tass--2020-08-18--Special Tribunal on Lebanon rules Selim Ayyash guilty in ex-PM Rafik Hariri murder case

HAGUE , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Special Tribunal on Lebanon ruled Selim Ayyash , tied to the Shia @ @ @ @ @ all charges in the case of the assassination of Rafik Hariri , former Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ was announced by presiding judge David Re .
Ayyash was charged with a terror attack @ @ @ @ @ a terror attack , an intentional murder , including one of Rafik Haririr , and @ @ @ @ @ .
The three other defendants - Hassan Merhi , Hussain Uneisi and Asaad Sabra - @ @ @ @ @ were suspected of conspiracy to conduct a terror attack and participation in the intentional murders @ @ @ @ @ Special Tribunal on Lebanon has been established in 2007 , on the UN Security Council @ @ @ @ @ , involved in the February 14 , 2005 , Beirut attack , which killed 22 @ @ @ @ @ and injured 226 more .

HAGUE, August 18. /TASS/. The Special Tribunal on Lebanon ruled Selim Ayyash, tied to the Shia Hezbollah movement, guilty on all charges in the case of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, former Prime Minister of Lebanon. The ruling was announced by presiding judge David Re.
Ayyash was charged with a terror attack, a conspiracy to conduct a terror attack, an intentional murder, including one of Rafik Haririr, and attempts of an intended murder.
The three other defendants - Hassan Merhi, Hussain Uneisi and Asaad Sabra - were fully exonerated. They were suspected of conspiracy to conduct a terror attack and participation in the intentional murders and attempted murders.
The Special Tribunal on Lebanon has been established in 2007, on the UN Security Council decision, to bring people, involved in the February 14, 2005, Beirut attack, which killed 22 people, including Hariri, and injured 226 more.


tass--2020-08-18--Russia’s dialogue with US on strategic stability intensifies, senior diplomat says

VIENNA , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian-American consultations on strategic stability became more intensive since June 22 , their business-like nature and the decrease in counterproductive rhetoric are notable , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday , commenting for Russian journalists on the completion of the most recent round of consultations in Vienna .
`` The talks were very intense and energetic .
We reached depths in many aspects .
Professional discussions draw attention by the level of immersion in the material .
This was facilitated by the fact that both American and Russian sides were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which included representatives of all relevant agencies , '' he said .
According to the senior diplomat , as the dialogue with the US , which has intensified since June 22 , continues , the sides note `` more business-like nature of the discussions conducted , less counterproductive rhetoric . ''
`` If we use it , it pursues specific goals , namely , a better understanding of each other ’ s approaches and of those moments that don ’ t satisfy the opposing side .
And the second thing is the necessity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines lie which one can not cross , '' Deputy Foreign Minister added .

VIENNA, August 18. /TASS/. Russian-American consultations on strategic stability became more intensive since June 22, their business-like nature and the decrease in counterproductive rhetoric are notable, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday, commenting for Russian journalists on the completion of the most recent round of consultations in Vienna.
"The talks were very intense and energetic. We reached depths in many aspects. Professional discussions draw attention by the level of immersion in the material. This was facilitated by the fact that both American and Russian sides were represented at these consultations by serious delegations which included representatives of all relevant agencies," he said.
According to the senior diplomat, as the dialogue with the US, which has intensified since June 22, continues, the sides note "more business-like nature of the discussions conducted, less counterproductive rhetoric." "If we use it, it pursues specific goals, namely, a better understanding of each other’s approaches and of those moments that don’t satisfy the opposing side. And the second thing is the necessity to understand clearly where for whom red lines lie which one cannot cross," Deputy Foreign Minister added.


tass--2020-08-18--Belarus puts troops along Western border on full combat alert

MINSK , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko told the Security Council on Tuesday that the country ’ s troops along the Western border had been put on full combat alert .
He warned that tensions were being fanned near the country ’ s Western borders .
Earlier , Lukashenko said that the Western countries were building up military strength in the region .
`` Some of our citizens interpreted this as an attempt to fan tensions .
There is nothing of the kind observed near our Western borders , they said .
But I believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to see that it was not an attempt to fan tensions , but a precise and correct response .
We should ’ ve borne this mind and take it into account long ago .
There have been statements by Western officials , including the leaders of some states , who have no idea where Belarus is or what is happening here .
But nevertheless , they make such statements , '' the news agency BelTA quotes Lukashenko as saying .
`` These statements indicate that when we discussed this issue at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right .
And , thank God , we reacted to this and deployed the combat units of our army on the Western borders and put them on full combat alert .
The defense minister has reported to me that all this has been done and the units concerned are ready to cope with their duties , '' Lukashenko said .
`` In other words , today we have problems not only inside , but also around us .
We can see quite clearly that these are absolutely coordinated actions .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be developing accordingly , but we understand in what direction , '' he stated .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final results announced by the Central Election Commission , Alexander Lukashenko emerged the winner with 80.1 % of the votes .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , described by some as his main rival , received 10.12 % .
She said she did not recognize the results .
As soon as early returns were announced , mass protest demonstrations followed in Belarussian cities .
There were some clashes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western countries declared they would not recognize the results of the Belarussian election .

MINSK, August 18. /TASS/. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko told the Security Council on Tuesday that the country’s troops along the Western border had been put on full combat alert.
He warned that tensions were being fanned near the country’s Western borders. Earlier, Lukashenko said that the Western countries were building up military strength in the region.
"Some of our citizens interpreted this as an attempt to fan tensions. There is nothing of the kind observed near our Western borders, they said. But I believe that yesterday evening and last night you had a chance to see that it was not an attempt to fan tensions, but a precise and correct response. We should’ve borne this mind and take it into account long ago. There have been statements by Western officials, including the leaders of some states, who have no idea where Belarus is or what is happening here. But nevertheless, they make such statements," the news agency BelTA quotes Lukashenko as saying.
"These statements indicate that when we discussed this issue at the Defense Ministry, the president was right. And, thank God, we reacted to this and deployed the combat units of our army on the Western borders and put them on full combat alert. The defense minister has reported to me that all this has been done and the units concerned are ready to cope with their duties," Lukashenko said.
"In other words, today we have problems not only inside, but also around us. We can see quite clearly that these are absolutely coordinated actions. It’s not the peak yet. Events will be developing accordingly, but we understand in what direction," he stated.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the final results announced by the Central Election Commission, Alexander Lukashenko emerged the winner with 80.1% of the votes. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, described by some as his main rival, received 10.12%. She said she did not recognize the results. As soon as early returns were announced, mass protest demonstrations followed in Belarussian cities. There were some clashes with police. Earlier, a number of Western countries declared they would not recognize the results of the Belarussian election.


tass--2020-08-18--Sakhalin 1 gas to be supplied to Okha power plant during Sakhalinmorneftegaz suspension

MOSCOW , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Rosneft has negotiated gas supplies to the thermal power plant ( TPP ) @ @ @ @ @ participants during oil production suspension at Sakhalinmorneftegaz fields , Chief Executive Officer of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ at the meeting with President Vladimir Putin .
`` Furthermore , to substitute deficient volumes @ @ @ @ @ are using now for supply to TPP in Okha , < … > we agreed @ @ @ @ @ will temporarily substitute this gas by Sakhalin-1 gas , '' Sechin said .
Fields will @ @ @ @ @ 18-24 months , the chief executive of Rosneft noted .

MOSCOW, August 18. /TASS/. Rosneft has negotiated gas supplies to the thermal power plant (TPP) in Okha with Sakhalin-1 project participants during oil production suspension at Sakhalinmorneftegaz fields, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian oil producer Igor Sechin said at the meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
"Furthermore, to substitute deficient volumes of associated petroleum gas we are using now for supply to TPP in Okha, <…> we agreed with the Sakhalin-1 project and will temporarily substitute this gas by Sakhalin-1 gas," Sechin said.
Fields will return to normal operation in 18-24 months, the chief executive of Rosneft noted.


tass--2020-08-18--Putin, European Council head agree to further dialogue on Belarus after EU summit

BRUSSELS , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Chairman of the European Council Charles Michel and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed @ @ @ @ @ Belarus after the emergency EU summit , scheduled for August 19 , a source in @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` The European Council chairman and the Russian President agreed to continue contacts @ @ @ @ @ the European Council meeting [ on August 19 ] , '' he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ phone conversation between Michel and Putin lasted for about 30 minutes , and that the @ @ @ @ @ a dialogue between Minsk and the opposition , including with the OSCE mediation .

BRUSSELS, August 18. /TASS/. Chairman of the European Council Charles Michel and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to continue phone consultations on Belarus after the emergency EU summit, scheduled for August 19, a source in the European Council told journalists Tuesday.
"The European Council chairman and the Russian President agreed to continue contacts [on Belarus] after the European Council meeting [on August 19]," he said.
The source also disclosed that the phone conversation between Michel and Putin lasted for about 30 minutes, and that the sides discussed options to facilitate a dialogue between Minsk and the opposition, including with the OSCE mediation.


tass--2020-08-18--Russian envoy to Belarus states that he won’t meet with opposition representatives

MINSK , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Meeting of Russian diplomats in Belarus with representatives of the opposition in the republic is not planned , Russian ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev told TASS on Tuesday after his visit to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry .
`` To [ meet with ] the opposition - no , I am not going to , '' he said , answering the question of TASS correspondent .
Talking about the meeting with Belarusian diplomats , the envoy said that it was a scheduled one : `` We discussed the preparation for the Forum of Regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ambassador specified .
Earlier over the weekend Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko discussed the situation in the republic after the presidential election including the external pressure on Belarus .
In Belarus , where the presidential election was held on August 9 , mass protest rallies of those disagreeing with the election results have been continuing for over a week .
According to the final results of the Central Election Committee , incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was second with 10.12 % .

MINSK, August 18. /TASS/. Meeting of Russian diplomats in Belarus with representatives of the opposition in the republic is not planned, Russian ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev told TASS on Tuesday after his visit to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.
"To [meet with] the opposition - no, I am not going to," he said, answering the question of TASS correspondent.
Talking about the meeting with Belarusian diplomats, the envoy said that it was a scheduled one: "We discussed the preparation for the Forum of Regions and the joint board of Foreign Ministries," the ambassador specified.
Earlier over the weekend Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko discussed the situation in the republic after the presidential election including the external pressure on Belarus.
In Belarus, where the presidential election was held on August 9, mass protest rallies of those disagreeing with the election results have been continuing for over a week. According to the final results of the Central Election Committee, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.12%.


tass--2020-08-18--China announces alternative energy plan for Hainan

HAIKOU , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese government has announced a plan for the development of alternative energy in the southern province of Hainan until 2035 .
This is stated in the comprehensive reform program for the island 's energy sector , approved by the group for the comprehensive reforms in the region .
China 's authorities aim to turn Hainan into a `` clean energy island '' .
By 2025 , an eco-friendly , safe and efficient energy base infrastructure will be created on the island .
By this time , the share of alternative sources in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources on Hainan should reach approximately 50 % .
The country 's government intends to increase the degree of digitalization of the relevant system and make it more technological .
In the coming years , Hainan will better the energy management system , soon there should be mechanisms for an open industry market .
According to plans , by 2035 the province 's alternative energy system will become more advanced , and the island should undergo a basic transition to environmentally friendly resources .
The Hainan authorities are paying increased attention to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they plan to create marine stations for environmental monitoring of water conditions there and to build four waste incineration plants .
In 2020 , the provincial leadership intends to build water treatment plants in cities , villages and ports , as well as create marine sanitary zones in coastal areas to tackle the ocean 's pollution .
Moreover , the government plans to restore mangroves on an area of 280 hectares .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, August 18. /TASS/. The Chinese government has announced a plan for the development of alternative energy in the southern province of Hainan until 2035. This is stated in the comprehensive reform program for the island's energy sector, approved by the group for the comprehensive reforms in the region.
China's authorities aim to turn Hainan into a "clean energy island". By 2025, an eco-friendly, safe and efficient energy base infrastructure will be created on the island. By this time, the share of alternative sources in the structure of consumption of primary energy resources on Hainan should reach approximately 50%. The country's government intends to increase the degree of digitalization of the relevant system and make it more technological.
In the coming years, Hainan will better the energy management system, soon there should be mechanisms for an open industry market. According to plans, by 2035 the province's alternative energy system will become more advanced, and the island should undergo a basic transition to environmentally friendly resources.
The Hainan authorities are paying increased attention to the region's ecology. In particular, they plan to create marine stations for environmental monitoring of water conditions there and to build four waste incineration plants. In 2020, the provincial leadership intends to build water treatment plants in cities, villages and ports, as well as create marine sanitary zones in coastal areas to tackle the ocean's pollution. Moreover, the government plans to restore mangroves on an area of 280 hectares.
Hainan's free trade zone
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-08-18--EU chief, Russian president discuss ways of promoting dialogue in Belarus, says source

BRUSSELS , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
The president of the European Council , Charles Michel , and Russian President @ @ @ @ @ telephone conversation to discuss various ways of promoting a dialogue between the authorities and opposition @ @ @ @ @ including the OSCE ’ s mediation , a source in the European Council said .
@ @ @ @ @ a telephone conversation with the Russian president on Belarus ahead of the European Union ’ @ @ @ @ @ August 19 .

BRUSSELS, August 18. /TASS/. The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held a telephone conversation to discuss various ways of promoting a dialogue between the authorities and opposition in Belarus, including the including the OSCE’s mediation, a source in the European Council said.
Earlier Michel tweeted he had a telephone conversation with the Russian president on Belarus ahead of the European Union’s emergency summit due on August 19.


tass--2020-08-18--Mali rebels demand president leave country

PRETORIA , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
The rebels in Mali claimed that the current president Ibrahim Boubakar Keita must @ @ @ @ @ local time ( 17:00 Moscow time ) , or they will storm his residence in @ @ @ @ @ reported Tuesday .
The rebellion began Tuesday morning at the Kati military base , 20 @ @ @ @ @ of Bamako .
The military arrested the Speaker of the Parliament , as well as @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister and the Minister of Finance .
Some reports indicate arrests among the higher @ @ @ @ @ General Staff head .
According to the Malijet website , the rebels are led by @ @ @ @ @ of a military school at Kati .
Meanwhile , Mali Ministry of Defense source told @ @ @ @ @ ’ s total confusion '' in the country .
`` Arrests are being made of @ @ @ @ @ said .

PRETORIA, August 18. /TASS/. The rebels in Mali claimed that the current president Ibrahim Boubakar Keita must leave the country until 14:00 local time (17:00 Moscow time), or they will storm his residence in Sebenikoro, Badama news website reported Tuesday.
The rebellion began Tuesday morning at the Kati military base, 20 kilometers from the capital city of Bamako. The military arrested the Speaker of the Parliament, as well as several ministers, including the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Finance. Some reports indicate arrests among the higher military command, including the General Staff head.
According to the Malijet website, the rebels are led by Sadio Camara, former head of a military school at Kati. Meanwhile, Mali Ministry of Defense source told Associated Press that "it’s total confusion" in the country.
"Arrests are being made of officials," the source said.


tass--2020-08-18--Russians tend to insure Chinese, Korean smartphones more often this year

MOSCOW , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russians tend to insure their smartphones by Chinese and Korean producers more often this year , according to a study by Sberbank Insurance , a subsidiary of Sberbank , obtained by TASS .
The price of most often insured phones varies from 12,000 ( $ 164 ) to 14,000 rubles ( $ 191 ) .
This year , Honor became the `` most insured '' smartphone brand : 35 % of the total amount of insurance purchased for this gadget .
Most often users insured their Honor 9X model ( 6.7 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second most popular brand ( 22 % ) on the list .
The Samsung A10 model is the most dear to their owners : it accounted for 6.6 % of purchased insurance contracts .
One fifth ( 21 % ) of insurance contracts are concluded for Chinese smartphones under the Xiaomi brand .
The most popular model is Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T ( 6 % of purchased insurances ) , according to the study .
If in 2019 , Russian phone owners insured mainly Apple and Samsung phones , this year iPhone insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded contracts , Sberbank Insurance stresses .
Most often , mobile phone owners protect gadgets , which cost from 12,000 to 13,999 rubles , they account for 17 % of all concluded contracts .
`` Data on sales of insurance contracts for new equipment generally correlates with the dynamics of sales of various brands of smartphones from retailers .
Most often buyers insure Android smartphones that are not most expensive ones , knowing that repairing such models will cost much more than the insurance itself .
On the other hand , the low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for owners to return their money in case of a phone theft .
On the other hand , insurance remains a popular protective tool for owners of premium smartphones , '' Konstantin Filippov , head of the partner sales department of Sberbank Insurance said as quoted by the Sberbank press service .

MOSCOW, August 18. /TASS/. Russians tend to insure their smartphones by Chinese and Korean producers more often this year, according to a study by Sberbank Insurance, a subsidiary of Sberbank, obtained by TASS. The price of most often insured phones varies from 12,000 ($164) to 14,000 rubles ($191).
This year, Honor became the "most insured" smartphone brand: 35% of the total amount of insurance purchased for this gadget. Most often users insured their Honor 9X model (6.7%).
Korea’s Samsung is the second most popular brand (22%) on the list. The Samsung A10 model is the most dear to their owners: it accounted for 6.6% of purchased insurance contracts.
One fifth (21%) of insurance contracts are concluded for Chinese smartphones under the Xiaomi brand. The most popular model is Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (6% of purchased insurances), according to the study.
If in 2019, Russian phone owners insured mainly Apple and Samsung phones, this year iPhone insurance accounts for no more than 3% concluded contracts, Sberbank Insurance stresses.
Most often, mobile phone owners protect gadgets, which cost from 12,000 to 13,999 rubles, they account for 17% of all concluded contracts.
"Data on sales of insurance contracts for new equipment generally correlates with the dynamics of sales of various brands of smartphones from retailers. Most often buyers insure Android smartphones that are not most expensive ones, knowing that repairing such models will cost much more than the insurance itself. On the other hand, the low cost of devices also makes it easier for owners to return their money in case of a phone theft. On the other hand, insurance remains a popular protective tool for owners of premium smartphones," Konstantin Filippov, head of the partner sales department of Sberbank Insurance said as quoted by the Sberbank press service.


tass--2020-08-18--Lavrov, Maas express hope for prompt normalization of situation in Belarus

MOSCOW , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Germany Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas discussed the situation in Belarus Tuesday and expressed their hope for the most prompt normalization of the situation in the republic .
`` In the wake of the earlier conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel , the Ministers discussed the latest events in Belarus regarding the recent presidential elections , '' Russian Foreign Ministry said in its statement .
`` The side expressed their hope for the most prompt normalization of the situation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the internal political processes would be unacceptable .
Russia also attracted attention of Germany , currently presiding over the European Union , to the foreign attempts to destabilize the situation in this country , which is brotherly for Russia . ''
According to the Foreign Ministry , the two Ministers also paid special attention to Russian President ’ s initiative to conduct a meeting of the US Security Council permanent members , Germany and Iran in a bid to find ways to ensure security in the Persian Gulf region , taking concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Besides , Lavrov and Maas confirmed the adherence to the UN Security Council resolution 2231 , which created an international legal foundation for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program .
`` As was pointed out , signing of this agreement back in 2015 was a major political and diplomatic achievement , aimed at strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and of the regional security in the Middle East region , '' the Ministry said .

MOSCOW, August 18. /TASS/. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Germany Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas discussed the situation in Belarus Tuesday and expressed their hope for the most prompt normalization of the situation in the republic.
"In the wake of the earlier conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Ministers discussed the latest events in Belarus regarding the recent presidential elections," Russian Foreign Ministry said in its statement. "The side expressed their hope for the most prompt normalization of the situation. The Russian side underscored that any foreign intervention in the internal political processes would be unacceptable. Russia also attracted attention of Germany, currently presiding over the European Union, to the foreign attempts to destabilize the situation in this country, which is brotherly for Russia."
According to the Foreign Ministry, the two Ministers also paid special attention to Russian President’s initiative to conduct a meeting of the US Security Council permanent members, Germany and Iran in a bid to find ways to ensure security in the Persian Gulf region, taking concerns of all interested sides into account.
Besides, Lavrov and Maas confirmed the adherence to the UN Security Council resolution 2231, which created an international legal foundation for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program.
"As was pointed out, signing of this agreement back in 2015 was a major political and diplomatic achievement, aimed at strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and of the regional security in the Middle East region," the Ministry said.


tass--2020-08-18--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeding 69,670

MINSK , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Eighty-four more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , or by two cases more than on the previous day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 69,670 , the country ’ health ministry reported on Tuesday .
`` As many as 69,673 people ( or about 0.74 % out of the country ’ s population of 9.41 million - TASS ) have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 84 .
`` A total of 617 coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died since the epidemic outbreak , '' it said .
According to the latest update , as many as 67,339 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease , including 190 in the past 24 hours .
A total of 1,429,532 people , or 15.2 % of the population have been tested for the novel coronavirus , including 2,766 during the day .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The country ’ s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November-December .

MINSK, August 18. /TASS/. Eighty-four more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, or by two cases more than on the previous day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 69,670, the country’ health ministry reported on Tuesday.
"As many as 69,673 people (or about 0.74% out of the country’s population of 9.41 million - TASS) have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 84.
"A total of 617 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said.
According to the latest update, as many as 67,339 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease, including 190 in the past 24 hours. A total of 1,429,532 people, or 15.2% of the population have been tested for the novel coronavirus, including 2,766 during the day.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day.
The country’s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November-December.


tass--2020-08-18--Estonia does not recognize results of Belarusian presidential election, government says

TALLINN , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Estonia does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential vote and calls @ @ @ @ @ the cabinet said on Tuesday .
`` Estonia ’ s government supports the Belarusian people @ @ @ @ @ and believes that it is important to hold a new free and democratic election , @ @ @ @ @ as cited by the BNS media outlet .
The Estonian government `` supports targeted sanctions @ @ @ @ @ against civilians and election rigging '' and `` believes that sanctions should not harm common @ @ @

TALLINN, August 18. /TASS/. Estonia does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential vote and calls for a new election, the cabinet said on Tuesday.
"Estonia’s government supports the Belarusian people’s wish for change and believes that it is important to hold a new free and democratic election," the cabinet said, as cited by the BNS media outlet. The Estonian government "supports targeted sanctions on those responsible for violence against civilians and election rigging" and "believes that sanctions should not harm common Belarusians."


tass--2020-08-18--Ombudswoman requests US Attorney General ease jailed Russian mother’s penalty

MOSCOW , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia 's Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova has asked US Attorney General William Barr to back a request by Bogdana Osipova , a jailed Russian woman in the US , to downgrade her punishment to one not involving the deprivation of her freedom .
A copy of Moskalkova ’ s letter was obtained by TASS .
`` Guided by the principles of humanism and the value of human life I ask you , esteemed Mr. Barr , to look into the possibility of supporting Bogdana Osipova ’ s request for using a punishment that does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the message runs .
Moskalkova recalls that the coronavirus situation in the United States remains rather complicated and the infection has had a certain impact on penitentiaries .
`` The prison where Osipova is kept at the moment was identified by you as a priority penitentiary where the number of convicts should be reduced , '' Moskalkova said .
In her message she mentions Osipova ’ s health problems and a number of chronic diseases that will endanger her life if she happens to contract the novel coronavirus .
In 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own children and taking them out of the United States as well as of extortion .
She was sentenced to about six years in jail and is serving the term at the federal prison in Danbury , Connecticut .
In the middle of July , Osipova asked the court to allow her to stay under house arrest in view of the pandemic and health problems .
Osipova said that currently she had neither a valid US passport nor a Russian one .
Also , the request stressed that she had no connections with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape .
As follows from the message , she is to stay in prison for about another three years .
Many COVID-19 cases have been exposed at the federal prison in Danbury .
At the end of July , there were reports that the US authorities asked the court to reject Osipova ’ s request for serving the term under house arrest .

MOSCOW, August 18. /TASS/. Russia's Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova has asked US Attorney General William Barr to back a request by Bogdana Osipova, a jailed Russian woman in the US, to downgrade her punishment to one not involving the deprivation of her freedom. A copy of Moskalkova’s letter was obtained by TASS.
"Guided by the principles of humanism and the value of human life I ask you, esteemed Mr. Barr, to look into the possibility of supporting Bogdana Osipova’s request for using a punishment that does not involve the deprivation of freedom," the message runs.
Moskalkova recalls that the coronavirus situation in the United States remains rather complicated and the infection has had a certain impact on penitentiaries.
"The prison where Osipova is kept at the moment was identified by you as a priority penitentiary where the number of convicts should be reduced," Moskalkova said. In her message she mentions Osipova’s health problems and a number of chronic diseases that will endanger her life if she happens to contract the novel coronavirus.
In 2019, Osipova was found guilty of abducting her own children and taking them out of the United States as well as of extortion. She was sentenced to about six years in jail and is serving the term at the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut.
In the middle of July, Osipova asked the court to allow her to stay under house arrest in view of the pandemic and health problems. Osipova said that currently she had neither a valid US passport nor a Russian one. Also, the request stressed that she had no connections with organized crime and made no attempts to escape. As follows from the message, she is to stay in prison for about another three years.
Many COVID-19 cases have been exposed at the federal prison in Danbury. At the end of July, there were reports that the US authorities asked the court to reject Osipova’s request for serving the term under house arrest.


tass--2020-08-18--CanAm Enterprises Repaying USD 1.75 Billion to 3,500 EB-5 Investors

NEW YORK , Aug. 18 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CanAm Enterprises ( CanAm ) , a leading full-service financial firm sponsoring EB-5 immigration-linked investment funds , today announced the repayment of $ 350 million from its All Aboard Florida Project , the largest single project repayment in history of the EB-5 Program , representing 700 EB-5 investors .
Adding to its 30-year legacy , with this milestone EB-5 repayment , 45 of CanAm 's EB-5 project loans have now repaid $ 1.75 billion , representing over 3,500 investor-families .
The U.S. Congress created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States to stimulate the struggling economy in the 1990 's .
The objective was to create jobs for U.S. workers at no cost to taxpayers .
Having fulfilled its purpose over the last few decades , the EB-5 Program has continued to stay relevant as an economic stimulus during difficult times , including during the 2008-2009 financial crisis , and again now during these unprecedented times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic .
EB-5 funding has helped finance key economic developments even as credit markets tightened , such as the expansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that would otherwise have been delayed and put an extra financial burden on the Pennsylvania budget .
Upon reaching this milestone , Mr. Tom Rosenfeld , CEO of CanAm Enterprises , said , `` Our All Aboard Florida Project is one of the most iconic projects in the history of the EB-5 Program .
We successfully created 9,418 Program-qualifying jobs for U.S. workers through this EB-5 investment , far exceeding the USCIS minimum requirement .
And having an EB-5 investment of this size repay in full and on time in the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only further testament to the merits of this project within the EB-5 industry .
It 's been a tremendous privilege for us to see all 700 of our investors through their EB-5 investment in the All Aboard Florida Project . ''
In fact , with the world economy struggling to recover , EB-5 capital , if properly invested , can fill the sudden capital gap in needed , job-creating projects while also mapping a path to U.S. permanent residency for successful foreign entrepreneurs and businesspeople .
`` With unemployment rates climbing exponentially in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus , '' added Mr. Rosenfeld , `` I strongly believe that the EB-5 visa program is going to be a key tool to aid in the revival of our economy while supporting thousands of foreign nationals to take a step towards fulfilling their American Dream .
Of course , we will see some EB-5 projects struggle and even fail , but as of today , CanAm EB-5 projects representing over 3,500 investors have 100 % repaid – I am proud to say that this is not only a huge moment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry as these milestones should instill confidence that the EB-5 Program can be exactly what it was intended to be , a win for both the U.S. economy and our investors . ''
With an unmatched track record and the most experienced and proficient team at its helm , CanAm offers comprehensive services for global EB-5 investors .
CanAm 's in-house immigration and business professionals are intimately involved in every aspect of the EB-5 visa process , including carefully preparing documentation that will result in permanent green cards .
Over the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trust of nearly 6,000 EB-5 investors for decisions related to immigration and investment processes .
About CanAm Enterprises Headquartered in New York , CanAm Enterprises is a leading full-service financial firm sponsoring EB-5 immigration-linked investment funds .
With a legacy of over 30 years and a client-first focus , CanAm has funded over 60 EB-5 projects and has helped 6,000 investor families to achieve their immigration and investment goals by getting 14,000+ conditional green card approvals and 7,400 permanent green card approvals .
The firm exclusively operates seven regional centers across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CanAm Philadelphia PIDC Regional Center , CanAm Pennsylvania Regional Center , New York Metropolitan Regional Center , CanAm California Regional Center , CanAm Hawaii Regional Center and CanAm Florida Regional Center .
About the EB-5 Visa Program The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program is one of the fastest and most reliable ways for high-net-worth investors to earn a U.S. green card .
The program provides U.S. green cards and permanent residency to an investor and their immediate family ( spouse and all unmarried children up to the age of 21 ) through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a new U.S. business that creates at least 10 American jobs .

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CanAm Enterprises (CanAm), a leading full-service financial firm sponsoring EB-5 immigration-linked investment funds, today announced the repayment of $350 million from its All Aboard Florida Project, the largest single project repayment in history of the EB-5 Program, representing 700 EB-5 investors. Adding to its 30-year legacy, with this milestone EB-5 repayment, 45 of CanAm's EB-5 project loans have now repaid $1.75 billion, representing over 3,500 investor-families.
The U.S. Congress created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program with the intent of attracting foreign investment to the United States to stimulate the struggling economy in the 1990's. The objective was to create jobs for U.S. workers at no cost to taxpayers. Having fulfilled its purpose over the last few decades, the EB-5 Program has continued to stay relevant as an economic stimulus during difficult times, including during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, and again now during these unprecedented times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. EB-5 funding has helped finance key economic developments even as credit markets tightened, such as the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, that would otherwise have been delayed and put an extra financial burden on the Pennsylvania budget.
Upon reaching this milestone, Mr. Tom Rosenfeld, CEO of CanAm Enterprises, said, "Our All Aboard Florida Project is one of the most iconic projects in the history of the EB-5 Program. We successfully created 9,418 Program-qualifying jobs for U.S. workers through this EB-5 investment, far exceeding the USCIS minimum requirement. And having an EB-5 investment of this size repay in full and on time in the current environment when refinancing is scarce, is only further testament to the merits of this project within the EB-5 industry. It's been a tremendous privilege for us to see all 700 of our investors through their EB-5 investment in the All Aboard Florida Project."
In fact, with the world economy struggling to recover, EB-5 capital, if properly invested, can fill the sudden capital gap in needed, job-creating projects while also mapping a path to U.S. permanent residency for successful foreign entrepreneurs and businesspeople. "With unemployment rates climbing exponentially in 2020 owing to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus," added Mr. Rosenfeld, "I strongly believe that the EB-5 visa program is going to be a key tool to aid in the revival of our economy while supporting thousands of foreign nationals to take a step towards fulfilling their American Dream. Of course, we will see some EB-5 projects struggle and even fail, but as of today, CanAm EB-5 projects representing over 3,500 investors have 100% repaid – I am proud to say that this is not only a huge moment for us, but for the entire EB-5 industry as these milestones should instill confidence that the EB-5 Program can be exactly what it was intended to be, a win for both the U.S. economy and our investors."
With an unmatched track record and the most experienced and proficient team at its helm, CanAm offers comprehensive services for global EB-5 investors. CanAm's in-house immigration and business professionals are intimately involved in every aspect of the EB-5 visa process, including carefully preparing documentation that will result in permanent green cards. Over the course of its journey, CanAm has successfully garnered the trust of nearly 6,000 EB-5 investors for decisions related to immigration and investment processes.
About CanAm Enterprises
Headquartered in New York, CanAm Enterprises is a leading full-service financial firm sponsoring EB-5 immigration-linked investment funds. With a legacy of over 30 years and a client-first focus, CanAm has funded over 60 EB-5 projects and has helped 6,000 investor families to achieve their immigration and investment goals by getting 14,000+ conditional green card approvals and 7,400 permanent green card approvals. The firm exclusively operates seven regional centers across the United States namely CanAm Texas Regional Center, CanAm Philadelphia PIDC Regional Center, CanAm Pennsylvania Regional Center, New York Metropolitan Regional Center, CanAm California Regional Center, CanAm Hawaii Regional Center and CanAm Florida Regional Center.
About the EB-5 Visa Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program is one of the fastest and most reliable ways for high-net-worth investors to earn a U.S. green card. The program provides U.S. green cards and permanent residency to an investor and their immediate family (spouse and all unmarried children up to the age of 21) through a one-time investment of $900,000 USD into a new U.S. business that creates at least 10 American jobs.


tass--2020-08-18--Foreign diplomats hail Hainan's free trade port as promising

HAIKOU , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
The diplomats who visited Hainan on August 13-15 praised the prospects for the island 's free trade port , reported www.hihainan.info .
More than 70 foreign diplomats from 37 countries were on a three-day visit to Hainan to discuss international trade and economic cooperation with this Chinese region .
They visited the sites with companies operating in the field of the Internet industry , cruise and medical tourism , modern services and advanced technologies .
“ Over these few days we saw a lot of ambition , energy and goodwill here .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hainan 's free trade port develops further , we hope that the Netherlands , with its knowledge and technology , can also play a role and contribute to its creation and promotion on a higher level , '' Consul General of the Netherlands in the Chinese city of Guangzhou Michil Birkins was quoted as saying .
Peleg Levy , Israel 's Consul General in Guangzhou , noting the great importance of Hainan as a trade and transport hub , also stressed that this province is also of interest as a partner for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the diplomat , Israeli companies have already held a seminar with the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone Office on the prospects for cooperation in the field of digital medicine .
During the visit , the diplomats visited Sanya — the science city of Yazhou Bay , the central business district and the duty free zone .
Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Guangzhou Andrei Popov highly appreciated the importance of the city 's business center .
According to him , as soon as this project is completed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of trade cooperation between different regions of Belarus and Hainan . ''
The recent diplomatic visit was the largest in terms of the number of foreign representatives who visited Hainan at a time since the province was formed in 1988 .
According to Wang Sheng , head of the international relations department of the Hainan Party Committee , `` the arrival of foreign diplomats indicates that Hainan 's free trade port is drawing more and more attention from the international community . ''
He noted that Hainan will continue to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will attract more and more global resources to develop the region 's economy .

HAIKOU, August 18. /TASS/. The diplomats who visited Hainan on August 13-15 praised the prospects for the island's free trade port, reported www.hihainan.info.
More than 70 foreign diplomats from 37 countries were on a three-day visit to Hainan to discuss international trade and economic cooperation with this Chinese region. They visited the sites with companies operating in the field of the Internet industry, cruise and medical tourism, modern services and advanced technologies.
“Over these few days we saw a lot of ambition, energy and goodwill here. We would like to see how the concept of Hainan's free trade port develops further, we hope that the Netherlands, with its knowledge and technology, can also play a role and contribute to its creation and promotion on a higher level," Consul General of the Netherlands in the Chinese city of Guangzhou Michil Birkins was quoted as saying.
Peleg Levy, Israel's Consul General in Guangzhou, noting the great importance of Hainan as a trade and transport hub, also stressed that this province is also of interest as a partner for the development of scientific and high-tech cooperation. According to the diplomat, Israeli companies have already held a seminar with the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone Office on the prospects for cooperation in the field of digital medicine.
During the visit, the diplomats visited Sanya — the science city of Yazhou Bay, the central business district and the duty free zone. Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Guangzhou Andrei Popov highly appreciated the importance of the city's business center. According to him, as soon as this project is completed, it "will create new opportunities for the development of trade cooperation between different regions of Belarus and Hainan."
The recent diplomatic visit was the largest in terms of the number of foreign representatives who visited Hainan at a time since the province was formed in 1988. According to Wang Sheng, head of the international relations department of the Hainan Party Committee, "the arrival of foreign diplomats indicates that Hainan's free trade port is drawing more and more attention from the international community." He noted that Hainan will continue to expand its "circle of foreign friends" and will attract more and more global resources to develop the region's economy.


tass--2020-08-19--Trump says he put off trade talks with China

WASHINGTON , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had suspended trade talks with China , because he does not `` want to talk '' to Beijing right now .
`` I canceled talks with China , '' Trump told reporters in Arizona on Tuesday .
`` I don ’ t want to talk to China right now . ''
Trump once again lashed at China for the current novel coronavirus pandemic , saying that the consequences were `` unthinkable . ''
When asked wheter Washington would quit phase one of the trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he would wait and see .
Reuters reported last week citing own sources that the August 15 video conference with the participation of US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He had been postponed indefinitely due to organizational issues .
The conference was aimed at reviewing the implementation of phase six months after its signing .
Trump said on July 23 that the importance of the trade deal diminished against the backdrop of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
At the same time , he admitted that China had started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On January 15 , US President Donald Trump and China ’ s Deputy Prime Minister Liu He signed an agreement on the first phase of a deal to settle bilateral trade disputes .
The ceremony took place at the White House .
The volume of the trade agreement , according to the US president , will exceed $ 200 billion this year and will grow annually .
In particular , China agreed to increase purchases of US products by $ 76.7 billion during the first year and by $ 123.3 billion during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This concerns not only agricultural products , but also other American products .

WASHINGTON, August 19. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had suspended trade talks with China, because he does not "want to talk" to Beijing right now.
"I canceled talks with China," Trump told reporters in Arizona on Tuesday. "I don’t want to talk to China right now."
Trump once again lashed at China for the current novel coronavirus pandemic, saying that the consequences were "unthinkable."
When asked wheter Washington would quit phase one of the trade deal with China, the US leader replied that he would wait and see.
Reuters reported last week citing own sources that the August 15 video conference with the participation of US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He had been postponed indefinitely due to organizational issues. The conference was aimed at reviewing the implementation of phase six months after its signing.
Trump said on July 23 that the importance of the trade deal diminished against the backdrop of the novel coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, he admitted that China had started purchasing US agricultural products in record amounts.
On January 15, US President Donald Trump and China’s Deputy Prime Minister Liu He signed an agreement on the first phase of a deal to settle bilateral trade disputes. The ceremony took place at the White House. The volume of the trade agreement, according to the US president, will exceed $200 billion this year and will grow annually.
In particular, China agreed to increase purchases of US products by $76.7 billion during the first year and by $123.3 billion during the second year of the agreement. This concerns not only agricultural products, but also other American products.


tass--2020-08-19--UN secretary-general urges immediate release of Mali’s president

UNITED NATIONS , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called upon mutinous troops in Mali to immediately release the country ’ s president , the prime minister and other senior governmental officials .
A statement released on Tuesday says Guterres is following the events in Mali with deep concern .
`` The Secretary-General strongly condemns these actions and calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law in Mali .
To this end , he demands the immediate and unconditional release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and members of his cabinet , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all stakeholders , particularly the defense and security forces , `` to exercise maximum restraint and uphold the human rights and individual freedoms of all Malians . ''
A mutiny broke out at an army base in Kati , outside capital city Bamako , on Tuesday morning .
The military arrested a number of ministers , including foreign and finance ministers , and the parliament speaker .
President Ibrahim Boubacar Ke·ta and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were also detained .
According to the Malijet news website , the rebels are led by Colonel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a military school at the Kati military base .
Wakat Sera reported that the Malian General Staff is also controlled by the rebels , with a number of senior officers being arrested .

UNITED NATIONS, August 19. /TASS/. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called upon mutinous troops in Mali to immediately release the country’s president, the prime minister and other senior governmental officials.
A statement released on Tuesday says Guterres is following the events in Mali with deep concern.
"The Secretary-General strongly condemns these actions and calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law in Mali. To this end, he demands the immediate and unconditional release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and members of his cabinet," the statement says.
Guterres also called upon all stakeholders, particularly the defense and security forces, "to exercise maximum restraint and uphold the human rights and individual freedoms of all Malians."
A mutiny broke out at an army base in Kati, outside capital city Bamako, on Tuesday morning. The military arrested a number of ministers, including foreign and finance ministers, and the parliament speaker. President Ibrahim Boubacar Ke·ta and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were also detained. According to the Malijet news website, the rebels are led by Colonel Sadio Camara, a former director of a military school at the Kati military base. Wakat Sera reported that the Malian General Staff is also controlled by the rebels, with a number of senior officers being arrested.


tass--2020-08-19--Lukashenko orders defense ministry to track NATO forces movement in Poland, Lithuania

MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian defense ministry should carefully monitor all movements of NATO troops in @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko told the national Security Council meeting Wednesday .
`` The defense ministry should @ @ @ @ @ of NATO forces in Poland and Lithuania .
We should track all directions of their @ @ @ @ @ BelTA news agency quoted him as saying .

MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. The Belarusian defense ministry should carefully monitor all movements of NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania, President Alexander Lukashenko told the national Security Council meeting Wednesday.
"The defense ministry should pay special attention to movements of NATO forces in Poland and Lithuania. We should track all directions of their movements and intentions," BelTA news agency quoted him as saying.


tass--2020-08-19--Kremlin confirms meeting of Normandy Four leaders’ aides in late August in the works

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The preparations for a meeting of aides to the leaders of Normandy Four ( Russia , France , Germany , Ukraine ) are underway , the talks are planned to be held in Paris in late August , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday .
`` I know that preparations for such a meeting were indeed underway , contacts were taking place , '' he said .
At the same time , Peskov could not confirm that the meeting was scheduled for August 28 .
`` I need to confirm that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed a final date or not , '' he said .
The spokesman added that the meeting ’ s agenda could be quite predictable .
`` It is the process of implementation of the previously reached agreements .
All of them are absolutely transparent and well known , '' he concluded .
Earlier , Kiev ’ s representative to the Trilateral Contact Group Sergei Garmash revealed that the meeting of political advisors to the leaders of Normandy Four states can take place on August 28 .
According to Garmash , the upcoming meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Ukrainian President Andrei Yermak and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian President 's Executive Office Dmitry Kozak .
The first talks of the Normandy Four group took place in France in June 2014 amid commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the landing of allied troops in Normandy .
Then the leaders of Russia , Ukraine , France and Germany met for the first time to find a solution to the conflict in the southeastern Ukrainian region of Donbass .
Since then , the Normandy Four has held a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with meetings of foreign ministers and other officials .
The previous summit of the four leaders took place in Paris on December 9 , 2019 , with the following meeting planned to be held in four months .
Lately , the sides have been discussing various prospects of cooperation in this format at different levels .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The preparations for a meeting of aides to the leaders of Normandy Four (Russia, France, Germany, Ukraine) are underway, the talks are planned to be held in Paris in late August, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday.
"I know that preparations for such a meeting were indeed underway, contacts were taking place," he said. At the same time, Peskov could not confirm that the meeting was scheduled for August 28. "I need to confirm that. I don’t know whether they agreed a final date or not," he said.
The spokesman added that the meeting’s agenda could be quite predictable. "It is the process of implementation of the previously reached agreements. All of them are absolutely transparent and well known," he concluded.
Earlier, Kiev’s representative to the Trilateral Contact Group Sergei Garmash revealed that the meeting of political advisors to the leaders of Normandy Four states can take place on August 28. According to Garmash, the upcoming meeting will be attended by Chief of Staff to the Ukrainian President Andrei Yermak and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian President's Executive Office Dmitry Kozak.
The first talks of the Normandy Four group took place in France in June 2014 amid commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the landing of allied troops in Normandy. Then the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany met for the first time to find a solution to the conflict in the southeastern Ukrainian region of Donbass. Since then, the Normandy Four has held a series of phone talks and summit meetings, along with meetings of foreign ministers and other officials. The previous summit of the four leaders took place in Paris on December 9, 2019, with the following meeting planned to be held in four months. Lately, the sides have been discussing various prospects of cooperation in this format at different levels.


tass--2020-08-19--Lavrov confirms readiness to visit Cyprus

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign Ministers of Russia and Cyprus Sergey Lavrov and Nikos Christodoulides have exchanged messages on the occasion of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries .
Russia ’ s top diplomat has confirmed that he is ready to visit Cyprus .
`` The two top diplomats expressed their mutual satisfaction with the current state of multifaceted Russian-Cypriot cooperation .
They highlighted the importance of intense joint work on the practical implementation of the key interstate agreements , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` Sergey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic of Cyprus in accordance with the existing invitation , '' the ministry stressed .
In their messages , the ministers noted a high level of mutual understanding on regional and global issues .
Russia ’ s top diplomat reiterated his support for efforts to solve the Cyprus problem based on existing UN resolutions .
They reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordinating steps on international platforms in the interests of ensuring peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and on the European continent as a whole , the Russian Foreign Ministry added .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Foreign Ministers of Russia and Cyprus Sergey Lavrov and Nikos Christodoulides have exchanged messages on the occasion of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Russia’s top diplomat has confirmed that he is ready to visit Cyprus.
"The two top diplomats expressed their mutual satisfaction with the current state of multifaceted Russian-Cypriot cooperation. They highlighted the importance of intense joint work on the practical implementation of the key interstate agreements," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed his readiness to visit the Republic of Cyprus in accordance with the existing invitation," the ministry stressed.
In their messages, the ministers noted a high level of mutual understanding on regional and global issues. Russia’s top diplomat reiterated his support for efforts to solve the Cyprus problem based on existing UN resolutions. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordinating steps on international platforms in the interests of ensuring peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and on the European continent as a whole, the Russian Foreign Ministry added.


tass--2020-08-19--No need in assistance for Belarus as part of CSTO and Union State now, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
There is no need in Russia ’ s assistance for Belarus as part of the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization now , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
The Collective Security Treaty and the Treaty on the Union State of Russia and Belarus `` indeed stipulate a number of commitments of the sides on mutual assistance , '' Peskov stressed .
`` But as you know , now there is no such need and the Belarusian leadership admitted itself that there is no such a need now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Here any hypothetic deliberations are absolutely unacceptable and impossible , '' Peskov said , answering a question on the circumstances when such assistance was possible .
`` We consider that Belarusians will iron out their own problems in the framework of dialogue , within the legal framework and without any foreign meddling , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
In comment on media reports that the convoys of Russian military equipment were allegedly heading to the Belarusian border , the presidential spokesman stressed that `` the Russian military equipment was in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s why there is nothing to comment here .
`` .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. There is no need in Russia’s assistance for Belarus as part of the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization now, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
The Collective Security Treaty and the Treaty on the Union State of Russia and Belarus "indeed stipulate a number of commitments of the sides on mutual assistance," Peskov stressed.
"But as you know, now there is no such need and the Belarusian leadership admitted itself that there is no such a need now," the Kremlin spokesman said. "Here any hypothetic deliberations are absolutely unacceptable and impossible," Peskov said, answering a question on the circumstances when such assistance was possible.
"We consider that Belarusians will iron out their own problems in the framework of dialogue, within the legal framework and without any foreign meddling," the Kremlin spokesman said.
In comment on media reports that the convoys of Russian military equipment were allegedly heading to the Belarusian border, the presidential spokesman stressed that "the Russian military equipment was in the entire territory of the Russian Federation and that’s why there is nothing to comment here.".


tass--2020-08-19--Lavrov suggests mediation bids be offered directly to Minsk, not 'through the microphone'

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called on those putting forward proposals on mediation in Belarus to make these offers directly to the Belarusian leadership rather than `` through the microphone . ''
`` When they speak about ‘ mediation ’ now , as we hear offers from Lithuania and Poland , while somebody said that the OSCE should act as a mediator , I call on everyone putting such ideas forward to do it directly to Belarusians and the Belarusian leadership in the first place rather than through the microphone .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mediation is the only way out of the current situation to not forget how our Western colleagues ‘ mediated ’ in 2014 during the Maidan [ protest ] in Kiev .
Back then , esteemed representatives of the European Union ‘ mediated ’ and reached agreements , but we all remember what it turned into , '' Lavrov said .
Moreover , the foreign minister is convinced that the Belarusian nation is very wise to find a way out of the current situation .
Lavrov underlined that he does not see `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authorities ’ side . ''
`` I hope that those who are for whatever reason dissatisfied with the election results will exhibit the same readiness , '' the top diplomat added .
He underscored that the recent developments in Belarus should not be used to undermine dialogue between the country ’ s authorities and society .
`` I would suggest that no one should try to use the situation in Belarus , which is difficult , in order to undermine normal and mutually respectful dialogue between the authorities and society , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We can see incendiary calls on videos and reports on social media .
We can see that law enforcement officers are facing provocations , including the use of force against them , '' Lavrov added .
Belarus has been engulfed in mass protests since August 9 when the country held its presidential election , as people reject the official results of the vote , showing incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection .
In the first days of unrest , the rallies were coupled with clashes between demonstrators and police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 6,000 people were detained , while dozens of police officers and protesters were wounded .
Official results of the Central Election Commission show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko winning the election with 80.1 % of the votes , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12 % .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called on those putting forward proposals on mediation in Belarus to make these offers directly to the Belarusian leadership rather than "through the microphone."
"When they speak about ‘mediation’ now, as we hear offers from Lithuania and Poland, while somebody said that the OSCE should act as a mediator, I call on everyone putting such ideas forward to do it directly to Belarusians and the Belarusian leadership in the first place rather than through the microphone. I urge all the people saying that this mediation is the only way out of the current situation to not forget how our Western colleagues ‘mediated’ in 2014 during the Maidan [protest] in Kiev. Back then, esteemed representatives of the European Union ‘mediated’ and reached agreements, but we all remember what it turned into," Lavrov said.
Moreover, the foreign minister is convinced that the Belarusian nation is very wise to find a way out of the current situation. Lavrov underlined that he does not see "a lack of readiness to hold dialogue on the authorities’ side." "I hope that those who are for whatever reason dissatisfied with the election results will exhibit the same readiness," the top diplomat added.
He underscored that the recent developments in Belarus should not be used to undermine dialogue between the country’s authorities and society. "I would suggest that no one should try to use the situation in Belarus, which is difficult, in order to undermine normal and mutually respectful dialogue between the authorities and society, and make it incendiary," he said. "We can see incendiary calls on videos and reports on social media. We can see that law enforcement officers are facing provocations, including the use of force against them," Lavrov added.
He also pointed out that the recent presidential election in Belarus had not been perfect, which the Belarusian leadership admitted and "sought dialogue with citizens protesting against what they view as a violation of their rights," the Russian top diplomat said.
Belarus has been engulfed in mass protests since August 9 when the country held its presidential election, as people reject the official results of the vote, showing incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection. In the first days of unrest, the rallies were coupled with clashes between demonstrators and police officers. According to the national Interior Ministry, more than 6,000 people were detained, while dozens of police officers and protesters were wounded.
Official results of the Central Election Commission show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko winning the election with 80.1% of the votes, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12%.


tass--2020-08-19--Abandonment of Union State would cost 25% of GDP for Belarus, says presidential aide

MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus would lose 25 % of GDP in case of withdrawal from the @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian presidential aide , Valery Belsky said in an interview with BelTA news agency on @ @ @ @ @ country starts implementing messages worded by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya .
For example , `` I believe @ @ @ @ @ Union State . ''
The predictable outcome is loss of positions on the Russian market @ @ @ @ @ global oil and gas prices .
Given that cooperation with Russia forms over 50 % @ @ @ @ @ half of this amount should be immediately written off from our balance sheet , '' @ @ @

MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. Belarus would lose 25% of GDP in case of withdrawal from the Union State with Russia, Belarusian presidential aide, Valery Belsky said in an interview with BelTA news agency on Wednesday.
"Imagine the country starts implementing messages worded by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. For example, "I believe Belarus does not need the Union State." The predictable outcome is loss of positions on the Russian market and the immediate transition to global oil and gas prices. Given that cooperation with Russia forms over 50% of GDP, approximately a half of this amount should be immediately written off from our balance sheet," Belsky said.


tass--2020-08-19--US refusal makes it impossible to hold summit on Iran as proposed by Russia, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The refusal of the United States to participate in an online summit of @ @ @ @ @ the UN Security Council , Germany and Iran aimed to discuss issues of implementation the @ @ @ @ @ ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program makes it impossible to hold it as @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday .
`` Indeed , the US rejection @ @ @ @ @ does not allow us to gather in this format as it was proposed from the @ @ @ @ @ , answering the corresponding question .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The refusal of the United States to participate in an online summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany and Iran aimed to discuss issues of implementation the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program makes it impossible to hold it as envisioned and proposed by Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday.
"Indeed, the US rejection [of the idea] does not allow us to gather in this format as it was proposed from the start," he said, answering the corresponding question.


tass--2020-08-19--Lukashenko coordinates his actions with Putin via Union State, Post-Soviet security bloc

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko coordinates with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin his actions @ @ @ @ @ the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) at this stage , Lukashenko ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Rossiya 1 TV channel on Wednesday .
Lukashenko urges EU not to discuss Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ problems '' Consultations between the Belarusian and Russian presidents are currently underway .
The heads @ @ @ @ @ , primarily within the framework of the existing agreements .
These are both the Union @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
The spokesperson also noted that the two leaders had held several @ @ @ @ @ the one held today . ''

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko coordinates with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin his actions within the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) at this stage, Lukashenko’s Spokesperson Natalya Eismont told the Rossiya 1 TV channel on Wednesday.
Lukashenko urges EU not to discuss Belarus, but focus on its own problems
"Consultations between the Belarusian and Russian presidents are currently underway. The heads of state coordinate their actions, primarily within the framework of the existing agreements. These are both the Union State and the CSTO," she said.
The spokesperson also noted that the two leaders had held several phone calls, "including the one held today."


tass--2020-08-19--Republika Srpska intends to order 1 mln doses of Russian Sputnik V vaccine

BELGRADE , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Republika Srpska ( a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina ) intends to order 1 mln doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine before the end of the year , head of the Representative Office of Republika Srpska in Russia ( a part of the republic ’ s Cabinet of Ministers ) Dusko Perovic said in an interview with the Glas Srpske portal on Wednesday .
`` We directed an official inquiry on behalf of Republika Srpska that we are interested in obtaining the vaccine when it is certified .
Additionally , republic ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official inquiry via the Russian embassy .
The prime minister said that 1 mln doses would be enough for us to start with , '' he said , adding that the vaccine may arrive in the republic before the year ’ s end .
Commenting the displeasure with such talks of the Bosnian part of Bosnia and Herzegovina , the representative stated that this is related to the unprincipled economic competition .
`` We are talking about lobbying the people who are outraged over Russian pharmaceuticals , although they are 30 % cheaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal , if not better , quality .
Their outrage has to do with politics and somebody ’ s economic interest , '' he said .
The representative of the Cabinet of Ministers also reported about the upcoming visit of Milorad Dodik , Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina , to Russia this fall and expressed hope for the soonest restoration of the economic and political cooperation interrupted by the pandemic .
According to the latest data , Republika Srpska has a population of about 1,150,000 people .
On August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry .
It passed clinical trials in June - July .
It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines .
According to the Healthcare Ministry , experience of use of such preparations shows that they are capable of ensuring a lengthy immunity of up to two years .
Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received requests from 20 countries to supply 1 bln doses of the vaccine .

BELGRADE, August 19. /TASS/. Republika Srpska (a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) intends to order 1 mln doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine before the end of the year, head of the Representative Office of Republika Srpska in Russia (a part of the republic’s Cabinet of Ministers) Dusko Perovic said in an interview with the Glas Srpske portal on Wednesday.
"We directed an official inquiry on behalf of Republika Srpska that we are interested in obtaining the vaccine when it is certified. Additionally, republic’s Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic sent an official inquiry via the Russian embassy. The prime minister said that 1 mln doses would be enough for us to start with," he said, adding that the vaccine may arrive in the republic before the year’s end.
Commenting on the displeasure with such talks of the Bosnian part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the representative stated that this is related to the unprincipled economic competition. "We are talking about lobbying the people who are outraged over Russian pharmaceuticals, although they are 30% cheaper than the Western ones while being of equal, if not better, quality. Their outrage has to do with politics and somebody’s economic interest," he said.
The representative of the Cabinet of Ministers also reported about the upcoming visit of Milorad Dodik, Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Russia this fall and expressed hope for the soonest restoration of the economic and political cooperation interrupted by the pandemic.
According to the latest data, Republika Srpska has a population of about 1,150,000 people.
On August 11, Russia became the first country worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry. It passed clinical trials in June - July. It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines. According to the Healthcare Ministry, experience of use of such preparations shows that they are capable of ensuring a lengthy immunity of up to two years. Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev stated that Russia had already received requests from 20 countries to supply 1 bln doses of the vaccine.


tass--2020-08-19--Belarusian Health Ministry confirms death of Brest citizen, who took part in protests

MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian Health Ministry confirmed the death of a Brest citizen , who @ @ @ @ @ `` We regret to inform you that on August 19 a citizen of the Republic @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ministry said .
On August 13 , the man , who was @ @ @ @ @ sent for treatment from the Brest regional hospital of emergency medical care to the Defense @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. The Belarusian Health Ministry confirmed the death of a Brest citizen, who took part in protests.
"We regret to inform you that on August 19 a citizen of the Republic of Belarus Gennady Shutov died," the ministry said. On August 13, the man, who was in grave condition, was sent for treatment from the Brest regional hospital of emergency medical care to the Defense Ministry’s hospital.
Late on August 18, Shutov’s health condition sharply deteriorated and despite all efforts the doctors failed to save the patient’s life.
Earlier, the man’s relatives told tut.by portal that they had talked to the eyewitnesses and participants in the Brest protest, who told them that Shutov did not fight and was not involved in any conflict, but just walked along with other protesters. He received a shot in his head fired from a rooftop, they said. According to Shutov’s daughter, her father had a gunshot wound and a serious brain injury.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. 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.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people were detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-19--Lukashenko vows authorities will ‘deal with’ protest pressure at factory entrances

MINSK , August 19 .
/TAS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has thanked workers who did not join the strikes and promised to `` deal with '' those protesters who wait for and converge on laborers at factory entrances .
`` Threats against and attacks on factory workers - that worries us too , '' he emphasized at a meeting of the Belarusian Security Council on Wednesday .
`` Before and after the working day , they have to pass through a corridor lined by aggressive crowds at entrances , [ who are ] just like the Gestapo .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ I ] express my gratitude to them and ask them not to bury their heads in the sand .
You , workers , are the masters at this plant , and we will deal with those protesters who wait for you at the entrance , '' BelTA news agency quotes the president as saying .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s final data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
The protests continued for several days and , according to the Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people ended up in custody .
Against this backdrop , workers at large enterprises have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and have held rallies demanding new elections and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition has been pushing factory workers to strike .

MINSK, August 19. /TAS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has thanked workers who did not join the strikes and promised to "deal with" those protesters who wait for and converge on laborers at factory entrances.
"Threats against and attacks on factory workers - that worries us too," he emphasized at a meeting of the Belarusian Security Council on Wednesday. "Before and after the working day, they have to pass through a corridor lined by aggressive crowds at entrances, [who are] just like the Gestapo. I just want to tell these workers that [I] express my gratitude to them and ask them not to bury their heads in the sand. You, workers, are the masters at this plant, and we will deal with those protesters who wait for you at the entrance," BelTA news agency quotes the president as saying.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s final data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued for several days and, according to the Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people ended up in custody.
Against this backdrop, workers at large enterprises have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and have held rallies demanding new elections and a probe into police actions. The opposition has been pushing factory workers to strike.


tass--2020-08-19--Lukashenko urges EU not to discuss Belarus, but focus on its own problems

`` The leaders of Western states offer us talks and talks .
And at the same time they keep pushing their own agenda .
We see and understand it too but we do not perceive this .
I want them to hear this .
They are going to hold a meeting at the level of foreign ministers or the European Union ’ s leaders today or tomorrow , '' Lukashenko said .
MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko urged the leadership of Western states , who are going to discuss the situation in Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told the Security Council ’ s meeting attended by regional heads , BelTA reported .
`` I would just advise them : before pointing finger at us they should put on the agenda of their meetings the issues of `` yellow vests '' in France and awful riots in the United States .
I want them to first of all consider protests against the coronavirus isolation in Germany and other European countries . ''
Lukashenko stressed that the EU was facing many problems .
`` They should not pass the buck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the current problems in France , the United States , Germany and so on , '' the Belarusian leader stressed .
`` It seems to me that these people have a beam in their eye .
But they don ’ t see it .
God bless them , '' he said .
Foreign interference in the situation in Belarus is unacceptable and the state will give a rebuff to it , the Belarusian president said .
`` Those who are sharpening their swords , especially abroad ( this is already clearly seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not a baseless statement .
Polish flags are already being flown in Grodno .
This is inadmissible .
And such things will be radically thwarted , '' the Belarusian president pledged .
It was earlier reported that flags of European Union countries had appeared at rallies in Grodno .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the West continues to finance street rallies and unrest in the country .
`` Western states , now directly and openly announce the collection of funds and their redirection to Belarus .
We see that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , we can not track all funds that are being sent here .
Because a lot of funds are in cash .
But we are aware of the fact and will focus on this issue , '' the BelTA agency quoted the president as saying .
Alexander Lukashenko insisted that there are no foreign troops in the country .
`` As for foreign forces , today there is no single person from other countries in Belarus . ''
`` Another problem is fake news .
Blatant lies in the Internet about foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation in Belarus .
You have probably seen these fakes being whipped up .
They take a column of military equipment - it is unknown when and where it was spotted and whose equipment it was , but they need to say that this is from the Russian border heading to Orsha , '' Lukashenko said .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Lukashenko won 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 6,000 people were detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
The workers of large Belarusian enterprises are showing their discontent with the situation and are demanding at rallies that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law enforcers be probed .
The opposition is calling on factories to go on a strike .

"The leaders of Western states offer us talks and talks. And at the same time they keep pushing their own agenda. We see and understand it too but we do not perceive this. I want them to hear this. They are going to hold a meeting at the level of foreign ministers or the European Union’s leaders today or tomorrow," Lukashenko said.
MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko urged the leadership of Western states, who are going to discuss the situation in Belarus, to focus on problems in their countries, he told the Security Council’s meeting attended by regional heads, BelTA reported.
"I would just advise them: before pointing finger at us they should put on the agenda of their meetings the issues of "yellow vests" in France and awful riots in the United States. I want them to first of all consider protests against the coronavirus isolation in Germany and other European countries."
Lukashenko stressed that the EU was facing many problems. "They should not pass the buck to Belarus in order to distract attention from the current problems in France, the United States, Germany and so on," the Belarusian leader stressed.
"It seems to me that these people have a beam in their eye. But they don’t see it. God bless them," he said.
Foreign interference
Foreign interference in the situation in Belarus is unacceptable and the state will give a rebuff to it, the Belarusian president said.
"Those who are sharpening their swords, especially abroad (this is already clearly seen) will get a serious rebuff. This is not a baseless statement. Polish flags are already being flown in Grodno. This is inadmissible. And such things will be radically thwarted," the Belarusian president pledged.
It was earlier reported that flags of European Union countries had appeared at rallies in Grodno.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the West continues to finance street rallies and unrest in the country.
"Western states, now directly and openly announce the collection of funds and their redirection to Belarus. We see that," he stated.
"Of course, we cannot track all funds that are being sent here. Because a lot of funds are in cash. But we are aware of the fact and will focus on this issue," the BelTA agency quoted the president as saying.
Denying foreign military presence in Belarus
Alexander Lukashenko insisted that there are no foreign troops in the country. "As for foreign forces, today there is no single person from other countries in Belarus."
"Another problem is fake news. Blatant lies in the Internet about foreign forces in Belarus and equipment from the Russian Federation in Belarus. You have probably seen these fakes being whipped up. They take a column of military equipment - it is unknown when and where it was spotted and whose equipment it was, but they need to say that this is from the Russian border heading to Orsha," Lukashenko said.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Lukashenko won 80.1% 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 6,000 people were detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.
The workers of large Belarusian enterprises are showing their discontent with the situation and are demanding at rallies that new elections be held and the activity of law enforcers be probed. The opposition is calling on factories to go on a strike.