tass--2020-06-30--Putin hopes new defense ministry medical centers will be effective

According to the leader , `` these modern medical centers have all the equipment and tools necessary to help people facing the dangerous disease - coronavirus infection . ''
Putin believes that the new centers `` should boost the potential of regional healthcare systems for long-term prospects . ''
`` Today , we have an important and nice event - five medical centers constructed by the defense ministry are opening simultaneously in Voronezh , Penza , Kaspiysk , Derbent and Botayurt , '' Putin said .
MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expecting new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russian regions will to work effectively and contribute to the fight against coronavirus .
`` In the most difficult initial period of the pandemic , the necessary units of military and civil builders , resources and equipment were quickly allocated .
Everything needed was done to boost capabilities on specialized hospital beds in those Russian regions where the situation was developing most seriously , '' the president noted .
Moreover , he emphasized that `` four more mobile hospitals were deployed in Dagestan , the Krasnoyarsk and Transbaikal Regions . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today will be just as effective and will contribute to the fight against the infection , '' Putin said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics , over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

According to the leader, "these modern medical centers have all the equipment and tools necessary to help people facing the dangerous disease - coronavirus infection." Putin believes that the new centers "should boost the potential of regional healthcare systems for long-term prospects."
"Today, we have an important and nice event - five medical centers constructed by the defense ministry are opening simultaneously in Voronezh, Penza, Kaspiysk, Derbent and Botayurt," Putin said.
MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expecting new medical centers built by the defense ministry in Russian regions will to work effectively and contribute to the fight against coronavirus.
"In the most difficult initial period of the pandemic, the necessary units of military and civil builders, resources and equipment were quickly allocated. Everything needed was done to boost capabilities on specialized hospital beds in those Russian regions where the situation was developing most seriously," the president noted. Moreover, he emphasized that "four more mobile hospitals were deployed in Dagestan, the Krasnoyarsk and Transbaikal Regions."
"I am certain that the centers opening today will be just as effective and will contribute to the fight against the infection," Putin said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-30--Russia calls for building up assistance to Syria on basis of international law

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow calls for continuing and building up humanitarian assistance to Syrians without preliminary conditions and on the basis of international law , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said on Tuesday at the IV Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region .
`` We call for mobilization of comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all those in need in Syria ’ s entire territory , without politicization , discrimination and preliminary conditions , '' he said .
`` Humanitarian assistance to all Syrians must be continued and increased in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , including United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 , i.e .
in coordination with the Syrian government . ''
The Russian senior diplomat expressed the hope that the joint UN humanitarian convoy to Idlib across the contact lines that had originally been planned for April 20 would finally be sent soon .
`` The cross-border mechanism that was established in 2014 as an emergency and temporary measure no longer corresponds to either the current situation on the ground or norms of international humanitarian law , '' Vershinin stressed .
He noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refugees has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and closure of borders .
`` But now , refugees from Lebanon are already arriving in Syria .
The process of the return of internally displaced persons has never stopped , '' he said .
`` These people need support and help in the implementation of their legal right to voluntary and safe return to their homes .
It is necessary to help all those who want to return to Syria rather than try to make them stay where they are , the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this burden for too long .
`` .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Moscow calls for continuing and building up humanitarian assistance to Syrians without preliminary conditions and on the basis of international law, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said on Tuesday at the IV Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region.
"We call for mobilization of comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all those in need in Syria’s entire territory, without politicization, discrimination and preliminary conditions," he said. "Humanitarian assistance to all Syrians must be continued and increased in line with the norms and principles of international humanitarian law, including United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182, i.e. in coordination with the Syrian government."
The Russian senior diplomat expressed the hope that the joint UN humanitarian convoy to Idlib across the contact lines that had originally been planned for April 20 would finally be sent soon. "The cross-border mechanism that was established in 2014 as an emergency and temporary measure no longer corresponds to either the current situation on the ground or norms of international humanitarian law," Vershinin stressed.
He noted that the process of the return of Syrian refugees has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and closure of borders. "But now, refugees from Lebanon are already arriving in Syria. The process of the return of internally displaced persons has never stopped," he said. "These people need support and help in the implementation of their legal right to voluntary and safe return to their homes. It is necessary to help all those who want to return to Syria rather than try to make them stay where they are, the more so as these countries have been bearing this burden for too long.".


tass--2020-06-30--Final voter turnout at online voting on constitutional amendments in Russia exceeds 93%

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The final turnout at the online voting on amendments to the Russian constitution is 93.02 % , with more than 1.1 ballots issued , according to Tuesday ’ s data on information screens at the center monitoring the voting process .
The online vote began on Thursday , June 25 , at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time and finished at 20:00 Moscow time on June 30 .
Voters from the Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could take part .
As many as 1,107,648 ballots were issued in the system of remote electronic voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some 140,000 in Nizhny Novgorod regions have registered for taking part in the online voting .
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in Russia on June 25 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period has been extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
Vote counting will begin in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations close .
Along with the extended voting period ( from June 25 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas , including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application .
Additionally , residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The final turnout at the online voting on amendments to the Russian constitution is 93.02%, with more than 1.1 ballots issued, according to Tuesday’s data on information screens at the center monitoring the voting process.
The online vote began on Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time and finished at 20:00 Moscow time on June 30. Voters from the Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could take part. As many as 1,107,648 ballots were issued in the system of remote electronic voting.
Around one million voters in Moscow and some 140,000 in Nizhny Novgorod regions have registered for taking part in the online voting.
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period has been extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting will begin in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations close. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people can cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online.


tass--2020-06-30--Coronavirus situation in Russia’s Dagestan stabilized

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The rates of coronavirus infection in the Russian region of Dagestan have stabilized , around 900 people are hospitalized for treatment , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Tuesday .
`` Our joint efforts in Dagestan made it possible for us to stabilize the overall picture , there are ten times fewer people hospitalized .
There are 900 left since the moment we undertook this work , '' he told a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark opening of medical centers across the country .
Earlier , Putin informed that five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense ministry are opening their doors , with one of them located in Dagestan .
According to the leader , the new facilities `` should boost the potential of regional healthcare systems for long-term prospects . ''
`` All facilities were built in time promised , with high quality and in places where [ healthcare ] needed to be strengthened .
The highest evaluation [ of quality ] is obtaining the license , of course they [ medical centers ] are ready to provide medical care , '' Murashko added .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the illness across the globe .
To date , 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The rates of coronavirus infection in the Russian region of Dagestan have stabilized, around 900 people are hospitalized for treatment, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Tuesday.
"Our joint efforts in Dagestan made it possible for us to stabilize the overall picture, there are ten times fewer people hospitalized. There are 900 left since the moment we undertook this work," he told a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark opening of medical centers across the country.
Earlier, Putin informed that five new medical centers built by the Russian defense ministry are opening their doors, with one of them located in Dagestan. According to the leader, the new facilities "should boost the potential of regional healthcare systems for long-term prospects."
"All facilities were built in time promised, with high quality and in places where [healthcare] needed to be strengthened. The highest evaluation [of quality] is obtaining the license, of course they [medical centers] are ready to provide medical care," Murashko added.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-30--Russian defense ministry hopes to finish construction of two medical centers by Sep 15

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian defense ministry is planning to complete construction of two more multifunctional @ @ @ @ @ patients in Pskov and Velikiye Luki by September 15 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` Under your order given last week , we began working in Pskov @ @ @ @ @ constructed there , one in Pskov for 200 beds and one in Velikiye Luki for @ @ @ @ @ We are currently laying down foundation .
We hope to finish the construction of these @ @ @ @ @ 15 considering the large scale of works , '' he noted .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The Russian defense ministry is planning to complete construction of two more multifunctional medical centers to treat coronavirus patients in Pskov and Velikiye Luki by September 15, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin Tuesday.
"Under your order given last week, we began working in Pskov. Two hospitals will be constructed there, one in Pskov for 200 beds and one in Velikiye Luki for 100 [beds]. We are currently laying down foundation. We hope to finish the construction of these hospitals as well by September 15 considering the large scale of works," he noted.
To date, 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-30--Online voting on constitutional amendments over in Russia

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Online voting on amendments to the Russian constitution in Moscow and the Nizhny @ @ @ @ @ The online vote began on Thursday , June 25 , at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ time on June 30 .
Voters from the Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could @ @ @ @ @ for voting ( elec.2020og.ru ) was inaccessible within the first 20 minutes after the start @ @ @ @ @ because too many people tried to reach it .
After the failure was corrected , @ @ @ @ @ till the end of voting .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Online voting on amendments to the Russian constitution in Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region has finished.
The online vote began on Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time and finished at 20:00 Moscow time on June 30. Voters from the Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could take part.
The website for voting (elec.2020og.ru) was inaccessible within the first 20 minutes after the start of voting on June 25 because too many people tried to reach it. After the failure was corrected, the website functioned smoothly up till the end of voting.


tass--2020-06-30--Azerbaijan’s coronavirus cases top 17,500

BAKU , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Azerbaijan rose by 556 in the past 24 hours , an increase of 12 compared to yesterday ’ s figures , the national crisis center under the Azeri cabinet said Tuesday .
The total number of known cases reached 17,524 .
`` In the past 24 hours , seven people with positive coronavirus tests died , '' the statement reads .
Yesterday , eight new coronavirus-related fatalities were reported .
Overall , 213 people in the country died from the virus or 1.2 % of the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after 346 more people were discharged from medical facilities .
Moreover , 7,596 are still hospitalized with coronavirus , the country carried out 482,170 coronavirus tests , including 6,645 in the past 24 hours .
Azerbaijan reported its first coronavirus case on February 28 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BAKU, June 30. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Azerbaijan rose by 556 in the past 24 hours, an increase of 12 compared to yesterday’s figures, the national crisis center under the Azeri cabinet said Tuesday.
The total number of known cases reached 17,524. "In the past 24 hours, seven people with positive coronavirus tests died," the statement reads. Yesterday, eight new coronavirus-related fatalities were reported. Overall, 213 people in the country died from the virus or 1.2% of the total infections.
Total recoveries stand at 9,715, after 346 more people were discharged from medical facilities. Moreover, 7,596 are still hospitalized with coronavirus, the country carried out 482,170 coronavirus tests, including 6,645 in the past 24 hours.
Azerbaijan reported its first coronavirus case on February 28.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-30--US media did not contact Russian Embassy for comments on Taliban reports, says envoy

WASHINGTON , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
US media did not contact the Russian Embassy for comments on reports alleging @ @ @ @ @ US servicemen to Afghan militants , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov told journalists @ @ @ @ @ all , I would like to underscore that the allegations , published by the leading @ @ @ @ @ .
Without providing any proof , Russia is being arbitrarily accused of terrible sins .
@ @ @ @ @ public perception that Russia obstructs the US , its efforts on fighting terrorism .
Those @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t even bother to contact the Embassy for comments .
Of course , @ @ @ @ @ , although our mission received no requests , '' the envoy said .
He underscored @ @ @ @ @ `` corrections to its interaction with printed editions and channels that distinguished themselves in dissemination @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON, June 30. /TASS/. US media did not contact the Russian Embassy for comments on reports alleging that Russia offered bounties on US servicemen to Afghan militants, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov told journalists Tuesday.
"First of all, I would like to underscore that the allegations, published by the leading media, are a lie. Without providing any proof, Russia is being arbitrarily accused of terrible sins. They seek to create a public perception that Russia obstructs the US, its efforts on fighting terrorism. Those who ordered this informational provocation didn’t even bother to contact the Embassy for comments. Of course, we provided our comment promptly, although our mission received no requests," the envoy said.
He underscored that the Embassy will introduce "corrections to its interaction with printed editions and channels that distinguished themselves in dissemination of false accusations.".


tass--2020-06-30--WHO envoy calls on Russians to put off meetings with friends

Answering the question whether city residents can see their friends , she noted that it is vital to `` wait a little bit more . ''
`` Because we can not identify a 100 % healthy person , '' she explained .
`` When the person has [ contracted ] the infections but does not show symptoms they are still infectious . ''
MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
World Health Organization ( WHO ) representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic Tuesday has urged Russian citizens to only meet with friends when the number of daily new recorded coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown how infectious these people are .
`` In any case , the virus is transmitted from each person who has the infection in some quantities , '' the WHO representative said .
`` Therefore , hygiene rules should be followed .
It will be allowed to have morning coffee with friends when the number of infections will be below 1,000 each day . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

Answering the question whether city residents can see their friends, she noted that it is vital to "wait a little bit more." "Because we cannot identify a 100% healthy person," she explained. "When the person has [contracted] the infections but does not show symptoms they are still infectious."
MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic Tuesday has urged Russian citizens to only meet with friends when the number of daily new recorded coronavirus cases drops below 1,000.
It is yet unknown how infectious these people are. "In any case, the virus is transmitted from each person who has the infection in some quantities," the WHO representative said. "Therefore, hygiene rules should be followed. It will be allowed to have morning coffee with friends when the number of infections will be below 1,000 each day."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 647,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 412,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,320 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-30--Turkey cannot re-export Russian S-400 systems without Russia’s consent, official says

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey can not transfer or re-export Russian S-400 missile defense systems to third countries without Russia ’ s consent , the press service of Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation told TASS on Tuesday .
`` To export military products , a buyer of our weapons must present an end-user declaration to the Russian side .
That is why transfer or re-export of such products to third countries is impossible without an official permit from the Russian side , '' it stressed .
The US Defense News newspaper said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed an amendment to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) that would allow to buy Russian-made S-400 air defense systems from Turkey using the US Army ’ s missile procurement account .
According to the newspaper this move will make it possible to overcome the impasse between Washington and Ankara over Turkey ’ s participation in a program to produce F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets .
Russia said in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 bln contract for supplies of its S-400 missile systems with Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was delivered to Ankara by air transport in July 2019 .
The United States and NATO have been seeking to break down the deal .
The White House said in mid-July that `` Turkey ’ s decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems renders its continued involvement with the F-35 impossible . ''
Russia ’ s S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ ( NATO reporting name : SA-21 Growler ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Turkey cannot transfer or re-export Russian S-400 missile defense systems to third countries without Russia’s consent, the press service of Russia’s Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation told TASS on Tuesday.
"To export military products, a buyer of our weapons must present an end-user declaration to the Russian side. That is why transfer or re-export of such products to third countries is impossible without an official permit from the Russian side," it stressed.
The US Defense News newspaper said on Monday Senate Majority Whip John Thune had proposed an amendment to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would allow to buy Russian-made S-400 air defense systems from Turkey using the US Army’s missile procurement account. According to the newspaper this move will make it possible to overcome the impasse between Washington and Ankara over Turkey’s participation in a program to produce F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets.
Russia said in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 bln contract for supplies of its S-400 missile systems with Turkey. The first batch under the contract was delivered to Ankara by air transport in July 2019.
The United States and NATO have been seeking to break down the deal. The White House said in mid-July that "Turkey’s decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems renders its continued involvement with the F-35 impossible."
Russia’s S-400 ‘Triumf’ (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.


tass--2020-06-30--Russian Embassy demands investigation of threats following US media reports on Taliban

As many as 97 % of German firms oppose US sanctions against Russia , Nord Stream 2 According to a @ @ @ @ @ companies advocate retaliation and counter sanctions by the EU

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
Read more


tass--2020-06-30--Fight against coronavirus to continue vigorously, consistently, says Putin

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian authorities will carry on the steadfast and consistent fight against coronavirus , Russian President Vladimir Putin told a video conference , discussing opening of new defense ministry medical facilities across Russia .
The leader expressed confidence that these medical centers will contribute to the fight against the virus .
`` And we will continue doing it [ countering coronavirus ] , we will do it vigorously and consistently .
We will do everything to protect lives and security of our citizens , '' Putin noted .
The president noted that the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to quickly respond to the most complicated challenges .
The necessary resources were gathered , while additional specially equipped hospital beds were set up in a very short space of time .
`` The whole mechanism of quick response to infection spread and provision of help for regions was worked out to a detail , and it should always stay at the highest level of readiness , '' he underscored .
Putin then noted that both military and civil medical workers helped their colleagues in the regions during the epidemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian defense ministry ’ s military medical service were engaged in countering the virus , `` they all acted professionally and selflessly when needed .
They did everything possible to prevent the dangerous infection from spreading in the army , the navy , they provided help to military personnel , their families , military pensioners and recruits , '' Putin concluded .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Russian authorities will carry on the steadfast and consistent fight against coronavirus, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a video conference, discussing opening of new defense ministry medical facilities across Russia.
The leader expressed confidence that these medical centers will contribute to the fight against the virus.
"And we will continue doing it [countering coronavirus], we will do it vigorously and consistently. We will do everything to protect lives and security of our citizens," Putin noted.
The president noted that the Russian healthcare system and the country in general was able to quickly respond to the most complicated challenges. The necessary resources were gathered, while additional specially equipped hospital beds were set up in a very short space of time. "The whole mechanism of quick response to infection spread and provision of help for regions was worked out to a detail, and it should always stay at the highest level of readiness," he underscored.
Putin then noted that both military and civil medical workers helped their colleagues in the regions during the epidemic. In particular, more than 18,500 specialists of the Russian defense ministry’s military medical service were engaged in countering the virus, "they all acted professionally and selflessly when needed. They did everything possible to prevent the dangerous infection from spreading in the army, the navy, they provided help to military personnel, their families, military pensioners and recruits," Putin concluded.


tass--2020-06-30--Investments in polar Afrikanda deposit estimated at $245 million

MURMANSK , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Development of the Afrikanda deposit in the Murmansk Region will offer 450 jobs and will attract 17.4 billion rubles ( $ 245 million ) in investments , the region ’ s Governor Andrei Chibis said in an annual report .
TASS has a copy of this report .
Experts say the Afrikanda deposit is Russia ’ s most promising deposit of titanium .
`` We have announced an auction for exploration and development of the Afrikanda deposit ’ s central area , as well as for geological studies .
< … > Investments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and [ we expect ] 450 jobs , '' the document reads .
According to the report , the deposit is located next to a military infrastructure facility , which posed a problem .
`` We have agreed with the Defense Ministry on holding an auction for the right to use the Afrikanda deposit ’ s central area , '' the report says .
The Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic says the deposit ’ s central area will be home to a chemical-metallurgical plant to produce rare and rare-earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imports now .
Russia may become a leader in the production of high-grade materials for its hi-tech companies and for the global hi-tech industry .

MURMANSK, June 30. /TASS/. Development of the Afrikanda deposit in the Murmansk Region will offer 450 jobs and will attract 17.4 billion rubles ($245 million) in investments, the region’s Governor Andrei Chibis said in an annual report. TASS has a copy of this report.
Experts say the Afrikanda deposit is Russia’s most promising deposit of titanium.
"We have announced an auction for exploration and development of the Afrikanda deposit’s central area, as well as for geological studies. <…> Investments are estimated at 17.4 billion rubles, and [we expect] 450 jobs," the document reads.
According to the report, the deposit is located next to a military infrastructure facility, which posed a problem. "We have agreed with the Defense Ministry on holding an auction for the right to use the Afrikanda deposit’s central area," the report says.
The Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic says the deposit’s central area will be home to a chemical-metallurgical plant to produce rare and rare-earth metals and titanium dioxide, which Russia imports now. Russia may become a leader in the production of high-grade materials for its hi-tech companies and for the global hi-tech industry.


tass--2020-06-30--Chukoka’s all ports on Bering Sea handle cargo for coming winter

TASS , June 30 .
Ports Egvenkinota and Provideniya have received first vessels , which delivered to Chukotka food and equipment for the coming winter , the regional government told TASS on Tuesday .
Handling of summer deliveries began at the Bering Sea ’ s all ports .
Chukotka is Russia ’ s most distanced and hard-to-reach region : there are no railway lines there , and most cargoes are delivered by sea .
Summer navigation usually begins in June and continues to October .
In 2020 , the region plans to receive about 6,000 tonnes of food products .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in early June , and it continues at the Bering Sea ’ s all ports , '' the government said .
`` Practically everything is brought to Chukotka by sea : from food to fuel , and each navigation a port usually handles about 440,000 tonnes of cargo , including about 100,000 tonnes of oil products . ''
A state-run company brings to the peninsula practically all the food .
Besides , the company produces every year 200-250 thousand tins of deer and pork , about 100 tonnes of food products .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local farmers grow in greenhouses cucumbers , tomatoes , herbs and squashes .
In 2019 , they sold 167 tonnes of fresh vegetables .

TASS, June 30. Ports Egvenkinota and Provideniya have received first vessels, which delivered to Chukotka food and equipment for the coming winter, the regional government told TASS on Tuesday. Handling of summer deliveries began at the Bering Sea’s all ports.
Chukotka is Russia’s most distanced and hard-to-reach region: there are no railway lines there, and most cargoes are delivered by sea. Summer navigation usually begins in June and continues to October. In 2020, the region plans to receive about 6,000 tonnes of food products.
"This year, the navigation began in early June, and it continues at the Bering Sea’s all ports," the government said. "Practically everything is brought to Chukotka by sea: from food to fuel, and each navigation a port usually handles about 440,000 tonnes of cargo, including about 100,000 tonnes of oil products."
A state-run company brings to the peninsula practically all the food. Besides, the company produces every year 200-250 thousand tins of deer and pork, about 100 tonnes of food products. Though Chukotka is in the permafrost zone, local farmers grow in greenhouses cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs and squashes. In 2019, they sold 167 tonnes of fresh vegetables.


tass--2020-06-30--Russia kicks off contest to select military pilots for Aviadarts international competition

RYAZAN , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The All-Russian stage of the Aviadarts-2020 international Air Force competition kicked off at the Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan in central Russia to select the best pilots from 50 crews of tactical , long-range , military transport and army aviation , the Ryazan Region government announced on its website on Tuesday .
The Ryazan Region is hosting the contest already for the fifth time .
`` This is a great honor for us to become a permanent site for holding such a large-scale competition .
We are grateful to the Defense Ministry of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aerospace Force for such a decision and are ready to provide all possible assistance to the organizers .
Such events play a noticeable role in strengthening the country ’ s defense capability and raising the prestige of military service in general , '' Vice-Governor of the Ryazan Region Igor Grekov was quoted as saying in the regional government ’ s statement .
The international competition ’ s all-Russian stage will last until July 11 .
During the contest of Russian military pilots , airfields in the Ryazan , Kaluga and Bryansk Regions will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range near Ryazan .
At the training ground where the practical part of the competition will take place , personal targets designating a notional enemy ’ s military hardware have been placed for each contestant along with scoring zones upon hitting which the flight crew will receive the corresponding points .
Also , the training range features 12 types of tactical , shooting , bombing and radar targets , including an airfield with a parking place for aircraft and a pair of quick reaction alert planes on take-off , anti-aircraft missile systems at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the march , a motorized infantry company in the area of a deployed command post and a set of models of automotive equipment .
As the Defense Ministry reported earlier , more than 200 Russian Aerospace Force crews took part in the qualifying stages of the Aviadarts competition .

RYAZAN, June 30. /TASS/. The All-Russian stage of the Aviadarts-2020 international Air Force competition kicked off at the Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan in central Russia to select the best pilots from 50 crews of tactical, long-range, military transport and army aviation, the Ryazan Region government announced on its website on Tuesday.
The Ryazan Region is hosting the contest already for the fifth time.
"This is a great honor for us to become a permanent site for holding such a large-scale competition. We are grateful to the Defense Ministry of Russia and the command of Russia’s Aerospace Force for such a decision and are ready to provide all possible assistance to the organizers. Such events play a noticeable role in strengthening the country’s defense capability and raising the prestige of military service in general," Vice-Governor of the Ryazan Region Igor Grekov was quoted as saying in the regional government’s statement.
The international competition’s all-Russian stage will last until July 11. During the contest of Russian military pilots, airfields in the Ryazan, Kaluga and Bryansk Regions will be involved along with the Dubrovichi training range near Ryazan.
At the training ground where the practical part of the competition will take place, personal targets designating a notional enemy’s military hardware have been placed for each contestant along with scoring zones upon hitting which the flight crew will receive the corresponding points.
Also, the training range features 12 types of tactical, shooting, bombing and radar targets, including an airfield with a parking place for aircraft and a pair of quick reaction alert planes on take-off, anti-aircraft missile systems at launch positions, a tank company on the march, a motorized infantry company in the area of a deployed command post and a set of models of automotive equipment.
As the Defense Ministry reported earlier, more than 200 Russian Aerospace Force crews took part in the qualifying stages of the Aviadarts competition.


tass--2020-06-30--Russia’s Roscosmos to consider option of Angara carrier rocket with reusable stages

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The new version of the state contract on the ‘ Amur ’ experimental design work amended on Tuesday envisages upgrading the Angara carrier rocket and studying the option of developing reusable rocket stages , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos announced on Tuesday .
`` On June 30 , changes were made to the state contract on the ‘ Amur ’ experimental design work that envisaged upgrading and further developing this series , '' the statement says .
In particular , the changes envisage developing the Angara-A5M as the upgraded version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Angara-A5V increased lifting capacity vehicle ( with the oxygen-hydrogen third stage ) .
`` Also , an option will be considered to develop the Angara-A5VM carrier rocket with reusable stages , '' Roscosmos specified .
The flight tests of the Angara-A5M carrier rocket will begin in 2024 .
By that time , specialists are planning to implement some design improvements , in particular , reducing the carrier rocket ’ s structural weight , upgrading rocket engines and the control system and applying advanced technologies of the manufacture and trials , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center earlier said in notes to its 2019 financial statements that the Angara rocket ’ s cost price would be lowered from 7 billion rubles ( $ 100 million ) to 4 billion rubles ( $ 57 million ) by 2024 .
Roscosmos earlier announced that the Khrunichev Space Center would produce several Angara carrier rockets at a price of less than 5 billion rubles ( $ 71 million ) as part of the experimental design work .
Khrunichev Space Center CEO Alexei Varochko earlier told TASS that the assembly of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocket designed for the launch of an Oryol manned spacecraft would begin from 2023 .
The Angara is a series of next-generation Russian space rockets .
It consists of light , medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes .
The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components .
So far , Russia has carried out only two Angara launches , both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport : a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off in December 2014 @

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The new version of the state contract on the ‘Amur’ experimental design work amended on Tuesday envisages upgrading the Angara carrier rocket and studying the option of developing reusable rocket stages, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos announced on Tuesday.
"On June 30, changes were made to the state contract on the ‘Amur’ experimental design work that envisaged upgrading and further developing this series," the statement says.
In particular, the changes envisage developing the Angara-A5M as the upgraded version of the Angara-A5 rocket and the conceptual design of the Angara-A5V increased lifting capacity vehicle (with the oxygen-hydrogen third stage).
"Also, an option will be considered to develop the Angara-A5VM carrier rocket with reusable stages," Roscosmos specified.
The flight tests of the Angara-A5M carrier rocket will begin in 2024. By that time, specialists are planning to implement some design improvements, in particular, reducing the carrier rocket’s structural weight, upgrading rocket engines and the control system and applying advanced technologies of the manufacture and trials, the statement says
Russia’s Khrunichev Space Center earlier said in notes to its 2019 financial statements that the Angara rocket’s cost price would be lowered from 7 billion rubles ($100 million) to 4 billion rubles ($57 million) by 2024.
Roscosmos earlier announced that the Khrunichev Space Center would produce several Angara carrier rockets at a price of less than 5 billion rubles ($71 million) as part of the experimental design work.
Khrunichev Space Center CEO Alexei Varochko earlier told TASS that the assembly of the first flight prototype of the Angara-A5M new Russian rocket designed for the launch of an Oryol manned spacecraft would begin from 2023.
The Angara is a series of next-generation Russian space rockets. It consists of light, medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes. The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components. So far, Russia has carried out only two Angara launches, both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport: a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off in December 2014.


tass--2020-06-30--Rostec participates in consortium to develop palladium, platinum deposit

Fedorova Tundra is one of Russia ’ s biggest deposits of palladium and platinum , according to the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic .
MURMANSK , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
A consortium , which includes state-run Rostec , is working on papers to begin development of the Fedorova Tundra deposit of palladium and platinum in the Murmansk Region , Governor Andrei Chibis told local legislators in the report on the government ’ s performance in 2019 .
`` The consortium , including Rostec , has been working on the required documents , '' the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the project .
`` Rostec ’ s affiliate RT-Business Development has bought jointly with investor Oleg Seleznev from Barrick Gold a license on the Fedorova Tundra deposit of platinum and palladium , '' RT-Business Development said .
Ore production is due to begin in six to seven years ; the estimated reserves of platinum are more than 65 tonnes , and of palladium — more than 280 tonnes , the company added .
The Fedorova Tundra deposit is in the center of the Kola Peninsula .
It was discovered in the late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project are estimated at 55-60 billion rubles , where the payback period is at least 14 years , the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic said .

Fedorova Tundra is one of Russia’s biggest deposits of palladium and platinum, according to the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic.
MURMANSK, June 30. /TASS/. A consortium, which includes state-run Rostec, is working on papers to begin development of the Fedorova Tundra deposit of palladium and platinum in the Murmansk Region, Governor Andrei Chibis told local legislators in the report on the government’s performance in 2019.
"The consortium, including Rostec, has been working on the required documents," the governor added.
The corporation confirmed its participation in the project. "Rostec’s affiliate RT-Business Development has bought jointly with investor Oleg Seleznev from Barrick Gold a license on the Fedorova Tundra deposit of platinum and palladium," RT-Business Development said. Ore production is due to begin in six to seven years; the estimated reserves of platinum are more than 65 tonnes, and of palladium — more than 280 tonnes, the company added.
The Fedorova Tundra deposit is in the center of the Kola Peninsula. It was discovered in the late 1990s - early 2000s. Investments in the project are estimated at 55-60 billion rubles, where the payback period is at least 14 years, the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic said.


tass--2020-06-30--Russia’s Kurchatov research center develops power unit for lunar base

`` The stated invention deals with the technical problem of providing the necessary power and energy for an autonomous life support system for equipment and personnel in the extreme conditions of a lunar base ’ s environment , '' the description runs .
MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Kurchatov Institute National Research Center has obtained a patent for the system capable of converting thermal energy into electric power , including for a lunar base , according to the invention ’ s description released by the Federal Institute of Industrial Property on Tuesday .
Russia not to engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign — Roscosmos The system will consist of two closed loops .
One of them includes a solar collector , a hot junction heat exchanger and a circulating pump .
The sunlight will fall on the collector and the heat will pass into the heat exchanger through the pipeline of the hot liquid metal circuit and come back for heating with the pump ’ s help .
The second loop , on the contrary , will withdraw the heat with the help of a cold junction heat exchanger , which is connected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy will be generated in the thermoelectric converter through a large difference in the temperatures .
`` The autonomous space energy unit will generate the energy required for the lunar station ’ s operation during a lunar day and accumulate its surplus for work during a lunar night , '' the invention ’ s description specifies .
Energy can be stored in classical storage cells , super capacitors or mechanical energy accumulation systems .
The Central Research Institute of Machine-Building ( TsNIIMash ) , which is the lead research organization of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concept of the country ’ s lunar exploration program at the 2019 Le Bourget air show .
As the TsNIIMash materials indicate , the first landing on the Earth ’ s natural satellite is planned for 2030 .
Cosmonauts will carry out `` experiments on the surface and applied research . ''
During this period , automated space ships will also be operating on the Moon ’ s surface .
After that , regular missions to the Moon are planned along with the deployment of a permanent lunar base .
The basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The permanent base is planned to be deployed precisely by 2035 .
During regular missions , `` re-transmitters , energy modules and robotized systems '' will be deployed on the surface of the Earth ’ s natural satellite , the materials say .
At this stage , cosmonauts will carry out scientific experiments on the surface .

"The stated invention deals with the technical problem of providing the necessary power and energy for an autonomous life support system for equipment and personnel in the extreme conditions of a lunar base’s environment," the description runs.
MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The Kurchatov Institute National Research Center has obtained a patent for the system capable of converting thermal energy into electric power, including for a lunar base, according to the invention’s description released by the Federal Institute of Industrial Property on Tuesday.
Russia not to engage in lunar race that resembles US election campaign — Roscosmos
The system will consist of two closed loops. One of them includes a solar collector, a hot junction heat exchanger and a circulating pump. The sunlight will fall on the collector and the heat will pass into the heat exchanger through the pipeline of the hot liquid metal circuit and come back for heating with the pump’s help.
The second loop, on the contrary, will withdraw the heat with the help of a cold junction heat exchanger, which is connected with a radiant cooler through the pipeline.
Energy will be generated in the thermoelectric converter through a large difference in the temperatures.
"The autonomous space energy unit will generate the energy required for the lunar station’s operation during a lunar day and accumulate its surplus for work during a lunar night," the invention’s description specifies.
Energy can be stored in classical storage cells, super capacitors or mechanical energy accumulation systems.
Russia’s lunar program
The Central Research Institute of Machine-Building (TsNIIMash), which is the lead research organization of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos, unveiled the concept of the country’s lunar exploration program at the 2019 Le Bourget air show.
As the TsNIIMash materials indicate, the first landing on the Earth’s natural satellite is planned for 2030. Cosmonauts will carry out "experiments on the surface and applied research." During this period, automated space ships will also be operating on the Moon’s surface.
After that, regular missions to the Moon are planned along with the deployment of a permanent lunar base. The basic stage is scheduled for 2032 - 2035. The permanent base is planned to be deployed precisely by 2035. During regular missions, "re-transmitters, energy modules and robotized systems" will be deployed on the surface of the Earth’s natural satellite, the materials say. At this stage, cosmonauts will carry out scientific experiments on the surface.


tass--2020-06-30--Toyota provides 29 cars to Russian hospitals

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
Japan ’ s companies provided automobiles and clothing for hospitals and organized production of protective aids at its plants within the framework of helping Russia to curb the coronavirus , Japanese Ambassador to Moscow Toyohisa Kozuki told TASS in an interview .
`` As far as I am aware , Japanese companies are also providing various kinds of assistance in different countries of the globe .
Many Japan ’ s companies are providing help in Russia in connection with coronavirus control measures .
Among examples of such help known to me is free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Russian medical institutions in particular , manufacturing of protecting shields at the plant of this company in St. Petersburg , and provision of about 5,000 T-shirts and other clothing items to Moscow hospitals by Uniqlo , '' the ambassador said .
These are just some of the examples , the ambassador noted .
`` I think Japan and Russia will also be able further on to make a contribution to the coronavirus control , which is the current global task , through cooperation of different formats at the public and private level @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Japan’s companies provided automobiles and clothing for hospitals and organized production of protective aids at its plants within the framework of helping Russia to curb the coronavirus, Japanese Ambassador to Moscow Toyohisa Kozuki told TASS in an interview.
"As far as I am aware, Japanese companies are also providing various kinds of assistance in different countries of the globe. Many Japan’s companies are providing help in Russia in connection with coronavirus control measures. Among examples of such help known to me is free provision of 29 cars by Toyota Motor to Russian medical institutions in particular, manufacturing of protecting shields at the plant of this company in St. Petersburg, and provision of about 5,000 T-shirts and other clothing items to Moscow hospitals by Uniqlo," the ambassador said.
These are just some of the examples, the ambassador noted. "I think Japan and Russia will also be able further on to make a contribution to the coronavirus control, which is the current global task, through cooperation of different formats at the public and private level," he added.


tass--2020-06-30--Toughening of US export restrictions won't affect Russian market, says Industry Minister

MOSCOW , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
More stringent export restrictions introduced by the United States against Russia the day @ @ @ @ @ national radio electronic market , Minister of Industry Denis Manturov said on Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ at all .
We ’ ve seen in advanced that colleagues are preparing such decisions @ @ @ @ @ have enough stocks .
The component base is formed here somewhat in advance , especially @ @ @ @ @ get from the outside , '' Manturov told reporters .
Russia is reconfiguring logistical flows @ @ @ @ @ substitution , he added .
The US decision on requirements to licensing of export of @ @ @ @ @ Russia came into force on June 29 .
The list of such products now comprise @ @ @ @ @ operation of nuclear reactors , semiconductor instruments , measuring equipment and other materials capable of @ @ @ @ @ , as US authorities believe .

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. More stringent export restrictions introduced by the United States against Russia the day before will not affect the national radio electronic market, Minister of Industry Denis Manturov said on Tuesday.
"It will have no effect at all. We’ve seen in advanced that colleagues are preparing such decisions. Therefore, our companies have enough stocks. The component base is formed here somewhat in advance, especially considering all the inputs we get from the outside," Manturov told reporters.
Russia is reconfiguring logistical flows and is dealing with import substitution, he added.
The US decision on requirements to licensing of export of dual and defense products to Russia came into force on June 29. The list of such products now comprise various equipment and software for operation of nuclear reactors, semiconductor instruments, measuring equipment and other materials capable of being used for defense purposes, as US authorities believe.


tass--2020-06-30--Africa’s coronavirus cases top 390,000

Africa’s coronavirus cases top 390,000

South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 144,264 ) and 2,529 deaths .
Egypt , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 2,789 ) .
Algeria reported 905 fatalities .
PRETORIA , June 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 390,664 after increasing by 10,457 in the past 24 hours , while 9,772 patients died from the virus-related causes across the continent after 220 more fatalities were recorded in a single day , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Tuesday , adding that 185,000 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa , Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 25,133 coronavirus infections and 573 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 17,351 and 112 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the latest statistics , over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (144,264) and 2,529 deaths. Egypt, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (2,789). Algeria reported 905 fatalities.
PRETORIA, June 30. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 390,664 after increasing by 10,457 in the past 24 hours, while 9,772 patients died from the virus-related causes across the continent after 220 more fatalities were recorded in a single day, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Tuesday, adding that 185,000 patients recovered on the continent.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 25,133 coronavirus infections and 573 fatalities, followed by Ghana (17,351 and 112).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,429,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 508,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 5,689,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-02--Voting on constitutional amendments shows consolidation on pro-presidential majority - MP

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Preliminary results of the nationwide voting on the amendments to the Russian constitution have demonstrated consolidation of the pro-presidential majority in Russian society and the failure of the non-parliamentary opposition , a senior Russian lawmaker said on Thursday .
`` I think we can congratulate ourselves because the figures we see are the real pro-Putin majority which has consolidated in this situation , '' Andrei Klishas , chairman of the constitutional legislation committee of Russia ’ s Federal Council upper parliament house and co-chairman of the working group on elaborating amendments to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Veched ( Evening ) with Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
The senator pointed to the moral aspect of this consolidation .
`` The situation is really very difficult .
Look what is going on , what this pandemic has led to , what processes it has provoked in many countries , which call themselves ‘ old democracies ’ with stable democratic traditions , '' he noted .
According to Klishas , the voting on the constitutional amendments has again exposed `` the failure of the so-called off-parliament opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain home and hence we have more `` for '' votes .
Because those who might have voted against - and these votes were important too - simply stayed home .
So , dear opponents , you have had a chance to see again that you are being manipulated , flagrantly and dishonestly , '' he said .
About 78.05 % of Russians have voted in support of constitutional amendments , the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) said after counting 96.04 % of ballots .
According to the CEC , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against .
The voter turnout , according to the latest update , was 65 % The nationwide voting on constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time .
Voting started in Russia on June 25 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations closed .
Along with the extended voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) , people could cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas , including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application .
Additionally , residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online .
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part .
There is no minimum voter turnout .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Preliminary results of the nationwide voting on the amendments to the Russian constitution have demonstrated consolidation of the pro-presidential majority in Russian society and the failure of the non-parliamentary opposition, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Thursday.
"I think we can congratulate ourselves because the figures we see are the real pro-Putin majority which has consolidated in this situation," Andrei Klishas, chairman of the constitutional legislation committee of Russia’s Federal Council upper parliament house and co-chairman of the working group on elaborating amendments to the constitution, said in an interview with the Veched (Evening) with Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
The senator pointed to the moral aspect of this consolidation. "The situation is really very difficult. Look what is going on, what this pandemic has led to, what processes it has provoked in many countries, which call themselves ‘old democracies’ with stable democratic traditions," he noted.
According to Klishas, the voting on the constitutional amendments has again exposed "the failure of the so-called off-parliament opposition." "They called on people to remain home and hence we have more "for" votes. Because those who might have voted against - and these votes were important too - simply stayed home. So, dear opponents, you have had a chance to see again that you are being manipulated, flagrantly and dishonestly," he said.
About 78.05% of Russians have voted in support of constitutional amendments, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said after counting 96.04% of ballots.
According to the CEC, as many as 21.14% of votes were against. The voter turnout, according to the latest update, was 65%
The nationwide voting on constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time. Voting started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations closed. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people could cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online.
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-02--WHO: number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by nearly 164,000 in past day

GENEVA , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 164,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 30 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 10.35 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 1 , as many as 10,357,662 novel coronavirus cases and 508,055 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 163,939 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,188 .
The WHO statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,218,590 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 81,885 and the number of deaths - by 2,189 and reached 249,318 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,728,059 and the number of fatalities is 197,874 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 27,624 and the number of deaths - by 615 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,077,426 cases and 24,970 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 19,371 and the number of deaths - by 547 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 2,573,393 ) , Brazil ( 1,368,195 ) , Russia ( 654,405 ) , India ( 585,493 ) , the United Kingdom ( 312,658 ) , Peru ( 282,365 ) , Chile ( 279,393 ) , Spain ( 249,271 ) , Italy ( 240,578 ) , and Iran ( 227,662 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, July 2. /TASS/. Nearly 164,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 30, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 10.35 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 1, as many as 10,357,662 novel coronavirus cases and 508,055 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 163,939 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,188.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,218,590. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 81,885 and the number of deaths - by 2,189 and reached 249,318.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,728,059 and the number of fatalities is 197,874. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 27,624 and the number of deaths - by 615.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,077,426 cases and 24,970 fatalities as of July 1. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 19,371 and the number of deaths - by 547.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (2,573,393), Brazil (1,368,195), Russia (654,405), India (585,493), the United Kingdom (312,658), Peru (282,365), Chile (279,393), Spain (249,271), Italy (240,578), and Iran (227,662).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-02--Vote counting suspects at polling station in Moscow - city election commission

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Vote counting after the nationwide voting on constitutional amendments has been suspended at one of Moscow ’ s polling stations due to suspected ballot box stuffing , the Moscow City Election Comission said on Thursday .
`` Video surveillance cameras as district polling station No2783 recorded actions resembling ballot box stuffing .
Representatives of the Moscow City Elections Commission have been seconded to the site .
Vote counting has been suspended , '' it said on its Telegram channel , adding that if the reports are proved all ballots in this box would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting on constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time .
Voting started in Russia on June 25 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations closed .
Along with the extended voting period ( from June 25 to July 1 ) , people could cast their votes outside polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application .
Additionally , residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online .
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part .
There is no minimum voter turnout .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Vote counting after the nationwide voting on constitutional amendments has been suspended at one of Moscow’s polling stations due to suspected ballot box stuffing, the Moscow City Election Comission said on Thursday.
"Video surveillance cameras as district polling station No2783 recorded actions resembling ballot box stuffing. Representatives of the Moscow City Elections Commission have been seconded to the site. Vote counting has been suspended," it said on its Telegram channel, adding that if the reports are proved all ballots in this box would be recognized as invalid.
The nationwide voting on constitutional amendments ended in Russia at 21:00 Moscow time. Voting started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting began in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations closed. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people could cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region could vote online.
The amendments will come into force if supported by more than a half of those taking part. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-02--Parliamentary elections in Venezuela to be held on December 6 - National Electoral Council

HAVANA , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Parliamentary elections in Venezuela will be held on December 6 , President of the National Electoral Council Indira Alfonzo said on Wednesday .
`` Venezuelans , elections to the National Assembly will take place on December 6 , '' she said in a televised address .
Candidates will be registered from August 10 to 19 and the election campaign will be held from November 21 to December 5 .
To date , most of the National Assembly members are opponents to incumbent President Nicolas Maduro .
The political situation in Venezuela aggravated after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and speaker of the National Assembly , whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country ’ s Supreme Court , had declared himself interim president at a rally in the country ’ s capital , Caracas , on January 23 , 2019 .
The United States recognized him as an interim president , and the countries of the Lima Group ( excluding Mexico ) , the Organization of American States , and most of the European Union nations followed suit .
Venezuela 's incumbent President Nicolas Maduro blasted the move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic ties with the United States .
Russia , Belarus , Iran , China , Cuba , Nicaragua , Syria , and Turkey voiced support for Maduro .

HAVANA, July 2. /TASS/. Parliamentary elections in Venezuela will be held on December 6, President of the National Electoral Council Indira Alfonzo said on Wednesday.
"Venezuelans, elections to the National Assembly will take place on December 6," she said in a televised address.
Candidates will be registered from August 10 to 19 and the election campaign will be held from November 21 to December 5.
To date, most of the National Assembly members are opponents to incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.
The political situation in Venezuela aggravated after Juan Guaido, a Venezuelan opposition leader and speaker of the National Assembly, whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country’s Supreme Court, had declared himself interim president at a rally in the country’s capital, Caracas, on January 23, 2019. The United States recognized him as an interim president, and the countries of the Lima Group (excluding Mexico), the Organization of American States, and most of the European Union nations followed suit. Venezuela's incumbent President Nicolas Maduro blasted the move as an attempted coup and announced cutting diplomatic ties with the United States. Russia, Belarus, Iran, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, and Turkey voiced support for Maduro.


tass--2020-07-01--UNSC adopts resolution on COVID-19 after three months of talks

UNITED NATIONS , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution calling for a humanitarian pause to boost the fight against the coronavirus pandemic , Germany 's Permanent Representative to the UN Christoph Heusgen , who currently presides over the Security Council , announced on Wednesday .
The UN Security Council 's members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution .
The document is aimed at supporting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres ' initiative to declare a cessation of hostilities in all conflicts on the Security Council 's agenda .
The resolution , drafted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN Security Council in April .
According to diplomats , major disagreements arose between the US and China.On Washington 's insistence , a reference to the World Health Organization 's role in combating the coronavirus was deleted from the document .
The resolution `` calls upon all parties to armed conflicts to engage immediately in a durable humanitarian pause for at least 90 consecutive days , in order to enable the safe , unhindered and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance , provisions of related services by impartial humanitarian act . ''
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hostilities and this humanitarian pause do not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant ( ISIL , also known as Da ’ esh ) , Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front ( ANF ) , and all other individuals , groups , undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL , and other terrorist groups , which have been designated by the Security Council . ''
In addition , the UN Security Council requested `` the Secretary General to instruct peace-keeping operations to provide support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to host country authorities in their efforts to contain the pandemic . ''

UNITED NATIONS, July 1. /TASS/. The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution calling for a humanitarian pause to boost the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Germany's Permanent Representative to the UN Christoph Heusgen, who currently presides over the Security Council, announced on Wednesday.
The UN Security Council's members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
The document is aimed at supporting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' initiative to declare a cessation of hostilities in all conflicts on the Security Council's agenda.
The resolution, drafted by France and Tunisia, was submitted to the UN Security Council in April. According to diplomats, major disagreements arose between the US and China.On Washington's insistence, a reference to the World Health Organization's role in combating the coronavirus was deleted from the document.
The resolution "calls upon all parties to armed conflicts to engage immediately in a durable humanitarian pause for at least 90 consecutive days, in order to enable the safe, unhindered and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance, provisions of related services by impartial humanitarian act." However, "this general and immediate cessation of hostilities and this humanitarian pause do not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, which have been designated by the Security Council."
In addition, the UN Security Council requested "the Secretary General to instruct peace-keeping operations to provide support, within their mandates and capacities, to host country authorities in their efforts to contain the pandemic."


tass--2020-07-01--Turnout in Russian constitutional vote stands at 65%

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
The overall voter turnout in a nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ after the voting process had been completed across the country , Central Election Commission ( @ @ @ @ @ said on Wednesday .
`` According to preliminary data , turnout in the vote on @ @ @ @ @ % , '' she said .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. The overall voter turnout in a nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution stood at 65% after the voting process had been completed across the country, Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova said on Wednesday.
"According to preliminary data, turnout in the vote on constitutional amendments stands at 65%," she said.


tass--2020-07-01--Second coronavirus wave unlikely to hit Moscow, mayor says

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
A second coronavirus is unlikely to hit Moscow , Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s residents in the Filatov Lug park on Wednesday .
He pointed out @ @ @ @ @ city was the worst in early April .
`` Things have changed since then , @ @ @ @ @ .
I doubt that there will be a second wave .
There may be some @ @ @ @ @ t change the overall picture , '' Sobyanin noted .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ that a coronavirus vaccine would be created in the coming months .
The national anti-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that 611 new cases had been identified in Moscow in the previous 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ April 6 .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. A second coronavirus is unlikely to hit Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a meeting with the city’s residents in the Filatov Lug park on Wednesday.
He pointed out that the situation in the city was the worst in early April. "Things have changed since then, the situation keeps getting better. I doubt that there will be a second wave. There may be some spikes but they won’t change the overall picture," Sobyanin noted.
At the same time, the Moscow mayor was hopeful that a coronavirus vaccine would be created in the coming months.
The national anti-coronavirus crisis center said earlier on Wednesday that 611 new cases had been identified in Moscow in the previous 24 hours, the lowest number since April 6.


tass--2020-07-01--Over 77% of voters support constitutional amendments in Russia's Jewish Autonomous Region

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Jewish autonomous region has become the third Russian region to complete the @ @ @ @ @ vote on amendments to the country ’ s Constitution .
According to data from the @ @ @ @ @ ) , 77.3 % of voters supported the amendments and 21.39 % voted against them @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 80.3 % of voters said `` yes '' to the amendments @ @ @ @ @ and 74.84 % in the Sakhalin region .
The amendments will enter into force if @ @ @ @ @ part in the vote support them .
There is no minimum voter turnout .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. The Jewish autonomous region has become the third Russian region to complete the vote count in a nationwide vote on amendments to the country’s Constitution. According to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), 77.3% of voters supported the amendments and 21.39% voted against them.
With all ballots counted, a total of 80.3% of voters said "yes" to the amendments in the Chukotka autonomous region and 74.84% in the Sakhalin region.
The amendments will enter into force if over half of those taking part in the vote support them. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-01--Minsk seeks to be Moscow’s closest ally - Russian ambassador

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus would like to be Russia ’ s closest ally , Russian Ambassador @ @ @ @ @ in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
`` Let @ @ @ @ @ statements of foreign heads of state , let alone the leader of Belarus , a @ @ @ @ @ close and brotherly ties .
As for me , I believe it proves that Belarus @ @ @ @ @ s closest ally , '' Mezentsev pointed out when asked to comment on Belarusian President @ @ @ @ @ that his country was `` the only ally Russia has left . ''
Lukashenko said @ @ @ @ @ want `` to lose '' Belarus in political and economic terms .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. Belarus would like to be Russia’s closest ally, Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"Let us refrain from judging the statements of foreign heads of state, let alone the leader of Belarus, a country with which we have close and brotherly ties. As for me, I believe it proves that Belarus seeks to be Russia’s closest ally," Mezentsev pointed out when asked to comment on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s statement that his country was "the only ally Russia has left."
Lukashenko said earlier that Russia did not want "to lose" Belarus in political and economic terms.


tass--2020-07-01--US sanctions trying to stop Nord Stream 2 are unacceptable - German Foreign Office

BERLIN , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
Possible new US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 are aimed at halting the project ’ s implementation , which complies with EU legislation , and therefore unacceptable , Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Niels Annen said on Wednesday .
`` It would block a commercial project , which is being implemented on the basis of EU law , '' he said .
`` The position of the German government on this issue is unequivocal : extraterritorial sanctions are a blatant interference with EU sovereignty .
It is obvious that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project , '' Annen said .
He pointed out that , in addition to German , French , Dutch , and Austrian companies , as well as services , in particular , certification and supervision , may be at risk of restrictive measures .
`` The fact that the US Congress acts as a regulator in European affairs is absurd , '' he emphasized .
`` The German government is convinced that the differences between the allies should be resolved through negotiations .
Sanctions represent the wrong way , '' Annen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
The pipeline will bypass transit states ( Ukraine , Belarus , and Poland ) through exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany .
Gazprom ’ s European partners —British-Dutch Royal Dutch Shell , Austrian OMV , French Engie , and German Uniper and Wintershall —fund 50 % of the project in total .

BERLIN, July 1. /TASS/. Possible new US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 are aimed at halting the project’s implementation, which complies with EU legislation, and therefore unacceptable, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Niels Annen said on Wednesday.
"It would block a commercial project, which is being implemented on the basis of EU law," he said. "The position of the German government on this issue is unequivocal: extraterritorial sanctions are a blatant interference with EU sovereignty. It is obvious that the US side is trying to unilaterally stop the project," Annen said. He pointed out that, in addition to German, French, Dutch, and Austrian companies, as well as services, in particular, certification and supervision, may be at risk of restrictive measures.
"The fact that the US Congress acts as a regulator in European affairs is absurd," he emphasized. "The German government is convinced that the differences between the allies should be resolved through negotiations. Sanctions represent the wrong way," Annen said.
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. The pipeline will bypass transit states (Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland) through exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. Gazprom’s European partners —British-Dutch Royal Dutch Shell, Austrian OMV, French Engie, and German Uniper and Wintershall —fund 50% of the project in total.


tass--2020-07-01--Over 74% of voters support constitutional amendments in Russia's Sakhalin region

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
With all ballots counted in Russia 's Sakhalin region , as many as @ @ @ @ @ constitutional amendments , according to data from the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) .
@ @ @ @ @ second Russian region to complete the vote count .
According to the CEC , with @ @ @ @ @ counted , a total of 80.3 % of voters said yes to the amendments in @ @ @ @ @ According to the law , the amendments will enter into force if over half of @ @ @ @ @ vote support them .
There is no minimum voter turnout .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. With all ballots counted in Russia's Sakhalin region, as many as 74.84% of voters supported constitutional amendments, according to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC).
The Sakhalin region is the second Russian region to complete the vote count. According to the CEC, with 100% of the vote counted, a total of 80.3% of voters said yes to the amendments in the Chukotka autonomous region.
According to the law, the amendments will enter into force if over half of those taking part in the vote support them. There is no minimum voter turnout.


tass--2020-07-01--Russia, Belarus may return to integration plans this year

MINSK , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
Resumption of work on harmonizing integration roadmaps within the Union State is possible this year , this issue may be submitted to the next meeting of the Council of Ministers , Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said on Wednesday .
`` The meeting of the Council of Ministers will certainly take place this year , '' he said , answering a question from TASS .
`` It is important that , within the framework of its agenda , it is possible to take into account the request of both parties on readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to roadmaps , action program for the implementation of the Union Treaty , '' the ambassador said .
`` We heard from Ambassador Semashko ( Vladimir Semashko - Ambassador of Belarus to Russia TASS ) that the Belarusian side is ready to resume that dense substantive work , the result of which was 27 road maps , initiation of the Union-building action program , '' Mezentsev said .
Mezentsev emphasized that `` economic integration does not threaten the issues of independence of Belarus and Russia , nor the issues of the sovereignty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are talking about a new positioning , increasing competitiveness , promoting exports of goods to the markets of third countries , '' he noted .
An intergovernmental working group on integration , created on the initiative of the presidents of Belarus and Russia , prepared 31 integration roadmaps by the end of last year .
The parties have not yet reached a compromise on roadmaps related to issues of oil , gas , and tax policy .

MINSK, July 1. /TASS/. Resumption of work on harmonizing integration roadmaps within the Union State is possible this year, this issue may be submitted to the next meeting of the Council of Ministers, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said on Wednesday.
"The meeting of the Council of Ministers will certainly take place this year," he said, answering a question from TASS. "It is important that, within the framework of its agenda, it is possible to take into account the request of both parties on readiness to resume integration work, to return to roadmaps, action program for the implementation of the Union Treaty," the ambassador said.
"We heard from Ambassador Semashko (Vladimir Semashko - Ambassador of Belarus to Russia TASS) that the Belarusian side is ready to resume that dense substantive work, the result of which was 27 road maps, initiation of the Union-building action program," Mezentsev said.
Mezentsev emphasized that "economic integration does not threaten the issues of independence of Belarus and Russia, nor the issues of the sovereignty of our two countries." "Today we are talking about a new positioning, increasing competitiveness, promoting exports of goods to the markets of third countries," he noted.
An intergovernmental working group on integration, created on the initiative of the presidents of Belarus and Russia, prepared 31 integration roadmaps by the end of last year. The parties have not yet reached a compromise on roadmaps related to issues of oil, gas, and tax policy.


tass--2020-07-01--Russia, Belarus have understanding on gas pricing - Belarusian ambassador

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Belarus demonstrate mutual understanding on the formation of a single gas market and overcoming disputes over the price of this resource , Belarusian ambassador to Moscow Vladimir Semashko said on Wednesday .
`` I must inform you that a significant event took place yesterday when the energy ministers of Russia and Belarus [ Alexander ] Novak and [ Viktor ] Karankevich met , there were people from the embassy , and there was [ Gazprom CEO ] Alexey Miller , '' he said .
`` Yesterday , according to the reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding that we need to move on and move towards a single gas market , '' the diplomat added .
According to him , Belarus is currently not satisfied with Russian gas prices and disagreements with Gazprom .
`` But we see that there is understanding , and we believe that such a goal should be set .
By January 1 , 2022 , we must reach the goal that we set in 2017 , '' Semashko added .
He explained that 3 years ago , Russia and Belarus agreed to formulate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade in order to subsequently move to a single energy market .
The ambassador also indicated that Minsk hopes to agree with Moscow on prices comparable to domestic prices .
Belarus annually imports about 20 bln cubic meters of gas from Russia .
Moreover , Minsk has repeatedly proposed lowering the price of gas to the level of the Smolensk region .
The gas dispute between Russia and Belarus entered a new round in early June , when Minsk once again demanded to reduce the price of gas , and Moscow , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past deliveries .
According to Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller , it currently exceeds $ 165.5 mln .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. Russia and Belarus demonstrate mutual understanding on the formation of a single gas market and overcoming disputes over the price of this resource, Belarusian ambassador to Moscow Vladimir Semashko said on Wednesday.
"I must inform you that a significant event took place yesterday when the energy ministers of Russia and Belarus [Alexander] Novak and [Viktor] Karankevich met, there were people from the embassy, and there was [Gazprom CEO] Alexey Miller," he said. "Yesterday, according to the reports, I realized that there was an understanding that we need to move on and move towards a single gas market," the diplomat added.
According to him, Belarus is currently not satisfied with Russian gas prices and disagreements with Gazprom. "But we see that there is understanding, and we believe that such a goal should be set. By January 1, 2022, we must reach the goal that we set in 2017," Semashko added.
He explained that 3 years ago, Russia and Belarus agreed to formulate a methodology for determining gas prices in bilateral trade in order to subsequently move to a single energy market. The ambassador also indicated that Minsk hopes to agree with Moscow on prices comparable to domestic prices.
Belarus annually imports about 20 bln cubic meters of gas from Russia. Moreover, Minsk has repeatedly proposed lowering the price of gas to the level of the Smolensk region.
The gas dispute between Russia and Belarus entered a new round in early June, when Minsk once again demanded to reduce the price of gas, and Moscow, in turn, recalled the outstanding debt for past deliveries. According to Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller, it currently exceeds $165.5 mln.


tass--2020-07-01--Russia’s Northern Fleet monitors NATO drills in Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian Sea

MOSCOW , July 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Northern Fleet is monitoring NATO ’ s drills in the @ @ @ @ @ Ocean and the Norwegian Sea , the National Defense Management Center said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ Northern Fleet is carrying out a series of activities to track the movement of ships @ @ @ @ @ forces involved in the exercise , in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean and @ @ @ @ @ the statement reads .
According to the National Defense Management Center , the drills involve @ @ @ @ @ , Denmark , France , Germany , Norway , the United Kingdom and the United @ @ @ @ @ of the exercise is taking place on July 1-9 .

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. Russia’s Northern Fleet is monitoring NATO’s drills in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean and the Norwegian Sea, the National Defense Management Center said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Northern Fleet is carrying out a series of activities to track the movement of ships and aircraft from NATO naval forces involved in the exercise, in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean and the Norwegian Sea," the statement reads.
According to the National Defense Management Center, the drills involve seven NATO countries: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The active phase of the exercise is taking place on July 1-9.