tass--2020-08-20--Japanese government to compensate expenses over possible COVID-19 vaccine side effects

TOKYO , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
The government of Japan intends to compensate that damage that could be inflicted to the health of the locals by the possible side effects of coronavirus vaccines , Nikkei newspaper reported Thursday .
According to the report , the Japanese authorities conduct talks with at least five foreign pharmaceutical companies for the coronavirus vaccine .
Japan has already signed contracts with AstraZeneca ( UK-Sweden ) and Pfizer ( the US ) on shipment of 120 million doses of their experimental vaccines each .
However , the lawyers of the foreign companies insist that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation of possible side effects upon itself .
The report claims that safety and efficiency of a vaccine may vary depending on the patient ’ s ethnicity .
Therefore , vaccines , testes in the US and Europe may potentially cause side effects in the Japanese citizens .
The Asian country also develops several domestic vaccine , but there are chances that their commercial implementation would begin later than their foreign analogs .
Therefore , the Japanese government negotiates with the foreign vaccine makers , seeking to secure the required volumes of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 59,500 people have contracted COVID-19 in Japan , while 1,162 died .

TOKYO, August 20. /TASS/. The government of Japan intends to compensate that damage that could be inflicted to the health of the locals by the possible side effects of coronavirus vaccines, Nikkei newspaper reported Thursday.
According to the report, the Japanese authorities conduct talks with at least five foreign pharmaceutical companies for the coronavirus vaccine. Japan has already signed contracts with AstraZeneca (UK-Sweden) and Pfizer (the US) on shipment of 120 million doses of their experimental vaccines each. However, the lawyers of the foreign companies insist that the Japanese government take all expenses on compensation of possible side effects upon itself.
The report claims that safety and efficiency of a vaccine may vary depending on the patient’s ethnicity. Therefore, vaccines, testes in the US and Europe may potentially cause side effects in the Japanese citizens. The Asian country also develops several domestic vaccine, but there are chances that their commercial implementation would begin later than their foreign analogs. Therefore, the Japanese government negotiates with the foreign vaccine makers, seeking to secure the required volumes of a vaccine.
According to the latest data, over 59,500 people have contracted COVID-19 in Japan, while 1,162 died.


tass--2020-08-20--Russia hands over COVID-19 test batch to Peru - Health Ministry

BUENOS AIRES , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia handed over a batch of coronavirus tests as a pandemic relief @ @ @ @ @ s National Healthcare Institute announced Wednesday .
`` The Russian Federation handed over 50,000 molecular @ @ @ @ @ so that even more Peruvians could check for COVID-19 , '' the Institute tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ 20,000 more tests were handed over to the parliament of the Andean Community , which @ @ @ @ @ Peru and Ecuador .
`` Such displays of solidarity as this aid are exactly what @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' says the Institute ’ s head Cesar Cabezas .
In mid-March , @ @ @ @ @ Vizcarra declared a state of emergency and introduced a quarantine over the pandemic .
In @ @ @ @ @ gradual restoration of economic activity in the country .
Currently , over 540,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ , while over 26,000 people died .

BUENOS AIRES, August 20. /TASS/. Russia handed over a batch of coronavirus tests as a pandemic relief humanitarian aid, Peru’s National Healthcare Institute announced Wednesday.
"The Russian Federation handed over 50,000 molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection, so that even more Peruvians could check for COVID-19," the Institute tweeted.
According to the Institute, 20,000 more tests were handed over to the parliament of the Andean Community, which includes Bolivia, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador.
"Such displays of solidarity as this aid are exactly what we need to overcome the pandemic," says the Institute’s head Cesar Cabezas.
In mid-March, Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra declared a state of emergency and introduced a quarantine over the pandemic. In May, the president announced gradual restoration of economic activity in the country.
Currently, over 540,000 people have contracted the disease in Peru, while over 26,000 people died.


tass--2020-08-20--Mexico interested in Russian COVID-19 vaccine - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Mexico ’ s Foreign Minister Marcelo confirmed his country ’ s interest in @ @ @ @ @ Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine during his conversation with Russian envoy Victor Coronelli .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation Victor Coronelli for his visit to the [ Mexico ’ s ] Ministry @ @ @ @ @ discussed the Sputnik V vaccine .
I expressed the interest in the third phase [ @ @ @ @ @ that the vaccine appear in Mexico as soon as possible , '' Coronelli tweeted Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ Russia was the first to register a coronavirus vaccine , naming it Sputnik V. The @ @ @ @ @ Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , it passed clinical tests between June and @ @ @ @ @ August 16 , Institute ’ s head Alexander Gintsburg disclosed that the third [ post-registration @ @ @ @ @ begin within 7 to 10 days .

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo confirmed his country’s interest in prompt acquisition of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine during his conversation with Russian envoy Victor Coronelli.
"I thank the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Victor Coronelli for his visit to the [Mexico’s] Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We discussed the Sputnik V vaccine. I expressed the interest in the third phase [of testing], so that the vaccine appear in Mexico as soon as possible," Coronelli tweeted Wednesday.
On August 11, Russia was the first to register a coronavirus vaccine, naming it Sputnik V. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, it passed clinical tests between June and July this year.
On August 16, Institute’s head Alexander Gintsburg disclosed that the third [post-registration] stage is slated to begin within 7 to 10 days.


tass--2020-08-19--UN Security Council press statement condemns mutiny in Mali

UNITED NATIONS , August 19./TASS/ .
The UN Security Council has condemned the mutiny in Kati , Mali , and urged the mutineers to release all the detained officials and to return to their barracks in a press statement issued on Wednesday after an emergency meeting on Mali .
`` The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern regarding the recent developments in Mali .
They strongly condemned the mutiny which happened in Kati , Mali , on 18 August 2020 , and which led to the arrest of the President of the Republic , the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some mutineers , '' the press statement said .
The Security Council urged `` those mutineers to release safely and immediately all the officials detained and to return to their barracks without delay '' .
`` They also underlined the urgent need to restore rule of law and to move towards the return to constitutional order , '' the press statement said .
A mutiny happened at an army base in Kati , outside capital city Bamako , on the morning of August 18 .
The military seized the General Staff , arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and established the so-called National Committee for the Salvation of the People .
Under pressure , Keita announced his resignation and also dissolved the government and the parliament .

UNITED NATIONS, August 19./TASS/. The UN Security Council has condemned the mutiny in Kati, Mali, and urged the mutineers to release all the detained officials and to return to their barracks in a press statement issued on Wednesday after an emergency meeting on Mali.
"The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern regarding the recent developments in Mali. They strongly condemned the mutiny which happened in Kati, Mali, on 18 August 2020, and which led to the arrest of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and several members of the Government by some mutineers," the press statement said.
The Security Council urged "those mutineers to release safely and immediately all the officials detained and to return to their barracks without delay".
"They also underlined the urgent need to restore rule of law and to move towards the return to constitutional order," the press statement said.
A mutiny happened at an army base in Kati, outside capital city Bamako, on the morning of August 18. The military seized the General Staff, arrested the country’s top authorities, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and established the so-called National Committee for the Salvation of the People. Under pressure, Keita announced his resignation and also dissolved the government and the parliament.


tass--2020-08-19--Moscow documents 11 deaths from COVID-19 in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has documented 11 deaths from COVID-19 , a disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed on Wednesday .
`` 11 patients @ @ @ @ @ all of them have been diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ .
Since the start of the pandemic , 4,698 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died @ @ @ @ @ the center .
The situation with the novel coronavirus in Moscow , which was the @ @ @ @ @ has improved significantly according to official statistics .
In total , 254,448 cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ , including 691 in the past 24 hours .
A total of 200,359 people have @ @ @ @ @ recovered persons in the past 24 hours has surpassed the number of new infections , @ @ @ @ @ holding a voluntary and free COVID-19 testing campaign among its residents .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Moscow has documented 11 deaths from COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed on Wednesday.
"11 patients have died in Moscow, all of them have been diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the coronavirus," the crisis center stated.
Since the start of the pandemic, 4,698 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died in Moscow, according to the center.
The situation with the novel coronavirus in Moscow, which was the most difficult in Russia, has improved significantly according to official statistics. In total, 254,448 cases of COVID-19 have been documented in Moscow, including 691 in the past 24 hours. A total of 200,359 people have recovered. The number of recovered persons in the past 24 hours has surpassed the number of new infections, reaching 1,242. Moscow is holding a voluntary and free COVID-19 testing campaign among its residents.


tass--2020-08-19--Russia fully fulfils obligations under oil production cut deal in August, says minister

MOSCOW , August 19./TASS/ .
Russia complies by 100 % with its commitments under the OPEC+ deal in August , Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview with Rossiya-24 television on Wednesday .
`` We are at a high level .
In July , we fulfilled 97 % of our level .
This is a high figure for us .
We have attained 100 % in August .
As of today , we are fulfilling 100 % of the the obligations we assumed in August , '' the minister said .
He noted that the oil market has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goal of the OPEC+ deal on oil production cuts .
If the oil market continues to recover at a similar rate , members of the organization will be able to ease the introduced restrictions earlier than planned .
`` The situation gives cause for optimism , we have practically reached the results we strived towards on balancing the market .
As far as I am aware , the demand has recovered to 90 % of the pre-crisis level .
At the same time , OPEC+ states , as well as the countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down oil production by 12 mln barrels a day .
This is what causes the balance .
Moreover , in July , the supply was 1 mln barrels a day lower than the demand , '' the minister pointed out .
`` We will have every opportunity to make decisions , namely if the market will be overheating , we will have the opportunity to reduce quotas faster , '' Novak said , noting that such a scenario is possible if the second wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic can be avoided .

MOSCOW, August 19./TASS/. Russia complies by 100% with its commitments under the OPEC+ deal in August, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview with Rossiya-24 television on Wednesday.
"We are at a high level. In July, we fulfilled 97% of our level. This is a high figure for us. We have attained 100% in August. As of today, we are fulfilling 100% of the the obligations we assumed in August," the minister said.
He noted that the oil market has come close to balancing itself, which is the goal of the OPEC+ deal on oil production cuts. If the oil market continues to recover at a similar rate, members of the organization will be able to ease the introduced restrictions earlier than planned.
"The situation gives cause for optimism, we have practically reached the results we strived towards on balancing the market. As far as I am aware, the demand has recovered to 90% of the pre-crisis level. At the same time, OPEC+ states, as well as the countries outside of the alliance, have cut down oil production by 12 mln barrels a day. This is what causes the balance. Moreover, in July, the supply was 1 mln barrels a day lower than the demand," the minister pointed out.
"We will have every opportunity to make decisions, namely if the market will be overheating, we will have the opportunity to reduce quotas faster," Novak said, noting that such a scenario is possible if the second wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic can be avoided.


tass--2020-08-19--Lithuania’s sanctions against Lukashenko proof of interference in Belarusian affairs

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The decision by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry to ban entry to the country @ @ @ @ @ and a number of Belarusian officials serves as evidence of Western interference in the republic @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Wednesday .
The diplomat shared the news @ @ @ @ @ ban to Lithuania on her Facebook page .
`` Bravo !
Now Minsk gets bulletproof @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian domestic affairs , '' Zakharova wrote .
Belarus held a presidential election on August @ @ @ @ @ Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and @ @ @ @ @ presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
According to @ @ @ @ @ over 6,000 people have been detained , and dozens of law enforcement officers and protesters @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The decision by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry to ban entry to the country for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a number of Belarusian officials serves as evidence of Western interference in the republic’s domestic affairs, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Wednesday.
The diplomat shared the news of Lukashenko’s entry ban to Lithuania on her Facebook page. "Bravo! Now Minsk gets bulletproof evidence of Western interference in Belarusian domestic affairs," Zakharova wrote.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people have been detained, and dozens of law enforcement officers and protesters have been injured.


tass--2020-08-19--Colonel Assimi Goita put in charge of rebel committee in Mali

PRETORIA , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Colonel Assimi Goita has headed the so-called National Committee for the Salvation of @ @ @ @ @ in Mali , EFE news agency reports Wednesday .
Goita was one of the five @ @ @ @ @ speech on national television Wednesday morning to shed light on the military rebels ’ program @ @ @ @ @ special ops unit of the Malian armed forces .

PRETORIA, August 19. /TASS/. Colonel Assimi Goita has headed the so-called National Committee for the Salvation of the People created by rebels in Mali, EFE news agency reports Wednesday.
Goita was one of the five military servicemen who delivered a speech on national television Wednesday morning to shed light on the military rebels’ program. Goita served in the special ops unit of the Malian armed forces.


tass--2020-08-19--Lukashenko reappoints Roman Golovchenko as Belarusian PM

MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has reappointed Roman Golovchenko as the republic ’ s @ @ @ @ @ agency informs , citing a presidential decree .
All members of the previous government have @ @ @ @ @ new government , including Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei , Interior Minister Yuri Karaev and Defense @ @ @ @ @ held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , @ @ @ @ @ 80.1 % of the vote , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % @ @ @ @ @ government headed by Roman Golovchenko resigned under the newly elected leader , with all of @ @ @ @ @ authority until a new government is formed by the president .
The Belarusian Cabinet of @ @ @ @ @ had functioned for a little over two months before the presidential election .
It was @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .

MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has reappointed Roman Golovchenko as the republic’s Prime Minister, BelTA news agency informs, citing a presidential decree.
All members of the previous government have retained their positions in the new government, including Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei, Interior Minister Yuri Karaev and Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. On August, the government headed by Roman Golovchenko resigned under the newly elected leader, with all of them mandated to exercise their authority until a new government is formed by the president.
The Belarusian Cabinet of Ministers led by Roman Golovchenko had functioned for a little over two months before the presidential election. It was formed on June 4, 2020.


tass--2020-08-19--Several thousand protesters get together in central Minsk

MINSK , August 19./TASS/ .
Several thousand people are holding a rally in Minsk ’ s central Independence Square , where earlier participants in a rally in front of the Belarusian Interior Ministry moved to , TASS reports from the site .
There are many young people among them .
Protesters are free to take the floor , and some of them speak to lash out at the authorities in power .
Protesters also denounce violence in the streets of Belarus , as well as chant slogans in support of the workers on strike .
Cell phone lights are flashing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen on the square , with the exception of those on duty at the government building .
No one is interfering with the rally .
Protesters are gradually leaving the square at the moment .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s final data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
The protests continued for several days and , according to the Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people ended up in custody .

MINSK, August 19./TASS/. Several thousand people are holding a rally in Minsk’s central Independence Square, where earlier participants in a rally in front of the Belarusian Interior Ministry moved to, TASS reports from the site.
There are many young people among them. Protesters are free to take the floor, and some of them speak to lash out at the authorities in power. Protesters also denounce violence in the streets of Belarus, as well as chant slogans in support of the workers on strike. Cell phone lights are flashing.
No law enforcement officers can be seen on the square, with the exception of those on duty at the government building. No one is interfering with the rally. Protesters are gradually leaving the square at the moment.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s final data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls. After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued for several days and, according to the Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people ended up in custody.


tass--2020-08-19--Senior Russian, Belarusian lawmakers discuss situation in Belarus

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Speaker of the Russian State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) @ @ @ @ @ the House of Representatives of the Belarusian National Assembly Vladimir Andreichenko have discussed the situation @ @ @ @ @ Duma ’ s press service said in a statement .
`` Vyacheslav Volodin and Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ Belarus and relations between the Russian and Belarusian lawmakers , particularly within the Parliamentary Assembly @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Belarus , '' the statement reads .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Speaker of the Russian State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Vyacheslav Volodin and Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Belarusian National Assembly Vladimir Andreichenko have discussed the situation in Belarus, the State Duma’s press service said in a statement.
"Vyacheslav Volodin and Vladimir Andreichenko discussed the situation in Belarus and relations between the Russian and Belarusian lawmakers, particularly within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Russia and Belarus," the statement reads.


tass--2020-08-19--Opposition urges immediate negotiations with the Belarus authorities

MINSK , August 19./TASS/ .
The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition has urged the country ’ s authorities to immediately get down to talks , says a resolution passed after the council ’ s first session on Wednesday .
`` The Coordination Council believes that the only way to overcome a political crisis is to immediately start negotiations and work out mechanisms for restoring lawfulness and holding a new election , '' the resolution said .
`` Dodging negotiations will rest responsibility on the authorities in power for the deepening of a political and economic crisis in the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Before a new election is called and other demands are met , the Belarusian people will continue pursuing their civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution to see law and justice restored , '' it went on to say .
Among these rights , it listed `` the right to work and to strike , a ban on forced labor , the right to peaceful actions , the right to judicial protection , the right to freely express opinions and beliefs , the right to obtain complete and reliable information , the right @ @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 19./TASS/. The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition has urged the country’s authorities to immediately get down to talks, says a resolution passed after the council’s first session on Wednesday.
"The Coordination Council believes that the only way to overcome a political crisis is to immediately start negotiations and work out mechanisms for restoring lawfulness and holding a new election," the resolution said.
"Dodging negotiations will rest responsibility on the authorities in power for the deepening of a political and economic crisis in the Republic of Belarus," it stressed. "Before a new election is called and other demands are met, the Belarusian people will continue pursuing their civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution to see law and justice restored," it went on to say.
Among these rights, it listed "the right to work and to strike, a ban on forced labor, the right to peaceful actions, the right to judicial protection, the right to freely express opinions and beliefs, the right to obtain complete and reliable information, the right to manage own property".


tass--2020-08-19--Russian diplomat, Syria opposition leader discuss situation in Syria

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov and @ @ @ @ @ opposition Popular Front for Change and Liberation Qadri Jamil have discussed the situation in Syria @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` The parties exchanged views on the current @ @ @ @ @ issues concerning the activities of the UN-backed Constitutional Committee in Geneva , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry , the meeting was initiated by Qadri Jamil , the leader of @ @ @ @ @ Syrian opposition .
In January 2018 , participants in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress , @ @ @ @ @ Sea resort of Sochi , decided to establish a constitutional committee that would work on @ @ @ @ @ constitution .
The 150-member committee includes representatives of the Syrian government and opposition , as @ @ @ @ @ .
The committee held its first meeting in Geneva on October 30 , 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ appointed by the committee met twice in November 2019 .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov and senior member of the Syrian opposition Popular Front for Change and Liberation Qadri Jamil have discussed the situation in Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The parties exchanged views on the current situation in Syria, including issues concerning the activities of the UN-backed Constitutional Committee in Geneva," the statement reads.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the meeting was initiated by Qadri Jamil, the leader of the Moscow group of the Syrian opposition.
Syrian constitutional committee
In January 2018, participants in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, held in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, decided to establish a constitutional committee that would work on the country’s new constitution.
The 150-member committee includes representatives of the Syrian government and opposition, as well as civil society members. The committee held its first meeting in Geneva on October 30, 2019. A group of 45 experts appointed by the committee met twice in November 2019.


tass--2020-08-19--UFO video footage captured by Russian cosmonaut sent for analysis - Roscosmos

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The footage of five unidentified objects flying over the Southern hemisphere captured by a Russian cosmonaut at the International Space Station ( ISS ) has been sent to experts for analysis , Roscosmos Spokesman Vladimir Ustimenko said on the Rossiya-24 channel on Wednesday , noting that it is too early to jump to conclusions over the nature of the objects captured on video .
`` It is too early to make conclusions until our Roscosmos researchers and scientists at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences tell us what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was decided to hand over those materials to experts , who will tell us what that was in their opinion . ''
Earlier on Wednesday , Russian astronaut Ivan Vagner , who is currently at the International Space Station ( ISS ) , said that he might have detected a group of five unidentified flying objects ( UFOs ) when shooting a time lapse video .
He was shooting the peak of Aurora Borealis when flying over the Antarctic .
The spaceman stated that he had informed Russian state space corporation Roscosmos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video to the Central Research Institute of Machine Building ( TsNIIMash ) and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences for further analysis .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The footage of five unidentified objects flying over the Southern hemisphere captured by a Russian cosmonaut at the International Space Station (ISS) has been sent to experts for analysis, Roscosmos Spokesman Vladimir Ustimenko said on the Rossiya-24 channel on Wednesday, noting that it is too early to jump to conclusions over the nature of the objects captured on video.
"It is too early to make conclusions until our Roscosmos researchers and scientists at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences tell us what they think," he said. "It was decided to hand over those materials to experts, who will tell us what that was in their opinion."
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian astronaut Ivan Vagner, who is currently at the International Space Station (ISS), said that he might have detected a group of five unidentified flying objects (UFOs) when shooting a time lapse video. He was shooting the peak of Aurora Borealis when flying over the Antarctic.
The spaceman stated that he had informed Russian state space corporation Roscosmos about his findings, also sending the video to the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash) and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences for further analysis.


tass--2020-08-19--Prime Ministers of Russia, Belarus discussed cooperation in energy sector

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin discussed specific tasks of boosting trade and economic @ @ @ @ @ the energy segment with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in a telephone conversation , press @ @ @ @ @ says on Wednesday .
`` Mikhail Mishustin and Roman Golovchenko discussed specific tasks related to @ @ @ @ @ economic collaboration and cooperation deepening in energy , industry , and other areas , '' @ @ @ @ @ `` Prime Ministers agreed with importance of further deepening practical interaction within the Union State @ @ @ @ @ service adds .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin discussed specific tasks of boosting trade and economic collaboration and cooperation deepening in the energy segment with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in a telephone conversation, press service of the Russian Cabinet says on Wednesday.
"Mikhail Mishustin and Roman Golovchenko discussed specific tasks related to buildup of Russian-Belarusian trade and economic collaboration and cooperation deepening in energy, industry, and other areas," the press service says.
"Prime Ministers agreed with importance of further deepening practical interaction within the Union State framework," the press service adds.


tass--2020-08-19--Belarus defense minister gives orders to reinforce troops in Grodno area

It said the defense minister had ordered `` to reinforce the operational command with the Tochka missile battalion , the Polonez battalion , a unit of unmanned aerial systems , as well as systems of air defense , electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare '' .
MINSK , August 19/TASS/ .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has issued orders to beef up the troops in the Grodno area with battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers , as well as a unit of UAVs and air defense systems , the ministry ’ s press service said on its Telegram channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko ordered the Defense Ministry to closely monitor the movement of NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania , as well as to put the troops on the western border on full combat alert , stressing that the situation was escalating on the country ’ s western border .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s final data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his key rival , garnered 10.12 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
The protests continued for several days and , according to the Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people ended up in custody .

It said the defense minister had ordered "to reinforce the operational command with the Tochka missile battalion, the Polonez battalion, a unit of unmanned aerial systems, as well as systems of air defense, electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare".
MINSK, August 19/TASS/. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has issued orders to beef up the troops in the Grodno area with battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers, as well as a unit of UAVs and air defense systems, the ministry’s press service said on its Telegram channel on Wednesday.
Earlier, President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the Defense Ministry to closely monitor the movement of NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania, as well as to put the troops on the western border on full combat alert, stressing that the situation was escalating on the country’s western border.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s final data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued for several days and, according to the Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people ended up in custody.


tass--2020-08-19--AFP: Hundreds of civilians taken hostage in Nigeria

TASS , August 19 .
An armed group has invaded a town in northeast Nigeria , taking hundreds of peaceful @ @ @ @ @ reported Wednesday .
According to the head of local militia , Islamic State 's West @ @ @ @ @ militants captured the town of Kukawa and captured hundreds of people .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ living in a camp for displaced people due to unfavorable situation in the region and @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently , national security services are taking measures to help people .
In spring @ @ @ @ @ split a group of militants announced that they joined the Islamic State .
The new @ @ @ @ @ terrorist group and named the Islamic State 's West Africa Province .
The key strongholds @ @ @ @ @ in southern and southwestern regions of Lake Chad , the confluence of border of four @ @ @ @ @ Cameroon , Chad and Nigeria .

TASS, August 19. An armed group has invaded a town in northeast Nigeria, taking hundreds of peaceful civilians hostage, Agence France-Presse reported Wednesday.
According to the head of local militia, Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants captured the town of Kukawa and captured hundreds of people.
According to the agency, locals have been living in a camp for displaced people due to unfavorable situation in the region and returned to the twon recently.
Currently, national security services are taking measures to help people.
In spring 2015, after Boko Haram split a group of militants announced that they joined the Islamic State. The new structure was recognized by the terrorist group and named the Islamic State's West Africa Province. The key strongholds of this groups are located in southern and southwestern regions of Lake Chad, the confluence of border of four African states - Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.


tass--2020-08-19--Scientists begin studies at walrus rookery on Yamal

TASS , August 19 .
Russian scientists continue studies to understand why for the second year running walruses come to the Kara Sea ’ s costal area near the Kharasavei settlement in the Yamalo-Nenets Region , Director of the Russian Center for Arctic Development Andrei Umnikov told TASS .
In October , 2019 , scientists saw on the Yamal Peninsula ’ s north-western coast more than 1,000 walruses .
Earlier , only occasional short-term visits have been reported .
But on July 11 , 2020 , about 15 male mammals were seen coming to the new rookery again .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun analyzing why the animals come to the coast .
They also plan to tag them with satellite transmitters and to take all necessary samples , '' he said .
Two scientists remain at the potential rookery , waiting for walruses to come .
The regional government ’ s press service told TASS earlier the studies would offer approaches to monitor walruses , which could be indicators of the sea ecosystem .
The biggest rookery in the Kara Sea According to the Sea Mammals Scientific-Expedition Center , the rookery , which appeared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest ever rookery of walruses in the Kara Sea .
In the 6th - 8th centuries , there used to be human settlements , the Center said .
Archeologists say the people used to hunted walruses on the shore .
`` Thus , back then , walruses had a rookery there , '' the Center said .
`` They have returned to the place , where they were at least 1,500 years ago . ''
Before the studies began , volunteers cleaned the coastal line from waste .
The team worked there between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers removed more than 180 tonnes of metal from the potential rookery .
`` Between July 15 and 31 , volunteers , both experienced and newcomers , cleaned the coastal line , '' the Center ’ s director said .
`` The newcomers have been trained and chosen under the Green Arctic project .
The cleaning featured eight volunteers . ''
The cleaned area was 300 hectares .
The volunteers gathered 3,000 metal barrels , 1.5km of pipes , dug out two tractors , 16 power generators and engines , and dismantled a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby .
`` The volunteers used an excavator , '' Umnikov said .
`` In winter , when the tundra gets more or less frozen , the waste will be transported to the Kharasavei settlement , and within the winter period it will be transported to the mainland for further processing . ''
The volunteers lived in a town of construction trailers .
`` They lived in a comfortable trailer town , where they had three accommodation trailers , one canteen , a sauna , a trailer for a diesel power generator and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those were comfortable housing conditions , almost like at home . ''
The team started working at 8.30 in the morning , and often worked till late at night .
Thus , they completed the task two days ahead of the schedule .
`` It was hard labor .
In fact , they ’ ve managed rather quickly and collected 100 % of waste on the coastline , '' he added .
According to the Yamalo-Nenets Region ’ s governmental press service , the Russian Center for Arctic Development has provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation , equipment and catering .
As for the scientific expedition , scientists of the Sea Mammals Scientific-Expedition Center ( Moscow ) are paid by their employer , and the volunteers worked for free .
Green Arctic , an inter-regional eco-sociological non-governmental organization , was established in 2014 .
Its well-known projects are volunteer cleaning on the Bely and Vilkistky Islands .
Ecology expeditions are organized in cooperation with the Russian Center for Arctic Development .
In many projects Green Arctic cooperates with scientists from the Center ’ s environment sector .
Walruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Russia ’ s and Yamal ’ s Red Data Books .
The Yamalo-Nenets Region ’ s territory lies mostly north of the Polar Circle .
The climate is cold .
Winters continue for up to eight months .

TASS, August 19. Russian scientists continue studies to understand why for the second year running walruses come to the Kara Sea’s costal area near the Kharasavei settlement in the Yamalo-Nenets Region, Director of the Russian Center for Arctic Development Andrei Umnikov told TASS.
In October, 2019, scientists saw on the Yamal Peninsula’s north-western coast more than 1,000 walruses. Earlier, only occasional short-term visits have been reported. But on July 11, 2020, about 15 male mammals were seen coming to the new rookery again.
"Scientists are there now. They have begun analyzing why the animals come to the coast. They also plan to tag them with satellite transmitters and to take all necessary samples," he said.
Two scientists remain at the potential rookery, waiting for walruses to come.
The regional government’s press service told TASS earlier the studies would offer approaches to monitor walruses, which could be indicators of the sea ecosystem.
The biggest rookery in the Kara Sea
According to the Sea Mammals Scientific-Expedition Center, the rookery, which appeared on the Yamal in 2019, is the biggest ever rookery of walruses in the Kara Sea. In the 6th - 8th centuries, there used to be human settlements, the Center said. Archeologists say the people used to hunted walruses on the shore.
"Thus, back then, walruses had a rookery there," the Center said. "They have returned to the place, where they were at least 1,500 years ago."
Preparations
Before the studies began, volunteers cleaned the coastal line from waste. The team worked there between July 15 and July 31. The volunteers removed more than 180 tonnes of metal from the potential rookery.
"Between July 15 and 31, volunteers, both experienced and newcomers, cleaned the coastal line," the Center’s director said. "The newcomers have been trained and chosen under the Green Arctic project. The cleaning featured eight volunteers."
The cleaned area was 300 hectares. The volunteers gathered 3,000 metal barrels, 1.5km of pipes, dug out two tractors, 16 power generators and engines, and dismantled a former meteorology station and 12 temporary houses nearby.
"The volunteers used an excavator," Umnikov said. "In winter, when the tundra gets more or less frozen, the waste will be transported to the Kharasavei settlement, and within the winter period it will be transported to the mainland for further processing."
Trailer town
The volunteers lived in a town of construction trailers.
"They lived in a comfortable trailer town, where they had three accommodation trailers, one canteen, a sauna, a trailer for a diesel power generator and technical water," the director continued. "Those were comfortable housing conditions, almost like at home."
The team started working at 8.30 in the morning, and often worked till late at night. Thus, they completed the task two days ahead of the schedule. "It was hard labor. In fact, they’ve managed rather quickly and collected 100% of waste on the coastline," he added.
Expeditions’ financing
According to the Yamalo-Nenets Region’s governmental press service, the Russian Center for Arctic Development has provided for the expedition’s transport, accommodation, equipment and catering.
As for the scientific expedition, scientists of the Sea Mammals Scientific-Expedition Center (Moscow) are paid by their employer, and the volunteers worked for free.
Green Arctic, an inter-regional eco-sociological non-governmental organization, was established in 2014. Its well-known projects are volunteer cleaning on the Bely and Vilkistky Islands. Ecology expeditions are organized in cooperation with the Russian Center for Arctic Development. In many projects Green Arctic cooperates with scientists from the Center’s environment sector.
Walruses are big sea mammals. They are on Russia’s and Yamal’s Red Data Books.
The Yamalo-Nenets Region’s territory lies mostly north of the Polar Circle. The climate is cold. Winters continue for up to eight months.


tass--2020-08-19--Ukraine quits seven CIS civil aviation agreements

KIEV , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has pulled out of seven international agreements on civil aviation signed in the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal told a government meeting Wednesday .
`` Our government continues the policy of withdrawing from cooperation agreements in the framework of the CIS , therefore , today we are denouncing , or practically scrapping the treaty on radio navigation aids and the agreement relating to civil aviation , '' he said .
After a coup in Ukraine in February 2014 , the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Commonwealth of Independent States .
In May 2018 , then President Pyotr Poroshenko signed a decree terminating Ukraine ’ s participation in the activity of CIS statutory bodies .
In August 2018 , Ukraine ’ s mission to these bodies was closed , and contacts are now exercised through the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk .
After 2018 , Kiev walked out of a number of CIS cooperation agreements , including the agreements on cooperation in foreign economic activity , interstate exchange of economic information and some tax agreements among them .

KIEV, August 19. /TASS/. Ukraine has pulled out of seven international agreements on civil aviation signed in the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal told a government meeting Wednesday.
"Our government continues the policy of withdrawing from cooperation agreements in the framework of the CIS, therefore, today we are denouncing, or practically scrapping the treaty on radio navigation aids and the agreement relating to civil aviation," he said.
After a coup in Ukraine in February 2014, the new government announced the process of its withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States. In May 2018, then President Pyotr Poroshenko signed a decree terminating Ukraine’s participation in the activity of CIS statutory bodies. In August 2018, Ukraine’s mission to these bodies was closed, and contacts are now exercised through the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk.
After 2018, Kiev walked out of a number of CIS cooperation agreements, including the agreements on cooperation in foreign economic activity, interstate exchange of economic information and some tax agreements among them.


tass--2020-08-19--EU does not recognize results of Belarusian election, European Council president says

BRUSSELS , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The August 9 presidential election in Belarus was neither free no fair , according to conclusions by President of the European Council Charles Michel , published after a video conference of the members of the European Council on Wednesday .
`` The EU has been following the developments in Belarus very closely and with increasing concern .
The August 9 elections were neither free nor fair , therefore we do not recognize the results , '' the document reads .
The document also calls for the release of prisoners and an end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Belarus have a right to determine their future , '' the document said , adding : `` Only a peaceful and democratic process , underpinned by independent and free media and a strong civil society , can provide sustainable solutions .
All parties , including third states , should support such a process . ''
Besides , the European Union `` will shortly impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence , repression and the falsification of election results . ''
Though the document does not call for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morawiecki said following the meeting that the entire European Council had condemned the situation in Belarus .
`` We all believe that a new election should take place in Belarus , '' he added .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between @ @ @ @ @ @

BRUSSELS, August 19. /TASS/. The August 9 presidential election in Belarus was neither free no fair, according to conclusions by President of the European Council Charles Michel, published after a video conference of the members of the European Council on Wednesday.
"The EU has been following the developments in Belarus very closely and with increasing concern. The August 9 elections were neither free nor fair, therefore we do not recognize the results," the document reads.
The document also calls for the release of prisoners and an end of violence against protesters. "The people of Belarus have a right to determine their future," the document said, adding: "Only a peaceful and democratic process, underpinned by independent and free media and a strong civil society, can provide sustainable solutions. All parties, including third states, should support such a process." Besides, the European Union "will shortly impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence, repression and the falsification of election results."
Though the document does not call for a new election, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said following the meeting that the entire European Council had condemned the situation in Belarus. "We all believe that a new election should take place in Belarus," he added.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.


tass--2020-08-19--Video game mirrors war games: Russia rolls out cyber tank biathlon tournament

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Gaijin Entertainment , an independent European video game developer and publisher , has joined forces with the Defense Ministry of Russia to create an exclusive computer tank biathlon game , the Russian military agency told reporters Wednesday .
The ministry revealed that a fan club will be set up at the Patriot exhibition center during the 2020 International Army Games .
The club will feature a esport zone dubbed Cyberpatriot which will hold tank biathlon tournaments in War Thunder , a Russian vehicular combat multiplayer video game .
Moreover , the ministry noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actual tank biathlon competition will be available for everyone to try between August 23 and September 5 , 2020 when the 2020 International Army Games are going to be held .
War Thunder ’ s tank biathlon has eight countries : Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , China , Russia , Serbia and Syria .
Just like in actual competition , China competes with their own tank - the Type 96 ( ZTZ96A ) - while other countries strive for victory with Russian tanks - the T-72B3 or T-80U .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles are as close to the original as possible , just like other features of War Thunder .
The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the application will be available to all players of War Thunder free of charge , while all the necessary equipment will be provided automatically .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Gaijin Entertainment, an independent European video game developer and publisher, has joined forces with the Defense Ministry of Russia to create an exclusive computer tank biathlon game, the Russian military agency told reporters Wednesday.
The ministry revealed that a fan club will be set up at the Patriot exhibition center during the 2020 International Army Games. The club will feature a esport zone dubbed Cyberpatriot which will hold tank biathlon tournaments in War Thunder, a Russian vehicular combat multiplayer video game.
Moreover, the ministry noted that the virtual tournament that mirrors the actual tank biathlon competition will be available for everyone to try between August 23 and September 5, 2020 when the 2020 International Army Games are going to be held.
War Thunder’s tank biathlon has eight countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Serbia and Syria. Just like in actual competition, China competes with their own tank - the Type 96 (ZTZ96A) - while other countries strive for victory with Russian tanks - the T-72B3 or T-80U. The appearance and characteristics of the military fighting vehicles are as close to the original as possible, just like other features of War Thunder.
The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the application will be available to all players of War Thunder free of charge, while all the necessary equipment will be provided automatically.


tass--2020-08-19--Opposition discussing solutions to Belarus crisis, says Coordination Council

MOSCOW , August 19./TASS/ .
The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition is discussing ways to settle the situation in @ @ @ @ @ , a member of the council ’ s presidium , told TV Rain on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ it is `` drafting the first basic decision which will determine the main approaches to @ @ @ @ @ in our country , '' Latushko said .
The document `` will form the basis @ @ @ @ @ he added .
The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition elected on Wednesday a seven-member @ @ @ @ @ in a statement on Wednesday .

MOSCOW, August 19./TASS/. The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition is discussing ways to settle the situation in the country, Pavel Latushko, a member of the council’s presidium, told TV Rain on Wednesday.
At the moment, it is "drafting the first basic decision which will determine the main approaches to the settlement of the situation in our country," Latushko said. The document "will form the basis for potential negotiations," he added.
The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition elected on Wednesday a seven-member presidium, the council said in a statement on Wednesday.


tass--2020-08-19--Russia delivers Nauka research module to Baikonur spaceport for launch to orbital outpost

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module planned for its launch to the International Space Station ( ISS ) in 2021 has been delivered to the Baikonur spaceport , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos announced on Wednesday .
`` Today , on August 19 , 2020 , the Nauka module whose launch to the International Space Station is scheduled for the spring of 2021 has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome , '' Roscosmos said in a statement .
A total of 14 railway cars were used to deliver the Nauka research module and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Roscosmos specified .
Specialists of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation and the Khrunichev Center will now hold the manufacturer ’ s control and measurement tests of the new module , its electrical trials and a fit check of fastening means of large-size objects .
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the Nauka research module was opening the way for further building up Russia ’ s presence on the ISS .
The launch of the Nauka module to the orbital outpost was planned for April 2021 , he specified .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the module would be sent into orbit towards the International Space Station in the second quarter of 2021 .
Roscosmos Executive Director for Science and Long-Term Programs Alexander Bloshenko told TASS in April that an experiment would be carried out in the module to create crystals for the latest infrared sensors for their use on satellites of the Sfera orbital grouping .
An experiment to develop embryos in quail eggs is also planned to be conducted in the module .
The module ’ s construction began in 1995 .
Russia initially planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISS as a back-up of the Zarya compartment ( the station ’ s first module that continues its flight as part of the orbital outpost ) but the launch was numerously delayed .
In 2013 , the Nauka module was sent to the Khrunichev Space Center after metal chips were found in its fuel system .
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine .
The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts ( the first is located in the Zvezda module @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crewmember .
It will also use the European Robotic Arm ( ERA ) that will help perform some operations without spacewalks .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module planned for its launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021 has been delivered to the Baikonur spaceport, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos announced on Wednesday.
"Today, on August 19, 2020, the Nauka module whose launch to the International Space Station is scheduled for the spring of 2021 has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome," Roscosmos said in a statement.
A total of 14 railway cars were used to deliver the Nauka research module and the required equipment to the Baikonur spaceport, Roscosmos specified.
Specialists of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation and the Khrunichev Center will now hold the manufacturer’s control and measurement tests of the new module, its electrical trials and a fit check of fastening means of large-size objects.
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the Nauka research module was opening the way for further building up Russia’s presence on the ISS. The launch of the Nauka module to the orbital outpost was planned for April 2021, he specified.
The Russian Space journal issued by Roscosmos earlier reported that the module would be sent into orbit towards the International Space Station in the second quarter of 2021. Roscosmos Executive Director for Science and Long-Term Programs Alexander Bloshenko told TASS in April that an experiment would be carried out in the module to create crystals for the latest infrared sensors for their use on satellites of the Sfera orbital grouping. An experiment to develop embryos in quail eggs is also planned to be conducted in the module.
Russia’s Nauka research module
The module’s construction began in 1995. Russia initially planned to launch the Nauka lab to the ISS as a back-up of the Zarya compartment (the station’s first module that continues its flight as part of the orbital outpost) but the launch was numerously delayed. In 2013, the Nauka module was sent to the Khrunichev Space Center after metal chips were found in its fuel system.
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine. The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts (the first is located in the Zvezda module) and a room for the third crewmember. It will also use the European Robotic Arm (ERA) that will help perform some operations without spacewalks.


tass--2020-08-19--Two colonels lead coup in Mali

Two colonels lead coup in Mali

PRETORIA , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The military coup in Mali is headed by two colonels : Sadio Camara @ @ @ @ @ Nigerian newspaper P.M. News informed on Wednesday.· Both colonels have ties to the Kati military @ @ @ @ @ the epicenter of military coups twice this century.·

PRETORIA, August 19. /TASS/. The military coup in Mali is headed by two colonels: Sadio Camara and Malick Diaw, the Nigerian newspaper P.M. News informed on Wednesday.·
Both colonels have ties to the Kati military base, which has been the epicenter of military coups twice this century.·


tass--2020-08-19--One detained at 11th rally near Belarus embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Police officers have detained one person near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ results of the recent presidential election have gathered for the 11th day in a row @ @ @ @ @ from the site .
Witnesses told TASS that the detainee is an activist of Moscow @ @ @ @ @ ’ .
People are now gathering at the site , there are now around 100 @ @ @ @ @ white stripe and flowers .
Meanwhile , supporters of the current authorities in Belarus also @ @ @ @ @ women are giving out read and green flags of the country .
When asked what @ @ @ @ @ said that they are independent activists .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Police officers have detained one person near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow, where people dissatisfied with the results of the recent presidential election have gathered for the 11th day in a row on Wednesday, TASS reports from the site.
Witnesses told TASS that the detainee is an activist of Moscow’s ‘Indefinite Protest’.
People are now gathering at the site, there are now around 100 people there, holding a white stripe and flowers.
Meanwhile, supporters of the current authorities in Belarus also came out today. Two women are giving out read and green flags of the country. When asked what organization they represent, they said that they are independent activists.


tass--2020-08-19--EU leaders believe necessary to hold new election in Belarus, says Lithuanian president

VILNIUS , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The leaders of the EU countries believe it is necessary to hold a new presidential election in Belarus , Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday following an emergency video conference summit on the situation in Belarus .
`` The conversation went on in unison .
Everyone agreed that the election results had been falsified and could not be recognized .
It is necessary to create conditions for a new election , '' he said .
According to Nauseda , by doing so , the EU demonstrated its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union `` protects fundamental values , and , if necessary , is ready to react quickly , decisively and with dignity . ''
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s final data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .

VILNIUS, August 19. /TASS/. The leaders of the EU countries believe it is necessary to hold a new presidential election in Belarus, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday following an emergency video conference summit on the situation in Belarus.
"The conversation went on in unison. Everyone agreed that the election results had been falsified and could not be recognized. It is necessary to create conditions for a new election," he said.
According to Nauseda, by doing so, the EU demonstrated its moral authority, the fact that the European Union "protects fundamental values, and, if necessary, is ready to react quickly, decisively and with dignity."
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s final data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police.


tass--2020-08-19--Russian Su-27 fighter scrambled to intercept US spy plane over Baltic Sea

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Air @ @ @ @ @ the Baltic Sea , Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center reported on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ target over the Baltic Sea approaching Russia ’ s state border on August 19 , @ @ @ @ @ A Su-27 fighter of the Baltic Fleet ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces @ @ @ @ @ air target and prevent the violation of the Russian state border .
The Russian fighter @ @ @ @ @ air object at a safe distance and identified it as a US Air Force RC-135 @ @ @ @ @ the National Defense Control Center said .
After the US spy plane flew away from @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield , the Center said .
@ @ @ @ @ not violate the Russian state border .
The Russian Su-27 plane complied with all the @ @ @ @ @ airspace , the National Defense Control Center stressed .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Wednesday.
Russian radars detected an air target over the Baltic Sea approaching Russia’s state border on August 19, the Center said.
"A Su-27 fighter of the Baltic Fleet’s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify the air target and prevent the violation of the Russian state border. The Russian fighter’s crew approached the air object at a safe distance and identified it as a US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance plane," the National Defense Control Center said.
After the US spy plane flew away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield, the Center said.
The US spy plane did not violate the Russian state border. The Russian Su-27 plane complied with all the international rules of using the airspace, the National Defense Control Center stressed.


tass--2020-08-19--Belarus needs to choose its path on its own, Merkel says

BERLIN , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus needs to choose its path on its own , German Chancellor Angela @ @ @ @ @ conference of the members of the European Council , which was dedicated to the situation @ @ @ @ @ is perfectly clear to us that Belarus needs to find its path on its own @ @ @ @ @ national dialogue , '' she pointed out .
`` There should be no foreign interference @ @ @ @ @ `` Belarusian residents know what they want .
This is why we would like to @ @ @ @ @ path and a decision to be made within the country , '' the German chancellor @ @

BERLIN, August 19. /TASS/. Belarus needs to choose its path on its own, German Chancellor Angela Mekrel said following a video conference of the members of the European Council, which was dedicated to the situation in Belarus.
"It is perfectly clear to us that Belarus needs to find its path on its own and it should lead through national dialogue," she pointed out. "There should be no foreign interference," Merkel added.
"Belarusian residents know what they want. This is why we would like to see Belarus take an independent path and a decision to be made within the country," the German chancellor stressed.


tass--2020-08-19--Every second Russian owes a loan to a bank

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Every second Russian has a bank loan , and every third debtor is forced to pay two loans , according to the results of a study by Raiffeisenbank obtained by TASS .
`` Every second Russian has loans , while about 8 % have already closed existing loans and have not yet increased their debt burden , the Raiffeisenbank survey shows .
46 % of respondents serve one loan , every third has two loans .
20 % of respondents currently have three or more loans , `` the bank reported .
Normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the total amount of liabilities for 40 % of respondents does not exceed 100,000 rubles ( $ 1,366 ) , for another 38 % this amount is up to 500,000 rubles ( $ 6,830 ) .
At the same time , the majority of respondents have a consumer loan or credit card , and 33 % pay a mortgage .
According to the survey , a consumer loan from a bank has been the most popular credit product for Russians over the past three months .
Credit cards rank second , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 % of respondents want to take out a new loan in the next six months , and only 1 % intend to apply for refinancing of their existing debt .
Most often , Russians take out a loan to buy a car , build or buy housing , as well as for repairs .
Less often , borrowed money is planned to be spent on household appliances , education or medicine .
Some respondents plan to take out a loan for business development , buy a dacha or go on vacation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sivov , head of the consumer loans development department at Raiffeisenbank , the lending market is gradually `` reviving '' after the pandemic .
In July , the issuance of consumer loans at Raiffeisenbank increased by 76 % compared to a month earlier .
About 2,000 Russians over 18 years old from Moscow , St. Petersburg , Rostov-on-Don , Novosibirsk , Samara and other cities took part in the study of Raiffeisenbank .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Every second Russian has a bank loan, and every third debtor is forced to pay two loans, according to the results of a study by Raiffeisenbank obtained by TASS.
"Every second Russian has loans, while about 8% have already closed existing loans and have not yet increased their debt burden, the Raiffeisenbank survey shows. 46% of respondents serve one loan, every third has two loans. 20% of respondents currently have three or more loans, "the bank reported.
Normally, Russians take small loans. Thus, the total amount of liabilities for 40% of respondents does not exceed 100,000 rubles ($1,366), for another 38% this amount is up to 500,000 rubles ($6,830). At the same time, the majority of respondents have a consumer loan or credit card, and 33% pay a mortgage.
According to the survey, a consumer loan from a bank has been the most popular credit product for Russians over the past three months. Credit cards rank second, followed by cash loans and mortgages. Almost 40% of respondents want to take out a new loan in the next six months, and only 1% intend to apply for refinancing of their existing debt.
Most often, Russians take out a loan to buy a car, build or buy housing, as well as for repairs. Less often, borrowed money is planned to be spent on household appliances, education or medicine. Some respondents plan to take out a loan for business development, buy a dacha or go on vacation, according to Raiffeisenbank.
According to Dmitry Sivov, head of the consumer loans development department at Raiffeisenbank, the lending market is gradually "reviving" after the pandemic. In July, the issuance of consumer loans at Raiffeisenbank increased by 76% compared to a month earlier.
About 2,000 Russians over 18 years old from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Novosibirsk, Samara and other cities took part in the study of Raiffeisenbank.


tass--2020-08-19--Caspian Flotilla lands amphibious assault force in southern Russia drills

ROSTOV-ON-DON , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Marine infantry units of Russia ’ s Southern Military District supported by Caspian Flotilla ships eliminated a notional enemy ’ s force and retained a bridgehead during drills in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus , the District ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` Marine infantry units , ships and boats of the Caspian Flotilla of the Southern Military District are holding an exercise to land an amphibious assault force onto an unequipped shore .
The exercise involves about 500 marines , 10 ships , boats and vessels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special equipment of the Caspian Flotilla , '' the press office said in a statement .
The personnel of marine infantry ’ s amphibious assault companies landed onto the coast from Mi-8 military transport helicopters in their full combat gear and captured the landing bridgehead , providing a possibility for a tactical maneuver by the amphibious assault main forces , the statement says .
Following this , the marine infantry battalions eliminated the notional enemy ’ s anti-amphibious defense forces and retained the bridgehead .
Simulation means , smoke bombs , blank cartridges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the drills to create a situation close to a real combat environment , the press office specified .
The Caspian Flotilla ships provided artillery support for the advancing troops and landed the tactical amphibious assault main forces , it said .
The exercise aims to prepare the personnel of marine infantry battalions and Caspian Flotilla ships for the Kavkaz-2020 ( Caucasus-2020 ) strategic command and staff drills , the press office said .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, August 19. /TASS/. Marine infantry units of Russia’s Southern Military District supported by Caspian Flotilla ships eliminated a notional enemy’s force and retained a bridgehead during drills in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus, the District’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"Marine infantry units, ships and boats of the Caspian Flotilla of the Southern Military District are holding an exercise to land an amphibious assault force onto an unequipped shore. The exercise involves about 500 marines, 10 ships, boats and vessels and over 30 items of automobile and special equipment of the Caspian Flotilla," the press office said in a statement.
The personnel of marine infantry’s amphibious assault companies landed onto the coast from Mi-8 military transport helicopters in their full combat gear and captured the landing bridgehead, providing a possibility for a tactical maneuver by the amphibious assault main forces, the statement says.
Following this, the marine infantry battalions eliminated the notional enemy’s anti-amphibious defense forces and retained the bridgehead. Simulation means, smoke bombs, blank cartridges and charges simulating artillery blasts were used in the drills to create a situation close to a real combat environment, the press office specified.
The Caspian Flotilla ships provided artillery support for the advancing troops and landed the tactical amphibious assault main forces, it said.
The exercise aims to prepare the personnel of marine infantry battalions and Caspian Flotilla ships for the Kavkaz-2020 (Caucasus-2020) strategic command and staff drills, the press office said.


tass--2020-08-19--Russian ISS astronaut detects a group of UFOs over Southern hemisphere

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian astronaut Ivan Vagner , who is currently at the International Space Station ( ISS ) , has detected a group of five unidentified flying objects ( UFOs ) when shooting a time lapse video .
`` At 9-12 seconds , 5 objects appear flying alongside with the same distance .
What do you think those are ?
Meteors , satellites or… ?
, '' he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday after publishing the video .
`` The frames were captured 1 per sec and later assembled in a video with 25 frames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real observation time is 52 sec , '' he added .
The spaceman stated that he had informed Russian state space corporation Roscosmos about his findings , also sending the video to the Central Research Institute of Machine Building ( TsNIIMash ) and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences for further analysis .
In late April , the Pentagon published the video footage by the US Navy which captured unidentified flying objects .
The footage was taken by crews of US fighter jets in November 2004 and January 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2007 and 2017 , however , the US Department of Defense did not greenlight their publication back then , although their authenticity has since been confirmed .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russian astronaut Ivan Vagner, who is currently at the International Space Station (ISS), has detected a group of five unidentified flying objects (UFOs) when shooting a time lapse video.
"At 9-12 seconds, 5 objects appear flying alongside with the same distance. What do you think those are? Meteors, satellites or…?," he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday after publishing the video.
"The frames were captured 1 per sec and later assembled in a video with 25 frames per sec rate. Meaning, the real observation time is 52 sec," he added.
The spaceman stated that he had informed Russian state space corporation Roscosmos about his findings, also sending the video to the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash) and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences for further analysis.
In late April, the Pentagon published the video footage by the US Navy which captured unidentified flying objects. The footage was taken by crews of US fighter jets in November 2004 and January 2015. The videos appeared on the Internet in 2007 and 2017, however, the US Department of Defense did not greenlight their publication back then, although their authenticity has since been confirmed.


tass--2020-08-19--Russian embassy expresses protest to Norway over detention of diplomat

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Embassy in Norway has expressed protest to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry over the detention of a Russian deputy trade representative , the embassy stated on Facebook , adding that Russia will make its conclusions about the situation .
`` On August 15 , 2020 , a [ Russian ] deputy trade representative was detained groundlessly by the Norwegian Police Security Service during the meeting with a Norwegian citizen , '' the embassy stated .
`` We have expressed protest to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in relation to the violation of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make its conclusions about this . ''
The embassy stated that the Norwegian law enforcement had searched the Russian diplomat , adding that law enforcement officers `` did not give him the opportunity to contact the embassy or to summon an employee of the consular department to the incident site . ''
Norway ’ s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed on Wednesday that Alexander Stekolshchikov , an employee of the Russian trade mission in Norway , is the Russian diplomat set to be expulsed from Oslo over a spy scandal .
The newspaper informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , he provided no comment .
On Saturday , the Norwegian Police Security Service detained a Norwegian citizen suspected of transmitting important information to a foreign state .
He was holding a meeting with a Russian intelligence officer , the security service claimed .
According to the Norwegian media , such meetings began several years ago and were held several times .
Norway ’ s Dagbladet newspaper informed that the Russian officer had diplomatic immunity , which is why Norway could not detain him .
On Wednesday , the Norwegian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be deported from Norway `` because he has engaged in actions that are incompatible with his role and status as a diplomat . ''
The ministry did not provide the diplomat ’ s name or position .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy in Norway has expressed protest to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry over the detention of a Russian deputy trade representative, the embassy stated on Facebook, adding that Russia will make its conclusions about the situation.
"On August 15, 2020, a [Russian] deputy trade representative was detained groundlessly by the Norwegian Police Security Service during the meeting with a Norwegian citizen," the embassy stated. "We have expressed protest to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in relation to the violation of a diplomat’s status. Russia will make its conclusions about this."
The embassy stated that the Norwegian law enforcement had searched the Russian diplomat, adding that law enforcement officers "did not give him the opportunity to contact the embassy or to summon an employee of the consular department to the incident site."
Norway’s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed on Wednesday that Alexander Stekolshchikov, an employee of the Russian trade mission in Norway, is the Russian diplomat set to be expulsed from Oslo over a spy scandal. The newspaper informed that it had contacted the Russian national, however, he provided no comment.
On Saturday, the Norwegian Police Security Service detained a Norwegian citizen suspected of transmitting important information to a foreign state. He was holding a meeting with a Russian intelligence officer, the security service claimed. According to the Norwegian media, such meetings began several years ago and were held several times. Norway’s Dagbladet newspaper informed that the Russian officer had diplomatic immunity, which is why Norway could not detain him.
On Wednesday, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian national would be deported from Norway "because he has engaged in actions that are incompatible with his role and status as a diplomat." The ministry did not provide the diplomat’s name or position.


tass--2020-08-19--Kremlin emphasizes need to keep situation in Belarus within legal framework

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
There is a need to keep the situation in Belarus within the legal framework , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` Belarus is our allied state and fraternal country , Belarusians are our fraternal people .
We consider events in Belarus to be the county ’ s domestic affair .
We believe that everything possible needs to be done to create conditions for keeping the situation within the legal framework where the necessary dialogue could take place , '' he pointed out .
Peskov added that `` the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that there is no foreign influence and interference in what is going on in Belarus . ''
`` We regret to say that interference attempts are taking place .
We believe that this kind of interference is unacceptable , '' the Kremlin spokesman added .
Peskov emphasized that `` the situation must remain within the legal framework and the Belarusian people need to solve their problems through dialogue . ''
When asked if the Kremlin recognized the results of the Belarusian presidential election , Peskov pointed out that Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election .
The Kremlin spokesman added that international observers were present at the election though some international organizations had not sent their missions to monitor the vote .
`` The international observers who were present there acknowledged the election , '' Peskov added .
He declined to answer whether the Kremlin would cooperate with the opposition forces if they came to power in Belarus .
`` I have nothing more to add , '' he said .
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that the Russian president had held telephone conversations with German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macron , European Council President Charles Michel and the Belarusian president on Tuesday .
`` The focus was on Belarus , '' Peskov said .
He added that Putin had emphasized the need to prevent foreign interference in his phone call with Macron .
`` It was said that the Belarusian people needed to solve their problem on their own , that Russia and Belarus constitute a union state , the two countries are very close and share common economic and cultural grounds .
This is why we are keeping a very close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peskov said .
According to him , there is nothing special about the fact that the Russian and Belarusian presidents have been holding conversations quite often .
`` It is normal for the two heads of state to keep exchanging views , given he current situation in Belarus , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. There is a need to keep the situation in Belarus within the legal framework, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Belarus is our allied state and fraternal country, Belarusians are our fraternal people. We consider events in Belarus to be the county’s domestic affair. We believe that everything possible needs to be done to create conditions for keeping the situation within the legal framework where the necessary dialogue could take place," he pointed out.
Peskov added that "the most important thing in the current situation is to make sure that there is no foreign influence and interference in what is going on in Belarus." "We regret to say that interference attempts are taking place. We believe that this kind of interference is unacceptable," the Kremlin spokesman added. Peskov emphasized that "the situation must remain within the legal framework and the Belarusian people need to solve their problems through dialogue."
When asked if the Kremlin recognized the results of the Belarusian presidential election, Peskov pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin had congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on winning the election. The Kremlin spokesman added that international observers were present at the election though some international organizations had not sent their missions to monitor the vote. "The international observers who were present there acknowledged the election," Peskov added.
He declined to answer whether the Kremlin would cooperate with the opposition forces if they came to power in Belarus. "I have nothing more to add," he said.
Telephone conversation
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that the Russian president had held telephone conversations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Council President Charles Michel and the Belarusian president on Tuesday.
"The focus was on Belarus," Peskov said. He added that Putin had emphasized the need to prevent foreign interference in his phone call with Macron. "It was said that the Belarusian people needed to solve their problem on their own, that Russia and Belarus constitute a union state, the two countries are very close and share common economic and cultural grounds. This is why we are keeping a very close eye on what is happening," Peskov said.
According to him, there is nothing special about the fact that the Russian and Belarusian presidents have been holding conversations quite often. "It is normal for the two heads of state to keep exchanging views, given he current situation in Belarus," he noted.


tass--2020-08-19--Losses from protests in Belarus reach at least $500 mln

MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Total losses of Belarus from the ongoing protests against the results of the presidential elections amount to at least $ 500 mln , Belarusian presidential aide Valery Belsky said in an interview with BelTA news agency on Wednesday .
`` Losses from protests are not those 500,000 Belarusian rubles that were spent on restoring flower beds and lawns .
The current damage has already amounted to at least $ 500 mln .
The delayed one is estimated in billions .
The foundations of the foreign lending system created over the years have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has suffered , sanctions are being discussed , '' he said .
Belsky added Belarus would lose 25 % of GDP in case of withdrawal from the Union State with Russia .
`` Imagine the country starts implementing messages worded by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya .
For example , ‘ I believe Belarus does not need the Union State ’ .
The predictable outcome is the loss of positions on the Russian market and the immediate transition to global oil and gas prices .
Considering that cooperation with Russia forms over 50 % of GDP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be immediately written off from our balance sheet , '' Belsky said .
Meanwhile , the majority of Belarusian private companies continue their operations , he added .
`` Employees of state-owned enterprises chose the strike as the form of the political protest .
The best ones , having the support by the decision of the head of state , '' the official said .
`` The majority of private companies continue working , strengthening positions on new markets that were lost by competitors during the COVID [ pandemic ] period , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held on August 9 .
According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14 , incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.12 % .
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement .
The protests continued over the following days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. Total losses of Belarus from the ongoing protests against the results of the presidential elections amount to at least $500 mln, Belarusian presidential aide Valery Belsky said in an interview with BelTA news agency on Wednesday.
"Losses from protests are not those 500,000 Belarusian rubles that were spent on restoring flower beds and lawns. The current damage has already amounted to at least $500 mln. The delayed one is estimated in billions. The foundations of the foreign lending system created over the years have been violated, the country's investment attractiveness has suffered, sanctions are being discussed," he said.
Belsky added Belarus would lose 25% of GDP in case of withdrawal from the Union State with Russia. "Imagine the country starts implementing messages worded by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. For example, ‘I believe Belarus does not need the Union State’. The predictable outcome is the loss of positions on the Russian market and the immediate transition to global oil and gas prices. Considering that cooperation with Russia forms over 50% of GDP, approximately half of this amount should be immediately written off from our balance sheet," Belsky said.
Meanwhile, the majority of Belarusian private companies continue their operations, he added. "Employees of state-owned enterprises chose the strike as the form of the political protest. The best ones, having the support by the decision of the head of state," the official said. "The majority of private companies continue working, strengthening positions on new markets that were lost by competitors during the COVID [pandemic] period," Belsky said.
Belarusian presidential elections were held on August 9. According to the final results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Commission on August 14, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.12%.
After exit poll results were announced on the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The protests continued over the following days. As a result, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-19--Kremlin carefully studying information coming from Mali

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is keeping a close eye on the developments in Mali and will @ @ @ @ @ the situation , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday .
`` Now so far @ @ @ @ @ situation and studying the information coming from there .
After we make the corresponding analysis @ @ @ @ @ to give an assessment of the situation , '' Peskov said .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russia is keeping a close eye on the developments in Mali and will give its assessment after analyzing the situation, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
"Now so far we are closely following the situation and studying the information coming from there. After we make the corresponding analysis, we will be able to give an assessment of the situation," Peskov said.


tass--2020-08-20--Coffee shop staff at alleged ‘toxic tea’ spot unaware of Navalny's suspected poisoning

`` The police interviewed the workers of the coffee shop , but they did not know anything about that .
In addition , some of them even did not know anything about Alexei Navalny himself , '' the source emphasized .
MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Employees from the Tomsk cafe where blogger Alexei Navalny drank tea before flying to Moscow knew nothing about his suspected poisoning , a law enforcement source told TASS .
A TASS source earlier said that Russia ’ s law enforcement agencies were not considering the version that Navalny may have been deliberately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to the hospital , the preliminary diagnosis was `` acute poisoning with psychodysleptics , '' he noted .
The source did not rule out that Navalny may have ingested something on his own .
In turn , the press service of the Russian Interior Ministry ’ s Transport Directorate in the Siberian Federal District reported that police were conducting a probe into the incident and ascertaining all the circumstances .
Earlier on Thursday , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weather in mid-flight .
According to Yarmysh , Navalny only drank tea in the morning .
She claimed that the blogger may have been poisoned .

"The police interviewed the workers of the coffee shop, but they did not know anything about that. In addition, some of them even did not know anything about Alexei Navalny himself," the source emphasized.
MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Employees from the Tomsk cafe where blogger Alexei Navalny drank tea before flying to Moscow knew nothing about his suspected poisoning, a law enforcement source told TASS.
A TASS source earlier said that Russia’s law enforcement agencies were not considering the version that Navalny may have been deliberately poisoned.
When the opposition blogger was admitted to the hospital, the preliminary diagnosis was "acute poisoning with psychodysleptics," he noted. The source did not rule out that Navalny may have ingested something on his own.
In turn, the press service of the Russian Interior Ministry’s Transport Directorate in the Siberian Federal District reported that police were conducting a probe into the incident and ascertaining all the circumstances.
Earlier on Thursday, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt under the weather in mid-flight. According to Yarmysh, Navalny only drank tea in the morning. She claimed that the blogger may have been poisoned.


tass--2020-08-20--Direct and indirect outside interference observed in Belarus — Kremlin

`` I will not specify these forces , these countries .
We state that there is indirect and even direct interference , and we are concerned because of that , '' he said .
`` We say once again : we are certain that problems in Belarus must be solved by Belarusians themselves through dialogue and within the legal framework , '' he stressed .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko discuss foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of Belarus , the Kremlin spokesman went on to say .
`` The two countries ’ presidents are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they often talk over the phone , exchange views .
No more than that for now , '' he noted .
Peskov insisted that dialogue between Russia or other countries and the Belarusian opposition would be interference in Belarus ’ s domestic affairs .
`` We believe that first of all there should be inter-Belarusian dialogue because if foreign countries , including Russia , start dialogue with the opposition , this would be meddling in domestic affairs , '' Peskov said .
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that Russia was not going to interfere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a new presidential election in the neighboring country .
`` As you know , President [ Vladimir ] Putin congratulated [ Belarusian leader Alexander ] Lukashenko on winning the election , '' Peskov noted .
The Russian presidential spokesman was also asked to shed light on how many phone conversations Putin and Lukashenko had in the past days .
Belarus earlier reported that there were four such conversations , while Russia said there were three of them .
`` We just did not report [ about one phone conversation between the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there but yes , there were four conversations lately , '' Peskov said .

"I will not specify these forces, these countries. We state that there is indirect and even direct interference, and we are concerned because of that," he said. "We say once again: we are certain that problems in Belarus must be solved by Belarusians themselves through dialogue and within the legal framework," he stressed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko discuss foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of Belarus, the Kremlin spokesman went on to say. "The two countries’ presidents are constantly in touch with each other, they often talk over the phone, exchange views. No more than that for now though," he noted.
Peskov insisted that dialogue between Russia or other countries and the Belarusian opposition would be interference in Belarus’s domestic affairs. "We believe that first of all there should be inter-Belarusian dialogue because if foreign countries, including Russia, start dialogue with the opposition, this would be meddling in domestic affairs," Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that Russia was not going to interfere in the situation concerning the issue of holding a new presidential election in the neighboring country. "As you know, President [Vladimir] Putin congratulated [Belarusian leader Alexander] Lukashenko on winning the election," Peskov noted.
The Russian presidential spokesman was also asked to shed light on how many phone conversations Putin and Lukashenko had in the past days. Belarus earlier reported that there were four such conversations, while Russia said there were three of them. "We just did not report [about one phone conversation between the leaders] because there was nothing principally new there but yes, there were four conversations lately," Peskov said.


tass--2020-08-20--Navalny’s condition stabilized, no plans to transport him to Moscow

OMSK , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Medical professionals have managed to stabilize the condition of Russian opposition figure Alexei @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Chief Physician of the Omsk Emergency Hospital No .
1 , told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ , we have held several telemedical consultations with federal centers , with our country ’ @ @ @ @ @ able to provide consultations regarding this patient .
All of them think that all treatment @ @ @ @ @ conducted correctly and to a full extent .
The fact that we have managed to @ @ @ @ @ the current clinical picture , gives cause for cautious optimism regarding his prognosed state < @ @ @ @ @ there are no plans [ to relocate him ] , '' Kalinichenko said .

OMSK, August 20. /TASS/. Medical professionals have managed to stabilize the condition of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, Anatoly Kalinichenko, Deputy Chief Physician of the Omsk Emergency Hospital No. 1, told reporters on Thursday.
"So far, we have held several telemedical consultations with federal centers, with our country’s leading experts who are able to provide consultations regarding this patient. All of them think that all treatment and diagnostical efforts have been conducted correctly and to a full extent. The fact that we have managed to stabilize him, to get the current clinical picture, gives cause for cautious optimism regarding his prognosed state <…> so far, there are no plans [to relocate him]," Kalinichenko said.