tass--2020-07-03--Asian countries interested in Russian-made drugs against COVID-19 - diplomat

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Asian countries have expressed an interest in Russian-procuced drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Thursday .
He noted that the Russian consumer rights watchdog actively cooperates with Asian states in bilateral and multilateral formats , namely within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , BRICS , East Asia Summit and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) .
`` We will surely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior diplomat said .
`` Asian partners have expressed a great deal of interest in the Russian experience of countering the pandemic , first and foremost in the developments related to the production of drugs aimed to combat this infection .
And of course , a great deal of interest is expressed in the prospects of producing a vaccine against COVID-19 . ''
Morgulov added that Russia continues to aid many Asian states , sending medical equipment , test systems , means of individual protection .
`` Our mobile labs , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in the remote areas of Mongolia .
We have similar labs based on the Russian-Vietnamese tropical center , '' the diplomat said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Asian countries have expressed an interest in Russian-procuced drugs and vaccines against COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Thursday.
He noted that the Russian consumer rights watchdog actively cooperates with Asian states in bilateral and multilateral formats, namely within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, East Asia Summit and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We will surely carry on this work," the senior diplomat said. "Asian partners have expressed a great deal of interest in the Russian experience of countering the pandemic, first and foremost in the developments related to the production of drugs aimed to combat this infection. And of course, a great deal of interest is expressed in the prospects of producing a vaccine against COVID-19."
Morgulov added that Russia continues to aid many Asian states, sending medical equipment, test systems, means of individual protection. "Our mobile labs, for example, have been involved in the research of the coronavirus in the remote areas of Mongolia. We have similar labs based on the Russian-Vietnamese tropical center," the diplomat said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-03--WHO must receive consolidated support of international community - Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The international community must ensure that the World Health Organization ( WHO ) receives consolidated support in the fight against the novel coronavirus , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday 's briefing , commenting on the approval of the resolution on COVID-19 by the UN Security Council .
The diplomat noted that the document stresses the importance of an inclusive , comprehensive and global reaction to the pandemic with the coordinating role of the UN .
`` This falls in line with the Russian policy of uconditional support of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for mobilizing the states ' efforts in the fight against the virus .
We find it necessary to ensure consolidated international support of this specialized UN body , '' she stressed .
Zakharova added that the resolution mentions the measures offered by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on overcoming the consequences of the pandemic in war-torn countries .
`` In this regard , we would like to stress the need for lifting unlawful unilateral sanctions that limit the potential of countries , especially developing and less developed ones , to meet the challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
We also fully support the call made by UN Secretary General Mr. Guterres ' on March 23 for a total ceasefire stipulated in the resolution , '' the diplomat said .
On July 1 , the UN Security Council unilaterally approved Resolution 2522 , which calls for a ceasefire for the period of the pandemic and other measures aimed to fight the novel coronavirus .
The document supports the call made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for a total and immediate ceasefire of all pending conflicts .
The draft resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered by the UN Security Council since April .
According to diplomats , disagreements arose between delegations from the US and China .
Washington insisted to omit the part mentioning the WHO 's role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic .
The text of the resolution also does not mention the country where the infection first appeared .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The international community must ensure that the World Health Organization (WHO) receives consolidated support in the fight against the novel coronavirus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday's briefing, commenting on the approval of the resolution on COVID-19 by the UN Security Council.
The diplomat noted that the document stresses the importance of an inclusive, comprehensive and global reaction to the pandemic with the coordinating role of the UN. "This falls in line with the Russian policy of uconditional support of the World Health Organization as a leading mechanism for mobilizing the states' efforts in the fight against the virus. We find it necessary to ensure consolidated international support of this specialized UN body," she stressed.
Zakharova added that the resolution mentions the measures offered by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on overcoming the consequences of the pandemic in war-torn countries. "In this regard, we would like to stress the need for lifting unlawful unilateral sanctions that limit the potential of countries, especially developing and less developed ones, to meet the challenges brought on by the spread of the virus. We also fully support the call made by UN Secretary General Mr. Guterres' on March 23 for a total ceasefire stipulated in the resolution," the diplomat said.
On July 1, the UN Security Council unilaterally approved Resolution 2522, which calls for a ceasefire for the period of the pandemic and other measures aimed to fight the novel coronavirus. The document supports the call made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for a total and immediate ceasefire of all pending conflicts. The draft resolution proposed by France and Tunisia has been considered by the UN Security Council since April. According to diplomats, disagreements arose between delegations from the US and China. Washington insisted to omit the part mentioning the WHO's role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The text of the resolution also does not mention the country where the infection first appeared.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-03--Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery opens for visitors on July 3

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow 's State Tretyakov Gallery will open for visitors on Friday after a long break due to COVID-19 restrictions .
The museum will follow all required security measures , and its employees eagerly await visitors , deputy director general of the gallery Tatiana Mrdulyash told TASS .
The gallery was closed in mid-March along with other cultural institutions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` Of course , we await our visitors with great worry and concern , but at the same time with great happiness .
We have missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing , all employees are getting used to wearing masks , gloves , protective screens and protective glass at work .
We are getting reacquainted with seemingly habitual things and processes , finding out a lot of new things .
I hope we will make a habit of it , and both employees and visitors will feel safer .
Of course , this won ’ t stop us from enjoying seeing each other and seeing art once again , '' the deputy head told TASS .
She informed that entry to the gallery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We recommend visitors to have a look at the exhibits and leave the museum within two hours to let the next guests enter , so that the gallery does not reach its capacity .
We hope that two hours will be enough .
I would like to stress that this is just a recommendation - if you need more time to see the exhibits , of course , you will have it , nobody will kick you out , '' Mrdulyash said .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Moscow's State Tretyakov Gallery will re-open its doors to visitors on Friday after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The museum will follow all the required security measures, and its employees are eagerly awaiting visitors, the gallery’s Deputy Director General Tatiana Mrdulyash told TASS.
The gallery was closed in mid-March along with other cultural institutions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"Of course, we await our visitors with great worry and concern, but at the same time with great happiness. We have missed them a lot. The museum is preparing, all employees are getting used to wearing masks, gloves, protective screens and protective glass at work. We are getting reacquainted with seemingly habitual things and processes, finding out a lot of new things. I hope we will make a habit of it, and both employees and visitors will feel safer. Of course, this won’t stop us from enjoying seeing each other and seeing art once again," the deputy head told TASS.
She informed that entry to the gallery would be organized every 30 minutes. "We recommend visitors to have a look at the exhibits and leave the museum within two hours to let the next guests enter, so that the gallery does not reach its capacity. We hope that two hours will be enough. I would like to stress that this is just a recommendation - if you need more time to see the exhibits, of course, you will have it, nobody will kick you out," Mrdulyash said.


tass--2020-07-03--WHO documents over 176,000 cases of COVID-19 globally in past 24 hours

GENEVA , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Over 176,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 2 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 10.53 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday evening .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 2 , as many as 10,533,779 novel coronavirus cases and 512,842 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 176,102 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,787 .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the global state authorities .
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,317,792 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 99,202 and the number of deaths - by 3,022 and reached 252,340 .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe amounts to 2,747,810 and the number of fatalities is 198,405 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 19,736 and the number of deaths - by 531 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,096,565 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 19,139 and the number of deaths - by 547 .
The largest number of coronavirus cases was reported in the United States ( 2,616,949 ) , Brazil ( 1,402,041 ) , Russia ( 661,165 ) , India ( 604,641 ) , the United Kingdom ( 313,487 ) , Peru ( 285,213 ) , Chile ( 282,043 ) , Spain ( 249,659 ) , Italy ( 240,760 ) , and Iran ( 230,211 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, July 3. /TASS/. Over 176,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 2, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 10.53 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday evening.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 2, as many as 10,533,779 novel coronavirus cases and 512,842 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 176,102 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,787.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the global state authorities.
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,317,792. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 99,202 and the number of deaths - by 3,022 and reached 252,340.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe amounts to 2,747,810 and the number of fatalities is 198,405. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 19,736 and the number of deaths - by 531.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,096,565 cases and 25,517 fatalities as of July 2. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 19,139 and the number of deaths - by 547.
The largest number of coronavirus cases was reported in the United States (2,616,949), Brazil (1,402,041), Russia (661,165), India (604,641), the United Kingdom (313,487), Peru (285,213), Chile (282,043), Spain (249,659), Italy (240,760), and Iran (230,211).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-02--Thirty-four coronavirus patients die in Moscow in the past 24 hours - crisis center

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
Thirty-four coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
`` Thirty-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ that the overall number of coronavirus fatalities in Moscow amounted to 3,904 .
According to @ @ @ @ @ 10,820,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,000 deaths have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ , over 6,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed in Russia , with 428,978 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ 9,683 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. Thirty-four coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday.
"Thirty-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding that the overall number of coronavirus fatalities in Moscow amounted to 3,904.
According to the latest statistics, over 10,820,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 661,165 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 428,978 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,683 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-02--Russian diplomat urges US to refrain from interfering in domestic affairs of others

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The United States needs to refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the YouTube channel Soloviev LIVE .
`` First , don ’ t interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries .
Second , every state has the right to pursue its own domestic and foreign policies .
And third , if you do interfere , then what goes around comes around , '' she said , commenting on US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus ’ statement about Washington ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia ’ s constitutional vote .
Ortagus earlier told TASS that the United States was `` troubled by reports of Russian government efforts to manipulate the result of the recent votes on constitutional amendments , including reports of voter coercion , pressure on opponents of the amendments , and restrictions of independent observers of the vote . ''
According to her , Washington is `` especially concerned with a provision in the amendments that would potentially allow President Putin to remain in power until 2036 . ''
The Russian diplomat pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its domestic issues .
`` It ’ s high time for them all to brace themselves… and overcome the deepest domestic divisions , '' Zakharova noted .
`` Let them live the way they like , only within their borders , in their own country , '' she went on to say .
`` But when they start lecturing others - and they do lecture , given their rhetoric of the past ten to fifteen years - then I think that they should focus on their own domestic problems , '' the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's decree set July 1 as the official voting day , but Russians were provided with the opportunity to cast their ballots on June 25-30 in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
According to the law , the amendments will enter into force if over half of those taking part in the vote support them .
There is no minimum voter turnout .
With all ballots counted , 77.92 % of voters supported the amendments and 21.27 % voted `` no . ''
Overall turnout was 67.97 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday that the Kremlin viewed the vote ’ s outcome as a triumph .
According to experts , no major irregularities took place during the vote , which proved to be transparent .
Central Election Commission ( CEC ) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova pointed out that there were no reports of irregularities that required the CEC ’ s attention .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The United States needs to refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the YouTube channel Soloviev LIVE.
"First, don’t interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries. Second, every state has the right to pursue its own domestic and foreign policies. And third, if you do interfere, then what goes around comes around," she said, commenting on US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus’ statement about Washington’s concern with reports of possible irregularities in Russia’s constitutional vote.
Ortagus earlier told TASS that the United States was "troubled by reports of Russian government efforts to manipulate the result of the recent votes on constitutional amendments, including reports of voter coercion, pressure on opponents of the amendments, and restrictions of independent observers of the vote." According to her, Washington is "especially concerned with a provision in the amendments that would potentially allow President Putin to remain in power until 2036."
The Russian diplomat pointed out that the Americans needed to sort out its domestic issues. "It’s high time for them all to brace themselves… and overcome the deepest domestic divisions," Zakharova noted. "Let them live the way they like, only within their borders, in their own country," she went on to say. "But when they start lecturing others - and they do lecture, given their rhetoric of the past ten to fifteen years - then I think that they should focus on their own domestic problems," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman concluded.
Constitutional vote
The Russian president's decree set July 1 as the official voting day, but Russians were provided with the opportunity to cast their ballots on June 25-30 in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. According to the law, the amendments will enter into force if over half of those taking part in the vote support them. There is no minimum voter turnout. With all ballots counted, 77.92% of voters supported the amendments and 21.27% voted "no." Overall turnout was 67.97%.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the Kremlin viewed the vote’s outcome as a triumph. According to experts, no major irregularities took place during the vote, which proved to be transparent. Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova pointed out that there were no reports of irregularities that required the CEC’s attention.


tass--2020-07-02--Weekly inflation in Russia slows to zero, Federal Statistics Service says

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Between June 23 and 29 , inflation in Russia slowed to zero after remaining at 0.1 % for two weeks , according to Federal Statistics Service ( Rosstat ) .
Since the beginning of the year , consumer prices have risen by 2.6 % .
In the reporting period , prices for chicken meat rose by 0.6 % .
A rise in prices for chicken meat by 2 % or more was noted in 7 regions of Russia , in particular in the Lipetsk and Kirov regions ( by 2.7 % ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the autonomous districts that are part of it ) , price of chicken meat fell 1.4 % .
Among other foodstuffs , prices for half-smoked sausage increased by 0.4 % ; prices of canned meat , wheat flour , polished rice , black tea , table salt , chocolate candies and caramel rose by 0.3 % ; prices for sausages , butter , margarine , buckwheat , rye bread and cookies grew by 0.2 % .
At the same time , chicken eggs fell in price by 0.5 % , frozen fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price by 0.2 % , price of lamb and canned vegetables for baby food - by 0.1 % .
The increase in prices for fruits and vegetables amounted to an average of 1.4 % , in particular price of potatoes increased 3.9 % , prices of apples rose by 3.2 % .
At the same time , prices of tomatoes and onions fell by 3.3 % , price of cucumbers went down by 2.2 % .
Among non-food essentials , prices for diapers for newborns , toilet soap and toothpaste increased by 0.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toothbrushes and dry pet food - by 0.1 % .
At the same time , prices of baby diapers fell by 0.2 % , toilet paper - by 0.1 % .
Over the reporting period , price of outdoor vacuum cleaners went up by 0.8 % , prices of foreign cars went up by 0.4 % .
The rise in prices for gasoline and diesel fuel amounted to 0.1 % .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Between June 23 and 29, inflation in Russia slowed to zero after remaining at 0.1% for two weeks, according to Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat).
Since the beginning of the year, consumer prices have risen by 2.6%.
In the reporting period, prices for chicken meat rose by 0.6%. A rise in prices for chicken meat by 2% or more was noted in 7 regions of Russia, in particular in the Lipetsk and Kirov regions (by 2.7%). In the Tyumen region (except for the autonomous districts that are part of it), price of chicken meat fell 1.4%.
Among other foodstuffs, prices for half-smoked sausage increased by 0.4%; prices of canned meat, wheat flour, polished rice, black tea, table salt, chocolate candies and caramel rose by 0.3%; prices for sausages, butter, margarine, buckwheat, rye bread and cookies grew by 0.2%.
At the same time, chicken eggs fell in price by 0.5%, frozen fish and canned meat for baby food fell in price by 0.2%, price of lamb and canned vegetables for baby food - by 0.1%.
The increase in prices for fruits and vegetables amounted to an average of 1.4%, in particular price of potatoes increased 3.9%, prices of apples rose by 3.2%. At the same time, prices of tomatoes and onions fell by 3.3%, price of cucumbers went down by 2.2%.
Among non-food essentials, prices for diapers for newborns, toilet soap and toothpaste increased by 0.2%; prices of household soap, toothbrushes and dry pet food - by 0.1%. At the same time, prices of baby diapers fell by 0.2%, toilet paper - by 0.1%.
Over the reporting period, price of outdoor vacuum cleaners went up by 0.8%, prices of foreign cars went up by 0.4%. The rise in prices for gasoline and diesel fuel amounted to 0.1%.


tass--2020-07-02--Support for constitutional amendments shows that Putin’s work is approved - Cuban diplomat

HAVANA , July 2./TASS/ .
The Cuban leadership congratulates Russian nationals on the results of the nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution and believes that they indicate that people approve of the way President Vladimir Putin is leading the country , Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said in a tweet on Thursday .
`` Our most sincere congratulations to the Russian people and government for the overwhelming `` Yes '' victory in the constitutional referendum on July 1st .
It reflects recognition to work of President Putin and his cabinet , '' the top diplomat blogged on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by 77.92 % of Russians who took part in the nationwide vote , the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) said after counting 100 % of ballots on Thursday .
According to the election commission , 21.27 % of voters were opposed to the amendments .
The turnout was 65 % , it said .
The nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time on July 1 , set under the presidential decree as the official voting day .
Earlier , the ballot was scheduled for April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was moved up to the beginning of July .
Furthermore , due to the Covid-19 situation , the voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than one half of those who took part in the vote .
There is no minimum voter turnout .

HAVANA, July 2./TASS/. The Cuban leadership congratulates Russian nationals on the results of the nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution and believes that they indicate that people approve of the way President Vladimir Putin is leading the country, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said in a tweet on Thursday.
"Our most sincere congratulations to the Russian people and government for the overwhelming "Yes" victory in the constitutional referendum on July 1st. It reflects recognition to work of President Putin and his cabinet," the top diplomat blogged on Twitter.
The constitutional amendments have been supported by 77.92% of Russians who took part in the nationwide vote, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said after counting 100% of ballots on Thursday.
According to the election commission, 21.27% of voters were opposed to the amendments. The turnout was 65%, it said.
The nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time on July 1, set under the presidential decree as the official voting day. Earlier, the ballot was scheduled for April 2020 but due to the coronavirus situation, it was moved up to the beginning of July. Furthermore, due to the Covid-19 situation, the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. The amendments will come into force if supported by more than one half of those who took part in the vote. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-02--Russian envoy calls on countries to support WHO’s fight against coronavirus pandemic

UNITED NATIONS , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow believes that it is important for the international community to support the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , Russia ’ s Permanent Envoy to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at the UN Security Council ’ s video conference on maintaining global peace and security amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We consistently advocate for strengthening the WHO as a leader of international healthcare efforts and efforts to respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases , '' he pointed out .
`` We believe that it is particularly important for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the WHO , which is on the frontline of the fight against a common challenge , '' Nebenzya added .
The Russian envoy highlighted the WHO ’ s key role in coordinating multilateral efforts to combat the coronavirus .
`` Russia has allocated funds and methodological resources in order to facilitate the activities of this UN body , '' he added .
`` Russian experts have participated in the WHO ’ s country missions on the fight against the coronavirus , '' Nebenzya emphasized .
On May 29 , US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO , saying that the organization had `` failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms . ''
According to Trump , the WHO and China did not take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .

UNITED NATIONS, July 2. /TASS/. Moscow believes that it is important for the international community to support the World Health Organization (WHO), Russia’s Permanent Envoy to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at the UN Security Council’s video conference on maintaining global peace and security amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We consistently advocate for strengthening the WHO as a leader of international healthcare efforts and efforts to respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases," he pointed out. "We believe that it is particularly important for the international community to jointly support the activities of the WHO, which is on the frontline of the fight against a common challenge," Nebenzya added.
The Russian envoy highlighted the WHO’s key role in coordinating multilateral efforts to combat the coronavirus. "Russia has allocated funds and methodological resources in order to facilitate the activities of this UN body," he added. "Russian experts have participated in the WHO’s country missions on the fight against the coronavirus," Nebenzya emphasized.
On May 29, US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s withdrawal from the WHO, saying that the organization had "failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms." According to Trump, the WHO and China did not take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia to support Mongolia if it opts to become full member of SCO - diplomat

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
Russia will support Mongolia if it makes the decision to become a full member of @ @ @ @ @ SCO ) , Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an open interview with TASS @ @ @ @ @ Gusman on Thursday .
`` The expediency of gaining full membership of the SCO is @ @ @ @ @ This decision has both supporters and opponents , '' the senior diplomat said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ to influence the choice of our Mongolian friends , this is their sovereign right , @ @ @ @ @ that if such a decision is made , the Russian Federation will certainly support it @ @ @ @ @ all other SCO participants will be glad to see Mongolia as part of our big @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
At the moment , Mongolia is an observer state of the SCO .

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. Russia will support Mongolia if it makes the decision to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Thursday.
"The expediency of gaining full membership of the SCO is actively discussed in Mongolia. This decision has both supporters and opponents," the senior diplomat said. "I have no intention whatsoever to influence the choice of our Mongolian friends, this is their sovereign right, but I want to say that if such a decision is made, the Russian Federation will certainly support it, and I think that all other SCO participants will be glad to see Mongolia as part of our big SCO family," Morgulov stressed.
At the moment, Mongolia is an observer state of the SCO.


tass--2020-07-02--Russian government recommends Aeroflot not to pay dividends for 2019

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government recommended that its representatives on the board of directors of Aeroflot airline not support the payment of dividends for 2019 at the company 's annual meeting of shareholders .
This is according to governments order .
`` [ Hereby it is recommended that ] the Ministry of Finance , the Ministry of Transport and the Federal Property Management Agency when preparing draft directives to representatives of interests of the Russian Federation for participation in the meeting of the board of directors and in the annual general meeting of shareholders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment of dividends for 2019 , '' the document says .
Based on the results of work in 2018 , Aeroflot allocated 2.86 billion rubles ( $ 40.5 mln ) to pay dividends .
The net profit of the Aeroflot group according to international financial reporting standards at the end of 2019 amounted to 13.5 billion rubles ( $ 191 mln ) , according to the company 's statements .
The Russian state holds the controlling stake in Aeroflot ( 51.2 % ) through the Federal Property Management Agency , the Rostec @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and institutional investors - 39.6 % .
The meeting of Aeroflot ’ s board of directors , at which it was planned to consider dividend payment , was held on July 2 , the annual meeting of shareholders is scheduled for the end of the month .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The Russian government recommended that its representatives on the board of directors of Aeroflot airline not support the payment of dividends for 2019 at the company's annual meeting of shareholders. This is according to governments order.
"[Hereby it is recommended that] the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport and the Federal Property Management Agency when preparing draft directives to representatives of interests of the Russian Federation for participation in the meeting of the board of directors and in the annual general meeting of shareholders of PJSC Aeroflot-Russian Airlines should not provide for the payment of dividends for 2019," the document says.
Based on the results of work in 2018, Aeroflot allocated 2.86 billion rubles ($40.5 mln) to pay dividends.
The net profit of the Aeroflot group according to international financial reporting standards at the end of 2019 amounted to 13.5 billion rubles ($191 mln), according to the company's statements.
The Russian state holds the controlling stake in Aeroflot (51.2%) through the Federal Property Management Agency, the Rostec Group owns 3.5% of the shares, and institutional investors - 39.6%. The meeting of Aeroflot’s board of directors, at which it was planned to consider dividend payment, was held on July 2, the annual meeting of shareholders is scheduled for the end of the month.


tass--2020-07-02--Brent oil price exceed $ 43 per barrel on ICE Exchange in London

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The cost of a September futures for Brent crude oil on the ICE @ @ @ @ @ 2.86 % to the closing level of the previous session and reached $ 43.23 per @ @ @ @ @ data at 9:28 pm Moscow time .
The last time the cost of Brent oil @ @ @ @ @ barrel on June 23 of this year .
By 9:32 pm Moscow time , Brent @ @ @ @ @ and was trading at $ 43.05 per barrel ( plus 2.43 % ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ rose by 2.03 % to $ 40.63 per barrel .
The dollar-to-ruble rate on the @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( down 1.03 % ) , and the euro amounted to 79.24 rubles ( @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The cost of a September futures for Brent crude oil on the ICE exchange in London rose by 2.86% to the closing level of the previous session and reached $43.23 per barrel, according to trading data at 9:28 pm Moscow time.
The last time the cost of Brent oil was above $43 per barrel on June 23 of this year.
By 9:32 pm Moscow time, Brent crude price slowed down slightly and was trading at $43.05 per barrel (plus 2.43%). The price of WTI crude oil rose by 2.03% to $40.63 per barrel.
The dollar-to-ruble rate on the Moscow Exchange fell to 70.54 rubles (down 1.03%), and the euro amounted to 79.24 rubles (down 0.95%).


tass--2020-07-02--Belarusian president congratulates Putin on popular approval of constitutional amendments

MINSK , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide vote , the Belarusian presidential press service said in a statement on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ proves that the country ’ s people strongly support your activities as head of state @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Lukashenko , by voting `` yes , '' Russians expressed solidarity with @ @ @ @ @ at strengthening Russia ’ s sovereignty , ensuring its development as a welfare state , @ @ @ @ @ historical truth .

MINSK, July 2. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the approval of constitutional amendments in a nationwide vote, the Belarusian presidential press service said in a statement on Thursday.
"It once again proves that the country’s people strongly support your activities as head of state," the statement reads. According to Lukashenko, by voting "yes," Russians expressed solidarity with the authorities’ policy aimed at strengthening Russia’s sovereignty, ensuring its development as a welfare state, and preserving traditional values and historical truth.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia expects OSCE to facilitate efforts to agree ceasefire in Donbass

VIENNA , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow expects that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) will promptly respond to the United Nations ’ global humanitarian ceasefire call by facilitating efforts within the Contact Group on resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine to agree a ceasefire , Russia ’ s Permanent Envoy to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday .
He pointed out that the UN Security Council had adopted a resolution on July 1 , calling for a cessation of hostilities in all conflicts amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the OSCE will promptly respond to this call by facilitating the Contact Group ’ s efforts to agree a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine in the form of a regional agreement under Article 8 of the UN Charter , '' Lukashevich said .
The Russian envoy also called on international partners , the OSCE and Ukraine ’ s foreign sponsors `` to exert maximum influence on the Ukrainian authorities in order to make them take action to ensure peace and harmony , and fully implement the [ Minsk ] Package of Measures based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Luganks .
`` .

VIENNA, July 2. /TASS/. Moscow expects that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will promptly respond to the United Nations’ global humanitarian ceasefire call by facilitating efforts within the Contact Group on resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine to agree a ceasefire, Russia’s Permanent Envoy to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday.
He pointed out that the UN Security Council had adopted a resolution on July 1, calling for a cessation of hostilities in all conflicts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We expect that the OSCE will promptly respond to this call by facilitating the Contact Group’s efforts to agree a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine in the form of a regional agreement under Article 8 of the UN Charter," Lukashevich said.
The Russian envoy also called on international partners, the OSCE and Ukraine’s foreign sponsors "to exert maximum influence on the Ukrainian authorities in order to make them take action to ensure peace and harmony, and fully implement the [Minsk] Package of Measures based on direct and sustainable dialogue with Donetsk and Luganks.".


tass--2020-07-02--Russia engaged in active preparations for SCO summit, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
Russia continues active preparations for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) in St. Petersburg , postponed to autumn amid the coronavirus pandemic , Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Thursday .
`` Of course , preparations for the SCO summit is our main task at the moment , and we are actively working on this .
We are now working on details of a St. Petersburg declaration , which will submitted for approval of the [ SCO ] leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of statements on international issues and certain economic documents , work on which is also underway , '' the diplomat said .
According to him , the decision to postpone the summit to autumn was supported by all member countries of the organization .
`` But again , if the epidemiological situation in the SCO space , which regretfully remains difficult , allows us [ to have a summit in autumn ] .
We have to admit this , '' the deputy foreign minister said .
The diplomat emphasized that coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were affecting practical cooperation within the framework of the organization and the amount of contacts between ministries and departments .
`` Against this background , of course our task for today is to harmonize methods of joint work .
Especially since Russia currently holds the presidency of the SCO .
This is exceptionally our sphere of responsibility to propose some new methods of teamwork to our partners in order to not only maintain cooperation , but to give it an additional impetus at this difficult period of time , '' Morgulov noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization has passed `` the strength test '' and has demonstrated its ability to adapt to new realities .
`` Major events were held online - a meeting of the foreign ministers , heads of the sanitary-epidemiological services , tourist organizations , experts in the sectors of healthcare , transport and finance , '' he explained .
The SCO and BRICS summits were supposed to be held in St. Petersburg on July 21-23 .
On May 27 , the Kremlin press service announced that the events were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new dates for the summits will be determined depending on further development of the epidemiological situation in the member states and in the world in general .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. Russia continues active preparations for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in St. Petersburg, postponed to autumn amid the coronavirus pandemic, Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Thursday.
"Of course, preparations for the SCO summit is our main task at the moment, and we are actively working on this. We are now working on details of a St. Petersburg declaration, which will submitted for approval of the [SCO] leaders. We are also planning to pass a number of statements on international issues and certain economic documents, work on which is also underway," the diplomat said.
According to him, the decision to postpone the summit to autumn was supported by all member countries of the organization. "But again, if the epidemiological situation in the SCO space, which regretfully remains difficult, allows us [to have a summit in autumn]. We have to admit this," the deputy foreign minister said.
The diplomat emphasized that coronavirus restrictions imposed by the SCO member countries were affecting practical cooperation within the framework of the organization and the amount of contacts between ministries and departments. "Against this background, of course our task for today is to harmonize methods of joint work. Especially since Russia currently holds the presidency of the SCO. This is exceptionally our sphere of responsibility to propose some new methods of teamwork to our partners in order to not only maintain cooperation, but to give it an additional impetus at this difficult period of time," Morgulov noted.
According to him, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has passed "the strength test" and has demonstrated its ability to adapt to new realities. "Major events were held online - a meeting of the foreign ministers, heads of the sanitary-epidemiological services, tourist organizations, experts in the sectors of healthcare, transport and finance," he explained.
The SCO and BRICS summits were supposed to be held in St. Petersburg on July 21-23. On May 27, the Kremlin press service announced that the events were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Kremlin noted that the "new dates for the summits will be determined depending on further development of the epidemiological situation in the member states and in the world in general.".


tass--2020-07-02--Venezuela, EU agree to maintain diplomatic relations

BRUSSELS , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union and Venezuela have agreed to maintain diplomatic relations , with Caracas rescinding decision to declare the EU ’ s ambassador persona non grata , the parties said in a joint statement following a phone call between EU top diplomat Josep Borrell and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza .
`` The Ministry of People 's Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the European Union 's External Action Service inform the international community that today , the Venezuelan Minister of People 's Power for Foreign Affairs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy , Josep Borrell , held a phone conversation in which they agreed on the need to maintain the framework of diplomatic relations , especially at times when cooperation between both parties can facilitate the path of political dialogue , '' the statement reads .
`` Consequently , the Venezuelan Government decided to rescind the decision taken on June 29 , 2020 , by which Ambassador Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa , Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Caracas , was declared persona non @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The top diplomats also `` agreed to promote diplomatic contacts between the parties at the highest level , within the framework of sincere cooperation and respect for international law . ''
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that the country ’ s government had decided to expel the EU ambassador in the wake of the EU ’ s move to sanction another 11 Venezuelan officials `` because of their role in acts and decisions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela . ''
Sanctions include a travel ban and an @ @ @

BRUSSELS, July 2. /TASS/. The European Union and Venezuela have agreed to maintain diplomatic relations, with Caracas rescinding decision to declare the EU’s ambassador persona non grata, the parties said in a joint statement following a phone call between EU top diplomat Josep Borrell and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza.
"The Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the European Union's External Action Service inform the international community that today, the Venezuelan Minister of People's Power for Foreign Affairs, Jorge Arreaza, and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, held a phone conversation in which they agreed on the need to maintain the framework of diplomatic relations, especially at times when cooperation between both parties can facilitate the path of political dialogue," the statement reads.
"Consequently, the Venezuelan Government decided to rescind the decision taken on June 29, 2020, by which Ambassador Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Caracas, was declared persona non grata," the document adds.
The top diplomats also "agreed to promote diplomatic contacts between the parties at the highest level, within the framework of sincere cooperation and respect for international law."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that the country’s government had decided to expel the EU ambassador in the wake of the EU’s move to sanction another 11 Venezuelan officials "because of their role in acts and decisions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela." Sanctions include a travel ban and an asset freeze.


tass--2020-07-02--Belarusian president points to unprecedented information pressure

MINSK , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus is facing unprecedented information pressure for the first time in its independent @ @ @ @ @ s President Alexander Lukashenko said at Thursday ’ s event dedicated to Independence Day .
@ @ @ @ @ in our independent history , we have found ourselves under unprecedented information pressure , '' @ @ @ @ @ People ’ s safety and national sovereignty are at stake , '' Lukashenko said , @ @ @ @ @ like to point it out unequivocally : in a month ’ s time , we @ @ @ @ @ s future . ''
According to the Belarusian president , a violent struggle for territories @ @ @ @ @ influence goes on in the world .
`` Today , like never before , we @ @ @ @ @ , present and future in our own hands .
We need to preserve the country @ @ @ @ @ Lukashensko stressed .

MINSK, July 2. /TASS/. Belarus is facing unprecedented information pressure for the first time in its independent history, the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko said at Thursday’s event dedicated to Independence Day.
"For the first time in our independent history, we have found ourselves under unprecedented information pressure," he pointed out. "People’s safety and national sovereignty are at stake," Lukashenko said, adding: "I would like to point it out unequivocally: in a month’s time, we will determine our country’s future."
According to the Belarusian president, a violent struggle for territories, resources, markets and influence goes on in the world. "Today, like never before, we need to hold the past, present and future in our own hands. We need to preserve the country’s sovereignty," Lukashensko stressed.
Belarus will hold a presidential election on August 9.


tass--2020-07-02--Putin offers condolences over Myanmar landslide deaths

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences on Thursday in connection with numerous casualties in a @ @ @ @ @ .
A telegram of condolences to Myanmar ’ s President Win Myint was uploaded to @ @ @ @ @ Please accept my deepest condolences in connection with the tragic aftermath of a landslide in @ @ @ @ @ , '' the telegram said .
`` I want to convey words of heartfelt sympathy @ @ @ @ @ of those who were killed , as well as wish an early recovery to all @ @ @ @ @ result of the calamity , '' the president said .
The tragedy occurred at about @ @ @ @ @ , Moscow time ) at a jade mine in the northern Kachin State .
The @ @ @ @ @ of rainfall .
According to updated reports , at least 162 people were killed and @ @ @ @ @ with injuries .

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences on Thursday in connection with numerous casualties in a jade mine landslide in Myanmar. A telegram of condolences to Myanmar’s President Win Myint was uploaded to the Kremlin website.
"Please accept my deepest condolences in connection with the tragic aftermath of a landslide in Myanmar’s Kachin State," the telegram said. "I want to convey words of heartfelt sympathy and support for the next-of-kin of those who were killed, as well as wish an early recovery to all who were injured as a result of the calamity," the president said.
The tragedy occurred at about 8am local time (4:30am, Moscow time) at a jade mine in the northern Kachin State. The landslide was triggered by days of rainfall. According to updated reports, at least 162 people were killed and 54 were taken to hospitals with injuries.


tass--2020-07-02--Motorized infantry holds large-scale drills with live-fire exercise in Volga area

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Large-scale tactical drills with a live-fire exercise took place at the Mulino training @ @ @ @ @ Region in the Volga area , the press office of Russia ’ s Western Military @ @ @ @ @ `` Under the tactical scenario , over 700 personnel practiced operations to thwart an offensive @ @ @ @ @ s overwhelming forces at the training range , which also involved about 150 items of @ @ @ @ @ hardware , '' the press office said in a statement .
During a training battle @ @ @ @ @ armored personnel carriers hit the targets that simulated the armor , which was providing support @ @ @ @ @ terrorists ’ explosive-laden vehicles .
The motor rifle personnel eliminated the manpower and light armored @ @ @ @ @ carriers ’ 30mm guns and also from 125mm guns of T-72BA tanks with the support @ @ @ @ @ the statement says .
Special attention was also paid to maneuverable defense and anti-drone measures @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Large-scale tactical drills with a live-fire exercise took place at the Mulino training range in the Nizhny Novgorod Region in the Volga area, the press office of Russia’s Western Military District reported on Thursday.
"Under the tactical scenario, over 700 personnel practiced operations to thwart an offensive by a notional enemy’s overwhelming forces at the training range, which also involved about 150 items of armament, military and special hardware," the press office said in a statement.
During a training battle, the personnel aboard BTR-82A armored personnel carriers hit the targets that simulated the armor, which was providing support for an offensive by notional terrorists’ explosive-laden vehicles. The motor rifle personnel eliminated the manpower and light armored vehicles from the armored personnel carriers’ 30mm guns and also from 125mm guns of T-72BA tanks with the support of RPG-7B grenade launchers, the statement says.
Special attention was also paid to maneuverable defense and anti-drone measures, the press office said.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia ready to send another batch of COVID-19 test systems to DPRK

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to hand over another batch of coronavirus test systems to @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov told TASS Thursday .
`` If Pyongyang is interested , we @ @ @ @ @ batch of those test systems to the DPRK , '' he said .
Morgulov reminded @ @ @ @ @ test systems for rapid coronavirus testing was delivered to North Korea in February this year @

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Russia is ready to hand over another batch of coronavirus test systems to North Korea, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov told TASS Thursday.
"If Pyongyang is interested, we are ready to send another batch of those test systems to the DPRK," he said.
Morgulov reminded that the first batch of test systems for rapid coronavirus testing was delivered to North Korea in February this year.


tass--2020-07-02--Putin signs decree to award honorary title to 20 cities

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday to award the honorary title ‘ @ @ @ @ @ to 20 Russian cities .
The document was uploaded to the Kremlin website .
Among @ @ @ @ @ Novgorod , Yekaterinburg , Chelyabinsk , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Tagil , Saratov , @ @ @ @ @ , Yaroslavl , Magnitogorsk , Izhevsk , Ufa , Tomsk , Ulyanovsk , Ivanovo , @ @ @ @ @ .
In March 2020 , Putin signed a law to institute a new honorary title @ @ @ @ @ the cities whose residents made a substantial contribution to victory in the Great Patriotic War @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing of military and civil-purpose products at city enterprises , manifesting mass labor heroism and @ @

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday to award the honorary title ‘City of Labor Valor’ to 20 Russian cities. The document was uploaded to the Kremlin website. Among the 20 cities are Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Samara, Perm, Nizhny Tagil, Saratov, Omsk, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Yaroslavl, Magnitogorsk, Izhevsk, Ufa, Tomsk, Ulyanovsk, Ivanovo, Novokuznetsk, Irkutsk and Borovichi.
In March 2020, Putin signed a law to institute a new honorary title. It is awarded to the cities whose residents made a substantial contribution to victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, ensuring uninterrupted manufacturing of military and civil-purpose products at city enterprises, manifesting mass labor heroism and self-sacrifice.


tass--2020-07-02--Over 47,000 Russians repatriated amid coronavirus pandemic, says diplomat

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
Over 47,000 Russian nationals have been repatriated since repatriation flights were launched at the end of March amid the coronavirus pandemic , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` Overall , the number of repatriated compatriots has already exceeded 47,000 people since this algorithm was launched .
Of them , more than 38,000 were repatriated by flights of Russian carriers , while others - by foreign carriers and charter flights , of course with the support of our embassies , '' Zakharova said .
According to the diplomat , another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latin America was in progress currently .
`` In the next few hours , we are expecting a repatriation flight to arrive in the capital city of Ecuador , Quito , where it will take on board about 70 citizens , including those who arrived there from Bolivia .
Then it will fly to San Jose ( Costa Rica ) , where our fellow countrymen , who stayed in countries of Central America as well as those arriving there on a separate flight from Columbia , have been looking forward to it for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Tomorrow we expect the plane to touch down in Moscow , '' Zakharova said .

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. Over 47,000 Russian nationals have been repatriated since repatriation flights were launched at the end of March amid the coronavirus pandemic, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"Overall, the number of repatriated compatriots has already exceeded 47,000 people since this algorithm was launched. Of them, more than 38,000 were repatriated by flights of Russian carriers, while others - by foreign carriers and charter flights, of course with the support of our embassies," Zakharova said.
According to the diplomat, another multi-phase flight operated by Azur carrier to Latin America was in progress currently. "In the next few hours, we are expecting a repatriation flight to arrive in the capital city of Ecuador, Quito, where it will take on board about 70 citizens, including those who arrived there from Bolivia. Then it will fly to San Jose (Costa Rica), where our fellow countrymen, who stayed in countries of Central America as well as those arriving there on a separate flight from Columbia, have been looking forward to it for a while," she added.
"Tomorrow we expect the plane to touch down in Moscow," Zakharova said.


tass--2020-07-02--US troubled by reports of possible irregularities in Russia’s constitutional vote

`` The United States continues to advocate for the fair competition of ideas and candidates , free and fair elections , and peaceful , democratic transitions of power .
The Russian people , like people everywhere , deserve the opportunity to make decisions about the form of their government , free and fair elections , respect for their human rights , and equal treatment under the law , '' she pointed out .
`` We are troubled by reports of Russian government efforts to manipulate the result of the recent votes on constitutional amendments , including reports of voter coercion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and restrictions of independent observers of the vote , '' Ortagus added .
According to her , the US is `` especially concerned with a provision in the amendments that would potentially allow President Putin to remain in power until 2036 . ''
The Russian president 's decree set July 1 as the official voting day , but Russians were provided with the opportunity to cast their ballots on June 25-30 in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
According to the law , the amendments will enter into force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the vote support them .
There is no minimum voter turnout .
With all ballots counted , 77.92 % of voters supported the amendments and 21.27 % voted `` no . ''
Overall turnout was 67.97 % .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that the Kremlin viewed the vote ’ s outcome as a triumph .
According to experts , no major irregularities took place during the vote , which proved to be transparent .
Central Election Commission ( CEC ) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova pointed out that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CEC ’ s attention .

"The United States continues to advocate for the fair competition of ideas and candidates, free and fair elections, and peaceful, democratic transitions of power. The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve the opportunity to make decisions about the form of their government, free and fair elections, respect for their human rights, and equal treatment under the law," she pointed out.
"We are troubled by reports of Russian government efforts to manipulate the result of the recent votes on constitutional amendments, including reports of voter coercion, pressure on opponents of the amendments, and restrictions of independent observers of the vote," Ortagus added. According to her, the US is "especially concerned with a provision in the amendments that would potentially allow President Putin to remain in power until 2036."
The Russian president's decree set July 1 as the official voting day, but Russians were provided with the opportunity to cast their ballots on June 25-30 in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. According to the law, the amendments will enter into force if over half of those taking part in the vote support them. There is no minimum voter turnout.
With all ballots counted, 77.92% of voters supported the amendments and 21.27% voted "no." Overall turnout was 67.97%.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that the Kremlin viewed the vote’s outcome as a triumph. According to experts, no major irregularities took place during the vote, which proved to be transparent. Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova pointed out that there were no reports of irregularities that required the CEC’s attention.


tass--2020-07-02--Putin to meet with working group on constitutional amendments on July 3, says spokesman

MOSCOW , July 2./TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin will meet on Friday , July 3 , with the working group @ @ @ @ @ Russian Constitution , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday .
`` Yes , I @ @ @ @ @ will take place , '' Peskov told a news conference .
Earlier , the head @ @ @ @ @ Committee for Labor , Social Policy and Veterans , Yaroslav Nilov , said that the @ @ @ @ @ group with the participation of the president was tentatively scheduled for July 3 .
He @ @ @ @ @ online conference with `` all members of the working group taking part '' .

MOSCOW, July 2./TASS/. President Vladimir Putin will meet on Friday, July 3, with the working group that drafted amendments to the Russian Constitution, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
"Yes, I confirm this. This meeting will take place," Peskov told a news conference.
Earlier, the head of the State Duma's Committee for Labor, Social Policy and Veterans, Yaroslav Nilov, said that the final session of the working group with the participation of the president was tentatively scheduled for July 3. He said it would be an online conference with "all members of the working group taking part".


tass--2020-07-02--Russia continues to support national reconciliation efforts in Venezuela

MOSCOW , June 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is determined to facilitate national reconciliation efforts in Venezuela and dialogue between the country ’ s political forces , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday , ahead of Venezuela ’ s Independence Day , marked on July 5 .
`` We extend our warmest greetings to the government and people of Venezuela on this occasion , '' she said .
`` We will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to our Venezuelan friends , particularly in order to overcome intra-Venezuelan differences through inclusive nationwide dialogue based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Russian diplomat added .
Zakharova pointed to `` years-long ties of friendship and mutual understanding '' between Russia and Venezuela , which was Moscow ’ s strategic partner in Latin America .
According to her , a visit to Moscow by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza , who attended the Victory Day parade , was another proof of that .
Zakharova stressed that the two countries closely cooperated within international organizations and worked to implement joint projects .
`` In more than two centuries of its rich history , Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and national sovereignty .
Despite unprecedented external pressure , Venezuela ’ s legitimate government continues to defend the country ’ s right to self-determination , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized .

MOSCOW, June 2. /TASS/. Moscow is determined to facilitate national reconciliation efforts in Venezuela and dialogue between the country’s political forces, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday, ahead of Venezuela’s Independence Day, marked on July 5.
"We extend our warmest greetings to the government and people of Venezuela on this occasion," she said. "We will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to our Venezuelan friends, particularly in order to overcome intra-Venezuelan differences through inclusive nationwide dialogue based on national laws and prevent destructive foreign interference," the Russian diplomat added.
Zakharova pointed to "years-long ties of friendship and mutual understanding" between Russia and Venezuela, which was Moscow’s strategic partner in Latin America. According to her, a visit to Moscow by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, who attended the Victory Day parade, was another proof of that. Zakharova stressed that the two countries closely cooperated within international organizations and worked to implement joint projects.
"In more than two centuries of its rich history, Venezuela has traveled the path to true independence and national sovereignty. Despite unprecedented external pressure, Venezuela’s legitimate government continues to defend the country’s right to self-determination," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia kicks off contest to select tank crews for Tank Biathlon international competition

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The all-army stage of the Tank Biathlon international competition kicked off on the territory of the Taman motor rifle division in the Moscow Region , the press office of the Western Military District reported on Thursday .
`` The active phase of the qualifying stage will take place on July 2-3 and the crews will make a total of 10 runs over these days .
During each run , the tank crews must hit five targets : ‘ a tank ’ ( three targets ) on the first lap at a distance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ a helicopter ’ on the second lap at a range of 800-1,000 meters from a 12.7mm Kord anti-aircraft machine-gun and ‘ a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher ’ on the third stage at a distance of 600-800 meters from a 7.62mm coaxial machine-gun , '' the press office specified .
The qualifying stage will involve seven teams .
Overall , more than 150 personnel and over 40 items of armament , military and special hardware of the Taman motor rifle division are involved in the competition .
The Tank Biathlon is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that takes place at Russian military grounds .
The competition aims to develop military cooperation and strengthen the comradeship-in-arms of the armed forces of the states that take part in the Army International Games .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The all-army stage of the Tank Biathlon international competition kicked off on the territory of the Taman motor rifle division in the Moscow Region, the press office of the Western Military District reported on Thursday.
"The active phase of the qualifying stage will take place on July 2-3 and the crews will make a total of 10 runs over these days. During each run, the tank crews must hit five targets: ‘a tank’ (three targets) on the first lap at a distance of 1,600-1,800 meters by an inert high-explosive shell, ‘a helicopter’ on the second lap at a range of 800-1,000 meters from a 12.7mm Kord anti-aircraft machine-gun and ‘a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher’ on the third stage at a distance of 600-800 meters from a 7.62mm coaxial machine-gun," the press office specified.
The qualifying stage will involve seven teams. Overall, more than 150 personnel and over 40 items of armament, military and special hardware of the Taman motor rifle division are involved in the competition.
The Tank Biathlon is an annual combat training competition of tank crews that takes place at Russian military grounds. The competition aims to develop military cooperation and strengthen the comradeship-in-arms of the armed forces of the states that take part in the Army International Games.


tass--2020-07-02--Serbia records biggest influx of coronavirus cases since April

Over the past 24 hours , six people died from the virus-related causes , one of the highest daily death tolls since the epidemic broke out .
In a single day , 9,013 people were tested for the virus , while 1,996 patients are hospitalized across the country .
Overall , 418,879 people were tested nationwide .
Serbia ’ s death rate stands at 1.89 % , 81 people are put on ventilators .
BELGRADE , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 359 in the past 24 hours to reach 15,195 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 287 , the national health ministry said Thursday .
On June 29 , the national anti-coronavirus council toughened a number of pandemic restrictions , bringing back mandatory masks in public transport and public closed spaces in Belgrade , while debating reinstating limits on public gatherings again .
Fines will be issued to perpetrators .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to address the nation in the coming hours to reveal new steps to combat the coronavirus spread , including lockdowns in Belgrade and a number of other cities hardest hit by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 10,820,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the illness across the globe .

Over the past 24 hours, six people died from the virus-related causes, one of the highest daily death tolls since the epidemic broke out. In a single day, 9,013 people were tested for the virus, while 1,996 patients are hospitalized across the country. Overall, 418,879 people were tested nationwide. Serbia’s death rate stands at 1.89%, 81 people are put on ventilators.
BELGRADE, July 2. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 359 in the past 24 hours to reach 15,195, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 287, the national health ministry said Thursday.
On June 29, the national anti-coronavirus council toughened a number of pandemic restrictions, bringing back mandatory masks in public transport and public closed spaces in Belgrade, while debating reinstating limits on public gatherings again. Fines will be issued to perpetrators.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to address the nation in the coming hours to reveal new steps to combat the coronavirus spread, including lockdowns in Belgrade and a number of other cities hardest hit by the virus.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,820,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-02--Ten companies with projects worth almost $3 billion apply for infrastructure incentives

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic received ten applications for subsidies from ten companies , whose investments in Arctic projects will make more than 210 billion rubles ( $ 2.98 billion ) , the ministry ’ s press service said on Thursday .
Businesses , investing in Arctic projects at least 300 million rubles ( $ 4.2 million ) , may receive non-refundable subsidies of up to 20 % of the investments .
`` We have received applications from ten companies , whose total investments in projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During implementation of those projects , we expect more than 3,500 new jobs .
Now , the state commission on development of the Arctic , chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and the president ’ s Envoy for the Far East Yuri Trutnev , will take decisions regarding the state support for them , '' the press service quoted Deputy Minister for Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexander Krutikov as saying .
According to the ministry , to land the support the projects should facilitate the region ’ s social and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other criteria include experience in the implementation of investment projects , registeration in the Russian Arctic zone and absence of debts , bankruptcy or reorganization .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russia’s Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic received twelve applications for subsidies from ten companies, which investments in Arctic projects will make more than 232 billion rubles ($3.3 billion), the ministry’s press service said on Thursday.
Businesses, investing in Arctic projects at least 300 million rubles ($4.2 million), may receive non-recoverable subsidies of up to 20% of investments.
“We have received applications from twelve companies, where investments in projects would be more than 232 billion rubles. During implementation of those projects, we expect more than 3,500 new jobs. Now, the state commission on development of the Arctic, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and the president’s envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev, will take decisions regarding the state support for them,” the press service quoted Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov as saying.
According to the ministry, applying projects should favor the region’s social and economic development and should offer new jobs. Companies should be experienced in implementation of investment projects, they should be registered in the Russian Arctic zone and should not have debts or undergo bankruptcy or reorganization.


tass--2020-07-02--Runway upgrade begins in Chukotka’s Pevek airport

TASS , July 2 .
Upgrade of the runway at the airport in Russia ’ s northernmost city - Pevek @ @ @ @ @ began after the coronavirus pandemic , the region ’ s Governor Roman Kopin wrote on @ @ @ @ @ s runway upgrade began on July 1 , '' he wrote .
`` The contractor @ @ @ @ @ - is bringing materials and staff .
We plan the upgrade will be completed within @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , Russia ’ s Deputy Prime Minister , the president ’ s envoy @ @ @ @ @ District Yuri Trutnev supported the plan to upgrade airports in the Far East .
The @ @ @ @ @ airports in the Far East , including seven airports on the Chukotka Peninsula .
The @ @ @ @ @ the region ’ s program almost 20 billion rubles ( $ 285 million ) .

TASS, July 2. Upgrade of the runway at the airport in Russia’s northernmost city - Pevek (on Chukotka) - began after the coronavirus pandemic, the region’s Governor Roman Kopin wrote on Instagram.
"Pevek’s runway upgrade began on July 1," he wrote. "The contractor - Serbia’s Planum - is bringing materials and staff. We plan the upgrade will be completed within two seasons."
TASS reported earlier, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, the president’s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev supported the plan to upgrade airports in the Far East. The plan includes works at 40 airports in the Far East, including seven airports on the Chukotka Peninsula. The federal budget will allocate for the region’s program almost 20 billion rubles ($285 million).


tass--2020-07-02--Russia supplied weapons only to Afghan government, not to Taliban, says diplomat

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia supplied arms only to the legitimate government of Afghanistan and not to the Taliban militant group ( outlawed in Russia ) as the United States claims , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
Allegations of Russia offering money to Taliban not confirmed by US intelligence '' Russia supplied arms only to the legitimate government of Afghanistan , which is well known , '' the Russian diplomat stressed .
`` In this context , it would be appropriate to recall the information that actively circulated in Afghanistan about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ISIL [ the former name of the Islamic State terrorist organization outlawed in Russia ] by those very helicopters without identification signs , about which we spoke at briefings some 18-24 months ago , '' Zakharova said .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo never raised this issue at meetings with Russian colleagues , the spokeswoman pointed out .
Pompeo stated at a press briefing on Wednesday that Russia was acting contrary to the US interests in Afghanistan and had allegedly been supplying small arms to that country for already ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel .
The US top diplomat also claimed he had numerously raised this issue during his contacts with the Russian side .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Russia supplied arms only to the legitimate government of Afghanistan and not to the Taliban militant group (outlawed in Russia) as the United States claims, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
Allegations of Russia offering money to Taliban not confirmed by US intelligence
"Russia supplied arms only to the legitimate government of Afghanistan, which is well known," the Russian diplomat stressed.
"In this context, it would be appropriate to recall the information that actively circulated in Afghanistan about the US special services’ support for militants of the ISIL [the former name of the Islamic State terrorist organization outlawed in Russia] by those very helicopters without identification signs, which we spoke about at briefings some 18-24 months ago," Zakharova said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo never raised this issue at meetings with Russian colleagues, the spokeswoman pointed out.
Pompeo stated at a press briefing on Wednesday that Russia was acting contrary to the US interests in Afghanistan and had allegedly been supplying small arms to that country for already ten years, which threatened the US military personnel.
The US top diplomat also claimed he had numerously raised this issue during his contacts with the Russian side.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia’s military chief discusses arms control with NATO Military Committee head

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Chief of Russia ’ s General Staff Valery Gerasimov discussed security in Europe @ @ @ @ @ telephone talk with Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Stuart Peach , the Russian Defense @ @ @ @ @ `` The sides discussed the situation in the sphere of European security and arms control @ @ @ @ @ issues of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and measures to prevent incidents during @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .
This was the second contact between Gerasimov and Peach .
Last time @ @ @ @ @ November in Baku when they discussed the prevention of incidents along the Russia-NATO engagement line @ @ @ @ @ resuming a dialogue of military experts , and also the European security and the situation @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov discussed security in Europe and arms control during a telephone talk with Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Stuart Peach, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
"The sides discussed the situation in the sphere of European security and arms control. They touched upon the issues of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and measures to prevent incidents during military activity," the ministry said.
This was the second contact between Gerasimov and Peach. Last time, they communicated in late November in Baku when they discussed the prevention of incidents along the Russia-NATO engagement line, including the prospect of resuming a dialogue of military experts, and also the European security and the situation in crisis regions.


tass--2020-07-02--Russia faced unprecedented opposition to constitutional amendment vote, says speaker

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has faced unprecedented level of counteraction to the nationwide constitutional amendment vote from overseas , which can not be left unanswered , Speaker of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) Valentina Matviyenko said Thursday .
`` We faced an unprecedented opposition to what seems to be an exclusively Russian domestic affair , especially from foreign Internet accounts : DDoS attacks on CEC [ Central Election Commission — TASS ] websites , a flow of fakes and lies that do not come anywhere close to reality , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this negativity towards the vote , '' she noted .
According to her , these facts should be scrutinized , due to which the upper house will in July hear a report of the Federation Council ’ s commission for the protection of state sovereignty and prevention of interference in Russia ’ s domestic affairs .
`` The commission has been thoroughly monitoring everything that ’ s been happening , noting facts of brazen interference in Russia ’ s sovereign affairs , violation of legislation and spreading of fakes .
The commission will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results and draw conclusions , '' Matviyenko said .
The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian constitution was completed across the whole country at 21:00 Moscow time on Wednesday .
Even though the official vote day was set for July 1 by Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s order , citizens could take part in it throughout the seven-day period between June 25 and July 1 due to coronavirus precautions meant to eliminate the risk of transmission .
All votes cast throughout the voting period were tallied .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who cast their ballots should back the amendments for them to enter into force , a minimal turnout level was not set .
As the Russian Central Election Commission reported after 100 % of voting protocols were processed , the changes were supported by 77,92 % of the voters at polling stations , while 21.27 % opposed them .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Russia has faced unprecedented level of counteraction to the nationwide constitutional amendment vote from overseas, which cannot be left unanswered, Speaker of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Valentina Matviyenko said Thursday.
"We faced an unprecedented opposition to what seems to be an exclusively Russian domestic affair, especially from foreign Internet accounts: DDoS attacks on CEC [Central Election Commission — TASS] websites, a flow of fakes and lies that do not come anywhere close to reality, as well as doctored videos that tried to fabricate this negativity towards the vote," she noted.
According to her, these facts should be scrutinized, due to which the upper house will in July hear a report of the Federation Council’s commission for the protection of state sovereignty and prevention of interference in Russia’s domestic affairs.
"The commission has been thoroughly monitoring everything that’s been happening, noting facts of brazen interference in Russia’s sovereign affairs, violation of legislation and spreading of fakes. The commission will continue to work, it will summarize the results and draw conclusions," Matviyenko said.
The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian constitution was completed across the whole country at 21:00 Moscow time on Wednesday. Even though the official vote day was set for July 1 by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order, citizens could take part in it throughout the seven-day period between June 25 and July 1 due to coronavirus precautions meant to eliminate the risk of transmission. All votes cast throughout the voting period were tallied. According to the law, the absolute majority of voters who cast their ballots should back the amendments for them to enter into force, a minimal turnout level was not set.
As the Russian Central Election Commission reported after 100% of voting protocols were processed, the changes were supported by 77,92% of the voters at polling stations, while 21.27% opposed them.


tass--2020-07-02--OPEC+ countries to begin to restore oil production on August 1

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/ TASS / .
There is no decision to extend the decline in oil production under the OPEC+ deal at the level of May-June , and from August 1 , countries will begin to restore production in accordance with the terms of the agreement , Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told the Valdai international discussion club on Thursday .
`` At present , there are no decisions to prepare any changes .
We have an agreement under which we only extended the level of reduction for July , which was laid down in May-June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have a partial restoration of the volume of reductions starting August 1 , '' Novak explained .
Thus , from August 1 , the total decrease in oil production by OPEC+ countries will amount to 7.7 mln barrels per day , while since May there is a quota of 9.7 mln barrels per day .
At the same time , countries will continue to study the situation on the market and will analyze the level of transaction execution by all participants .
`` We will see what the situation will be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the indicators for June will be out already .
The Technical Committee will conduct an appropriate analysis of the implementation of the agreement and of the current situation , and we will discuss it , '' said Novak .
A significant drop in oil demand , which peaked in April , will also significantly affect global investment in the oil industry .
According to Novak 's forecast this year it will decrease by a third .
`` In April , we saw a fall in demand by 25-28 % .
Of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and energy complex .
They [ investments ] , in my opinion , fell by about a third , and will fall by a third this year , '' said Novak .
The decline in global demand led to an increase in oil reserves .
`` In my estimate , the growth of reserves is about 1 billion barrels for this period , '' he added .

MOSCOW, July 2. / TASS /. There is no decision to extend the decline in oil production under the OPEC+ deal at the level of May-June, and from August 1, countries will begin to restore production in accordance with the terms of the agreement, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told the Valdai international discussion club on Thursday.
"At present, there are no decisions to prepare any changes. We have an agreement under which we only extended the level of reduction for July, which was laid down in May-June. Next, under the current agreements we should have a partial restoration of the volume of reductions starting August 1," Novak explained. Thus, from August 1, the total decrease in oil production by OPEC+ countries will amount to 7.7 mln barrels per day, while since May there is a quota of 9.7 mln barrels per day.
At the same time, countries will continue to study the situation on the market and will analyze the level of transaction execution by all participants. "We will see what the situation will be, what the technical data will be as the indicators for June will be out already. The Technical Committee will conduct an appropriate analysis of the implementation of the agreement and of the current situation, and we will discuss it," said Novak.
A significant drop in oil demand, which peaked in April, will also significantly affect global investment in the oil industry. According to Novak's forecast this year it will decrease by a third.
"In April, we saw a fall in demand by 25-28%. Of course, this seriously affected investments in the fuel and energy complex. They [investments], in my opinion, fell by about a third, and will fall by a third this year," said Novak.
The decline in global demand led to an increase in oil reserves. "In my estimate, the growth of reserves is about 1 billion barrels for this period," he added.


tass--2020-07-02--Global investment in oil industry in 2020 to fall by third, says Russian Energy Minister

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Global investments in the oil industry in 2020 amid a strong drop in oil demand will drop by one third , Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday .
`` In April , we saw a fall in demand by 25-28 % .
Of course , this seriously affected investments in the fuel and energy complex .
They [ investments ] , in my opinion , fell by about a third , will fall by a third this year , '' the minister said .
The decline in global demand led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to my estimates , the growth of reserves was about 1 bln barrels for this period , '' Novak said .
Novak added that the Ministry does not rule out the possibility of a small deficit in the oil market in July due to increased economic activity in the world .
`` I hope that in July the statistics will show that we have already reached a balance , and maybe even a deficit , given the ongoing restoration of quarantine measures in many countries , '' he said .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of oil on the market exceeded demand by about 15 mln barrels per day .
In June , this figure fell further due to increased demand .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Global investments in the oil industry in 2020 amid a strong drop in oil demand will drop by one third, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.
"In April, we saw a fall in demand by 25-28%. Of course, this seriously affected investments in the fuel and energy complex. They [investments], in my opinion, fell by about a third, will fall by a third this year," the minister said.
The decline in global demand led to an increase in oil reserves. "According to my estimates, the growth of reserves was about 1 bln barrels for this period," Novak said.
Novak added that the Ministry does not rule out the possibility of a small deficit in the oil market in July due to increased economic activity in the world. "I hope that in July the statistics will show that we have already reached a balance, and maybe even a deficit, given the ongoing restoration of quarantine measures in many countries," he said.
According to the minister, in May the supply of oil on the market exceeded demand by about 15 mln barrels per day. In June, this figure fell further due to increased demand.


tass--2020-07-02--Putin calls Victory Day Russia’s main holiday

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Victory Day is the main holiday for Russia and this year it took place despite all difficulties , Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting of the Victory organizing committee on Thursday .
`` As you know , not everything that was planned was implemented but the dearest and the main holiday for our country took place despite everything , '' the Russian leader said , speaking about the events devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day that is sacred for us , we honored our veterans and remembered our relatives , '' Putin said .
`` And on June 24 , on the anniversary of the victors ’ legendary parade , the grandsons of the liberator soldiers and , notably , from various countries of the world , marched solemnly on Red Square and on the streets of our cities , '' Putin said .
The Russian leader said he was sincerely grateful to all those who had taken part in preparing and holding the jubilee events and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterans .
`` And , of course , I want to say thank you to the country ’ s citizens , the participants in volunteer associations who helped the veterans and people of elder generations during all these difficult months and weeks .
Such a care and participation were indispensable , '' Putin stressed .
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic .
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victory Parade devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union 's victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War would be held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 .
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place , when soldiers , who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad , who stood their ground for Stalingrad , liberated Europe and stormed Berlin , marched on Red Square .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that there weren ’ t any risks to the health of the military parade ’ s participants .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 2. /TASS/. The Victory Day is the main holiday for Russia and this year it took place despite all difficulties, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting of the Victory organizing committee on Thursday.
"As you know, not everything that was planned was implemented but the dearest and the main holiday for our country took place despite everything," the Russian leader said, speaking about the events devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.
"On May 9, the day that is sacred for us, we honored our veterans and remembered our relatives," Putin said.
"And on June 24, on the anniversary of the victors’ legendary parade, the grandsons of the liberator soldiers and, notably, from various countries of the world, marched solemnly on Red Square and on the streets of our cities," Putin said.
The Russian leader said he was sincerely grateful to all those who had taken part in preparing and holding the jubilee events and implemented substantive projects primarily addressed to war veterans.
"And, of course, I want to say thank you to the country’s citizens, the participants in volunteer associations who helped the veterans and people of elder generations during all these difficult months and weeks. Such a care and participation were indispensable," Putin stressed.
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26, President Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War would be held on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24.
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place, when soldiers, who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad, who stood their ground for Stalingrad, liberated Europe and stormed Berlin, marched on Red Square.
The Russian president instructed the defense chief to make sure that there weren’t any risks to the health of the military parade’s participants.