .
The problem of snowdrifts is not new for Norilsk .
Back in the 1930-40s , the region applied significant human and financial resources to clear the snow .
Some snowdrifts piled up to 30 meters , and explosives were used to remove them .
Once , a train from Dudinka to Norilsk made its way through the distance of 90 kilometers in 28 days .
At that time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed at a special angle , so that the force of wind would sweep the snow away from the rails .
The solution solved the problem , but in half a century the problem has recurred .
`` The Arctic climate has changed greatly over the past 50 years .
Just like the winds in high latitudes , where wind speed has grown over recent decades .
Since the wind rose changed near Norilsk , the snow protection shields , which were installed in the 1940s , are not effective any longer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Ecology and Geography Ruslan Sharafutdinov said .
The research project will involve experts from the University ’ s several institutes .
Studies will continue to the end of 2021 .
The scientists will analyze the snow shields , made by engineer Potapov , will study the Arctic climate ’ s changes , including the state of the permafrost , and will pick most effective snow-sweeping devices for further studies .
They will also identify most problematic locations and will specify best devices and places for their installation .
The result would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used effectively to at least 2050 .
According to Mikhail Yelesin of the Norilsk State Industrial Institute , there are three ways to protect the road : to stop the snow until it reaches the road , to increase the snow-wind flow over the road , and to make special covers above the road .
The Potapov shields were a combination of the first two approaches , he added .
`` Snow control could stop and store the snow where it would not affect the traffic , '' the expert said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind speeds , before and after the barriers , where the snow would remain . ''
The problem of snowdrifts is equally typical for Norilsk and for Russia ’ s most Arctic districts .
Besides , the scientists want to present results of their studies at the international level .
`` Snowdrifts are typical for Scandinavia , for Alaska , for Canada , '' Zakharinsky said .
Results of the studies would be interesting for other Russian Arctic territories .
Matvey Chuprov of the Nenets Autonomous District told TASS the region does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other regions , and most goods are brought to the region within short navigation periods by the Pechora River and by sea , as well as by the 55-kilometer winter road connecting Naryan Mar and Usinsk .
Every year , construction of this winter road begins in autumn as soon as air temperatures drop below zero .
The road may be used for only four months - from late December to April .
`` This road crosses open areas , where snowdrifts are often .
Thus , any solutions on how to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , the winter road was mostly closed , and traffic along other roads in the region remained blocked .
Thus , we look forward to using new methods , '' he said .
Yakutia , unlike many other regions in West Siberia , is a region will little snow , Dmitry Frolov , Dean of the University ’ s Road Department , said , stressing snowdrifts there anyway are a big problem on winter roads .
`` This problem has existed always , and traditional methods are well known : special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` In mountainous areas , there are usually snow barriers . ''
Sergei Kopylov , representing Yakutia ’ s road maintenance authority , adds the region has been watching studies in this area .
`` We follow up scientific and practical solutions and we hope the solutions on the road in Norilsk , which the University will offer , would be practically useful , '' he said .

KRASNOYARSK, September 11. /TASS/. Experts of the Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk addressed the problem of snowdrifts along the road between Norilsk and the Alykel Airport in the Taimyr District. Six-meter snowdrifts are not a rare phenomenon there. Local authorities await recommendations on managing drifting snow, experts told TASS.
"In complicated weather conditions - strong winds, snowstorms, ice - when weather alert is issued, traffic stops, causing major inconveniences for people in Kaierkan, workers at the Nadezhdinsky Metallurgical Plant, everyone living in Greater Norilsk as well as those who travel to or from the Alykel airport," the University’s Head of Arctic Studies and the project’s leader Yuri Zakharinsky told TASS.
Studies to continue for 18 months
The problem of snowdrifts is not new for Norilsk. Back in the 1930-40s, the region applied significant human and financial resources to clear the snow. Some snowdrifts piled up to 30 meters, and explosives were used to remove them. Once, a train from Dudinka to Norilsk made its way through the distance of 90 kilometers in 28 days. At that time, engineer Mikhail Potapov offered using shields, fixed at a special angle, so that the force of wind would sweep the snow away from the rails. The solution solved the problem, but in half a century the problem has recurred.
"The Arctic climate has changed greatly over the past 50 years. Just like the winds in high latitudes, where wind speed has grown over recent decades. Since the wind rose changed near Norilsk, the snow protection shields, which were installed in the 1940s, are not effective any longer," Director of the University’s Institute of Ecology and Geography Ruslan Sharafutdinov said.
The research project will involve experts from the University’s several institutes. Studies will continue to the end of 2021. The scientists will analyze the snow shields, made by engineer Potapov, will study the Arctic climate’s changes, including the state of the permafrost, and will pick most effective snow-sweeping devices for further studies. They will also identify most problematic locations and will specify best devices and places for their installation. The result would be solutions to ensure the road could be used effectively to at least 2050.
According to Mikhail Yelesin of the Norilsk State Industrial Institute, there are three ways to protect the road: to stop the snow until it reaches the road, to increase the snow-wind flow over the road, and to make special covers above the road. The Potapov shields were a combination of the first two approaches, he added.
"Snow control could stop and store the snow where it would not affect the traffic," the expert said. "Those would be zones with lower wind speeds, before and after the barriers, where the snow would remain."
Common problem
The problem of snowdrifts is equally typical for Norilsk and for Russia’s most Arctic districts. Besides, the scientists want to present results of their studies at the international level. "Snowdrifts are typical for Scandinavia, for Alaska, for Canada," Zakharinsky said.
Results of the studies would be interesting for other Russian Arctic territories. Matvey Chuprov of the Nenets Autonomous District told TASS the region does not have a permanent terrestrial transport connection with other regions, and most goods are brought to the region within short navigation periods by the Pechora River and by sea, as well as by the 55-kilometer winter road connecting Naryan Mar and Usinsk. Every year, construction of this winter road begins in autumn as soon as air temperatures drop below zero. The road may be used for only four months - from late December to April.
"This road crosses open areas, where snowdrifts are often. Thus, any solutions on how to control snowdrifts would be interesting to us. This year, the winter road was mostly closed, and traffic along other roads in the region remained blocked. Thus, we look forward to using new methods," he said.
Yakutia, unlike many other regions in West Siberia, is a region will little snow, Dmitry Frolov, Dean of the University’s Road Department, said, stressing snowdrifts there anyway are a big problem on winter roads.
"This problem has existed always, and traditional methods are well known: special vehicles to sweep the snow aside," he said. "In mountainous areas, there are usually snow barriers."
Sergei Kopylov, representing Yakutia’s road maintenance authority, adds the region has been watching studies in this area. "We follow up scientific and practical solutions and we hope the solutions on the road in Norilsk, which the University will offer, would be practically useful," he said.


tass--2020-09-11--Ukraine Security Service demands to delete more Russian media apps from Ukraine’s AppStore

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia 's NTV channel has received a notice from Apple with the demand by the Security Service of Ukraine to delete the TV channel ’ s app from the Ukrainian App Store , the channel informed on its Telegram channel .
`` The Security Service of Ukraine demanded that NTV apps be deleted from the Ukrainian App Store… All this is taking place within the campaign against Russian media and social networks in Ukraine - it begun back during the rule of [ former President of Ukraine ] Pyotr Poroshenko and it continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Zelensky , '' the message informs , adding that so far , the app is working .
The NTV press service has also confirmed to TASS that it has received this message .
The Rossiya Segodnya news agency informed on its Telegram channel that `` mobile apps RIA Novosti , Sputnik and other brands of the agency will be deleted from the Ukrainian segment of the App Store . ''
Earlier on Friday , the press service of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company informed TASS that Apple had deleted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , `` Rossiya .
Television and Radio '' , `` Vesti FM '' and `` Vesti.ru '' ) from Ukraine ’ s App Store after a request from the Security Service of Ukraine .
The Russian Union of Journalists has condemned the deletion of four Russian media apps from Ukraine ’ s App Store , deeming it an act of censorship .
Russian social networks VK and Odnoklassniki , as well as Mail.ru , Yandex and Yandex.Ukraine companies are banned in Ukraine , along with several Russian TV channels ( STS Media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the Komsomolskaya Pravda publishing house and several radio stations , the majority of which are active in Crimea .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. Russia's NTV channel has received a notice from Apple with the demand by the Security Service of Ukraine to delete the TV channel’s app from the Ukrainian App Store, the channel informed on its Telegram channel.
"The Security Service of Ukraine demanded that NTV apps be deleted from the Ukrainian App Store… All this is taking place within the campaign against Russian media and social networks in Ukraine - it begun back during the rule of [former President of Ukraine] Pyotr Poroshenko and it continues under [current President of Ukraine Vladimir] Zelensky," the message informs, adding that so far, the app is working. The NTV press service has also confirmed to TASS that it has received this message.
The Rossiya Segodnya news agency informed on its Telegram channel that "mobile apps RIA Novosti, Sputnik and other brands of the agency will be deleted from the Ukrainian segment of the App Store."
Earlier on Friday, the press service of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company informed TASS that Apple had deleted four Russian media apps ("Rossiya-1", "Rossiya. Television and Radio", "Vesti FM" and "Vesti.ru") from Ukraine’s App Store after a request from the Security Service of Ukraine. The Russian Union of Journalists has condemned the deletion of four Russian media apps from Ukraine’s App Store, deeming it an act of censorship.
Russian social networks VK and Odnoklassniki, as well as Mail.ru, Yandex and Yandex.Ukraine companies are banned in Ukraine, along with several Russian TV channels (STS Media, Spas TV, TV3 and Mir), the Komsomolskaya Pravda publishing house and several radio stations, the majority of which are active in Crimea.


tass--2020-09-11--OPCW delegation visited Charite hospital to receive Navalny’s tests, Der Spiegel claims

BERLIN , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
A delegation of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) visited the Charite hospital in Berlin and was handed the results of blogger Alexei Navalny ’ s tests , who , according to Germany ’ s version , had been poisoned by a nerve agent of the Novichok family , Der Spiegel magazine said on Friday .
According to the weekly , the OPCW has been involved in the probe .
Der Spiegel reported that the OPCW delegation visited Charite at the weekend , where they were handed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for further investigation .
The magazine says that Bruno Kahl , the president of Germany ’ s Federal Intelligence Service ( BND ) , said at a closed-door meeting that Navalny had been allegedly exposed to a `` harder '' form of Novichok .
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 Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , the German government claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples the Bundeswehr ’ s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia stayed ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .
On September 7 , the Charite doctors said that Navalny had been taken out of induced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilator .

BERLIN, September 11. /TASS/. A delegation of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) visited the Charite hospital in Berlin and was handed the results of blogger Alexei Navalny’s tests, who, according to Germany’s version, had been poisoned by a nerve agent of the Novichok family, Der Spiegel magazine said on Friday.
According to the weekly, the OPCW has been involved in the probe. Der Spiegel reported that the OPCW delegation visited Charite at the weekend, where they were handed the blogger’s blood and urine samples for further investigation.
The magazine says that Bruno Kahl, the president of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), said at a closed-door meeting that Navalny had been allegedly exposed to a "harder" form of Novichok.
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 Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
Last week, the German government claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples the Bundeswehr’s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia stayed ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.
On September 7, the Charite doctors said that Navalny had been taken out of induced coma and was being weaned off the ventilator.


tass--2020-09-11--Austrian foreign minister discusses situation in Belarus with opposition member

VIENNA , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has met with member of the Coordination Council set up by the Belarusian opposition Pavel Latushko on Friday in Vienna , the Austrian Foreign Ministry informed .
`` FM # Schallenberg had a fruitful conversation today with Coordination Council member Pavel Latushko .
They agreed that repression against Council members and peaceful demonstrators must stop immediately .
The only way forward for # Belarus is through an inclusive national dialogue , '' the ministry wrote on Twitter .
The Coordination Council for the transition of power in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya .
She did not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election , which was held on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
After the election , she left for Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
The Coordination Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government demands that all unlawful protests be stopped .

VIENNA, September 11. /TASS/. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has met with member of the Coordination Council set up by the Belarusian opposition Pavel Latushko on Friday in Vienna, the Austrian Foreign Ministry informed.
"FM #Schallenberg had a fruitful conversation today with Coordination Council member Pavel Latushko. They agreed that repression against Council members and peaceful demonstrators must stop immediately. The only way forward for #Belarus is through an inclusive national dialogue," the ministry wrote on Twitter.
The Coordination Council for the transition of power in Belarus was set up on August 14 by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. She did not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election, which was held on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. After the election, she left for Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. The Coordination Council is calling on protesters to continue demonstrations. The government demands that all unlawful protests be stopped.


tass--2020-09-11--Russia’s 14 air regiments, long-range aviation unit take part in CIS exercise

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia 's long-range aviation unit and another 14 air regiments have taken part @ @ @ @ @ of the CIS allied air defense system , the Russian Defense Ministry said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of the CIS allied air defense system were 14 air regiments of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , Sukhoi-27 , Sukhoi-30SM and MiG-31 planes and a long-range aviation unit of strategic missile-carrying @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Defense Ministry said .
The exercise involved Khotilovo , Kursk , Besovets @ @ @ @ @ and Tolmachyovo airdromes .
Planes from Russia ’ s bases in Kyrgyzstan and Armenia participated @ @ @ @ @ their permanent bases .
The Defense Ministry said 20 different issues of strengthening CIS air @ @ @ @ @ of MiG-29 planes from Belarus ' Air Force and Air Defense units and Sukhoi-30SM planes @ @ @ @ @ Force from the Baranovichi and Kursk airdromes performed a joint maneuver .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. Russia's long-range aviation unit and another 14 air regiments have taken part in Friday’s exercise of the CIS allied air defense system, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"Taking part in the exercise of the CIS allied air defense system were 14 air regiments of Russia’s Aerospace Force armed with MiG-29, Sukhoi-27, Sukhoi-30SM and MiG-31 planes and a long-range aviation unit of strategic missile-carrying planes Tupolev-160 and Tupolev-22 M3," the Defense Ministry said.
The exercise involved Khotilovo, Kursk, Besovets, Engels, Bolshoye Savino and Tolmachyovo airdromes. Planes from Russia’s bases in Kyrgyzstan and Armenia participated.
All planes returned to their permanent bases.
The Defense Ministry said 20 different issues of strengthening CIS air defenses were addressed. Crews of MiG-29 planes from Belarus' Air Force and Air Defense units and Sukhoi-30SM planes of Russia’s Aerospace Force from the Baranovichi and Kursk airdromes performed a joint maneuver.


tass--2020-09-11--Solovki summer school confirms lakes on archipelago get cleaner

ARKHANGELSK , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
The summer school on the Solovetsky ( Solovki ) Islands finished its work on the archipelago .
The students ’ key task was to analyze water in lakes and rivers , the project ’ s leader Svetlana Tyukina told TASS , adding water in lakes on the Bolshoy Solovetsky Island was cleaner year-on-year .
`` A group of ecologists has reported that even at the level of initial tests they could see the water quality in Svyatoye Lake has improved , '' she said .
`` They believe this result was due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man-made contamination .
We know that earlier , including last year , there were illegal disposals into Svyatoye Lake , and thus this year has been favorable for water reservoirs . ''
The students sampled water in lakes and in the sea .
Samples were frozen and sent immediately to Arkhangelsk for further tests at the University laboratories .
`` The students will later on present results of chemical water tests , '' she continued .
`` The results will be sent to local officials , and the presentation will contain biotechnology solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is put operational . ''
In the current pandemic , the Solovki were closed for visitors until July 15 .
Any tourists planning a trip to the archipelago have to pass a coronavirus test .
The summer school ’ s sociologists studied how the archipelago ’ s youth lives through the pandemic .
`` Sociologists say about different moods among the youth on the mainland and on the island .
They picked a few focus groups to survey them , '' the school leader said .
`` In Arkhangelsk , they will work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained in the city , and later on will compare their answers . ''
The IT group worked with specialists from the Solovki Monastery to improve and optimize the monastery ’ s website and to make an application .
`` They have agreed the design , '' the leader said .
`` For the students , it would be a long project , or even topics for course papers . ''
A year earlier , she continued , the summer school students made a virtual tour of an exhibition about the Solovki ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this tour has been very popular , and this year , the museum has employed our student - she has been working on virtual tours , '' she added .
The engineering unit was devoted to the monastery ’ s hydropower plant and the dry dock .
A museum exposition will appear there by 2023 .
Some lakes on the Bolshoy Solovetsky Island are connected with canals .
In 1801 , a dry water-filled dock was built on the Solovki .
It was one of the first dry docks in Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ monastery ’ s ships and the ships that called on the Solovki for commercial purposes .
The Solovetsky Monastery had its own hydroelectric power plant on the canal between Lake Svyatoye and the dry dock .
It was made in 1911 .
Physics have been working on an exposition about the Solovki Monastery ’ s engineering history .
`` Our students have picked objects , discussed how to present them and what interactive models could be used , '' the project ’ s leader said .
`` They will make a few 3D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canals , the dry dock and the power plant . ''
A group of students in culture has been working on music for the exposition devoted to the Solovki prison .
The exhibition will be virtual , and thus the music will be used also on the website .
The students have collected great material and want to make a cycle of lectures , devoted to music in the 1930s , including to musicians , imprisoned on the island .
`` The students will make a media resource , they have presented a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the forest , of the bells , Shostakovich ’ s music , and a video of the prison , '' the school leader said .
The historical part was devoted to making games and quests .
The students organized a game for local school students and then invited them to master classes to learn how to make games .
The students made an ecology game , a game for physics and a history quest .
`` The history game will be presented in November , most likely it will have been tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s school and at a school in Moscow , and we may test it at the University as well . ''
The game is on the so-called Solovetsky sitting in 1668-1676 .
This was the armed resistance of the monks , fugitive peasants , townspeople , archers , and soldiers against Patriarch Nikon ’ s church reforms .
The monastery rejected the reforms and the government ordered to confiscate its estates and property .
In 1668 , the tsar ’ s regiments began to siege the monastery .
The fighting continued for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the monastery gave in .
Additionally , the summer school students will make a table game , devoted to the islands ’ history .
The summer school students visited the Botanical Garden , the Muksalma Island , connected with the Bolshoi Solovetsky Island by a 19th-century boulder dam , which is more than one kilometer long .
Due to the pandemic-related restrictions , any sightseeing was allowed in the open air only .
The group was lucky to have good weather .
`` Every day was sunny , and it rained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did not have any trips , '' the project ’ s leader said .
For one week , the students worked jointly with the Da studio musicians from St. Petersburg .
`` Our students walked the village , wrote poems which they later on recited as rap or hip-hop compositions , '' the school leader said , adding this experience would be used in work on historical quests .
`` This year , we mostly communicated with each other , which was interesting , and the students have received maximum information from @ @ @ @ @ @

ARKHANGELSK, September 11. /TASS/. The summer school on the Solovetsky (Solovki) Islands finished its work on the archipelago. The students’ key task was to analyze water in lakes and rivers, the project’s leader Svetlana Tyukina told TASS, adding water in lakes on the Bolshoy Solovetsky Island was cleaner year-on-year.
"A group of ecologists has reported that even at the level of initial tests they could see the water quality in Svyatoye Lake has improved," she said. "They believe this result was due to fewer pilgrims and tourists and thus less man-made contamination. We know that earlier, including last year, there were illegal disposals into Svyatoye Lake, and thus this year has been favorable for water reservoirs."
The students sampled water in lakes and in the sea. Samples were frozen and sent immediately to Arkhangelsk for further tests at the University laboratories.
"The students will later on present results of chemical water tests," she continued. "The results will be sent to local officials, and the presentation will contain biotechnology solutions to improve water conditions until purification equipment is put operational."
The pandemic
In the current pandemic, the Solovki were closed for visitors until July 15. Any tourists planning a trip to the archipelago have to pass a coronavirus test. The summer school’s sociologists studied how the archipelago’s youth lives through the pandemic. "Sociologists say about different moods among the youth on the mainland and on the island. They picked a few focus groups to survey them," the school leader said. "In Arkhangelsk, they will work with groups of young people, who remained in the city, and later on will compare their answers."
The IT group worked with specialists from the Solovki Monastery to improve and optimize the monastery’s website and to make an application. "They have agreed the design," the leader said. "For the students, it would be a long project, or even topics for course papers." A year earlier, she continued, the summer school students made a virtual tour of an exhibition about the Solovki’s sea cadets. "This year, this tour has been very popular, and this year, the museum has employed our student - she has been working on virtual tours," she added.
Physicists and poets
The engineering unit was devoted to the monastery’s hydropower plant and the dry dock. A museum exposition will appear there by 2023. Some lakes on the Bolshoy Solovetsky Island are connected with canals. In 1801, a dry water-filled dock was built on the Solovki. It was one of the first dry docks in Russia. The dock was used to repair the monastery’s ships and the ships that called on the Solovki for commercial purposes. The Solovetsky Monastery had its own hydroelectric power plant on the canal between Lake Svyatoye and the dry dock. It was made in 1911.
Physics have been working on an exposition about the Solovki Monastery’s engineering history. "Our students have picked objects, discussed how to present them and what interactive models could be used," the project’s leader said. "They will make a few 3D models to demonstrate the former system of canals, the dry dock and the power plant."
A group of students in culture has been working on music for the exposition devoted to the Solovki prison. The exhibition will be virtual, and thus the music will be used also on the website. The students have collected great material and want to make a cycle of lectures, devoted to music in the 1930s, including to musicians, imprisoned on the island. "The students will make a media resource, they have presented a promotional video, which will contain sounds of the forest, of the bells, Shostakovich’s music, and a video of the prison," the school leader said.
Games and quests
The historical part was devoted to making games and quests. The students organized a game for local school students and then invited them to master classes to learn how to make games. The students made an ecology game, a game for physics and a history quest. "The history game will be presented in November, most likely it will have been tested at the Solovki school, at Arkhangelsk’s school and at a school in Moscow, and we may test it at the University as well."
The game is on the so-called Solovetsky sitting in 1668-1676. This was the armed resistance of the monks, fugitive peasants, townspeople, archers, and soldiers against Patriarch Nikon’s church reforms. The monastery rejected the reforms and the government ordered to confiscate its estates and property. In 1668, the tsar’s regiments began to siege the monastery. The fighting continued for a few years and finished in 1676, when the monastery gave in. Additionally, the summer school students will make a table game, devoted to the islands’ history.
The summer school students visited the Botanical Garden, the Muksalma Island, connected with the Bolshoi Solovetsky Island by a 19th-century boulder dam, which is more than one kilometer long. Due to the pandemic-related restrictions, any sightseeing was allowed in the open air only. The group was lucky to have good weather. "Every day was sunny, and it rained only once, right on the day we did not have any trips," the project’s leader said.
For one week, the students worked jointly with the Da studio musicians from St. Petersburg. "Our students walked the village, wrote poems which they later on recited as rap or hip-hop compositions," the school leader said, adding this experience would be used in work on historical quests. "This year, we mostly communicated with each other, which was interesting, and the students have received maximum information from teachers," Tyukina said.


tass--2020-09-11--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeds 73,700

MINSK , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 193 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 73,700 , the country ’ health ministry reported on Friday .
`` As many as 73,784 people ( or about 0.78 % out of the country ’ s population of 9.41 million - TASS ) have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 193 .
`` A total of 738 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the past day ) , '' it said , adding that six coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day .
According to the latest update , as many as 72,369 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease , including 166 in the past 24 hours .
A total of 1,629,812 , or 17 % of the population have been tested for the novel coronavirus , including 11,599 during the day .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
The maximal daily tally of newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day .
The country ’ s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November-December .

MINSK, September 11. /TASS/. As many as 193 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 73,700, the country’ health ministry reported on Friday.
"As many as 73,784 people (or about 0.78% out of the country’s population of 9.41 million - TASS) have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 193.
"A total of 738 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak (five deaths during the past day)," it said, adding that six coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day.
According to the latest update, as many as 72,369 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease, including 166 in the past 24 hours. A total of 1,629,812, or 17% of the population have been tested for the novel coronavirus, including 11,599 during the day.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day.
The country’s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November-December.


tass--2020-09-11--Over 200 administrative cases opened against underage protesters in Belarus

MINSK , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Over 200 protocols on administrative violations have been opened against underage persons in @ @ @ @ @ unsanctioned protests , BelTA news agency informed on Friday .
According to the agency , @ @ @ @ @ Stuk also informed that the prosecution had initiated the expansion of parents ’ responsibility for @ @ @ @ @ conduct .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central @ @ @ @ @ , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya @ @ @ @ @ the election , she left for Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital @ @ @ @ @ cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers @ @ @ @ @ a Coordination Council for the transition of power in the country , calling on protesters @ @ @ @ @ government demands that all unlawful protests be stopped .

MINSK, September 11. /TASS/. Over 200 protocols on administrative violations have been opened against underage persons in Belarus for taking part in unsanctioned protests, BelTA news agency informed on Friday.
According to the agency, Belarusian Deputy Prosecutor General Alexei Stuk also informed that the prosecution had initiated the expansion of parents’ responsibility for their children’s unlawful conduct.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. After the election, she left for Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. The opposition set up a Coordination Council for the transition of power in the country, calling on protesters to continue demonstrations. The government demands that all unlawful protests be stopped.


tass--2020-09-11--About half of Russians balking at vaccination for coronavirus, suggests survey

MOSCOW , September 11./TASS/ .
Almost half of the Russian nationals are not planning to be vaccinated against coronavirus for now , according to a survey by National Research University Higher School of Economics .
`` In case of having symptoms of coronavirus or flu , almost one third of the population either don ’ t plan to seek medical assistance [ 9.1 % ] or will be doing this in case the situation gets life threatening [ 22.4 % ] .
About half are coronavirus sceptics , '' the survey obtained by TASS said .
It indicated that 45.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get inoculated against coronavirus at all , while another 18.6 % plan to wait until next year .
Only 13.2 % of the surveyed Russians plan to be vaccinated promptly .
Another 4.6 % plan vaccination in several months , while 18 % hesitated to answer .
Meanwhile , the population continued to observe safety measures in summer after the lockdown had been lifted , the research said .
`` The population begins to realize that the virus will not disappear and they will have to live with it .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t believe it exists or don ’ t see a danger in it , keeps growing , '' the survey reads .
Most of them have no infected friends or relatives .
Almost 80 % of parents of school students are against remote learning .
Only a modest share of the surveyed Russians ( 15.8 % ) believe that reopening of schools and universities will trigger a second wave of the pandemic .
People blame a potential second wave on the opening of borders ( 45.3 % ) and holidays at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47.55 % of the polled Russian nationals believe it would be necessary to close the borders in case of a second wave , while 20 % assume that we are already at the start of it .
The survey was carried out online between September 5 and 7 .
As many as 9,000 adults ( aged between 18 and 75 ) from all regions took part .
On August 11 , Russia was reported to have become the first country in the world to register a vaccine against the novel coronavirus , named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and passed clinical trials in June and July .
It is based on a platform that was widely used for the development of other vaccines in the past .
To date , 1,051,874 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 868,107 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 18,365 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation @

MOSCOW, September 11./TASS/. Almost half of the Russian nationals are not planning to be vaccinated against coronavirus for now, according to a survey by National Research University Higher School of Economics.
"In case of having symptoms of coronavirus or flu, almost one third of the population either don’t plan to seek medical assistance [9.1%] or will be doing this in case the situation gets life threatening [22.4%]. About half are coronavirus sceptics," the survey obtained by TASS said.
It indicated that 45.6% of the surveyed are not planning to get inoculated against coronavirus at all, while another 18.6% plan to wait until next year. Only 13.2% of the surveyed Russians plan to be vaccinated promptly. Another 4.6% plan vaccination in several months, while 18% hesitated to answer.
Meanwhile, the population continued to observe safety measures in summer after the lockdown had been lifted, the research said. "The population begins to realize that the virus will not disappear and they will have to live with it. However, the share of coronavirus sceptics, who don’t believe it exists or don’t see a danger in it, keeps growing," the survey reads. Most of them have no infected friends or relatives.
Almost 80% of parents of school students are against remote learning. Only a modest share of the surveyed Russians (15.8%) believe that reopening of schools and universities will trigger a second wave of the pandemic.
People blame a potential second wave on the opening of borders (45.3%) and holidays at resorts (42.65%). Another 47.55% of the polled Russian nationals believe it would be necessary to close the borders in case of a second wave, while 20% assume that we are already at the start of it.
The survey was carried out online between September 5 and 7. As many as 9,000 adults (aged between 18 and 75) from all regions took part.
On August 11, Russia was reported to have become the first country in the world to register a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, named Sputnik V. The inoculation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and passed clinical trials in June and July. It is based on a platform that was widely used for the development of other vaccines in the past.
To date, 1,051,874 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 868,107 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 18,365 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-11--This week in photos: Breakdancing Lenin, smoke blankets Beirut, jail awaits Russian actor

Firefighters responding to a huge blaze at the port in Beirut , Lebanon , September 10 .
The fire broke out in a structure in the city 's heavily damaged port facility , the site of last month 's explosion that killed more than 190 people © Sam Tarling/Getty Image Renowned Russian actor Mikhail Efremov gets into a police van as he leaves Moscow 's Presnensky District Court after being sentenced to 8 years in prison , Moscow , Russia , September 8 .
Criminal charges against Efremov relate to the deadly June 8 road accident when his car suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another vehicle .
Its driver Sergei Zakharov died from injuries the next morning © Vyacheslav Prokofyev/TASS Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , Russia 's Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev , RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan and Rossiya-1 anchor Yevgeny Rozhkov are seen during Lukashenko 's interview to leading Russian media outlets at the Palace of Independence , Minsk , Belarus , September 8 © BelTA/TASS Belarus women , opposition activists resisting the police attempt to detain them , as they gathered to support their current leader Maria Kolesnikova , in Minsk , Belarus , September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was taken to the border with Ukraine to be deported , which she refused by ripping up her passport .
The Belarusian State Border Committee confirmed the detention of Maria Kolesnikova on the border © EPA-EFE/STRINGER A protester holding a flower while being arrested by the Israeli police during the protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to his corruption charges , outside his residence in Jerusalem , Israel , September 5 .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an ongoing trial with indictments filed against him by the State Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI Protesters lighting torches during a rally in Podgorica , Montenegro , September 6 .
Several thousand protesters waving Montenegro flags have gathered in the state capital in support of the ruling party which could lose power © AP Photo/Risto Bozovic A cat sitting across the street from the smoldering remains of Cressmans General Store and Gas Station in Fresno County , USA , September 8 © Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Residents seen outside in the town of Tulun , Irkutsk region , Russia , September 8 .
Floods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of June 2019 .
In total , nearly 17,400 houses were flooded , 1,300 of them were swept away .
The town of Tulun bore the brunt of the disaster © Alexei Kushnirenko/TASS Children attending Moscow City Day celebrations at the park of Kolomenskoye Estate , Moscow , Russia , September 6 .
The site is equipped with the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge art object , the workshops of a weaver , a leathercrafter and a blacksmith .
© Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

US President Donald Trump arriving to speak at a campaign rally at Smith Reynolds Airport, Winston-Salem, USA, September 8 © AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Visitors at the 8th Cosmoscow International Contemporary Art Fair, Moscow, Russia, September 10 © Sergei Karpukhin/TASS
Firefighters responding to a huge blaze at the port in Beirut, Lebanon, September 10. The fire broke out in a structure in the city's heavily damaged port facility, the site of last month's explosion that killed more than 190 people © Sam Tarling/Getty Image
Renowned Russian actor Mikhail Efremov gets into a police van as he leaves Moscow's Presnensky District Court after being sentenced to 8 years in prison, Moscow, Russia, September 8. Criminal charges against Efremov relate to the deadly June 8 road accident when his car suddenly sped into oncoming traffic and crashed into another vehicle. Its driver Sergei Zakharov died from injuries the next morning © Vyacheslav Prokofyev/TASS
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russia's Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev, RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan and Rossiya-1 anchor Yevgeny Rozhkov are seen during Lukashenko's interview to leading Russian media outlets at the Palace of Independence, Minsk, Belarus, September 8 © BelTA/TASS
Belarus women, opposition activists resisting the police attempt to detain them, as they gathered to support their current leader Maria Kolesnikova, in Minsk, Belarus, September 8. According to Maria Kolesnikova, she was taken to the border with Ukraine to be deported, which she refused by ripping up her passport. The Belarusian State Border Committee confirmed the detention of Maria Kolesnikova on the border © EPA-EFE/STRINGER
A protester holding a flower while being arrested by the Israeli police during the protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to his corruption charges, outside his residence in Jerusalem, Israel, September 5. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an ongoing trial with indictments filed against him by the State Attorney's Office on charges of fraud © EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI
Protesters lighting torches during a rally in Podgorica, Montenegro, September 6. Several thousand protesters waving Montenegro flags have gathered in the state capital in support of the ruling party which could lose power © AP Photo/Risto Bozovic
A cat sitting across the street from the smoldering remains of Cressmans General Store and Gas Station in Fresno County, USA, September 8 © Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Residents seen outside in the town of Tulun, Irkutsk region, Russia, September 8. Floods hit the Irkutsk region at the end of June 2019. In total, nearly 17,400 houses were flooded, 1,300 of them were swept away. The town of Tulun bore the brunt of the disaster © Alexei Kushnirenko/TASS
Russia's President Vladimir Putin giving a speech during an event marking Moscow City Day in Zaryadye Concert Hall, Moscow, Russia, September 5 © Mikhail Klimentyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS
Children attending Moscow City Day celebrations at the park of Kolomenskoye Estate, Moscow, Russia, September 6. The site is equipped with the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge art object, the workshops of a weaver, a leathercrafter and a blacksmith. © Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS


tass--2020-09-11--Kremlin does not expect Navalny incident to affect September 13 elections

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
The situation surrounding blogger Alexei Navalny will not affect elections set to take place in Russia on September 13 , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said .
Kremlin to other countries : Don ’ t tell Russia how to investigate Navalny case '' No , there are no such concerns , '' Peskov replied when asked if the Kremlin expected the Navalny incident to affect voter sentiment .
According to Peskov , the fact that a person went into a coma for unknown reasons `` can hardly have such consequences . ''
`` Allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s coma ] seem to have been confirmed only in Berlin , we don ’ t have any proof , '' Peskov noted .
As many as 83 Russian regions will hold elections at various levels on September 13 , the single voting day .
On August 20 , a plane carrying Russian blogger Alexei Navalny made an emergency landing in the Russian city of Omsk after the blogger had suddenly felt unwell in mid-flight .
Navalny was taken to hospital in a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany for treatment at Berlin ’ s Charite hospital .
The German government said on September 2 , citing the results of a toxicological analysis carried out by Bundeswehr experts , that Navalny had been poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. The situation surrounding blogger Alexei Navalny will not affect elections set to take place in Russia on September 13, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"No, there are no such concerns," Peskov replied when asked if the Kremlin expected the Navalny incident to affect voter sentiment.
According to Peskov, the fact that a person went into a coma for unknown reasons "can hardly have such consequences." "Allegations [about the cause of Navalny’s coma] seem to have been confirmed only in Berlin, we don’t have any proof," Peskov noted.
As many as 83 Russian regions will hold elections at various levels on September 13, the single voting day.
Navalny incident
On August 20, a plane carrying Russian blogger Alexei Navalny made an emergency landing in the Russian city of Omsk after the blogger had suddenly felt unwell in mid-flight. Navalny was taken to hospital in a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator. On August 22, he was flown to Germany for treatment at Berlin’s Charite hospital.
The German government said on September 2, citing the results of a toxicological analysis carried out by Bundeswehr experts, that Navalny had been poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent.


tass--2020-09-11--Accounts Chamber warns of risks of SMEs’ bankruptcies due to low consumer demand

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
The risks of payment defaults and bankruptcies of small and medium-sized enterprises ( @ @ @ @ @ low consumer demand level persist , auditor of Russia ’ s Accounts Chamber Danil Shilkov @ @ @ @ @ the `` Future Russia .
National Projects '' portal operated by TASS .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ after the first wave of the coronavirus infection started not long ago .
According to @ @ @ @ @ despite the positive dynamics , the demand has not yet reached the pre-crisis level in @ @ @ @ @ The risks of payment defaults , and consequently - of bankruptcies , persist in this @ @ @ @ @ when asked whether the Chamber considers a wave of SMEs ’ bankruptcies possible when they @ @ @ @ @ other postponed payments .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. The risks of payment defaults and bankruptcies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to the low consumer demand level persist, auditor of Russia’s Accounts Chamber Danil Shilkov said in an interview with the "Future Russia. National Projects" portal operated by TASS.
"The period of recovery of businesses after the first wave of the coronavirus infection started not long ago. According to the Bank of Russia, despite the positive dynamics, the demand has not yet reached the pre-crisis level in most sectors so far. The risks of payment defaults, and consequently - of bankruptcies, persist in this environment," he said when asked whether the Chamber considers a wave of SMEs’ bankruptcies possible when they are to make tax and other postponed payments.


tass--2020-09-11--Woman from Navalny’s team across Siberia evaded questioning, police say

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
One of the six people accompanying blogger Alexei Navalny on his trip to Siberia avoided being questioned by police about the incident with the blogger and left Russia , so her whereabouts are being traced , the investigative branch of the Russian Interior Ministry ’ s Transport Police Department for the Siberian Federal District said on Friday .
`` Along with this , Marina Pevchikh , a woman from Navalny ’ s group , who permanently resides in the United Kingdom , refrained from explanations on August 20 .
The investigation believes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual boarded a flight to Germany , due to which it was impossible to take her statement .
Her whereabouts are being established , '' the statement reads .
The police said that the remaining five people , who were with Navalny , were questioned .
They are Vladlen Los , Georgy Alburov , Ilya Pakhomov , Kira Yarmysh and Pavel Zelensky .
Moreover , police reconstructed the timeline of the blogger and his team 's stay in Tomsk and the Tomsk Region and traced their itinerary , social contacts and the sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
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 Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
Last week , the German government claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples the Bundeswehr ’ s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Peskov said that Russia stayed ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow was still waiting for a reply from Germany to the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office ’ s request .
The ministry ’ s spokeswoman , Maria Zakharova , said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. One of the six people accompanying blogger Alexei Navalny on his trip to Siberia avoided being questioned by police about the incident with the blogger and left Russia, so her whereabouts are being traced, the investigative branch of the Russian Interior Ministry’s Transport Police Department for the Siberian Federal District said on Friday.
"Along with this, Marina Pevchikh, a woman from Navalny’s group, who permanently resides in the United Kingdom, refrained from explanations on August 20. The investigation believes that on August 22, the above mentioned individual boarded a flight to Germany, due to which it was impossible to take her statement. Her whereabouts are being established," the statement reads.
The police said that the remaining five people, who were with Navalny, were questioned. They are Vladlen Los, Georgy Alburov, Ilya Pakhomov, Kira Yarmysh and Pavel Zelensky.
Moreover, police reconstructed the timeline of the blogger and his team's stay in Tomsk and the Tomsk Region and traced their itinerary, social contacts and the sites where they had either stayed or called in.
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 Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
Last week, the German government claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples the Bundeswehr’s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia stayed ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow was still waiting for a reply from Germany to the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office’s request. The ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident.


tass--2020-09-11--Steven Seagal to protect Lake Baikal’s ecosystem

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Hollywood actor , director and martial artist Steven Seagal has headed a Russian ecology project of the For Truth party .
He intends to take up the conservation of Lake Baikal and to seek introduction of punishment for the lake ’ s pollution in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation .
`` Lake Baikal < … > I think that it ’ s one of the great jewels of our planet , '' the actor said at a TASS online conference on Friday .
He expressed concern that `` people are illegally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... > people are dumping all kinds of noxious toxic waste in there . ''
In his opinion , penalty for Lake Baikal ’ s pollution should be included in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation .
According to ecologist and biologist Anna Rybalova , coordinator of the ecological project , For Truth party has a long list of tasks they are planning on implementing within the framework of this project .
`` We will touch upon such issues as rational woodland management .
Of course , we will highlight and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic waste .
< ... > Our project on ecological monitoring already went live in one region but we will expand it , '' she said .
`` Trying to help the environment is something that I ’ ve been doing since I was a very young man .
I am the only actor that I know of who ’ s made two major environmental movies , Fire Down Below and On Deadly Ground , because movies are a way to really , really educate the entire populace in the world , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the actor said .
`` Now with the pandemic and everything that ’ s going on [ people are ] relying on things that they ’ re seeing online or the computers or the television at home .
And so I think , this medium I am talking about now is something I will be relying on heavily .
< … > Not only the people who are on site , at Lake Baikal , but people around the world can all listen to our message and the details and things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a difference , '' the actor stressed .
He added that one of the goals of the project is to toughen criminal liability for the pollution of Baikal .
According to him , it should involve actual incarceration , which will be discussed with the prosecution authorities .
The For Truth party led by the writer Zakhar Prilepin was founded at a convention in Moscow on February 1 .
The party intends to participate in the regional elections in September in 11 regions .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. Hollywood actor, director and martial artist Steven Seagal has headed a Russian ecology project of the For Truth party. He intends to take up the conservation of Lake Baikal and to seek introduction of punishment for the lake’s pollution in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
"Lake Baikal <…> I think that it’s one of the great jewels of our planet," the actor said at a TASS online conference on Friday. He expressed concern that "people are illegally dumping petroleum, petrol by-products, <...> people are dumping all kinds of noxious toxic waste in there."
In his opinion, penalty for Lake Baikal’s pollution should be included in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
According to ecologist and biologist Anna Rybalova, coordinator of the ecological project, For Truth party has a long list of tasks they are planning on implementing within the framework of this project. "We will touch upon such issues as rational woodland management. Of course, we will highlight and will continue to highlight the issues of solid domestic waste. <...> Our project on ecological monitoring already went live in one region but we will expand it," she said.
Putting spotlight on the problem
"Trying to help the environment is something that I’ve been doing since I was a very young man. I am the only actor that I know of who’s made two major environmental movies, Fire Down Below and On Deadly Ground, because movies are a way to really, really educate the entire populace in the world, because everybody, almost everybody, watches movies," the actor said.
"Now with the pandemic and everything that’s going on [people are] relying on things that they’re seeing online or the computers or the television at home. And so I think, this medium I am talking about now is something I will be relying on heavily. <…> Not only the people who are on site, at Lake Baikal, but people around the world can all listen to our message and the details and things we can do to help and really make a difference," the actor stressed.
He added that one of the goals of the project is to toughen criminal liability for the pollution of Baikal. According to him, it should involve actual incarceration, which will be discussed with the prosecution authorities.
The For Truth party led by the writer Zakhar Prilepin was founded at a convention in Moscow on February 1. The party intends to participate in the regional elections in September in 11 regions.


tass--2020-09-11--US bombers flying over Ukraine raise regional tensions, warns Russian top brass

MOSCOW , September 11./TASS/ .
American military aircraft conducting flights in Ukrainian airspace undermines any reduction in regional tensions , @ @ @ @ @ said on Friday .
`` Flights by any combat planes over Ukraine do not contribute @ @ @ @ @ in the region , '' the commander told a briefing attended by foreign military attaches @ @ @ @ @ Su-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets collaborated with US Air Force B-52H strategic bombers that flew @ @ @ @ @ , Poland and Ukraine on September 4 .
He stressed that Russia is not interested @ @ @ @ @ borders , which is why it carries out most of its operational and combat training @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hinterland .
`` The Aerospace Forces will carry on monitoring the situation along @ @ @ @ @ as to promptly take measures to ensure security of the Russian Federation , '' Surovkin @ @

MOSCOW, September 11./TASS/. American military aircraft conducting flights in Ukrainian airspace undermines any reduction in regional tensions, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Sergei Surovikin said on Friday.
"Flights by any combat planes over Ukraine do not contribute to the easing of tensions in the region," the commander told a briefing attended by foreign military attaches.
Surovkin specified that Ukrainian Su-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets collaborated with US Air Force B-52H strategic bombers that flew over the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Ukraine on September 4.
He stressed that Russia is not interested in stoking tensions along its borders, which is why it carries out most of its operational and combat training events deep in the country’s hinterland.
"The Aerospace Forces will carry on monitoring the situation along Russia’s border so as to promptly take measures to ensure security of the Russian Federation," Surovkin added.


tass--2020-09-11--Russian senior diplomat discusses intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow with Hamas member

MOSCOW , September 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in a phone call discussed with senior member of Hamas Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook the possibility of holding an intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow and strengthening of bilateral ties , according to the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s statement on the results of the conversation made public on Friday .
`` The discussion focused on further development of traditionally friendly Russian-Palestinian ties including planned contacts and the possibility of holding a joint Palestinian meeting in Moscow , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides discussed the results of a meeting with the participation of leaders of all main Palestinian parties and movements held on September 3 .
`` The importance and relevance of this event were emphasized in the context of the task of the soonest restoration of Palestinian national unity in the interests of implementation of the lawful rights of Palestinian people to establish their own independent state , '' the Foreign Ministry pointed out .
The phone conversation was initiated by the Palestinian side .
On Wednesday , the senior diplomat reported that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian capital in about a month and a half or two months .
In February 2019 , Moscow hosted the previous intra-Palestinian meeting that brought together 12 main Palestinian parties and movements , including Fatah and Hamas .

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in a phone call discussed with senior member of Hamas Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook the possibility of holding an intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow and strengthening of bilateral ties, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement on the results of the conversation made public on Friday.
"The discussion focused on further development of traditionally friendly Russian-Palestinian ties including planned contacts and the possibility of holding a joint Palestinian meeting in Moscow," the ministry noted.
Additionally, the sides discussed the results of a meeting with the participation of leaders of all main Palestinian parties and movements held on September 3. "The importance and relevance of this event were emphasized in the context of the task of the soonest restoration of Palestinian national unity in the interests of implementation of the lawful rights of Palestinian people to establish their own independent state," the Foreign Ministry pointed out.
The phone conversation was initiated by the Palestinian side.
On Wednesday, the senior diplomat reported that the intra-Palestinian meeting may take place in the Russian capital in about a month and a half or two months.
In February 2019, Moscow hosted the previous intra-Palestinian meeting that brought together 12 main Palestinian parties and movements, including Fatah and Hamas.