tass--2020-07-08--Roscosmos adviser Safronov arrested until September 6

MOSCOW , July 8 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovo court on Tuesday ruled to place in pretrial custody Ivan Safronov , a senior official with Russia ’ s state-run space corporation Roscosmos , who is suspected of high treason , a TASS correspondent reported from the courtroom .
`` The investigators ’ motion is granted .
Custody for the period of one month and 30 days is chosen as a measure of pretrial restraint for Safronov , '' Judge Sergei Ryabtsev announced .
Safronov ’ s lawyer Oleg Yeliseyev said the defense team would appeal the decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safronov would be taken to Moscow ’ s Lefortovo detention facility , where he will be placed in quarantine upon arrival .
Safronov , a media adviser to Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin , pleaded not guilty in the court .
According to a TASS source , he refused to testify during questioning .
The FSB public relations service informed that Safronov is suspected of communicating confidential state secrets to a representative of one of NATO ’ s intelligence services and was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count of state treason against Safronov , who is now facing 20 years behind bars .
The FSB added that the investigation continues .
Earlier , Roscosmos informed that Safronov had been arrested but underlined that the arrest is not linked to his current duties as Roscosmos advisor .
`` Safronov ’ s case is about providing the Czech Republic ’ s special services with military and technical information about Russia ’ s arms deliveries to Middle East and Africa back in 2017 , '' lawyer Oleg Yeliseyev said .
According to case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safronov `` committed those actions for reasons of personal gain . ''
Another lawyer , Ivan Pavlov , said that `` Roscosmos is mentioned in case materials only as his [ Safronov 's ] present-day place of work . ''
`` The investigator said the case does not concern Safronov ’ s journalistic activities , '' he added .
He also said the United States `` is mentioned in materials of the case as a country that received classified information via Czech special services . ''
`` Special services kept an eye on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the investigation , Safronov was recruited by Czech special services in 2012 and fulfilled their assignment in 2017 , '' the lawyer said .
In turn , lawyer Sergei Malyukin said investigators had submitted to the judge what is believed to be the suspect ’ s correspondence with Czech special services , but defense lawyers so far had no chance to study its contents .
A source familiar with the materials of the case said the case file contains `` an expert ’ s statement , which confirms that Safronov had divulged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday the former journalist , who earlier worked for the Kommersant and Vedomosti business dailies , was `` invited to cover Roscosmos activities a month and a half ago '' and `` did not have classified information clearance . ''
`` I did not doubt his high professionalism and personal decency , '' Rogozin added .
Russia ’ s Kommersant daily , where Safronov worked between 2010 and 2019 , issued a statement in support of Safronov , calling him `` a true patriot of Russia , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he truly cared about them . ''
Russia ’ s Vedomosti and Novaya Gazeta newspapers , RBK media group and the Dozhd TV channel also declared their support to Safronov .
Some of the journalist ’ s former colleagues gathered outside the FSB quarters in downtown Moscow on Tuesday afternoon to show solidarity .
Several journalists , including from Kommersant , were detained in the course of one-man protests .
Shortly after Safronov ’ s detention , the head of the Agora International Human Rights Organization , Pavel Chikov , reported about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taisiya Bekbulatova , who is Safronov ’ s friend and former colleague .
Later , he explained that Bekbulatova was summoned to testify as a witness in the case .

MOSCOW, July 8. /TASS/. Moscow’s Lefortovo court on Tuesday ruled to place in pretrial custody Ivan Safronov, a senior official with Russia’s state-run space corporation Roscosmos, who is suspected of high treason, a TASS correspondent reported from the courtroom.
"The investigators’ motion is granted. Custody for the period of one month and 30 days is chosen as a measure of pretrial restraint for Safronov," Judge Sergei Ryabtsev announced.
Safronov’s lawyer Oleg Yeliseyev said the defense team would appeal the decision.
A law enforcement source told TASS that Safronov would be taken to Moscow’s Lefortovo detention facility, where he will be placed in quarantine upon arrival.
Safronov, a media adviser to Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin, pleaded not guilty in the court. According to a TASS source, he refused to testify during questioning.
The FSB public relations service informed that Safronov is suspected of communicating confidential state secrets to a representative of one of NATO’s intelligence services and was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agents. Prosecution launched criminal proceedings on the count of state treason against Safronov, who is now facing 20 years behind bars. The FSB added that the investigation continues. Earlier, Roscosmos informed that Safronov had been arrested but underlined that the arrest is not linked to his current duties as Roscosmos advisor.
Case materials
"Safronov’s case is about providing the Czech Republic’s special services with military and technical information about Russia’s arms deliveries to Middle East and Africa back in 2017," lawyer Oleg Yeliseyev said.
According to case materials, read out by Yeliseyev, Safronov "committed those actions for reasons of personal gain."
Another lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, said that "Roscosmos is mentioned in case materials only as his [Safronov's] present-day place of work." "The investigator said the case does not concern Safronov’s journalistic activities," he added.
He also said the United States "is mentioned in materials of the case as a country that received classified information via Czech special services."
"Special services kept an eye on Safronov for quite a while. According to the investigation, Safronov was recruited by Czech special services in 2012 and fulfilled their assignment in 2017," the lawyer said.
In turn, lawyer Sergei Malyukin said investigators had submitted to the judge what is believed to be the suspect’s correspondence with Czech special services, but defense lawyers so far had no chance to study its contents.
A source familiar with the materials of the case said the case file contains "an expert’s statement, which confirms that Safronov had divulged state secrets."
Public response
Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday the former journalist, who earlier worked for the Kommersant and Vedomosti business dailies, was "invited to cover Roscosmos activities a month and a half ago" and "did not have classified information clearance." "I did not doubt his high professionalism and personal decency," Rogozin added.
Russia’s Kommersant daily, where Safronov worked between 2010 and 2019, issued a statement in support of Safronov, calling him "a true patriot of Russia, who was covering the matters of defense and space because he truly cared about them."
Russia’s Vedomosti and Novaya Gazeta newspapers, RBK media group and the Dozhd TV channel also declared their support to Safronov.
Some of the journalist’s former colleagues gathered outside the FSB quarters in downtown Moscow on Tuesday afternoon to show solidarity. Several journalists, including from Kommersant, were detained in the course of one-man protests.
Shortly after Safronov’s detention, the head of the Agora International Human Rights Organization, Pavel Chikov, reported about a search in the apartment of journalist Taisiya Bekbulatova, who is Safronov’s friend and former colleague. Later, he explained that Bekbulatova was summoned to testify as a witness in the case.


tass--2020-07-07--High treason charges against Roscosmos adviser Safronov to be brought July 13

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) plans to bring high @ @ @ @ @ , an adviser to head of Russia ’ s space corporation Roscosmos and former correspondent @ @ @ @ @ dailies , on July 13 , his defense attorney Oleg Yeliseyev told TASS on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ bring charges against Ivan Safronov on Monday , '' he said .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) plans to bring high treason charges against Ivan Safronov, an adviser to head of Russia’s space corporation Roscosmos and former correspondent of the Kommersant and Vedomosti dailies, on July 13, his defense attorney Oleg Yeliseyev told TASS on Tuesday.
"Investigators plan to bring charges against Ivan Safronov on Monday," he said.


tass--2020-07-07--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 172,000 in past day, WHO says

The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 7 , as many as 11,500,302 novel coronavirus cases and 535,759 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 172,512 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 3,419 .
MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
More than 172,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 7 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 11.5 million , the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulletin on Tuesday .
Pandemic peak yet to be reached , says WHO head South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,915,551 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 94,711 and the number of deaths - by 1,712 and reached 266,736 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,809,848 and the number of fatalities is 200,651 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 18,688 and the number of deaths - by 413 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 28,102 fatalities as of July 7 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 16,900 and the number of deaths - by 536 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 2,877,238 ) , Brazil ( 1,603,055 ) , India ( 719,665 ) , Russia ( 694,230 ) , Peru ( 302,718 ) , Chile ( 298,557 ) , the United Kingdom ( 285,772 ) , Mexico ( 256,848 ) , Spain ( 251,789 ) , and Iran ( 243,051 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 7, as many as 11,500,302 novel coronavirus cases and 535,759 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 172,512 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 3,419.
MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. More than 172,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 7, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 11.5 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
Pandemic peak yet to be reached, says WHO head
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,915,551. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 94,711 and the number of deaths - by 1,712 and reached 266,736.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,809,848 and the number of fatalities is 200,651. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 18,688 and the number of deaths - by 413.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,187,620 cases and 28,102 fatalities as of July 7. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 16,900 and the number of deaths - by 536.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (2,877,238), Brazil (1,603,055), India (719,665), Russia (694,230), Peru (302,718), Chile (298,557), the United Kingdom (285,772), Mexico (256,848), Spain (251,789), and Iran (243,051).
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--2020-07-07--Serbia getting ready for second wave of coronavirus in November, says president

BELGRADE , July 7./TASS/ .
Serbia is getting ready for a second wave of coronavirus , President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday , adding that it is expected in November .
`` It is necessary to vaccinate two million people against flu - medical workers , military , police officers , a sizable part of pensioners and all chronically ill people , '' President Vucic said .
`` We are expecting the strongest wave of coronavirus in November , we must not allow it to coincide with the flu , '' the president stressed .
He said the country was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients by that time .
`` Of course , we can not build as quickly as the Chinese do , but two hospitals will be built within three months , '' he pledged .
President Vucic also announced on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed in the capital city .
`` The situation in Belgrade is critical , and it is alarming in four other cities .
From tomorrow , a ban on public gatherings of more than five people is imposed , as well as a long curfew from Friday until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his address to the nation .
According to President Vucic , over 4,000 people are currently infected in the country , and hospitals of Belgrade and major cities are overwhelmed .
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 299 in the past 24 hours to reach 16,719 , while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 330 , the national health ministry said Tuesday .
Overall , 455,604 people were tested nationwide .
Serbia ’ s death rate stands at 1.97 % .

BELGRADE, July 7./TASS/. Serbia is getting ready for a second wave of coronavirus, President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday, adding that it is expected in November.
"It is necessary to vaccinate two million people against flu - medical workers, military, police officers, a sizable part of pensioners and all chronically ill people," President Vucic said. "We are expecting the strongest wave of coronavirus in November, we must not allow it to coincide with the flu," the president stressed.
He said the country was planning to build two hospitals for coronavirus patients by that time. "Of course, we cannot build as quickly as the Chinese do, but two hospitals will be built within three months," he pledged. President Vucic also announced on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed in the capital city. "The situation in Belgrade is critical, and it is alarming in four other cities. From tomorrow, a ban on public gatherings of more than five people is imposed, as well as a long curfew from Friday until Monday," the president said in his address to the nation.
According to President Vucic, over 4,000 people are currently infected in the country, and hospitals of Belgrade and major cities are overwhelmed.
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 299 in the past 24 hours to reach 16,719, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 330, the national health ministry said Tuesday.
Overall, 455,604 people were tested nationwide. Serbia’s death rate stands at 1.97%.


tass--2020-07-07--Russia, China share stance on inadmissibility of politicization of humanitarian problems

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Chinese Deputy Foreign Ministers , Sergei Vershinin and Ma Zhaoxu , @ @ @ @ @ politicization of humanitarian problems and unilateral sanctions are inadmissible amid the pandemic , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ after their telephone conversation .
`` Special attention was focused on coordination of approaches to @ @ @ @ @ Yemen and measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus infection with the central @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) .
The sides shared the opinion that sovereignty and territorial integrity @ @ @ @ @ must be respected .
They also agreed that politicization of humanitarian problems and unilateral economic @ @ @ @ @ amid the pandemic , '' the ministry said .
The sides also discussed further cooperation @ @ @ @ @ within international formats .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Russian and Chinese Deputy Foreign Ministers, Sergei Vershinin and Ma Zhaoxu, have shared the opinion that politicization of humanitarian problems and unilateral sanctions are inadmissible amid the pandemic, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday after their telephone conversation.
"Special attention was focused on coordination of approaches to the situation in Syria and Yemen and measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus infection with the central role of the World Health Organization (WHO). The sides shared the opinion that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all UN member nations must be respected. They also agreed that politicization of humanitarian problems and unilateral economic sanctions are inadmissible, especially amid the pandemic," the ministry said.
The sides also discussed further cooperation on issues of mutual interest within international formats.


tass--2020-07-07--Curfew imposed in Belgrade over ‘critical’ coronavirus situation, says president

BELGRADE , July 7./TASS/ .
President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic announced on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed in the capital city where the situation with coronavirus is 'critical ' .
`` The situation in Belgrade is critical , and it is alarming in four other cities .
From tomorrow , a ban on public gatherings of more than five people is imposed , as well as a long curfew from Friday until Monday , '' the president said in his address to the nation .
According to President Vucic , over 4,000 people are currently infected in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major cities are overwhelmed .
Belgrade is facing the hardest epidemiological situation .
Earlier , the city authorities imposed a state of emergency : public gatherings of over 100 people outside and 500 people outside are banned , nightclubs are closed down between 23:00 and 06:00 and so are cafes without open-air verandas .
As cases spike in the country , the national army rolled out a hospital for 500 beds in Stark Arena , which was already in operation between April 4 and May 9 .
Wearing masks is compulsory , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 299 in the past 24 hours to reach 16,719 , while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 330 , the national health ministry said Tuesday .
Overall , 455,604 people were tested nationwide .
Serbia ’ s death rate stands at 1.97 % .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BELGRADE, July 7./TASS/. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic announced on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed in the capital city where the situation with coronavirus is 'critical'.
"The situation in Belgrade is critical, and it is alarming in four other cities. From tomorrow, a ban on public gatherings of more than five people is imposed, as well as a long curfew from Friday until Monday," the president said in his address to the nation.
According to President Vucic, over 4,000 people are currently infected in the country, and hospitals of Belgrade and major cities are overwhelmed.
Belgrade is facing the hardest epidemiological situation. Earlier, the city authorities imposed a state of emergency: public gatherings of over 100 people outside and 500 people outside are banned, nightclubs are closed down between 23:00 and 06:00 and so are cafes without open-air verandas. As cases spike in the country, the national army rolled out a hospital for 500 beds in Stark Arena, which was already in operation between April 4 and May 9. Wearing masks is compulsory, those disobeying the rules will be penalized.
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 299 in the past 24 hours to reach 16,719, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 330, the national health ministry said Tuesday.
Overall, 455,604 people were tested nationwide. Serbia’s death rate stands at 1.97%.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-07--Several different vaccines may be needed to combat coronavirus infection, says scientist

`` Some people contract the disease for the second time , some have no neutralizing antibodies after being exposed to the coronavirus infection .
It is quite probable that the panel of vaccines that are being developed now will be needed at a certain point and these vaccines will be used depending on the primary immune status , immunity , or age , '' he said .
MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Several different anti-coronavirus vaccines may be needed as the infections has different impacts on different people , Aidar Ishmukhametov , director of the Chumakov Federal Scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences , said on Tuesday .
According to Ishmukametov , his center plans to finish pre-clinical tests of an anti-coronavirus vaccine by early August .
However mass production will be possible not earlier than January 2021 after clinical tests are over and demonstrate good results .
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 WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 694,230 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 463,880 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Some people contract the disease for the second time, some have no neutralizing antibodies after being exposed to the coronavirus infection. It is quite probable that the panel of vaccines that are being developed now will be needed at a certain point and these vaccines will be used depending on the primary immune status, immunity, or age," he said.
MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Several different anti-coronavirus vaccines may be needed as the infections has different impacts on different people, Aidar Ishmukhametov, director of the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for the Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said on Tuesday.
According to Ishmukametov, his center plans to finish pre-clinical tests of an anti-coronavirus vaccine by early August. However mass production will be possible not earlier than January 2021 after clinical tests are over and demonstrate good results.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 694,230 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 463,880 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 10,494 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-07--Helicopter manufacturer delivers two Mi-8 models to Yamal airline

KAZAN , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Kazan Helicopter Plant ( part of the Russian Helicopters Group ) manufactured two Mil Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters and delivered them to the Yamal airline , the press office of the Russian Helicopters Group reported on Tuesday .
`` The Russian Helicopters Group ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) transferred two Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters produced by the Kazan Helicopter Plant for the Yamal airline .
Both helicopters are designated to accomplish assignments in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area and will be based in Salekhard , '' the statement says .
`` Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport cargoes and passengers .
The choppers are outfitted with two TV3-117VM gas turbine highly efficient domestic engines and the VR-14 main gearbox , '' according to the statement .
Each engine has a capacity of 2,200 hp .
Both helicopters are equipped with an underslung cable to carry cargoes with a maximum weight of up to 4 tonnes , depending on the flight range , the altitude of landing sites above the sea level , the air temperature and some other factors .
The helicopters feature places for installing an onboard boom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is room in the cabin for additional fuel tanks .
Mi-8MTV-1 multi-purpose helicopters can operate actually in all climatic conditions .
The design and the equipment of the Mi-8MTV-1 allow operating it while it is autonomously based on unequipped sites .
The Yamal airline provides services to numerous oil and gas companies and carries out regular passenger flights to settlements in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area .
The use of Mi-8 multi-purpose helicopters allows exercising control of the condition of gas and oil pipelines along with the transportation of passengers and equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leak .
The airline operates over 55 helicopters , most of which are various Mi-8 modifications .

KAZAN, July 7. /TASS/. The Kazan Helicopter Plant (part of the Russian Helicopters Group) manufactured two Mil Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters and delivered them to the Yamal airline, the press office of the Russian Helicopters Group reported on Tuesday.
"The Russian Helicopters Group (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) transferred two Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters produced by the Kazan Helicopter Plant for the Yamal airline. Both helicopters are designated to accomplish assignments in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area and will be based in Salekhard," the statement says.
"Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters produced for the Yamal airline serve to transport cargoes and passengers. The choppers are outfitted with two TV3-117VM gas turbine highly efficient domestic engines and the VR-14 main gearbox," according to the statement.
Each engine has a capacity of 2,200 hp. Both helicopters are equipped with an underslung cable to carry cargoes with a maximum weight of up to 4 tonnes, depending on the flight range, the altitude of landing sites above the sea level, the air temperature and some other factors.
The helicopters feature places for installing an onboard boom winch that allows carrying out rescue operations. There is room in the cabin for additional fuel tanks.
Mi-8MTV-1 multi-purpose helicopters can operate actually in all climatic conditions. The design and the equipment of the Mi-8MTV-1 allow operating it while it is autonomously based on unequipped sites.
The Yamal airline provides services to numerous oil and gas companies and carries out regular passenger flights to settlements in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area. The use of Mi-8 multi-purpose helicopters allows exercising control of the condition of gas and oil pipelines along with the transportation of passengers and equipment capable of neutralizing a gas or oil leak. The airline operates over 55 helicopters, most of which are various Mi-8 modifications.


tass--2020-07-07--Passenger trains collide in Czech Republic, three dead, dozens more injured

PRAGUE , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Three people have been killed , while dozens more have been wounded in @ @ @ @ @ trains in west Czech Republic , spokesperson for the joint corps of rescuers and firefighters @ @ @ @ @ `` Two passenger trains collided head-to-head near the village of Pernink , preliminary reports suggest @ @ @ @ @ people and three were killed , '' he noted .
`` Some of the victims @ @ @ @ @ workers , rescuers and firefighters are heading to the scene of the accident . ''
@ @ @ @ @ the trains were travelling on the same rail track due to reasons yet unknown .
@ @ @ @ @ international regional trains travelling between Czech Republic ’ s Karlovy Vary and Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Czech TV clarified that the wounded people ( up to 30 people ) will @ @ @ @ @ hospital near Karlovy Vary .

PRAGUE, July 7. /TASS/. Three people have been killed, while dozens more have been wounded in a collision of two passenger trains in west Czech Republic, spokesperson for the joint corps of rescuers and firefighters Martin Kasal told reporters.
"Two passenger trains collided head-to-head near the village of Pernink, preliminary reports suggest there are around 20 wounded people and three were killed," he noted. "Some of the victims have serious injuries. Medical workers, rescuers and firefighters are heading to the scene of the accident."
According to the spokesperson, the trains were travelling on the same rail track due to reasons yet unknown.
Kasal informed that it was international regional trains travelling between Czech Republic’s Karlovy Vary and Germany’s Johanngeorgenstadt in Saxony that collided. Czech TV clarified that the wounded people (up to 30 people) will be transported to a regional hospital near Karlovy Vary.


tass--2020-07-07--WHO sending mission to China to clarify coronavirus origin

GENEVA , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) will soon send an expert mission @ @ @ @ @ the origin of the novel coronavirus , WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in @ @ @ @ @ the past few months , there has been a lot of discussion about the origins @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
`` All preparations have been finalized and WHO experts will be traveling to @ @ @ @ @ available flight to prepare scientific plans with their Chinese counterparts for identifying the zoonotic source @ @ @ @ @ Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the specialists will focus on laying down a basis and a @ @ @ @ @ international mission headed by the WHO .
`` The mission objective is to advance the @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and ascertain how the disease jumped between animals to humans , '' he noted @ @ @ @ @ of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme Mike Ryan underlined that determining the virus origin is @ @ @ @ @ requires an integrated approach and a lot of hard work .

GENEVA, July 7. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send an expert mission to China aiming to determine the origin of the novel coronavirus, WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Tuesday.
"Over the past few months, there has been a lot of discussion about the origins of COVID-19," he stressed. "All preparations have been finalized and WHO experts will be traveling to #China on the next available flight to prepare scientific plans with their Chinese counterparts for identifying the zoonotic source of COVID-19."
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the specialists will focus on laying down a basis and a plan of works for the international mission headed by the WHO. "The mission objective is to advance the understanding of animal hosts for COVID-19 and ascertain how the disease jumped between animals to humans," he noted.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme Mike Ryan underlined that determining the virus origin is a true detective story that requires an integrated approach and a lot of hard work.


tass--2020-07-07--Africa’s coronavirus deaths top 11,500

Africa’s coronavirus deaths top 11,500

PRETORIA , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 489,068 after increasing by 11,516 in the past 24 hours , while more than 11,500 patients died from virus-related causes across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Thursday , adding that 235,000 patients recovered on the continent .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 205,721 ) and 3,310 deaths .
Egypt , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 3,343 ) .
Algeria reported 959 fatalities .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 29,286 coronavirus infections and 654 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 20,085 and 122 ) .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, July 7. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 489,068 after increasing by 11,516 in the past 24 hours, while more than 11,500 patients died from virus-related causes across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Thursday, adding that 235,000 patients recovered on the continent.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (205,721) and 3,310 deaths. Egypt, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (3,343). Algeria reported 959 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 29,286 coronavirus infections and 654 fatalities, followed by Ghana (20,085 and 122).
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 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-07--Russian Black Sea Fleet forces tracking NATO grouping in Black Sea

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet forces are tracking the movements of a NATO naval @ @ @ @ @ , the National Defense Control Center ( part of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry ) @ @ @ @ @ The Black Sea Fleet ’ s forces and capabilities have started tracking the operations of @ @ @ @ @ group composed of the floating supply base Aliakmon of the Greek Navy ( the flagship @ @ @ @ @ of the Spanish Navy and Gaeta of the Italian Navy that entered the Black Sea @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement says .
Last time , the Russian Armed Forces tracked NATO @ @ @ @ @ Black Sea on June 17 when the US guided missile destroyer Porter entered the area @ @ @ @ @ stayed in the Black Sea until the morning of July 7 .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet forces are tracking the movements of a NATO naval group in the Black Sea, the National Defense Control Center (part of Russia’s Defense Ministry) reported on Tuesday.
"The Black Sea Fleet’s forces and capabilities have started tracking the operations of the standing NATO mine countermeasures group composed of the floating supply base Aliakmon of the Greek Navy (the flagship), the minesweepers Tambre of the Spanish Navy and Gaeta of the Italian Navy that entered the Black Sea on July 7, 2020," the statement says.
Last time, the Russian Armed Forces tracked NATO’s activities in the Black Sea on June 17 when the US guided missile destroyer Porter entered the area. The US Navy ship stayed in the Black Sea until the morning of July 7.


tass--2020-07-07--Court rules Roscosmos advisor arrest case will be heard behind closed doors

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovo Court has announced that press will not be allowed @ @ @ @ @ Security Service ( FSB ) appeal to court to arrest Roscosmos space agency Ivan Safronov @ @ @ @ @ of the case .
The court satisfied the FSB appeal .
`` All materials presented @ @ @ @ @ secret , '' investigator Alexander Chaban said in support of his appeal .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Moscow’s Lefortovo Court has announced that press will not be allowed to attend the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) appeal to court to arrest Roscosmos space agency Ivan Safronov due to the confidential nature of the case.
The court satisfied the FSB appeal. "All materials presented in the case constitute state secret," investigator Alexander Chaban said in support of his appeal.


tass--2020-07-07--Gold price above $1,800/oz. first time from November 2011

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The gold price rose by 1 % on the US-based Comex on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Troy ounce , according to trading data .
The gold price was above $ 1,800 @ @ @ @ @ in November 2011 .
The price rally slowed down later on to 0.8 % , @ @ @ @ @ Troy ounce .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. The gold price rose by 1% on the US-based Comex on Tuesday and reached $1,810.8 per Troy ounce, according to trading data.
The gold price was above $1,800 per Troy ounce last time in November 2011.
The price rally slowed down later on to 0.8%, amounting to $1,808 per Troy ounce.


tass--2020-07-07--Pandemic peak yet to be reached, says WHO head

GENEVA , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic still has not reached its peak globally , Director General @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Tuesday .
According to @ @ @ @ @ 400,000 infections identified across the world .
`` The outbreak is accelerating and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the pandemic , '' he noted .
`` There have now been 11.4 @ @ @ @ @ more than 535,000 lives have been lost , '' the WHO head added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ appears to have levelled off globally , in reality some countries have made significant progress @ @ @ @ @ deaths , while in other countries deaths are still on the rise .
`` .

GENEVA, July 7. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic still has not reached its peak globally, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Tuesday.
According to him, the weekend saw 400,000 infections identified across the world. "The outbreak is accelerating and we’ve clearly not reached the peak of the pandemic," he noted.
"There have now been 11.4 million cases of COVID-19 and more than 535,000 lives have been lost," the WHO head added. "While the number of deaths appears to have levelled off globally, in reality some countries have made significant progress in reducing the number of deaths, while in other countries deaths are still on the rise.".


tass--2020-07-07--Russian, German top diplomats discuss humanitarian assistance to Syrians

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Humanitarian assistance to Syrians was in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian and German Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas , the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday .
`` The sides discussed issues of the current Middle East agenda with a focus on the situation in and around Syria , '' the ministry said .
`` The two top diplomats discussed key issues of humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in the entire country , without politicization , discrimination and preliminary conditions . ''
`` The ministers exchanged views on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prospects of the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism in Syria , '' it added .
The Russian foreign minister drew attention of his German counterpart to the fact that all humanitarian operations should be agreed with Damascus .
He also pointed to the negative impacts of the European Union ’ s and the United States ’ anti-Syrian sanctions that are still in place despite UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres ’ calls .
`` The two ministers shared the opinion that there is no alternative to United Nations-brokered political settlement of the Syrian crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to the country ’ s sovereignty , independence , unity and territorial integrity on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 , '' the ministry said , adding that Lavrov and Maas also discussed relations between Russia and the European Union in the light of Germany ’ s presidency in the European Union , and a schedule of further contacts .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Humanitarian assistance to Syrians was in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian and German Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
"The sides discussed issues of the current Middle East agenda with a focus on the situation in and around Syria," the ministry said. "The two top diplomats discussed key issues of humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in the entire country, without politicization, discrimination and preliminary conditions."
"The ministers exchanged views on the United Nations Security Council debates about the prospects of the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism in Syria," it added.
The Russian foreign minister drew attention of his German counterpart to the fact that all humanitarian operations should be agreed with Damascus. He also pointed to the negative impacts of the European Union’s and the United States’ anti-Syrian sanctions that are still in place despite UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ calls.
"The two ministers shared the opinion that there is no alternative to United Nations-brokered political settlement of the Syrian crisis conducted by Syrians on the basis of commitment to the country’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254," the ministry said, adding that Lavrov and Maas also discussed relations between Russia and the European Union in the light of Germany’s presidency in the European Union, and a schedule of further contacts.


tass--2020-07-07--IrAero Airlines announces flights from Krasnoyarsk to Igarka, Tyumen, Blagoveshchensk

TASS , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The IrAero Airlines from late July will serve flights from Krasnoyarsk to Igarka @ @ @ @ @ s north ) , Tyumen and Blagoveshchensk ( the Amur Region ) , the company @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
Flights to Tuymen will begin on July 22 ; the fare is @ @ @ @ @ ) or more .
Weekly flights Irkutsk - Krasnoyarsk - Igarka will start on July @ @ @ @ @ July 27 , the company will serve flights between Krasnoyarsk and Blagoveshchensk ; the air @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 173 ) .
All the flights will be performed by IrAero ’ s @ @ @ @ @ can take 50 passengers on board .
Currently , the Krasnoyarsk airport offers flights to @ @ @ @ @ companies .
However , presently there are no flights between Irkutsk and Igarka or between @ @ @ @ @ was founded in 1999 .
It is based in Irkutsk .
The company serves flights @ @ @ @ @ across Russia .
The fleet includes 25 planes .

TASS, July 7. /TASS/. The IrAero Airlines from late July will serve flights from Krasnoyarsk to Igarka (the Krasnoyarsk Region’s north), Tyumen and Blagoveshchensk (the Amur Region), the company’s press service said on Tuesday.
Flights to Tuymen will begin on July 22; the fare is 9,600 rubles ($135) or more. Weekly flights Irkutsk - Krasnoyarsk - Igarka will start on July 23. Every Monday from July 27, the company will serve flights between Krasnoyarsk and Blagoveshchensk; the air fare will be 12,300 rubles ($173). All the flights will be performed by IrAero’s Bombardier CRJ-200 ER planes that can take 50 passengers on board.
Currently, the Krasnoyarsk airport offers flights to Igarka and Blagoveshchensk by other companies. However, presently there are no flights between Irkutsk and Igarka or between Krasnoyarsk and Tyumen.
IrAero was founded in 1999. It is based in Irkutsk. The company serves flights to more than 40 cities across Russia. The fleet includes 25 planes.


tass--2020-07-07--More than 10 people killed in militant attack on maternity hospital in Kabul

The Kabul Directorate of Security reported that the target of the radical group was a local hotel adjacent to the maternity hospital where foreigners were staying MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
More than ten civilians were killed as a result of an attack by a group of militants on the maternity hospital located in the western part of the Afghan capital , the pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported in its electronic edition .
According to the Afghan Interior Ministry , in the early morning several extremists dressed in military uniforms attacked the maternity hospital located in the Dashte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes of the attack the militants detonated several explosive devices near the hospital .
A shootout began between the attackers and the hospital security guards , as well as a number of police officers who came to their aid , which lasted several hours .
As a result of the armed attack , according to the latest data , no less than 14 people were killed including two newborns , while 15 were wounded .
As Tariq Aryan , the Interior Ministry spokesman noted , during the attack the security forces managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 40 people .
Four extremists who attacked the Kabul hospital were eliminated .
The Kabul Directorate of Security reported that the target of the radical group was a local hotel adjacent to the maternity hospital where foreigners were staying .
The militants were planning to attack its guests by making their way onto hotel ’ s premises through the hospital building .
So far no active extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Dashte Barchi .

The Kabul Directorate of Security reported that the target of the radical group was a local hotel adjacent to the maternity hospital where foreigners were staying
MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. More than ten civilians were killed as a result of an attack by a group of militants on the maternity hospital located in the western part of the Afghan capital, the pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported in its electronic edition.
Read also Russian Foreign Ministry condemns attack on Sikh temple in Kabul
According to the Afghan Interior Ministry, in the early morning several extremists dressed in military uniforms attacked the maternity hospital located in the Dashte Barchi capital district. In the first minutes of the attack the militants detonated several explosive devices near the hospital. A shootout began between the attackers and the hospital security guards, as well as a number of police officers who came to their aid, which lasted several hours.
Read also Unidentified assailants open fire at ceremony attended by Afghan PM in Kabul
As a result of the armed attack, according to the latest data, no less than 14 people were killed including two newborns, while 15 were wounded. As Tariq Aryan, the Interior Ministry spokesman noted, during the attack the security forces managed to evacuate from the hospital and thus rescue over 40 people. Four extremists who attacked the Kabul hospital were eliminated.


tass--2020-07-07--Iran may tighten coronavirus restrictions since the situation worsens

The Coronavirus Fight Headquarters `` gave recommendations to impose restrictions in Tehran Province , and new decisions will be made in this regard , '' Tasnim news agency quoted the spokesperson as saying .
Rabiee did not specify , however , what measures could be taken .
`` The return to normalcy and participation in unnecessary gatherings of people caused [ a new wave in ] the spread of the disease , '' he said .
TEHRAN , July 7./TASS/ .
The Iranian authorities may bring back some coronavirus restrictions in Tehran Province , since the coronavirus situation is worsening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ali Rabiee , said on Tuesday .
As many as 200 patients died in the country in the past 24 hours , the highest daily coronavirus death toll since the epidemic hit Iran , while the overall number of coronavirus deaths has amounted to 11,931 .
The previous highest daily death toll from coronavirus was reported on July 5 , when 163 coronavirus patients died , Ministry of Health ’ s Spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said earlier on Tuesday .
`` The number of new coronavirus cases made up 2,637 , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 245,688 , '' ISNA news agency quoted her as saying .
According to the Ministry of Health , 207,000 patients have recovered , and 1,846,793 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country .
The number of daily infections peaked on March 30 , after which it began to decline , dropping to the minimum daily figure of 802 people .
However , after May 3 , the figure began growing once again , reaching a record of 3,574 cases on June 4 .
Amid the worsening coronavirus situation , Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places compulsory since July 5 .
Since April 11 , the authorities started easing anti-coronavirus measures in Iran .
Most citizens have returned to work , shopping malls , hair salons and restaurants have been opened , while restrictions on transportation between the provinces for private vehicles have been lifted .
Mosques have been opened in many cities .
The most affected provinces are Khuzestan , West Azerbaijan , East Azerbaijan , Kurdistan , Kermanshah , Hormozgan , Bushehr , Razavi Khorasan and Ilam .

The Coronavirus Fight Headquarters "gave recommendations to impose restrictions in Tehran Province, and new decisions will be made in this regard," Tasnim news agency quoted the spokesperson as saying. Rabiee did not specify, however, what measures could be taken. "The return to normalcy and participation in unnecessary gatherings of people caused [a new wave in] the spread of the disease," he said.
TEHRAN, July 7./TASS/. The Iranian authorities may bring back some coronavirus restrictions in Tehran Province, since the coronavirus situation is worsening, the spokesperson for the Iranian administration, Ali Rabiee, said on Tuesday.
As many as 200 patients died in the country in the past 24 hours, the highest daily coronavirus death toll since the epidemic hit Iran, while the overall number of coronavirus deaths has amounted to 11,931. The previous highest daily death toll from coronavirus was reported on July 5, when 163 coronavirus patients died, Ministry of Health’s Spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said earlier on Tuesday.
"The number of new coronavirus cases made up 2,637, while the overall number of infections has amounted to 245,688," ISNA news agency quoted her as saying.
According to the Ministry of Health, 207,000 patients have recovered, and 1,846,793 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country.
The number of daily infections peaked on March 30, after which it began to decline, dropping to the minimum daily figure of 802 people. However, after May 3, the figure began growing once again, reaching a record of 3,574 cases on June 4. Amid the worsening coronavirus situation, Iran’s authorities made wearing masks in public places compulsory since July 5.
Since April 11, the authorities started easing anti-coronavirus measures in Iran. Most citizens have returned to work, shopping malls, hair salons and restaurants have been opened, while restrictions on transportation between the provinces for private vehicles have been lifted. Mosques have been opened in many cities. The most affected provinces are Khuzestan, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Hormozgan, Bushehr, Razavi Khorasan and Ilam.


tass--2020-07-07--Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says his COVID-19 test is positive

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday he has tested positive @ @ @ @ @ `` The result is positive , '' he told journalists .
His speech was aired @ @ @ @ @ service .
Bolsonaro added however he feels all right .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. /TASS/. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
"The result is positive," he told journalists. His speech was aired by CNN’s Brazilian service.
Bolsonaro added however he feels all right.


tass--2020-07-07--Some Open Skies Treaty member states want to resume flights this year — Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
A number of member nations of the Treaty on Open Skies have confirmed their readiness to resume observation flights under the treaty before the yearend , Oleg Bushuyev , head of the section for control over conventional weapons of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department , said on Tuesday , commenting on the results of Monday ’ s videoconference of the treaty ’ s member nations .
`` During the conference yesterday , many member states confirmed their plans to resume flights under the Open Skies Treaty as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` The very fact that such plans were announced points to the treaty ’ s topicality .
I think when these lockdowns are lifted and the pandemic ends we will probably see the resumption [ of flights ] in the second half [ of the year ] , '' he said .
According to the Russian diplomat , resumption of flights is discussed within the Open Skies Consultative Commission .
`` First of all , national restrictions are taken into account because they are applicable not only to those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also to the crew performing the flight , which requires corresponding guarantees and permits , including from the relevant Russian services responsible for quarantine measures , '' Bushuyev noted .
The signatory states to the Treaty on Open Skies held a special videoconference on Monday to discuss the impacts of the United States ’ withdrawal and the treaty ’ s future after that .
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 that Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights over member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22 .
Moscow denies the accusations saying it is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The main purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements and broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. A number of member nations of the Treaty on Open Skies have confirmed their readiness to resume observation flights under the treaty before the yearend, Oleg Bushuyev, head of the section for control over conventional weapons of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department, said on Tuesday, commenting on the results of Monday’s videoconference of the treaty’s member nations.
"During the conference yesterday, many member states confirmed their plans to resume flights under the Open Skies Treaty as soon as lockdowns are lifted," he said.
"The very fact that such plans were announced points to the treaty’s topicality. I think when these lockdowns are lifted and the pandemic ends we will probably see the resumption [of flights] in the second half [of the year]," he said.
According to the Russian diplomat, resumption of flights is discussed within the Open Skies Consultative Commission. "First of all, national restrictions are taken into account because they are applicable not only to those who are on the country’s territory but also to the crew performing the flight, which requires corresponding guarantees and permits, including from the relevant Russian services responsible for quarantine measures," Bushuyev noted.
The signatory states to the Treaty on Open Skies held a special videoconference on Monday to discuss the impacts of the United States’ withdrawal and the treaty’s future after that.
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 that Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22. Moscow denies the accusations saying it is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements and broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.


tass--2020-07-07--Conjoined twins fused at nape successfully separated in Italy

ROME , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors of the Vatican Bambino Gesu ( Baby Jesus ) hospital have successfully @ @ @ @ @ conjoined twins from the Central African Republic ( CAR ) fused in the nape area @ @ @ @ @ reported on Tuesday , the most complex surgery , the first of its kind in @ @ @ @ @ worldwide , lasted for 18 hours .
The preparations for the decisive surgical intervention which @ @ @ @ @ lasted a year .
Two other surgeries had preceded it — in May and June @ @ @ @ @ June 29 , the twin girls named Ervina and Prefina , turned two .
For @ @ @ @ @ rehabilitation at the neurosurgery ward of the renowned children ’ s hospital which is located @ @ @ @ @ by the Vatican .
The doctors say that the twins had the rarest kind of @ @ @ @ @ by their skulls .
Their separation required meticulous reconstruction of the brain blood supply system @ @ @ @ @ good health .

ROME, July 7. /TASS/. Doctors of the Vatican Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) hospital have successfully performed a surgery to separate conjoined twins from the Central African Republic (CAR) fused in the nape area. As the ANSA agency reported on Tuesday, the most complex surgery, the first of its kind in Italy and a unique one worldwide, lasted for 18 hours.
The preparations for the decisive surgical intervention which was performed on June 5 lasted a year. Two other surgeries had preceded it — in May and June of last year. On June 29, the twin girls named Ervina and Prefina, turned two. For now, they are undergoing rehabilitation at the neurosurgery ward of the renowned children’s hospital which is located in Rome yet is administrated by the Vatican. The doctors say that the twins had the rarest kind of fusing since they were joined by their skulls. Their separation required meticulous reconstruction of the brain blood supply system. The girls are in good health.


tass--2020-07-07--US cannot rejoin Open Skies Treaty easily, Moscow says

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
It will not be easy for the United States to rejoin the Treaty on Open Skies , if there is such a desire , because it will have to agree with all decisions made in its absence , Oleg Bushuev , Head of the Conventional Arms Control Division of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Department of Non-Proliferation and Arms Control , said on Tuesday .
`` If the United States rejoins the treaty , first of all , it will not be easy to do that , '' he said at an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies .
He thus commented on remarks by other participants in the discussion who suggested that Washington could reconsider its stance on the issue , if the upcoming presidential election was won by Democrats .
`` If they [ the Americans - TASS ] want to return , they will have to agree and sign a document , in which they will have to agree with all decisions by the Consultative Commission made in their absence . ''
On May 21 , US President Donald Trump declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty on Open Skies , which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other ’ s territory to monitor military activity .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo explained in a written statement that this decision would take effect in six months ’ time after May 22 .
The US claimed that Russia ’ s alleged violations of the agreement were the reason .
Moscow rejected these accusations , saying that it is committed to the treaty and put forward counterclaims .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. It will not be easy for the United States to rejoin the Treaty on Open Skies, if there is such a desire, because it will have to agree with all decisions made in its absence, Oleg Bushuev, Head of the Conventional Arms Control Division of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Non-Proliferation and Arms Control, said on Tuesday.
"If the United States rejoins the treaty, first of all, it will not be easy to do that," he said at an online discussion following the Conference of the signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies. He thus commented on remarks by other participants in the discussion who suggested that Washington could reconsider its stance on the issue, if the upcoming presidential election was won by Democrats. "If they [the Americans - TASS] want to return, they will have to agree and sign a document, in which they will have to agree with all decisions by the Consultative Commission made in their absence."
On May 21, US President Donald Trump declared Washington’s intention to quit the Treaty on Open Skies, which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other’s territory to monitor military activity. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo explained in a written statement that this decision would take effect in six months’ time after May 22. The US claimed that Russia’s alleged violations of the agreement were the reason. Moscow rejected these accusations, saying that it is committed to the treaty and put forward counterclaims.


tass--2020-07-07--Confident Reception military communications competition kicks off in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian servicemen compete to determine the best team on message interception and @ @ @ @ @ of the Confident Reception 2020 competition , which kicked off in St. Petersburg Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ press service said .
International Army Games to become even more entertaining in 2020 — @ @ @ @ @ of the competition , the communications specialists must display proficiency with special equipment , perform @ @ @ @ @ encrypted messages using various means of communication , decrypt the received messages and coordinate the @ @ @ @ @ node .
The first competition took place following a solemn ceremony ; Morse code operators @ @ @ @ @ of radiograms by ear .
Teams of the Western , Eastern , Central and Southern @ @ @ @ @ the competition , representing the Army , the Navy and the Aerospace Forces .
The @ @ @ @ @ the international stage of the Army games that will take place between August 23 and @ @ @

ST. PETERSBURG, July 7. /TASS/. Russian servicemen compete to determine the best team on message interception and decoding during the army-wide stage of the Confident Reception 2020 competition, which kicked off in St. Petersburg Tuesday, the Western Military District's press service said.
International Army Games to become even more entertaining in 2020 — Russian minister
During the course of the competition, the communications specialists must display proficiency with special equipment, perform tasks on sending and intercepting encrypted messages using various means of communication, decrypt the received messages and coordinate the work of the communications center node.
The first competition took place following a solemn ceremony; Morse code operators competed on reception and transmission of radiograms by ear.
Teams of the Western, Eastern, Central and Southern Military Districts take part in the competition, representing the Army, the Navy and the Aerospace Forces. The winners will represent Russia during the international stage of the Army games that will take place between August 23 and September 5.


tass--2020-07-07--Armenian PM visits Kalashnikov assault rifle production facility opened in republic

YEREVAN , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Kalashnikov assault rifle production facility that opened in the republic on July 3 .
The visit by the Armenian premier was broadcast by local news portals .
The production facility was opened under an agreement between the Armenian company Neitron GAM and Russia ’ s Kalashnikov Group .
`` The enterprise plans to annually produce 50,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles that will be supplied to the Armenian armed forces .
We also intend to export the assault rifles .
We will also be producing 150 million cartridges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created , '' the enterprise ’ s spokesperson said .
As the press office of the Armenian prime minister reported , Pashinyan noted the importance of opening such a production facility in the republic and called its existence the best example of cooperation between Armenia and Russia in the defense sphere .
Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin visited the Kalashnikov assault rifle production facility together with the Armenian premier .
President of the Armenian company Royalsys Engineering Ltd. David Galstyan and Deputy Director of the Kalashnikov Group Andrei Baryshnikov signed agreements at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Security Week conference in August 2018 on the manufacture of the latest AK-12 and AK-15 Kalashnikov assault rifles .
The AK-12 was unveiled to the public at the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9 last year when about 400 paratroopers of an Airborne Force consolidated regiment marched with these assault rifles across Red Square .
The new assault rifle is distinguished by its improved ergonomics compared to its AK-74M and AKM predecessors .
The assault rifle ’ s upgrade has increased its accuracy of fire and the survivability of its barrel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology .

YEREVAN, July 7. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Kalashnikov assault rifle production facility that opened in the republic on July 3. The visit by the Armenian premier was broadcast by local news portals.
The production facility was opened under an agreement between the Armenian company Neitron GAM and Russia’s Kalashnikov Group.
"The enterprise plans to annually produce 50,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles that will be supplied to the Armenian armed forces. We also intend to export the assault rifles. We will also be producing 150 million cartridges annually. About 1,200 jobs have been created," the enterprise’s spokesperson said.
As the press office of the Armenian prime minister reported, Pashinyan noted the importance of opening such a production facility in the republic and called its existence the best example of cooperation between Armenia and Russia in the defense sphere. Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin visited the Kalashnikov assault rifle production facility together with the Armenian premier.
President of the Armenian company Royalsys Engineering Ltd. David Galstyan and Deputy Director of the Kalashnikov Group Andrei Baryshnikov signed agreements at the Army-2018 international arms show and the National Security Week conference in August 2018 on the manufacture of the latest AK-12 and AK-15 Kalashnikov assault rifles.
The AK-12 was unveiled to the public at the Victory Parade in Moscow on May 9 last year when about 400 paratroopers of an Airborne Force consolidated regiment marched with these assault rifles across Red Square.
The new assault rifle is distinguished by its improved ergonomics compared to its AK-74M and AKM predecessors. The assault rifle’s upgrade has increased its accuracy of fire and the survivability of its barrel whose production is now based on new technology.


tass--2020-07-07--Russia to place 6th ground station of Glonass satellite navigation system in Brazil

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Precision Instrument-Making Systems research and production corporation ( part of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos ) will place a non-request measuring station of the SM-Glonass satellite navigation system in the city of Belem ( the state of Para in Brazil ) , Roscosmos reported on Tuesday .
`` This is the sixth non-request measuring station in the structure of the foreign segment of the Glonass measuring stations ’ network being set up by the Precision Instrument-Making Systems as part of the Signal experimental design work , '' Roscosmos said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract with the Federal University of Para and the Research Development and Support Foundation ( FADESP ) .
The measuring station of the SM-Glonass system is designed to continuously monitor the signals of the Glonass , GPS , Galileo , Compass and QZSS navigation systems .
The station is also required for controlling the reliability parameters of navigation signals of global navigation satellite systems .
Roscosmos representative in Brazil Gennady Sayenko earlier told TASS that the new non-request measuring station of the Glonass satellite navigation system was due to begin its operation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The station will be the fifth facility on the territory of that South American republic and the first in the country ’ s north .
As Sayenko also said , two stations of this type were installed in Recife ( the capital of Brazil ’ s northeastern state of Pernambuco ) and Santa Maria ( in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul ) .
Two more stations of different types are operating in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro .
The non-request measuring stations developed by the Precision Instrument-Making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and improve the performance of the Glonass system .
As Sayenko specified , apart from fulfilling their main task , they can also be used by Brazilian scientists for their own research .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. The Precision Instrument-Making Systems research and production corporation (part of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos) will place a non-request measuring station of the SM-Glonass satellite navigation system in the city of Belem (the state of Para in Brazil), Roscosmos reported on Tuesday.
"This is the sixth non-request measuring station in the structure of the foreign segment of the Glonass measuring stations’ network being set up by the Precision Instrument-Making Systems as part of the Signal experimental design work," Roscosmos said in a statement.
The Russian company signed the corresponding contract with the Federal University of Para and the Research Development and Support Foundation (FADESP).
The measuring station of the SM-Glonass system is designed to continuously monitor the signals of the Glonass, GPS, Galileo, Compass and QZSS navigation systems. The station is also required for controlling the reliability parameters of navigation signals of global navigation satellite systems.
Roscosmos representative in Brazil Gennady Sayenko earlier told TASS that the new non-request measuring station of the Glonass satellite navigation system was due to begin its operation in Brazil until the end of this year. The station will be the fifth facility on the territory of that South American republic and the first in the country’s north.
As Sayenko also said, two stations of this type were installed in Recife (the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Pernambuco) and Santa Maria (in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul). Two more stations of different types are operating in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
The non-request measuring stations developed by the Precision Instrument-Making Systems are designed to increase the precision and improve the performance of the Glonass system. As Sayenko specified, apart from fulfilling their main task, they can also be used by Brazilian scientists for their own research.


tass--2020-07-07--Iranian authorities debunk reports of explosion at nuclear site

TEHRAN , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Reports of explosion at a nuclear site located in Iran ’ s Yazd province are false , Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced Tuesday , according to ISNA news agency .
`` In response to publication of fake reports [ … ] about an alleged explosion at the Shahid Rezaeinejad site , [ … ] we inform that there was no incident at the site , '' the message reads , adding that such publications aim `` to undermine trust [ in Iran ] , which happens alongside the policy of maximum pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a number of Persian-speaking social media accounts published a report regarding a nuclear explosion at the Shahid Rezaeinejad nuclear site , accompanied by a satellite photo that allegedly confirmed the incident .
The information about the incident in the Yazd province appeared in the wake of a recent report of a fire at a nuclear site in Natanz .
On Sunday , the New York Times reported citing its sources that the incident was caused by an Israeli sabotage using an explosive device .
The Natanz incident happened on June 2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear centrifuges .
According to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesperson Behruz Kamalvandi , the building housed measuring equipment that got partially destroyed or damaged .

TEHRAN, July 7. /TASS/. Reports of explosion at a nuclear site located in Iran’s Yazd province are false, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced Tuesday, according to ISNA news agency.
"In response to publication of fake reports […] about an alleged explosion at the Shahid Rezaeinejad site, […] we inform that there was no incident at the site," the message reads, adding that such publications aim "to undermine trust [in Iran], which happens alongside the policy of maximum pressure against the Iranian nation."
Earlier, a number of Persian-speaking social media accounts published a report regarding a nuclear explosion at the Shahid Rezaeinejad nuclear site, accompanied by a satellite photo that allegedly confirmed the incident.
The information about the incident in the Yazd province appeared in the wake of a recent report of a fire at a nuclear site in Natanz. On Sunday, the New York Times reported citing its sources that the incident was caused by an Israeli sabotage using an explosive device.
The Natanz incident happened on June 2. The damaged building was used to produce nuclear centrifuges. According to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesperson Behruz Kamalvandi, the building housed measuring equipment that got partially destroyed or damaged.


tass--2020-07-07--Russian convicts pretended to be charity to steal money from ill kids’ parents

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Police officers have identified fraudsters who serve their sentences in a prison and @ @ @ @ @ charity workers to trick parents of children with serious illnesses to steal their money , @ @ @ @ @ Ministry , Irina Volk told TASS .
According to her , the convicts stole at @ @ @ @ @ $ 14,000 ) meant to treat sick children in Moscow and North Ossetia .
`` @ @ @ @ @ agents identified the fraudsters and their location .
They are currently serving their sentences in @ @ @ @ @ Orenburg Region , '' Volk noted .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Police officers have identified fraudsters who serve their sentences in a prison and decided to disguise themselves as charity workers to trick parents of children with serious illnesses to steal their money, spokesperson for the Russian Interior Ministry, Irina Volk told TASS.
According to her, the convicts stole at least 1 million rubles ($14,000) meant to treat sick children in Moscow and North Ossetia.
"The investigation by law enforcement agents identified the fraudsters and their location. They are currently serving their sentences in a correction facility in the Orenburg Region," Volk noted.


tass--2020-07-07--Roscosmos advisor Safronov didn’t have secret information clearance — corporation head

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
Advisor to the director general of Roscosmos state corporation , Ivan Safronov did not have access to classified information during his tenure , Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin told TASS Tuesday .
`` He was invited to cover Roscosmos activities one and a half month ago .
He did not have classified information clearance , '' Rogozin noted .
The Roscosmos chief underlined that he knew Safronov for a couple of years as a journalist who had a very good grasp of materials he published in Kommersant newspaper .
`` I did not doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
Rogozin is also confident that the investigation will solve this case .
The Russian Federal Security Service 's ( FSB ) Center for Public Relations informed that Safronov is suspected of communicating confidential state data to a representative of one of NATO ’ s intelligence services and was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) .
Prosecution launched criminal proceedings on the count of state treason against Safronov , which carries 20 years behind bars .
The FSB added that the investigation continues .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to his current duties as Roscosmos advisor .
Safronov was born in Moscow in 1990 .
He graduated from Moscow ’ s Higher School of Economics in 2010 , obtaining a degree in journalism .
He worked as a special correspondent for Russia ’ s Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers and was covering military and military-technical cooperation as well as defense and space industries .
In May 2020 , Safronov was appointed advisor to the Roscosmos chief for information policy and was curating a number of Roscosmos programs .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. Advisor to the director general of Roscosmos state corporation, Ivan Safronov did not have access to classified information during his tenure, Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin told TASS Tuesday.
"He was invited to cover Roscosmos activities one and a half month ago. He did not have classified information clearance," Rogozin noted.
The Roscosmos chief underlined that he knew Safronov for a couple of years as a journalist who had a very good grasp of materials he published in Kommersant newspaper. "I did not doubt his high professionalism and personal decency," he added.
Rogozin is also confident that the investigation will solve this case.
The Russian Federal Security Service's (FSB) Center for Public Relations informed that Safronov is suspected of communicating confidential state data to a representative of one of NATO’s intelligence services and was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Prosecution launched criminal proceedings on the count of state treason against Safronov, which carries 20 years behind bars. The FSB added that the investigation continues. Earlier, Roscosmos clarified that the arrest is not linked to his current duties as Roscosmos advisor.
Safronov was born in Moscow in 1990. He graduated from Moscow’s Higher School of Economics in 2010, obtaining a degree in journalism. He worked as a special correspondent for Russia’s Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers and was covering military and military-technical cooperation as well as defense and space industries. In May 2020, Safronov was appointed advisor to the Roscosmos chief for information policy and was curating a number of Roscosmos programs.


tass--2020-07-07--Supranational mechanism required to combat fakes, says Russian diplomat

`` We can see it in a number of countries , we can see the trend of countering fakes at @ @ @ @ @ particular , the package solution adopted instantly in China to fight fakes , '' the @ @ @ @ @ issue was not addressed so comprehensively in other states , but this discussion is underway @ @ @ @ @ According to the diplomat , it is premature to evaluate these measures , because each @ @ @ @ @ .
`` However , it seems that a certain supranational mechanism is required , which @ @ @ @ @ But I reiterate that this is an issue that is yet to be addressed , @ @ @ @ @ emphasized that the pandemic showed that this work is essential in spheres relating to healthcare @ @ @ @

"We can see it in a number of countries, we can see the trend of countering fakes at the national level. In particular, the package solution adopted instantly in China to fight fakes," the diplomat said. "This issue was not addressed so comprehensively in other states, but this discussion is underway in some form."
According to the diplomat, it is premature to evaluate these measures, because each state has their own particularities. "However, it seems that a certain supranational mechanism is required, which we have repeatedly said. But I reiterate that this is an issue that is yet to be addressed," Zakharova added.
She emphasized that the pandemic showed that this work is essential in spheres relating to healthcare and global issues.


tass--2020-07-07--US live through complete collapse of concept of freedom of speech, says diplomat

MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
The freedom of speech and media in its true sense is no longer existent in the US , with the myth that the Americans sustained for many years being now completely busted , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during an online conference Tuesday .
`` One more regrettable trend or rather a fait accompli is the collapse of the myth of the freedom of press , of any regulating norms , rules , principles , proclaimed in the US regarding the freedom of speech , the media and so on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the crash of everything that they allegedly built there for many years , and what they proposed to the entire world as an example .
All this is not only dysfunctional , it has all simply tumbled down , '' the diplomat pointed out .
According to her , the Americans will now have to work to once again to retrieve the concept of the freedom of the media and protection of the journalists ’ rights .
`` At this point , everything there went down so badly that even the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely gone , in my opinion , '' the diplomat said .
She explained that the US currently undergoes mass rewriting of concepts and distortion of meanings of words ; expressions are banned that `` even yesterday were commonplace and uncontested . ''
`` We see bans on movies , on books , dismantling of monuments that just yesterday were an icon of the US , '' the spokeswoman said .
According to Zakharova , the US enjoys a colossal influence on the global media , so these negative trends will be felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this destructive wave has not reached [ other countries ] , but one way or another , the world is yet to experience all this , '' she concluded .

MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. The freedom of speech and media in its true sense is no longer existent in the US, with the myth that the Americans sustained for many years being now completely busted, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during an online conference Tuesday.
"One more regrettable trend or rather a fait accompli is the collapse of the myth of the freedom of press, of any regulating norms, rules, principles, proclaimed in the US regarding the freedom of speech, the media and so on. We witnessed the fall of the colossus, the crash of everything that they allegedly built there for many years, and what they proposed to the entire world as an example. All this is not only dysfunctional, it has all simply tumbled down," the diplomat pointed out.
According to her, the Americans will now have to work to once again to retrieve the concept of the freedom of the media and protection of the journalists’ rights.
"At this point, everything there went down so badly that even the very concept of the freedom of media is completely gone, in my opinion," the diplomat said.
She explained that the US currently undergoes mass rewriting of concepts and distortion of meanings of words; expressions are banned that "even yesterday were commonplace and uncontested."
"We see bans on movies, on books, dismantling of monuments that just yesterday were an icon of the US," the spokeswoman said.
According to Zakharova, the US enjoys a colossal influence on the global media, so these negative trends will be felt everywhere. "It is just that this destructive wave has not reached [other countries], but one way or another, the world is yet to experience all this," she concluded.


tass--2020-07-07--Iran reports highest daily death toll from coronavirus, says health ministry

TEHRAN , July 7./TASS/ .
Iran reported 200 new deaths from coronavirus on Tuesday with their overall number exceeding 11,900 , the Ministry of Health ’ s Spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari reported .
`` The number of new coronavirus cases made up 2,637 , while the overall number of infections has amounted to 245,688 , '' ISNA news agency quoted her as saying .
Sima Sadat Lari said that 200 patients died in the country in the past 24 hours , while the overall number of coronavirus deaths has amounted to 11,931 .
The previous highest daily death toll from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when 163 coronavirus patients died .
According to the Ministry of Health , 207,000 patients have recovered , and 1,846,793 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country .
The number of daily infections peaked on March 30 , after which it began to decline , dropping to the minimum daily figure of 802 people .
However , after May 3 , the figure began growing once again , reaching a record of 3,574 cases on June 4 .
Amid the worsening coronavirus situation , Iran ’ s authorities made wearing masks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since April 11 , the authorities started easing anti-coronavirus measures in Iran .
Most citizens have returned to work , shopping malls , hair salons and restaurants have been opened , while restrictions on transportation between the provinces for private vehicles have been lifted .
Mosques have been opened in many cities .
The most affected provinces are Khuzestan , West Azerbaijan , East Azerbaijan , Kurdistan , Kermanshah , Hormozgan , Bushehr , Razavi Khorasan and Ilam .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TEHRAN, July 7./TASS/. Iran reported 200 new deaths from coronavirus on Tuesday with their overall number exceeding 11,900, the Ministry of Health’s Spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari reported.
"The number of new coronavirus cases made up 2,637, while the overall number of infections has amounted to 245,688," ISNA news agency quoted her as saying. Sima Sadat Lari said that 200 patients died in the country in the past 24 hours, while the overall number of coronavirus deaths has amounted to 11,931. The previous highest daily death toll from coronavirus was reported on July 5, when 163 coronavirus patients died.
According to the Ministry of Health, 207,000 patients have recovered, and 1,846,793 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country.
The number of daily infections peaked on March 30, after which it began to decline, dropping to the minimum daily figure of 802 people. However, after May 3, the figure began growing once again, reaching a record of 3,574 cases on June 4. Amid the worsening coronavirus situation, Iran’s authorities made wearing masks in public places compulsory since July 5.
Since April 11, the authorities started easing anti-coronavirus measures in Iran. Most citizens have returned to work, shopping malls, hair salons and restaurants have been opened, while restrictions on transportation between the provinces for private vehicles have been lifted. Mosques have been opened in many cities. The most affected provinces are Khuzestan, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Hormozgan, Bushehr, Razavi Khorasan and Ilam.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 11,756,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 541,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,753,100 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-07--Latest Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile systems to arrive for air defense regiment in Urals

`` We expect an additional Pantsyr-S surface-to-air missile/artillery battalion to join the combat structure in the Sverdlovsk Region , '' he said .
MOSCOW , July 7 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
A battalion set of Pantsyr-S surface-to-air missile/gun systems will arrive for the air defense regiment stationed in the Sverdlovsk Region , Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops Commander of the Central Military District ’ s 14th Air Force and Air Defense Army Colonel Gennady Shlag said on Tuesday .
It was reported earlier that S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ long-range air defense missile systems would arrive for the regiment stationed near Yekaterinburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Urals responsibility area of the air defense forces will reach 100 % , the colonel said .
The air defense regiment in the Sverdlovsk Region is stationed near Yekaterinburg .
The Pantsyr-S is a short-range weapon designated to strike air targets with automatic anti-aircraft guns and missiles with radio-command guidance and infrared and radar tracking .
As its specific feature , the weapon combines the multi-channel target acquisition and tracking system and the missile/artillery armament designated to strike targets at an altitude of up to 15 km and within a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designated to shield military and civilian facilities , including long-range air defense systems , from all existing and future air attack weapons .
It consists of 12 surface-to-air missiles ( six missiles in two transport and launch containers each ) .
The Pantsyr is also armed with two 30mm guns , each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second .

"We expect an additional Pantsyr-S surface-to-air missile/artillery battalion to join the combat structure in the Sverdlovsk Region," he said.
MOSCOW, July 7. /TASS/. /TASS/. A battalion set of Pantsyr-S surface-to-air missile/gun systems will arrive for the air defense regiment stationed in the Sverdlovsk Region, Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops Commander of the Central Military District’s 14th Air Force and Air Defense Army Colonel Gennady Shlag said on Tuesday.
It was reported earlier that S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defense missile systems would arrive for the regiment stationed near Yekaterinburg.
After these deliveries, advanced weaponry in the Urals responsibility area of the air defense forces will reach 100%, the colonel said.
The air defense regiment in the Sverdlovsk Region is stationed near Yekaterinburg.
The Pantsyr-S is a short-range weapon designated to strike air targets with automatic anti-aircraft guns and missiles with radio-command guidance and infrared and radar tracking. As its specific feature, the weapon combines the multi-channel target acquisition and tracking system and the missile/artillery armament designated to strike targets at an altitude of up to 15 km and within a range of 20 km.
The Pantsyr is designated to shield military and civilian facilities, including long-range air defense systems, from all existing and future air attack weapons. It consists of 12 surface-to-air missiles (six missiles in two transport and launch containers each).
The Pantsyr is also armed with two 30mm guns, each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second.