tass--2020-08-23--US plan to restore anti-Iranian sanctions can erode Security Council’s authority — Lavrov

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The US attempt to restore sanctions on Iran might trigger a serious scandal at the UN Security Council and eventually undermine its authority , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiya-1 TV channel .
According to the transcript of the interview , posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s website , Lavrov expects the United States to try to restore international binding sanctions against Iran `` by using legalistic , quasi-juridicial methods . ''
`` We are working with our US partners and other Security Council members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We understand that the vast majority of nations realize the incorrectness and counter-productivity of this attempt .
It will produce no result anyway , but it might eventually lead to a very serious scandal and a rift within the UN Security Council , and , in the final analysis , undermine its authority , '' Lavrov said .
Russia ’ s top diplomat recalled that Washington withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on Iran ’ s nuclear program by describing it as a ‘ bad deal.
’ '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states behind the consensus resolution on Iran ’ s nuclear program announced that it would not comply with the obligations it had undertaken , but at the same time demanded that others follow its recommendations , '' Lavrov said .
`` [ They ] announced that no one can stop the United States when it would decide to punish Iran for allegedly violating the agreement from which the US had withdrawn .
Sounds paradoxical and quite clumsy , but this is how it is , '' Lavrov said .
`` The US declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations - not to impose new sanctions on Iran , to lift the existing restrictions and let the Islamic Republic of Iran to participate fully in international trade and economic exchanges .
The United States said they were not going to do this and , what is more , will prohibit everyone else from doing this in relations with Iran . ''
Lavrov also recalled the US attempt to `` modernize '' the JCPOA , including by extending the arms embargo on Iran , which expires in October 2020 .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor other JCPOA participants see any legal , political or moral grounds for `` deriding UN Security Council ’ s decisions and the Council itself in such a brutal fashion . ''
`` We explained it all clearly to our American partners .
Nevertheless , they made the decision to submit a relevant resolution .
Only one country - the Dominican Republic - voted to support it along with the United States .
Russia and China voted against .
The remaining 11 members of the UN Security Council , including European countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therefore , there even was no need to use the veto , because it is necessary only when a resolution receives no less than nine votes .
This time , there was only two , '' he said .
`` Generally speaking , I think they knew what the result will be , but , evidently , they wanted to send < … > a message about their determination to settle this matter , and would attempt to ensure the adoption of a new resolution , '' the Russian top diplomat added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that the US attempt to restore sanctions against Iran is a clear example of how Western nations try to replace the notion of `` international law '' with `` rule-based order . ''
`` There have been many examples of this , and they are becoming more and more frequent .
This is a very dangerous tendency , '' Lavrov added .
He went on to say that the United States will not be able to violate the UN Security Council resolution and distort the internationally sealed agreement , but `` they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Council . ''
`` We will try our best to dissuade our US partners from such reckless moves , '' the minister said .
In early August , the United States once again accused Iran of violating the nuclear deal and announced plans to restore UN sanctions on Tehran .
On August 20 , US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo notified the United Nations that Washington was initiating the process to reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran .
The US believes that the sanctions may come back into effect in 30 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties - Russia , the US , the UK , China , France and Germany - can trigger a snapback mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran if Tehran violates the deal .
Washington left the JCPOA in 2018 .
Washington ’ s move came shortly after a US draft resolution on extending the arms embargo on Iran failed to get the required number of votes to be adopted by the UN Security Council .
According to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo , his country was ready to impose sanctions on Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-Iranian restrictions is hampered .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. The US attempt to restore sanctions on Iran might trigger a serious scandal at the UN Security Council and eventually undermine its authority, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiya-1 TV channel.
According to the transcript of the interview, posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website, Lavrov expects the United States to try to restore international binding sanctions against Iran "by using legalistic, quasi-juridicial methods."
"We are working with our US partners and other Security Council members in New York and in capitals. We understand that the vast majority of nations realize the incorrectness and counter-productivity of this attempt. It will produce no result anyway, but it might eventually lead to a very serious scandal and a rift within the UN Security Council, and, in the final analysis, undermine its authority," Lavrov said.
Russia’s top diplomat recalled that Washington withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program by describing it as a ‘bad deal.’
"The thing is that one of the states behind the consensus resolution on Iran’s nuclear program announced that it would not comply with the obligations it had undertaken, but at the same time demanded that others follow its recommendations," Lavrov said.
"[They] announced that no one can stop the United States when it would decide to punish Iran for allegedly violating the agreement from which the US had withdrawn. Sounds paradoxical and quite clumsy, but this is how it is," Lavrov said. "The US declared that it would not comply with its obligations - not to impose new sanctions on Iran, to lift the existing restrictions and let the Islamic Republic of Iran to participate fully in international trade and economic exchanges. The United States said they were not going to do this and, what is more, will prohibit everyone else from doing this in relations with Iran."
Arms embargo failure
Lavrov also recalled the US attempt to "modernize" the JCPOA, including by extending the arms embargo on Iran, which expires in October 2020. According to the Russian foreign minister, neither Russia, nor other JCPOA participants see any legal, political or moral grounds for "deriding UN Security Council’s decisions and the Council itself in such a brutal fashion."
"We explained it all clearly to our American partners. Nevertheless, they made the decision to submit a relevant resolution. Only one country - the Dominican Republic - voted to support it along with the United States. Russia and China voted against. The remaining 11 members of the UN Security Council, including European countries, abstained from voting on this resolution. Therefore, there even was no need to use the veto, because it is necessary only when a resolution receives no less than nine votes. This time, there was only two," he said.
"Generally speaking, I think they knew what the result will be, but, evidently, they wanted to send <…> a message about their determination to settle this matter, and would attempt to ensure the adoption of a new resolution," the Russian top diplomat added.
Attempt to impose ‘rule-based order’
The Russian foreign minister went on to say that the US attempt to restore sanctions against Iran is a clear example of how Western nations try to replace the notion of "international law" with "rule-based order."
"There have been many examples of this, and they are becoming more and more frequent. This is a very dangerous tendency," Lavrov added.
He went on to say that the United States will not be able to violate the UN Security Council resolution and distort the internationally sealed agreement, but "they can still deal damage to the UN Security Council."
"We will try our best to dissuade our US partners from such reckless moves," the minister said.
In early August, the United States once again accused Iran of violating the nuclear deal and announced plans to restore UN sanctions on Tehran. On August 20, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo notified the United Nations that Washington was initiating the process to reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran. The US believes that the sanctions may come back into effect in 30 days.
Under the JCPOA, the states parties - Russia, the US, the UK, China, France and Germany - can trigger a snapback mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran if Tehran violates the deal. Washington left the JCPOA in 2018.
Washington’s move came shortly after a US draft resolution on extending the arms embargo on Iran failed to get the required number of votes to be adopted by the UN Security Council.
According to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, his country was ready to impose sanctions on Russia and Tehran if the US effort to restore anti-Iranian restrictions is hampered.


tass--2020-08-23--Lukashenko gives law enforcement agencies two days to restore order in Belarus

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday tasked the country ’ s law enforcement agencies with identifying those responsible for the political crisis in Belarus and stabilizing the situation in the country within two days .
`` I have just said : [ you have ] Saturday and Sunday to think it over .
And starting from Monday - no offense , but the authority must be the authority , '' the Belarusian leader told his supporters at a rally in the western Belarusian city of Grodno on Saturday .
Among other things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry and the State Security Committee with `` restoring order in Grodno and other cities in the area over the weekend . ''
`` We need to carefully expose all instigators and troublemakers .
We have lists of all of them , '' he added .
The Belarusian leader said he regretted the fact that the country ’ s military had to maintain order domestically instead of guarding the country ’ s borders .
`` The troops and the special forces must be there , on the border .
Instead , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure law and security , '' he said .
Lukashenko said the rallies and protests in Belarus were orchestrated and coordinated from abroad .
`` The masterminds are not residents of Grodno , not citizens of Belarus .
They remain somewhere near Warsaw or Vilnius , '' he said .
`` Those who coordinate all those events stay abroad , in neighboring countries .
And I ’ d like to warn them : this is not just the border of Belarus .
This is the external border of the Union State of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collective Security Treaty Organization ] .
And the response will be adequate , '' he said .
`` I ’ m thankful to the heads of state who support Belarus .
But I ’ m sure that we will manage to cope with it ourselves . ''
Belarus , which held the August 9 presidential election , has been hit by mass protests for more than a week .
The protesters challenged the outcome of the vote .
During the first day of riots , the protesters clashed with police .
Over 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers and protesters were injured .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the outcome of the polls .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday tasked the country’s law enforcement agencies with identifying those responsible for the political crisis in Belarus and stabilizing the situation in the country within two days.
"I have just said: [you have] Saturday and Sunday to think it over. And starting from Monday - no offense, but the authority must be the authority," the Belarusian leader told his supporters at a rally in the western Belarusian city of Grodno on Saturday.
Among other things, Lukashenko tasked the country’s Interior Ministry and the State Security Committee with "restoring order in Grodno and other cities in the area over the weekend."
"We need to carefully expose all instigators and troublemakers. We have lists of all of them," he added.
The Belarusian leader said he regretted the fact that the country’s military had to maintain order domestically instead of guarding the country’s borders.
"The troops and the special forces must be there, on the border. Instead, we have to deploy our soldiers at city streets to ensure law and security," he said.
Lukashenko said the rallies and protests in Belarus were orchestrated and coordinated from abroad.
"The masterminds are not residents of Grodno, not citizens of Belarus. They remain somewhere near Warsaw or Vilnius," he said.
"Those who coordinate all those events stay abroad, in neighboring countries. And I’d like to warn them: this is not just the border of Belarus. This is the external border of the Union State of Russia and Belarus and the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization]. And the response will be adequate," he said. "I’m thankful to the heads of state who support Belarus. But I’m sure that we will manage to cope with it ourselves."
Belarus, which held the August 9 presidential election, has been hit by mass protests for more than a week. The protesters challenged the outcome of the vote. During the first day of riots, the protesters clashed with police. Over 6,000 people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the outcome of the polls.


tass--2020-08-23--US openly pushes Europe not to cooperate with Russia economically — Lavrov

MOSCOW , August 22 .
/ TASS / .
The American administration openly calls on their European colleagues not to develop cooperation with Russia in the economic area , said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the Vesti program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel on Saturday .
`` Americans , in principle , are not very shy when they need to promote their economic interests .
Diplomatic subtleties , half-hints , half-tones have long been discarded .
You mentioned US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo , with whom I regularly communicate , the last time the telephone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was just returning from Europe , where , among other things , he actively campaigned against the European countries , including the countries he visited , to develop mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with Russia , '' Lavrov said .
`` For example , in the Czech Republic he insisted in plain text that all plans for the further development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic should be oriented towards the United States , not Russia , '' Lavrov added .
Lavrov noted , it is very difficult for Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have always proceeded and continue to proceed from the fact that the key to success in any international endeavors is initiative , creative proposals , but always aimed at mobilizing collective efforts to solve global problems . ''
According to Lavrov , the US administration is doing everything not to be bound by any international multilateral obligations , using , in particular , extraterritorial sanctions .
`` When the United States decides that China is a threat because it sells too much to the United States and buys too little , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PRC .
When the United States decides that Iran , although it is doing everything that was agreed in the JCPOA , no less misbehaving ( all the others do not think so ) , then sanctions are imposed against Iran , '' he said .
`` When the United States thinks that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro deserves punishment , they announce sanctions against him .
And then they tell the rest of the world that they do not dare to trade with those states that the United States wants to isolate , @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 22. / TASS /. The American administration openly calls on their European colleagues not to develop cooperation with Russia in the economic area, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the Vesti program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel on Saturday.
"Americans, in principle, are not very shy when they need to promote their economic interests. Diplomatic subtleties, half-hints, half-tones have long been discarded. You mentioned US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, with whom I regularly communicate, the last time the telephone conversation was on August 16. He he was just returning from Europe, where, among other things, he actively campaigned against the European countries, including the countries he visited, to develop mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with Russia," Lavrov said.
"For example, in the Czech Republic he insisted in plain text that all plans for the further development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic should be oriented towards the United States, not Russia," Lavrov added.
Lavrov noted, it is very difficult for Moscow to interact with this logic: "We have always proceeded and continue to proceed from the fact that the key to success in any international endeavors is initiative, creative proposals, but always aimed at mobilizing collective efforts to solve global problems."
Sanctions as round-up
According to Lavrov, the US administration is doing everything not to be bound by any international multilateral obligations, using, in particular, extraterritorial sanctions. "When the United States decides that China is a threat because it sells too much to the United States and buys too little, the Americans impose restrictions on imports from the PRC. When the United States decides that Iran, although it is doing everything that was agreed in the JCPOA, no less misbehaving (all the others do not think so), then sanctions are imposed against Iran," he said.
"When the United States thinks that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro deserves punishment, they announce sanctions against him. And then they tell the rest of the world that they do not dare to trade with those states that the United States wants to isolate," Lavrov added.


tass--2020-08-23--Belarusian opposition to announce its further steps on Sunday

MINSK , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
The coordination council of the Belarusian opposition will unveil its plan of future actions on Sunday , council member Pavel Latushko told protestors in Minsk ’ s Independence Square on Saturday .
`` Tomorrow we will voice our proposals on further steps .
It will be a certain lawful algorithm of actions , strictly in line with the law , '' he said .
Latushko did not elaborate , adding only that those actions would concern every citizen of Belarus and their efficiency would depend on whether they are supported by the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we will come up with other initiatives .
Everyone is expecting us to act , '' he said .
The rally at Minsk ’ s central Independence Square continued late on Saturday evening .
The situation is largely calm .
Belarus , which held the August 9 presidential election , has been hit by mass protests for more than a week .
The protesters challenged the outcome of the vote .
During the first day of riots , the protesters clashed with police .
Over 6,000 people were detained , dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the outcome of the polls .

MINSK, August 22. /TASS/. The coordination council of the Belarusian opposition will unveil its plan of future actions on Sunday, council member Pavel Latushko told protestors in Minsk’s Independence Square on Saturday.
"Tomorrow we will voice our proposals on further steps. It will be a certain lawful algorithm of actions, strictly in line with the law," he said.
Latushko did not elaborate, adding only that those actions would concern every citizen of Belarus and their efficiency would depend on whether they are supported by the public.
"If they gain no support - we will come up with other initiatives. Everyone is expecting us to act," he said.
The rally at Minsk’s central Independence Square continued late on Saturday evening. The situation is largely calm.
Belarus, which held the August 9 presidential election, has been hit by mass protests for more than a week. The protesters challenged the outcome of the vote. During the first day of riots, the protesters clashed with police. Over 6,000 people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the outcome of the polls.


tass--2020-08-23--Over 23 mln people infected with COVID-19 worldwide — Johns Hopkins University

MOSCOW , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of detected cases of infection with a new type of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ million on Saturday , according to the American Johns Hopkins University , which calculated the @ @ @ @ @ international organizations , federal and local authorities .
According to the university , the number @ @ @ @ @ 23,026,230 , while 800,237 people died , and 14,774,304 patients recovered .
Most cases of @ @ @ @ @ recorded in the United States .
This is followed by Brazil ( 3,532,330 ) and @ @ @ @ @ In Russia , according to the federal operational headquarters for the fight against coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ were registered , 767 477 people got better , and 16 310 died .

MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. The number of detected cases of infection with a new type of coronavirus in the world exceeded 23 million on Saturday, according to the American Johns Hopkins University, which calculated the statistics based on information from international organizations, federal and local authorities.
According to the university, the number of infected people is now 23,026,230, while 800,237 people died, and 14,774,304 patients recovered. Most cases of infection (5,645,697) were recorded in the United States. This is followed by Brazil (3,532,330) and India (2,975,701).
In Russia, according to the federal operational headquarters for the fight against coronavirus, 951 897 cases of infection were registered, 767 477 people got better, and 16 310 died.


tass--2020-08-23--Moscow reports 11 novel coronavirus deaths in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 11 people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus died in Moscow in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
`` 11 patients diagnosed with pneumonia , who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection , died in Moscow , '' the crisis center said .
The overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,731 .
As of August 22 , more than 256,500 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow , over 203,800 of them have already recovered .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , about 23 million people have been infected worldwide and approximately 780,000 of them died .
To date , 951,897 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 16,310 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. A total of 11 people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"11 patients diagnosed with pneumonia, who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection, died in Moscow," the crisis center said.
The overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,731.
As of August 22, more than 256,500 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow, over 203,800 of them have already recovered.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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, about 23 million people have been infected worldwide and approximately 780,000 of them died. To date, 951,897 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,310 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-23--Angara heavy rocket arrives to northwest Russia’s Plesetsk launch center — source

MOSCOW , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket was recently delivered to the Plesetsk space center in northwestern Russia for pre-launch preparations , a rocket and space industry source told TASS on Saturday .
`` A train with the heavy Angara-A5 rocket arrived to the space center recently , '' the source said .
The rocket left the Khrunichev center overnight to August 14 .
Earlier , a source in the rocket and space industry told TASS that it was expected to arrive to the northwestern Russian launch facility on August 17 .
Head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogozin said in May that flight tests of the heavy-class Angara-A5 heavy-lift launch vehicle were due to resume in the fall of 2020 .
The Angara is a family 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 launch center : a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December 2014 .

MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket was recently delivered to the Plesetsk space center in northwestern Russia for pre-launch preparations, a rocket and space industry source told TASS on Saturday.
"A train with the heavy Angara-A5 rocket arrived to the space center recently," the source said.
The rocket left the Khrunichev center overnight to August 14. Earlier, a source in the rocket and space industry told TASS that it was expected to arrive to the northwestern Russian launch facility on August 17.
Head of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said in May that flight tests of the heavy-class Angara-A5 heavy-lift launch vehicle were due to resume in the fall of 2020.
The Angara is a family 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 launch center: a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off in December 2014.


tass--2020-08-23--Lukashenko orders military to react without warning to violations of western border

MINSK , August 22 .
/ TASS / .
The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko ordered the leadership of the Ministry of Defense to react without warning to violations of the border in the western direction on Saturday .
Lukashenko set this task before the Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin during his visit to the training ground near Grodno .
`` There wo n't be a warning .
We warned them .
If they violate the state border , we react without warning , '' Lukashenko said .
The broadcast was conducted by STV TV channel .
The Defense Minister reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lithuania `` are approaching the border , turning around and leaving . ''
`` But we see them .
If on Sunday it is [ the movement of forces ] in our direction if this happens , then we will act in accordance with the situation , '' Khrenin said .
He also drew attention to the development of the situation inside the country .
`` The most difficult situation can develop in the western regions of the country , where a number of measures have been implemented for a long time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural belonging to one of the closest neighbors of the Republic of Belarus , '' Khrenin said .
Also , according to him , `` it is possible that destructive forces , supervised by the special services of Western countries , enter the territory of the western regions of Belarus , both by legal and illegal means to increase efforts to destabilize the situation . ''
`` At the same time , various provocations are possible to violate the airspace and the state border , '' the concluded .

MINSK, August 22. / TASS /. The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko ordered the leadership of the Ministry of Defense to react without warning to violations of the border in the western direction on Saturday. Lukashenko set this task before the Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin during his visit to the training ground near Grodno.
"There won't be a warning. We warned them. If they violate the state border, we react without warning," Lukashenko said. The broadcast was conducted by STV TV channel.
The Defense Minister reported to the President that NATO troops in Lithuania "are approaching the border, turning around and leaving." "But we see them. If on Sunday it is [the movement of forces] in our direction if this happens, then we will act in accordance with the situation," Khrenin said.
He also drew attention to the development of the situation inside the country. "The most difficult situation can develop in the western regions of the country, where a number of measures have been implemented for a long time to convince our population of their ethnic and cultural belonging to one of the closest neighbors of the Republic of Belarus," Khrenin said.
Also, according to him, "it is possible that destructive forces, supervised by the special services of Western countries, enter the territory of the western regions of Belarus, both by legal and illegal means to increase efforts to destabilize the situation." "At the same time, various provocations are possible to violate the airspace and the state border," the concluded.


tass--2020-08-22--Doctors' statement on Navalny's condition is unlikely to follow until August 24

BERLIN , August 22 .
/ TASS / .
The statement by the doctors treating Russian blogger Alexei Navalny at the Berlin Charite clinic will most likely be made no earlier than Monday , August 24 , the hospital representative said on Saturday .
`` Until Monday , you should not count on an official statement about Navalny 's health , '' she said .
Earlier , the Charite clinic confirmed that Navalny was admitted for treatment .
`` Now a wide-ranging medical diagnostics is being carried out , '' the representative said .
According to the clinic , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the attending physicians will make a statement about the illness and further treatment measures , '' as soon as there is appropriate information about the patient 's condition .
As the TASS correspondent reported earlier , Navalny was brought at about 10:30 ( 11:30 Moscow time ) on Saturday to the Charite clinic .
A plane from the Siberian city of Omsk landed at Tegel airport in Berlin at 08:46 ( 09:46 Moscow Time ) on Saturday .
Initially , Russian doctors were against transporting Navalny , who is in a coma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening , doctors said the patient ’ s condition had stabilized .
Upon the relatives ’ request , a decision was made to transfer Navalny from the Omsk hospital to a German clinic .
On Friday , a plane was sent for Navlany from Nuremberg to Omsk .
The flight was arranged by Cinema for Peace human rights foundation .
On August 20 , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh reported that Navalny ’ s plane , en route from Tomsk to Moscow , had made an emergency landing in Omsk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blogger was hospitalized , he is currently in a coma and was put on a ventilator .

BERLIN, August 22. / TASS /. The statement by the doctors treating Russian blogger Alexei Navalny at the Berlin Charite clinic will most likely be made no earlier than Monday, August 24, the hospital representative said on Saturday.
"Until Monday, you should not count on an official statement about Navalny's health," she said.
Earlier, the Charite clinic confirmed that Navalny was admitted for treatment. "Now a wide-ranging medical diagnostics is being carried out," the representative said. According to the clinic, "after tests and after the family permission, the attending physicians will make a statement about the illness and further treatment measures," as soon as there is appropriate information about the patient's condition.
As the TASS correspondent reported earlier, Navalny was brought at about 10:30 (11:30 Moscow time) on Saturday to the Charite clinic.
A plane from the Siberian city of Omsk landed at Tegel airport in Berlin at 08:46 (09:46 Moscow Time) on Saturday. Initially, Russian doctors were against transporting Navalny, who is in a coma, over his unstable condition. On Friday evening, doctors said the patient’s condition had stabilized.
Upon the relatives’ request, a decision was made to transfer Navalny from the Omsk hospital to a German clinic. On Friday, a plane was sent for Navlany from Nuremberg to Omsk. The flight was arranged by Cinema for Peace human rights foundation.
On August 20, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh reported that Navalny’s plane, en route from Tomsk to Moscow, had made an emergency landing in Omsk, because Navalny suddenly felt unwell. The blogger was hospitalized, he is currently in a coma and was put on a ventilator.


tass--2020-08-22--Lavrov: US openly agitates Europe not to cooperate with Russia economically

MOSCOW , August 22 .
/ TASS / .
The American administration openly calls on their European colleagues not to @ @ @ @ @ the economic area , said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the @ @ @ @ @ TV channel on Saturday .
`` Americans , in principle , are not very shy @ @ @ @ @ their economic interests .
Diplomatic subtleties , half-hints , half-tones have long been discarded .
@ @ @ @ @ State Michael Pompeo , with whom I regularly communicate , the last time the telephone @ @ @ @ @ .
He he was just returning from Europe , where , among other things , @ @ @ @ @ European countries , including the countries he visited , to develop mutually beneficial trade and @ @ @ @ @ '' Lavrov said .
`` For example , in the Czech Republic he insisted in @ @ @ @ @ for the further development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic should be oriented towards @ @ @ @ @ Russia , '' Lavrov added .

MOSCOW, August 22. / TASS /. The American administration openly calls on their European colleagues not to develop cooperation with Russia in the economic area, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the Vesti program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel on Saturday.
"Americans, in principle, are not very shy when they need to promote their economic interests. Diplomatic subtleties, half-hints, half-tones have long been discarded. You mentioned US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, with whom I regularly communicate, the last time the telephone conversation was on August 16. He he was just returning from Europe, where, among other things, he actively campaigned against the European countries, including the countries he visited, to develop mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with Russia," Lavrov said.
"For example, in the Czech Republic he insisted in plain text that all plans for the further development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic should be oriented towards the United States, not Russia," Lavrov added.


tass--2020-08-22--More 1,000 new Covid-19 cases registered in Italy in one day

ROME , August 22 .
/ TASS / .
The number of new cases of coronavirus infection in Italy has amounted to 1,071 in one day , the country 's Health Ministry announced on Saturday .
Most of the infected were identified in the metropolitan area of Lazio - 215 .
It bypassed the northern regions of Lombardy ( 185 ) and Veneto ( 160 ) in this indicator .
On Friday , August 21 , Italy already set an anti-record of the past three months - 947 new cases of infection .
Similar indicators were recorded in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the during the last stage of quarantine .
In recent months , Italy has consistently recorded a relatively low increase - about 200 cases of infection per day .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , the number of infected people in the country has reached 258,136 , of which 35,430 people have died ( three in the last day ) .
The authorities , including at the regional level , are considering the possibility of introducing local restrictions and the so-called red zones .
However , they still intend to open schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Italian Ministry of Health has recorded a significant decrease in the average age of those infected - from 60 to 30 years .
In addition , cases of asymptomatic disease caused by the new coronavirus are being reported .
The number of hospitalizations is growing , but very slowly .
There are currently less than 1,000 patients in hospitals in the country , with 64 patients in intensive care units .
However , as experts point out , the coronavirus can again affect the older generation , since they are most @ @ @ @ @

ROME, August 22. / TASS /. The number of new cases of coronavirus infection in Italy has amounted to 1,071 in one day, the country's Health Ministry announced on Saturday.
Most of the infected were identified in the metropolitan area of Lazio - 215. It bypassed the northern regions of Lombardy (185) and Veneto (160) in this indicator.
On Friday, August 21, Italy already set an anti-record of the past three months - 947 new cases of infection. Similar indicators were recorded in the country in the first half of May, the during the last stage of quarantine. In recent months, Italy has consistently recorded a relatively low increase - about 200 cases of infection per day.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of infected people in the country has reached 258,136, of which 35,430 people have died (three in the last day). The authorities, including at the regional level, are considering the possibility of introducing local restrictions and the so-called red zones. However, they still intend to open schools and kindergartens in September.
To date, the Italian Ministry of Health has recorded a significant decrease in the average age of those infected - from 60 to 30 years. In addition, cases of asymptomatic disease caused by the new coronavirus are being reported. The number of hospitalizations is growing, but very slowly. There are currently less than 1,000 patients in hospitals in the country, with 64 patients in intensive care units. However, as experts point out, the coronavirus can again affect the older generation, since they are most vulnerable to the infection.


tass--2020-08-22--Global Covid19 death toll reaches 800,000

MOSCOW , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of deaths due Covid-19 in the world reached 800,000 on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ said in a study published on their website .
The researchers arrived at the total @ @ @ @ @ international organizations , federal and local authorities .
The top of the list is the @ @ @ @ @ .
In second and third places are Brazil ( 113,358 ) and Mexico ( 59,610 @ @ @ @ @ according to the university , more than 22.9 mln people have been infected with the @ @ @ @ @ In Russia , according to the federal operational headquarters for the fight against coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ were registered , 767 477 people recovered , 16 310 died .

MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. The number of deaths due Covid-19 in the world reached 800,000 on Saturday, American Johns Hopkins University said in a study published on their website.
The researchers arrived at the total based on the information from international organizations, federal and local authorities.
The top of the list is the United States with 175,429 deaths. In second and third places are Brazil (113,358) and Mexico (59,610).
In total, according to the university, more than 22.9 mln people have been infected with the coronavirus around the world. In Russia, according to the federal operational headquarters for the fight against coronavirus, 951 897 cases of infection were registered, 767 477 people recovered, 16 310 died.


tass--2020-08-22--Belarusian riots coordinated from abroad, Lukashenko says

MINSK , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
Coordinators of Belarusian riots are abroad and activists are receiving financial assistance from @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko stated on Saturday .
`` The instigators are not from Grodno and are not @ @ @ @ @ there near Warsaw and Vilnius .
And you see where these supporters of alternative power @ @ @ @ @ them and expelled them from Belarus , '' Lukashenko stated .
Lukashenko ordered to suspend @ @ @ @ @ all enterprises where staff went on strike .
`` I ask the governor and chairs @ @ @ @ @ if someone does not want to work , don ’ t force them , you @ @ @ @ @ .
We won ’ t be able to force them and persuade them .
The @ @ @ @ @ But if an enterprise does not work , on Monday we will put the lock @ @ @ @ @ it , people will calm down and we will decide whom to invite to this @ @ @ @ @ told a rally in Grodno on Saturday .

MINSK, August 22. /TASS/. Coordinators of Belarusian riots are abroad and activists are receiving financial assistance from there, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Saturday.
"The instigators are not from Grodno and are not Belarusians. They are sitting there near Warsaw and Vilnius. And you see where these supporters of alternative power ran, no one bashed them and expelled them from Belarus," Lukashenko stated.
Shut down all enterprises
Lukashenko ordered to suspend work since August 24 at all enterprises where staff went on strike.
"I ask the governor and chairs of the executive committees: if someone does not want to work, don’t force them, you shouldn’t do that. We won’t be able to force them and persuade them. The country will survive this. But if an enterprise does not work, on Monday we will put the lock on the gates and stop it, people will calm down and we will decide whom to invite to this enterprise," the president told a rally in Grodno on Saturday.


tass--2020-08-22--US diplomat to visit Russia, Lithuania to discuss situation in Belarus - Reuters

WASHINGTON , August 22 .
/TASS/ .
US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun is going to visit Russia and @ @ @ @ @ to discuss the situation in Belarus , Reuters reported on Friday , citing sources .
@ @ @ @ @ senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity , said Biegun was expected to @ @ @ @ @ for Moscow and the Lithuanian capital Vilnius , Reuters said .
According to another source @ @ @ @ @ trips is `` to prevent further violence in Belarus or Russian intervention . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ is trying to dissuade Moscow from either intervening on its own or using its influence @ @ @ @ @ to have a ( more ) violent crackdown , '' the source told Reuters on @ @ @ @ @ US Department of State did not respond to TASS ’ request to confirm the information @ @ @ @ @ visit .

WASHINGTON, August 22. /TASS/. US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun is going to visit Russia and Lithuania in the near future to discuss the situation in Belarus, Reuters reported on Friday, citing sources.
One source, a former senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Biegun was expected to leave in the coming days for Moscow and the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, Reuters said.
According to another source, the purpose of the trips is "to prevent further violence in Belarus or Russian intervention."
"I would guess the administration is trying to dissuade Moscow from either intervening on its own or using its influence with Lukashenko to encourage him to have a (more) violent crackdown," the source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The US Department of State did not respond to TASS’ request to confirm the information on Biegun’s coming visit.


tass--2020-08-23--Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own - Lavrov

SOLNECHNOGORSK /Moscow Region/ , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Belarus is clearly normalizing but there are those who wish to implement the Ukrainian scenario , Russia ’ s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the youth educational forum ‘ Territory of Senses ’ on Sunday .
`` The Belarusian people will decide itself how to resolve this situation , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` I believe that the clear signs of the situation getting normal are quite important .
I also know that not everyone likes this and there are those who wish to make this normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus violent after all , provoke bloodshed and turn them into the Ukrainian scenario , '' he said .
Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own , it is important to prevent provocations , said Lavrov .
`` Our approach is very simple : this is an internal affair of Belarus .
Belarusians can quite cope with the situation on their own , being a wise people .
The main thing is to make sure that unrest is not provoked from the outside , '' Russia ’ s @ @ @ @

SOLNECHNOGORSK /Moscow Region/, August 23. /TASS/. The situation in Belarus is clearly normalizing but there are those who wish to implement the Ukrainian scenario, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the youth educational forum ‘Territory of Senses’ on Sunday.
"The Belarusian people will decide itself how to resolve this situation," Lavrov stressed.
"I believe that the clear signs of the situation getting normal are quite important. I also know that not everyone likes this and there are those who wish to make this normal, peaceful trend of the developments in Belarus violent after all, provoke bloodshed and turn them into the Ukrainian scenario," he said.
Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own, it is important to prevent provocations, said Lavrov.
"Our approach is very simple: this is an internal affair of Belarus. Belarusians can quite cope with the situation on their own, being a wise people. The main thing is to make sure that unrest is not provoked from the outside," Russia’s top diplomat said.
Russia will not object to any decision by the Belarusian leadership on dialogue with its people, said Lavrov.
"We will not be against any decision, which the Belarusian leadership will make on dialogue with its population," Lavrov said.
"But when the West says that only mediation with the participation of Western countries will be effective, everyone, of course, has fresh memories about how it all developed in Ukraine when the Western mediation made our corresponding partners fully unable to comply with their commitments," the Russian foreign minister said.
The situation in Belarus was a major theme at the negotiations of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. At their meeting in France that lasted many hours, Macron urged to avoid the escalation of tension in Belarus and exclude the use of force. Macron said the European Union was interested in the democratic and all-embracing transitional period in the republic and fair elections. The French president also stated his readiness to act as a mediator jointly with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Russia considers dialogue in Belarus on the Constitutional reform as quite promising, Russia’s Foreign Minister said. "We proceed from the fact that no recipes should be imposed. President [of Belarus Alexander] Lukashenko has spoken for dialogue on many occasions lately during his meetings with workers, including the most important proposal and dialogue on the Constitutional reform. It seems to me that this is the way, which is quite promising," Russia’s top diplomat said. Belarusian President Lukashenko earlier stated his readiness to give away some presidential powers but only within the framework of the Constitutional reform. New elections in Belarus can be held only after the country’s new Constitution is adopted, he said.
These is no evidence to the use of force during protests in Belarus after the "outburst of violence" during the first days of protests, Russian Foreign Minister said. "After an outburst of violence in the first couple of days, now there is no evidence that force is used during these protests. But some Belarusian oppositionists who are living in the West and are trying to influence the developments from there seem to be wanting the situation to be the other way round, with bloodshed to provoke Belarusian law enforcers who are now not interfering into peaceful demonstrations," he said.
The situation is calming down now and some seem "not to be happy with that," he noted. "Both opposition activists, who have formed a kind of coordinating council, and some Western nations, first of all the United States, are seeking to picture this coordinating council as a legitimate negotiating partner of the Belarusian government. They are unhappy that the protests is, if not to say, calming down, but, at least, is not becoming more large-scale and loud. And they are unhappy that these protests are peaceful," Lavrov explained. He stressed that the Belarusian people is capable to cope with the situation by itself. "What matters most is to prevent external provocation to riots," he added.


tass--2020-08-23--Putin highlights importance of developing trustworthy relations in security sphere

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Trustworthy relations in military-technical cooperation and security are very important and the International Army Games have helped strengthen friendly ties for several years now , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his greetings to the organizers , participants and guests of the Army-2020 forum and the International Army Games on Sunday .
`` We understand well how important it is to develop trustworthy relations in the sphere of security and military-technical cooperation and jointly look for solutions to emerging challenges , '' Putin said in his greetings posted on the Kremlin ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the International Army Games have been contributing to strengthening friendly ties , to an open and well-wishing exchange of expertise .
Military personnel from different countries compete in their skills and equipment operation , in combat prowess and military discipline ; they test themselves for readiness to overcome serious ordeals and perform tasks in extreme conditions , '' the Russian president said .
The Army-2020 military and technical forum and the International Army Games are opening simultaneously this year , the Russian leader said , adding that he was certain that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and eventful , will only benefit from this combination . ''
`` Numerous guests will have the opportunity to see the capabilities of our Armed Forces , learn about the latest achievements of the Russian and foreign defense industries , as well as successful projects of international cooperation .
We hope that new business contacts and promising partnerships will be established and promoted at the forum , '' Putin said .
`` I expect that the Russian teams will , as always , demonstrate well-coordinated and seamless performance , display their best qualities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our troops , '' the Russian leader said .
`` I am certain that the International Military and Technical Forum and the Army Games will be spectacular and significant events that will , of course , serve the purpose of strengthening ties between countries in the defense sphere .
I wish all the participants and guests great success and all the best , '' Putin said .
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum runs on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces ’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center , at the Alabino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 23-29 .
Also , some weapons will be demonstrated at the Ashuluk training ground in the southern Astrakhan Region .
The demonstrations will be broadcast live on the forum ’ s sites at the Patriot Park .
The International Army Games that are opening simultaneously with the Army-2020 forum will end on September 5 .
This year , 156 teams from 32 countries will take part in 30 competitions .
For the first time , teams from Afghanistan , Qatar , Equatorial Guinea , Palestine , Namibia and Guinea will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the territory of five states .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Trustworthy relations in military-technical cooperation and security are very important and the International Army Games have helped strengthen friendly ties for several years now, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his greetings to the organizers, participants and guests of the Army-2020 forum and the International Army Games on Sunday.
"We understand well how important it is to develop trustworthy relations in the sphere of security and military-technical cooperation and jointly look for solutions to emerging challenges," Putin said in his greetings posted on the Kremlin’s website.
"For several years now, the International Army Games have been contributing to strengthening friendly ties, to an open and well-wishing exchange of expertise. Military personnel from different countries compete in their skills and equipment operation, in combat prowess and military discipline; they test themselves for readiness to overcome serious ordeals and perform tasks in extreme conditions," the Russian president said.
The Army-2020 military and technical forum and the International Army Games are opening simultaneously this year, the Russian leader said, adding that he was certain that "their programs, which are always spectacular and eventful, will only benefit from this combination."
"Numerous guests will have the opportunity to see the capabilities of our Armed Forces, learn about the latest achievements of the Russian and foreign defense industries, as well as successful projects of international cooperation. We hope that new business contacts and promising partnerships will be established and promoted at the forum," Putin said.
"I expect that the Russian teams will, as always, demonstrate well-coordinated and seamless performance, display their best qualities and assert the growing combat potential of our troops," the Russian leader said.
"I am certain that the International Military and Technical Forum and the Army Games will be spectacular and significant events that will, of course, serve the purpose of strengthening ties between countries in the defense sphere. I wish all the participants and guests great success and all the best," Putin said.
Army-2020 forum and International Army Games
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum runs on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center, at the Alabino training ground and at the Kubinka airfield on August 23-29. Also, some weapons will be demonstrated at the Ashuluk training ground in the southern Astrakhan Region. The demonstrations will be broadcast live on the forum’s sites at the Patriot Park.
The International Army Games that are opening simultaneously with the Army-2020 forum will end on September 5. This year, 156 teams from 32 countries will take part in 30 competitions. For the first time, teams from Afghanistan, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea, Palestine, Namibia and Guinea will take part. The competitions will take place on the territory of five states.


tass--2020-08-23--Russia signs contract with Turkey on 2nd batch of S-400 air defense systems

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
A contract on the delivery of the second batch of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Turkey has been signed and the sides are discussing the contract ’ s financial terms , Head of Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheyev told reporters on Sunday .
`` The contract has been signed , '' the chief executive said , replying to the corresponding question .
The sides are now discussing `` the financial arrangement of implementing the contract , '' he specified .
The Rosoboronexport chief said that the timeframe of implementing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners ’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project , '' Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara .
Under the contract , Ankara received a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems ( two battalions ) .
The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
Turkey ’ s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States and NATO as a whole .
The United States is not abandoning its attempts to make Turkey give up the Russian air defense systems .
As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure and has said that it will not give up the S-400 systems , Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. A contract on the delivery of the second batch of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Turkey has been signed and the sides are discussing the contract’s financial terms, Head of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheyev told reporters on Sunday.
"The contract has been signed," the chief executive said, replying to the corresponding question.
The sides are now discussing "the financial arrangement of implementing the contract," he specified.
The Rosoboronexport chief said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend "on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project,"
S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems in Turkey
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. Under the contract, Ankara received a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
Turkey’s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States and NATO as a whole. The United States is not abandoning its attempts to make Turkey give up the Russian air defense systems.
As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure and has said that it will not give up the S-400 systems, Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-08-23--Police tighten security in downtown Minsk ahead of opposition rally

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The police are tightening security in the center of Minsk before the opposition begins its March of New Belarus in the Belarusian capital , Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS on Sunday .
`` The situation in the city is calm and under control so far .
Security measures are being taken due to the opposition ’ s new planned action , '' the spokeswoman said .
The Belarusian law-enforcement agencies are also monitoring the Internet , she said .
`` We are monitoring the current calls [ by the opposition ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday that a column of special vehicles and buses with law-enforcers moved from the area of Uruchye towards the center of Minsk .
A part of prison trucks and riot police vehicles arrived at the Government House on Independence Square and many approaches to the center had been blocked .
The Belarusian traffic police are carrying out a special operation dubbed Filter , paying special attention to the roads at the entry to Minsk .
Supporters of the Belarusian opposition are set to hold an unauthorized march in the center of Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce its demands to the Belarusian authorities .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered as his key rival garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several days and according to the Interior Ministry , over 7,000 people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
Against this background , the workers of major enterprises are holding rallies demanding a new election and probes into the actions of law enforcement agencies .
The opposition set up a coordination council to facilitate the transition of power .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. The police are tightening security in the center of Minsk before the opposition begins its March of New Belarus in the Belarusian capital, Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS on Sunday.
"The situation in the city is calm and under control so far. Security measures are being taken due to the opposition’s new planned action," the spokeswoman said.
The Belarusian law-enforcement agencies are also monitoring the Internet, she said. "We are monitoring the current calls [by the opposition]."
A TASS correspondent reported earlier on Sunday that a column of special vehicles and buses with law-enforcers moved from the area of Uruchye towards the center of Minsk. A part of prison trucks and riot police vehicles arrived at the Government House on Independence Square and many approaches to the center had been blocked.
The Belarusian traffic police are carrying out a special operation dubbed Filter, paying special attention to the roads at the entry to Minsk.
Supporters of the Belarusian opposition are set to hold an unauthorized march in the center of Minsk on Sunday. The opposition again intends to announce its demands to the Belarusian authorities.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered as his key rival garnered 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry, over 7,000 people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.
Against this background, the workers of major enterprises are holding rallies demanding a new election and probes into the actions of law enforcement agencies. The opposition set up a coordination council to facilitate the transition of power.


tass--2020-08-23--Russia’s state arms exporter working on projects with African countries

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport is working on several @ @ @ @ @ hardware for the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies of some African countries , Rosoboronexport CEO @ @ @ @ @ the run-up to the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Sunday .
Rosoboronexport aims @ @ @ @ @ its deliveries and the range of military products , he said .
The Rosoboronexport chief @ @ @ @ @ ’ s efforts to step up its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa after the 2019 Russia-Africa @ @ @ @ @ year and chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` For example , this year @ @ @ @ @ in the past 20 years for the delivery of Russian-made naval hardware to one of @ @ @ @ @ .
Now work is underway on some projects for the delivery of hardware for other @ @ @ @ @ and anti-terror agencies , '' Mikheyev said .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 23. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport is working on several projects for the delivery of hardware for the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies of some African countries, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS in the run-up to the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Sunday.
Rosoboronexport aims to expand the geography of its deliveries and the range of military products, he said.
The Rosoboronexport chief cited as an example Russia’s efforts to step up its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa after the 2019 Russia-Africa summit held in Sochi last year and chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"For example, this year Rosoboronexport signed the first contract in the past 20 years for the delivery of Russian-made naval hardware to one of the countries in that region. Now work is underway on some projects for the delivery of hardware for other military branches and for law-enforcement and anti-terror agencies," Mikheyev said.


tass--2020-08-23--Russia registers 4,852 new coronavirus cases in past day

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in Russia grew by 4,852 in the past twenty-four hours to 956,749 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday .
The daily growth in COVID-19 cases has been within 0.5 % in the past eight days , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said .
Moscow registered 611 new coronavirus cases in the past twenty-four hours , the lowest figure since July 23 .
The daily growth in new coronavirus cases slowed to 0.2 % for the first time since the start of the pandemic , TASS calculations show .
The slowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in the Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Regions ( 0 % each ) , the Moscow Region ( 0.2 % ) , the Lipetsk , Smolensk , Tambov and Tula Regions , the Jewish Autonomous Region and some other regions ( 0.3 % ) .
The number of active cases , i.e .
patients continuing their medical treatment at present , equaled 169,727 or 17.7 % of all infected people .
Coronavirus recoveries in Russia grew by 3,162 in the past twenty-four hours to 770,639 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported .
Recoveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected people , the latest data indicate .
In particular , recoveries totaled 965 people in Moscow , 150 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region , 122 in the Ulyanovsk Region , 119 in the Moscow Region , 100 in the Murmansk Region and 99 in the Chelyabinsk Region , according to the latest data .
Coronavirus fatalities in Russia grew by 73 in the past twenty-four hours compared to 121 a day earlier to 16,383 or 1.71 % of all infected people in Russia , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in Moscow , 10 in St. Petersburg , seven in the Krasnoyarsk Region , five in the Omsk and Moscow Regions each and four in the Murmansk Region , the latest data indicate .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in Russia grew by 4,852 in the past twenty-four hours to 956,749, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday.
The daily growth in COVID-19 cases has been within 0.5% in the past eight days, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said.
Moscow registered 611 new coronavirus cases in the past twenty-four hours, the lowest figure since July 23. The daily growth in new coronavirus cases slowed to 0.2% for the first time since the start of the pandemic, TASS calculations show.
The slowest growth in new coronavirus cases was also registered in the Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Regions (0% each), the Moscow Region (0.2%), the Lipetsk, Smolensk, Tambov and Tula Regions, the Jewish Autonomous Region and some other regions (0.3%).
The number of active cases, i.e. patients continuing their medical treatment at present, equaled 169,727 or 17.7% of all infected people.
Coronavirus recoveries in Russia grew by 3,162 in the past twenty-four hours to 770,639, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
Recoveries account for about 80.6% of all infected people, the latest data indicate.
In particular, recoveries totaled 965 people in Moscow, 150 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, 122 in the Ulyanovsk Region, 119 in the Moscow Region, 100 in the Murmansk Region and 99 in the Chelyabinsk Region, according to the latest data.
Coronavirus fatalities in Russia grew by 73 in the past twenty-four hours compared to 121 a day earlier to 16,383 or 1.71% of all infected people in Russia, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
In the past twenty-four hours, 11 deaths were registered in Moscow, 10 in St. Petersburg, seven in the Krasnoyarsk Region, five in the Omsk and Moscow Regions each and four in the Murmansk Region, the latest data indicate.


tass--2020-08-23--Russia’s Rosoboronexport to deliver armaments worth $13 bln in 2020

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport plans to keep its order book at about $ 50 billion and deliver armaments worth $ 13 billion this year despite the pandemic , Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS in the run-up to the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Sunday .
The planned figures for 2020 were formulated at the end of last year and no one presumed at that time that the world and Russia , in particular , would be confronted with such a large-scale coronavirus pandemic in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` But we all know what happened : the borders were closed and self-isolation was introduced .
But we did not adjust our plans : they remain the same at the level of the past few years of our successful work : the order book at about $ 50 billion and the amount of deliveries at $ 13 billion , '' he said .
Rosoboronexport constantly analyzes the situation and makes timely adjustments to honor its contractual commitments and also signs new contracts even in the most difficult conditions related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is why Rosoboronexport ’ s order book remains within the planned parameters and its geography extends to 68 countries of the world .
I hope these two indicators will increase , '' the chief executive said .
The Rosoboronexport chief also named the regions in the company ’ s order book : the Asia-Pacific , which accounts for almost a half of all orders , followed by the Middle East and North Africa , European and CIS countries , Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 23. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport plans to keep its order book at about $50 billion and deliver armaments worth $13 billion this year despite the pandemic, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS in the run-up to the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Sunday.
The planned figures for 2020 were formulated at the end of last year and no one presumed at that time that the world and Russia, in particular, would be confronted with such a large-scale coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020, the chief executive said.
"But we all know what happened: the borders were closed and self-isolation was introduced. But we did not adjust our plans: they remain the same at the level of the past few years of our successful work: the order book at about $50 billion and the amount of deliveries at $13 billion," he said.
Rosoboronexport constantly analyzes the situation and makes timely adjustments to honor its contractual commitments and also signs new contracts even in the most difficult conditions related to the coronavirus pandemic, Mikheyev stressed.
"This is why Rosoboronexport’s order book remains within the planned parameters and its geography extends to 68 countries of the world. I hope these two indicators will increase," the chief executive said.
The Rosoboronexport chief also named the regions in the company’s order book: the Asia-Pacific, which accounts for almost a half of all orders, followed by the Middle East and North Africa, European and CIS countries, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.


tass--2020-08-23--Russia’s state arms seller to offer almost 50 new weapon systems to world market

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport plans to offer almost 50 new weapon systems to the world arms market in the next five or six years , Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS in the run-up to the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Sunday .
`` In the next five or six years , Rosoboronexport plans to deliver almost 50 new weapon systems to the international arms market .
These are final products involving air defense systems , combat and military transport aircraft , and also the armor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chief executive said .
The active work of Russian defense enterprises makes it possible to constantly deliver new armaments to the world market and formalize authorizing documentation for their exports , he said .
`` Among bright examples , I can name such products of Rostec [ state hi-tech corporation ] as the T-14 ‘ Armata ’ tank , the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter and the entire family of Kalashnikov new-generation assault rifles : the 200th series .
Among the products of other manufacturers , I would like to mention the Bumerang standardized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of detecting hypersonic targets and many other weapons , '' the chief executive said .
Rosoboronexport plans to continue the deliveries of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters in 2020 , Mikheyev said .
`` Among final products in 2020 , the deliveries of Su-30MKI , Su-35 and MiG-29M/M2 fighters are planned , '' the chief executive said , without naming the purchasing countries .
Rosoboronexport will also continue the deliveries of Mi-35M , Mi-171E , Mi-171Sh and Mi-17V-5 helicopters , aircraft engines , Orlan-10 drones , T-90S and T-90SK tanks , BTR-82A armored personnel carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kornet anti-tank missile systems , Repellent anti-drone systems , Tor-M2E surface-to-air missile launchers , Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun systems , Igla man-portable air defense systems , small arms , ammunition and other items , Mikheyev said .
`` Actually all the weapons that are planned for their delivery this year and in subsequent years , I mean advanced armaments and military hardware , are on display here at the Army-2020 forum , '' the Rosoboronexport chief said .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 23. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport plans to offer almost 50 new weapon systems to the world arms market in the next five or six years, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS in the run-up to the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Sunday.
"In the next five or six years, Rosoboronexport plans to deliver almost 50 new weapon systems to the international arms market. These are final products involving air defense systems, combat and military transport aircraft, and also the armor, naval hardware and artillery," the chief executive said.
The active work of Russian defense enterprises makes it possible to constantly deliver new armaments to the world market and formalize authorizing documentation for their exports, he said.
"Among bright examples, I can name such products of Rostec [state hi-tech corporation] as the T-14 ‘Armata’ tank, the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter and the entire family of Kalashnikov new-generation assault rifles: the 200th series. Among the products of other manufacturers, I would like to mention the Bumerang standardized combat platform, the 59N6-TE radar capable of detecting hypersonic targets and many other weapons," the chief executive said.
Rosoboronexport plans to continue the deliveries of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters in 2020, Mikheyev said.
"Among final products in 2020, the deliveries of Su-30MKI, Su-35 and MiG-29M/M2 fighters are planned," the chief executive said, without naming the purchasing countries.
Rosoboronexport will also continue the deliveries of Mi-35M, Mi-171E, Mi-171Sh and Mi-17V-5 helicopters, aircraft engines, Orlan-10 drones, T-90S and T-90SK tanks, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, BMPT tank support fighting vehicles, Kornet anti-tank missile systems, Repellent anti-drone systems, Tor-M2E surface-to-air missile launchers, Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun systems, Igla man-portable air defense systems, small arms, ammunition and other items, Mikheyev said.
"Actually all the weapons that are planned for their delivery this year and in subsequent years, I mean advanced armaments and military hardware, are on display here at the Army-2020 forum," the Rosoboronexport chief said.


tass--2020-08-23--Security forces eliminate two militants in counter-terror operation in Ingushetia

MAGAS , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Two members of illegal armed formations were eliminated in a counter-terror operation in the village of Troitskoye in the Sunzha district of Ingushetia , a source in the republic ’ s law-enforcement agencies told TASS on Sunday .
`` Two were eliminated in a special operation , '' the source said .
As was reported earlier , the security forces and militants were exchanging fire in the area of the counter-terror operation .
The regime of the counter-terror operation was introduced in the village of Troitskoye in the Sunzha district of Ingushetia on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the counter-terror operation in the village of Troitskoye in the Sunzha district of Ingushetia were supporters of the Islamic State international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia , the country ’ s National Anti-Terror Committee told TASS on Sunday .
`` Two militants were neutralized in the counter-terror operation in Ingushetia .
They were supporters of the Islamic State terrorist organization , '' the National Anti-Terror Committee said .
The combat engagement with the militants took place in the residential area closer to the village ’ s outskirts and the territory was sealed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the active phase of the counter-terror operation is over .

MAGAS, August 23. /TASS/. Two members of illegal armed formations were eliminated in a counter-terror operation in the village of Troitskoye in the Sunzha district of Ingushetia, a source in the republic’s law-enforcement agencies told TASS on Sunday.
"Two were eliminated in a special operation," the source said.
As was reported earlier, the security forces and militants were exchanging fire in the area of the counter-terror operation.
The regime of the counter-terror operation was introduced in the village of Troitskoye in the Sunzha district of Ingushetia on Sunday morning.
The militants killed in the counter-terror operation in the village of Troitskoye in the Sunzha district of Ingushetia were supporters of the Islamic State international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia, the country’s National Anti-Terror Committee told TASS on Sunday.
"Two militants were neutralized in the counter-terror operation in Ingushetia. They were supporters of the Islamic State terrorist organization," the National Anti-Terror Committee said.
The combat engagement with the militants took place in the residential area closer to the village’s outskirts and the territory was sealed off.
According to the TASS source, the active phase of the counter-terror operation is over.


tass--2020-08-23--Over 218,000 people remain under medical supervision over coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Over 218,000 citizens remain under medical supervision over the suspected coronavirus infection in @ @ @ @ @ of the sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor reported on Sunday .
`` A total of 218,761 people @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation , '' the statement says .
Russia has conducted a total of @ @ @ @ @ , including 317,000 in the past twenty-four hours , the watchdog said .
To date @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed in Russia , with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ 16,310 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Over 218,000 citizens remain under medical supervision over the suspected coronavirus infection in Russia, the press office of the sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor reported on Sunday.
"A total of 218,761 people remain under medical supervision in the Russian Federation," the statement says.
Russia has conducted a total of over 34.4 million coronavirus tests, including 317,000 in the past twenty-four hours, the watchdog said.
To date, 951,897 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,310 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-23--WHO, UNICEF recommend face masks for children aged 12 and older

GENEVA , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children 's Fund ( UNICEF ) advise all children aged 12 and older to wear face masks due to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
`` WHO and UNICEF advise that children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults , in particular when they can not guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area , '' reads a fact sheet posted on the WHO website .
For children aged between six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks depends on a number of factors , including `` the ability of the child to safely and appropriately use a mask '' and `` potential impact of wearing a mask on learning and psychosocial development . ''
Other factors to be taken into account is virus transmission in the area where the child resides and adequate adult supervision and instructions to the child on how to put on , take off and safely wear masks .
`` Children aged 5 years and under should not be required to wear masks , '' @ @ @ @ @ @

GENEVA, August 23. /TASS/. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) advise all children aged 12 and older to wear face masks due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"WHO and UNICEF advise that children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area," reads a fact sheet posted on the WHO website.
For children aged between six and 11, the decision on wearing masks depends on a number of factors, including "the ability of the child to safely and appropriately use a mask" and "potential impact of wearing a mask on learning and psychosocial development."
Other factors to be taken into account is virus transmission in the area where the child resides and adequate adult supervision and instructions to the child on how to put on, take off and safely wear masks.
"Children aged 5 years and under should not be required to wear masks," the WHO and UNICEF said.


tass--2020-08-23--Sixth international military forum Army-2020 begins near Moscow on Sunday

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The sixth International Military and Technical Forum Army-2020 will begin its work on Sunday in the Patriot Park near Moscow .
The event will continue until August 29 .
During the first three days , only experts and official delegations will take part .
After that , the forum will open for the general public .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday that Army-2020 would be the first international-level defense exhibition held this year .
Guests and participants from over 92 countries are expected .
18 national delegations will be led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over 1,500 Russian and foreign companies will showcase over 28,000 pieces of military hardware and weaponry .
According to the Russian government ’ s official website , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will take part in the official opening ceremony of Army-2020 and the International Army Games .
The exhibition will also be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu , Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and other officials .
All the necessary anti-coronavirus measures , approved by Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor and the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the event .
All participants and guests will be obliged to wear face masks .
Foreign delegates and visitors , as well as journalists covering the event , will be required to have a document certifying their negative coronavirus status .
Visitors will have to have their body temperature measured .
Sanitizers will be available .
Besides , public spaces were organized in a fashion that would facilitate observing the 1.5-meter social distancing requirement .
Over 180 medical workers will be on duty , including ten ambulance teams .
Contrary to previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Army Games will begin simultaneously in 2020 .
The games will end on September 30 .
A total of 156 teams representing 32 countries will take part in 30 competitions .
For the first time , teams from Afghanistan , Qatar , Equatorial Guinea , Palestine , Namibia and Guinea will take part .
Six competitions will be held on the territory of four foreign countries : Warrior of Peace in Armenia , Sea Cup - in Azerbaijan , Polar Star and Sniper Frontier - in Belarus , Military Medical Relay Race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The remaining 24 competitions will be held on the territory of Russia .
The main jury comprises delegates from all the 32 participating states .
The event ’ s most spectacular competition - Tank Biathlon - will begin on the opening day .
The first group of participants comprises Belarus , Serbia , Azerbaijan and China .
Russia will join the competition on August 25 , competing against Kyrgyzstan , Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan .
Over 100 tanks were prepared for Russian and foreign teams .
Teams from Belarus and China will use their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall area of the event ’ s static exhibition was increased by more than 60,000 square meters this year , to over 320,000 square meters .
During the forthcoming Army-2020 forum , the KBP Instrument Design Bureau ’ s display will feature the Hermes high-precision guided missile system with over-the-horizon range of up to 100 km .
KBP will also display its Planshet-A artillery fire control system and the Parallax guidance and surveillance system , which uses virtual reality glasses to achieve the effect of `` transparent armor . ''
TsNIITochMash will unveil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Udav army handgun , the Aspid sports gun and the Poloz self-loading combat pistol designed for the Interior Ministry and the Russian Guard .
High Precision Systems Company ( a part of Rostec ) will demonstrate the civilian version of the OSV-96 sniper rifle : the MTs-567 gun .
The carbine has a folding design : it can be folded within several seconds for its transportation , with its length shrinking by a third .
It has an accuracy range of 1,800 meters and a five-round magazine .
The Kalashnikov Group will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun , a new AK-19 assault rifle chambered for NATO ’ s 5.56x45 mm rounds and Russia ’ s first smart rifle with the option of synchronizing it with gadgets .
Besides , the forum will showcase the new Antey-4000 air defense system , the Strela family of light armored vehicles , the Haska-10 multi-purpose sidewall hovercraft with flexible skegs and several families of drones for the Russian armed forces , including Helios , Grom and Altius .
The United Shipuilding Corporation will unveil models of the export version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small attack submarine .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. The sixth International Military and Technical Forum Army-2020 will begin its work on Sunday in the Patriot Park near Moscow.
The event will continue until August 29. During the first three days, only experts and official delegations will take part. After that, the forum will open for the general public.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday that Army-2020 would be the first international-level defense exhibition held this year. Guests and participants from over 92 countries are expected. 18 national delegations will be led by defense ministers or their deputies. Over 1,500 Russian and foreign companies will showcase over 28,000 pieces of military hardware and weaponry.
According to the Russian government’s official website, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will take part in the official opening ceremony of Army-2020 and the International Army Games. The exhibition will also be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and other officials.
Anti-epidemic measures
All the necessary anti-coronavirus measures, approved by Russia’s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor and the Russian Health Ministry, will be in place during the event. All participants and guests will be obliged to wear face masks. Foreign delegates and visitors, as well as journalists covering the event, will be required to have a document certifying their negative coronavirus status.
Visitors will have to have their body temperature measured. Sanitizers will be available. Besides, public spaces were organized in a fashion that would facilitate observing the 1.5-meter social distancing requirement.
Over 180 medical workers will be on duty, including ten ambulance teams.
International Army Games
Contrary to previous years, the Army forum and the International Army Games will begin simultaneously in 2020. The games will end on September 30. A total of 156 teams representing 32 countries will take part in 30 competitions.
For the first time, teams from Afghanistan, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea, Palestine, Namibia and Guinea will take part. Six competitions will be held on the territory of four foreign countries: Warrior of Peace in Armenia, Sea Cup - in Azerbaijan, Polar Star and Sniper Frontier - in Belarus, Military Medical Relay Race and Road Patrol - in Uzbekistan. The remaining 24 competitions will be held on the territory of Russia.
The main jury comprises delegates from all the 32 participating states.
The event’s most spectacular competition - Tank Biathlon - will begin on the opening day. The first group of participants comprises Belarus, Serbia, Azerbaijan and China. Russia will join the competition on August 25, competing against Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Over 100 tanks were prepared for Russian and foreign teams. Teams from Belarus and China will use their own tanks in the competition.
New equipment
The overall area of the event’s static exhibition was increased by more than 60,000 square meters this year, to over 320,000 square meters.
During the forthcoming Army-2020 forum, the KBP Instrument Design Bureau’s display will feature the Hermes high-precision guided missile system with over-the-horizon range of up to 100 km. KBP will also display its Planshet-A artillery fire control system and the Parallax guidance and surveillance system, which uses virtual reality glasses to achieve the effect of "transparent armor."
TsNIITochMash will unveil 9x19mm pistols developed on the platform of the Udav army handgun, the Aspid sports gun and the Poloz self-loading combat pistol designed for the Interior Ministry and the Russian Guard.
High Precision Systems Company (a part of Rostec) will demonstrate the civilian version of the OSV-96 sniper rifle: the MTs-567 gun. The carbine has a folding design: it can be folded within several seconds for its transportation, with its length shrinking by a third. It has an accuracy range of 1,800 meters and a five-round magazine.
The Kalashnikov Group will demonstrate this year a prototype of a new RPL-20 hand-held machine-gun, a new AK-19 assault rifle chambered for NATO’s 5.56x45 mm rounds and Russia’s first smart rifle with the option of synchronizing it with gadgets.
Besides, the forum will showcase the new Antey-4000 air defense system, the Strela family of light armored vehicles, the Haska-10 multi-purpose sidewall hovercraft with flexible skegs and several families of drones for the Russian armed forces, including Helios, Grom and Altius.
The United Shipuilding Corporation will unveil models of the export version of the Grachonok-class anti-saboteur boat and the P-750B small attack submarine.


tass--2020-08-23--Engineering development of Russian super-heavy rocket to be completed in October 2021

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The engineering development of Russia ’ s super-heavy carrier rocket is scheduled for completion in October 2021 , the company ’ s press service of the Progress Rocket and Space Center told TASS .
`` At present , technical design specification is being coordinated with the head contractor [ Energiya Rocket and Space Corporation ] of the super-heavy carrier rocket .
In line with it , the work is scheduled for completion for October 2021 , '' the press service said .
Russian space corporation Roscosmos ordered the provisional design of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said earlier , the Yenisei new super-heavy carrier rocket would be assembled using the principle of a technological building kit where each part of the launcher should be an independent flight element .
In a TASS interview , Rogozin said that the scientific council of Roscosmos gave its general approval to the provisional design .
Under the designers ’ plans , the rocket is intended to deliver more up to 103 tonnes of cargo into the low near-Earth orbit at the first stage .
Russia intends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Moon , including the landing of Russian cosmonauts on the surface of the Earth ’ s natural satellite .
In Roscosmos ’ estimates , the Yenisei will be able to deliver a 27-tonne payload to the Moon ’ s orbit .
In line with Russia ’ s federal target program , the first launch of the Yenisei super-heavy carrier rocket is due to take place in 2028 .
Russia will build the launch pad for the super-heavy carrier rocket at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. The engineering development of Russia’s super-heavy carrier rocket is scheduled for completion in October 2021, the company’s press service of the Progress Rocket and Space Center told TASS.
"At present, technical design specification is being coordinated with the head contractor [Energiya Rocket and Space Corporation] of the super-heavy carrier rocket. In line with it, the work is scheduled for completion for October 2021," the press service said.
Russian space corporation Roscosmos ordered the provisional design of Russia’s super-heavy rocket in late March 2018. As Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said earlier, the Yenisei new super-heavy carrier rocket would be assembled using the principle of a technological building kit where each part of the launcher should be an independent flight element.
In a TASS interview, Rogozin said that the scientific council of Roscosmos gave its general approval to the provisional design.
Under the designers’ plans, the rocket is intended to deliver more up to 103 tonnes of cargo into the low near-Earth orbit at the first stage.
Russia intends to use the new super-heavy rocket for missions to the Moon, including the landing of Russian cosmonauts on the surface of the Earth’s natural satellite. In Roscosmos’ estimates, the Yenisei will be able to deliver a 27-tonne payload to the Moon’s orbit.
In line with Russia’s federal target program, the first launch of the Yenisei super-heavy carrier rocket is due to take place in 2028. Russia will build the launch pad for the super-heavy carrier rocket at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East.