tass--2020-08-14--Palestine accuses UAE of betrayal in light of normalization with Israel

CAIRO , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Palestinian leadership on Thursday has blasted the United Arab Emirates ’ move to normalize relations with Israel as betrayal .
Following an urgent meeting convened by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas , his spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh described the deal between the UAE and Israel `` on normalization of relations under the US sponsorship is a betrayal of [ Islamic shrine ] Al-Aqsa , Jerusalem and the Palestinian affair . ''
He also added , `` Palestinians will remain united in the face of this unjust step < … > and warn [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the American pressure and not follow the Emirati footsteps . ''
The Palestinian leadership rejected the UAE move , blasting it as a step towards `` destruction of the Arab Peace Initiative . ''
`` We declare resolute rejection and condemnation of the trilateral statement that came as a surprise to us and demand that the UAE to immediately forsake this shameful agreement , '' spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh underlined .
The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative sets out full normalization of relations between Arab states and Israel on condition that Israel leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Golan Heights and Shebaa farms as well as Israel ’ s recognition of the state of Palestine in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with the capital in East Jerusalem .
On Thursday , US President Donald Trump said via Twitter that Israel and the UAE reached an agreement on full normalization of the bilateral relations .
The countries said the same in a joint statement .
The agreements particularly envisage suspension of Israel ’ s decision on declaring sovereignty over Jewish settlements in West Bank , which is outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Per earlier reports , delegations of Israel and the UAE are planning to hold a meeting to sign a number of bilateral deals on investments , tourism , direct air travel , security , telecommunications , technology , energy , healthcare , culture , environment , mutual embassy establishment and other spheres .
Currently , out of all Arab states only Egypt and Jordan have diplomatic relations with Israel and embassies working .
In the last few years , reports repeatedly emerged in the media that Israel and the UAE are holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peace treaty with Israel , the UAE has been actively developing commercial ties with the country in the last few years .

CAIRO, August 14. /TASS/. The Palestinian leadership on Thursday has blasted the United Arab Emirates’ move to normalize relations with Israel as betrayal.
Following an urgent meeting convened by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, his spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh described the deal between the UAE and Israel "on normalization of relations under the US sponsorship is a betrayal of [Islamic shrine] Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem and the Palestinian affair."
He also added, "Palestinians will remain united in the face of this unjust step <…> and warn [our Arab] brothers not to succumb to the American pressure and not follow the Emirati footsteps."
The Palestinian leadership rejected the UAE move, blasting it as a step towards "destruction of the Arab Peace Initiative." "We declare resolute rejection and condemnation of the trilateral statement that came as a surprise to us and demand that the UAE to immediately forsake this shameful agreement," spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh underlined.
The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative sets out full normalization of relations between Arab states and Israel on condition that Israel leaves all territories it occupied in 1967, including the Golan Heights and Shebaa farms as well as Israel’s recognition of the state of Palestine in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with the capital in East Jerusalem.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said via Twitter that Israel and the UAE reached an agreement on full normalization of the bilateral relations. The countries said the same in a joint statement. The agreements particularly envisage suspension of Israel’s decision on declaring sovereignty over Jewish settlements in West Bank, which is outlined in the US plan on Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
Per earlier reports, delegations of Israel and the UAE are planning to hold a meeting to sign a number of bilateral deals on investments, tourism, direct air travel, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, environment, mutual embassy establishment and other spheres.
Currently, out of all Arab states only Egypt and Jordan have diplomatic relations with Israel and embassies working. In the last few years, reports repeatedly emerged in the media that Israel and the UAE are holding contacts. Despite the formal lack of a peace treaty with Israel, the UAE has been actively developing commercial ties with the country in the last few years.


tass--2020-08-14--Belarus interior minister takes responsibility for injuries of passers-by in protests

MINSK , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian Interior Minister Yuri Karayev has announced that he takes responsibility for injuries of passers-by in protest rallies that have been gripping the country for the five days straight after the presidential election .
According to him , it happens in any mass rally when the public order is violated that not only their participants suffer but also `` just those who happened to be nearby and did not leave on time . ''
`` As a commander , I want to take responsibility for these people and apologize to them , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , he specifically highlighted that `` there are truly peaceful people '' and there are `` those who masquerading as peaceful population . ''
The current events in Belarus aren ’ t a revolution , the country ’ s Interior Minister told .
`` Revolutions and chaos - thank God , we 're not there yet - always lead to a collapse in living standards and stall the economy… Everyone used to envy our safe and calm situation and now we are destroying it all , and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On August 9 , Belarus held the presidential election .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the votes , while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % of the ballots cast .
The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
Since Sunday , people have been joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national interior ministry said 6,000 had been detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 14. /TASS/. Belarusian Interior Minister Yuri Karayev has announced that he takes responsibility for injuries of passers-by in protest rallies that have been gripping the country for the five days straight after the presidential election. According to him, it happens in any mass rally when the public order is violated that not only their participants suffer but also "just those who happened to be nearby and did not leave on time."
"As a commander, I want to take responsibility for these people and apologize to them," the minister said on ONT TV Thursday.
At the same time, he specifically highlighted that "there are truly peaceful people" and there are "those who masquerading as peaceful population."
The current events in Belarus aren’t a revolution, the country’s Interior Minister told.
"Revolutions and chaos - thank God, we're not there yet - always lead to a collapse in living standards and stall the economy… Everyone used to envy our safe and calm situation and now we are destroying it all, and for what purposes?" Karayev said.
On August 9, Belarus held the presidential election. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the votes, while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09% of the ballots cast. The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each. After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. Since Sunday, people have been joining demonstrators in the evening daily, while the national interior ministry said 6,000 had been detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-14--Belarus interior minister demands reporters be freed first from detention centers

MINSK , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian Interior Minister Yuri Karayev has demanded that journalists covering protests in the country who were detained and placed in temporary detention centers be released ahead of everyone else .
`` My first instruction is that you deal with journalists who were put in temporary detention centers and perpetrator isolation centers first and release them first , '' ONT TV broadcast Karayev ’ s speech live .
According to him , he `` is always against any violence against reporters . ''
He also underlined that detained peaceful civilians should be also let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is already being done .
`` I am not a bloodthirsty person , I don ’ t want any violence .
They are all our citizens .
Everyone has families and children , '' he said .
On Wednesday , Karayev instructed his subordinates to `` not touch '' reporters at mass protests `` apart from cases where they stand between perpetrators and public order enforcers . ''
On August 9 , Belarus held the presidential election .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % of the ballots cast .
The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
Since Sunday , people have been joining demonstrators in the evening daily , while the national interior ministry said 6,000 had been detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
Tikhanovskaya herself fled the country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 14. /TASS/. Belarusian Interior Minister Yuri Karayev has demanded that journalists covering protests in the country who were detained and placed in temporary detention centers be released ahead of everyone else.
"My first instruction is that you deal with journalists who were put in temporary detention centers and perpetrator isolation centers first and release them first," ONT TV broadcast Karayev’s speech live.
According to him, he "is always against any violence against reporters." He also underlined that detained peaceful civilians should be also let go as soon as possible and it is already being done. "I am not a bloodthirsty person, I don’t want any violence. They are all our citizens. Everyone has families and children," he said.
On Wednesday, Karayev instructed his subordinates to "not touch" reporters at mass protests "apart from cases where they stand between perpetrators and public order enforcers."
On August 9, Belarus held the presidential election. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the votes, while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09% of the ballots cast. The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each. After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. Since Sunday, people have been joining demonstrators in the evening daily, while the national interior ministry said 6,000 had been detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. Tikhanovskaya herself fled the country and has been in Lithuania since Tuesday.


tass--2020-08-14--Palestine recalls envoy to UAE after decision to normalize ties with Israel - ministry

CAIRO , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
Palestine has announced that it was recalling its ambassador to the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi made the decision to normalize relations with Israel , Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said Thursday .
`` Under the instruction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas , the Palestinian ambassador is urgently recalled from the UAE after the trilateral announcement of the US , Israel and the UAE on normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE , '' WAFA news agency quoted the minister as saying .
On Thursday , US President Donald Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached an agreement on full normalization of the bilateral relations .
The countries said the same in a joint statement .
The agreements particularly envisage suspension of Israel ’ s decision on declaring sovereignty over Jewish settlements in West Bank , which is outlined in the US plan on Israeli-Palestinian settlement .
Per earlier reports , delegations of Israel and the UAE are planning to hold a meeting to sign a number of bilateral deals on investments , tourism , direct air travel , security , telecommunications , technology , energy , healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishment and other spheres .
The Palestinian leadership has already slammed the move , branding as betrayal and `` destruction of the Arab Peace Initiative . ''
Spokesperson for the Palestinian leader Nabil Abu Rudeineh pointed out that the deal between the UAE and Israel `` on normalization of relations under the US sponsorship is a betrayal of [ Islamic shrine ] Al-Aqsa , Jerusalem and the Palestinian cause , '' warning other Arab states not to `` succumb to US administration ’ s pressure and follow in the footsteps '' of the @ @

CAIRO, August 14. /TASS/. Palestine has announced that it was recalling its ambassador to the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi made the decision to normalize relations with Israel, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said Thursday.
"Under the instruction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian ambassador is urgently recalled from the UAE after the trilateral announcement of the US, Israel and the UAE on normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE," WAFA news agency quoted the minister as saying.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said via Twitter that Israel and the UAE reached an agreement on full normalization of the bilateral relations. The countries said the same in a joint statement. The agreements particularly envisage suspension of Israel’s decision on declaring sovereignty over Jewish settlements in West Bank, which is outlined in the US plan on Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
Per earlier reports, delegations of Israel and the UAE are planning to hold a meeting to sign a number of bilateral deals on investments, tourism, direct air travel, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, environment, mutual embassy establishment and other spheres.
The Palestinian leadership has already slammed the move, branding as betrayal and "destruction of the Arab Peace Initiative." Spokesperson for the Palestinian leader Nabil Abu Rudeineh pointed out that the deal between the UAE and Israel "on normalization of relations under the US sponsorship is a betrayal of [Islamic shrine] Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem and the Palestinian cause," warning other Arab states not to "succumb to US administration’s pressure and follow in the footsteps" of the UAE.


tass--2020-08-13--Why move from Moscow to Siberia. Tarkovsky’s Arctic Museum

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s well-known writer and documentary filmmaker , the nephew of famous filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky , fell in love with the taiga and the Yenisei River to the extent of moving there .
He organized in the northern Krasnoyarsk Region a museum , where visitors may learn how people live in the taiga .
Almost 30 years ago , after graduating from the university , Mikhail Tarkovsky came to the Yenisei River for the first time to stay there for good .
At first , he worked as a zoologist at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a hunter in the Bakhta village .
Bakhta is about 1,000km down the Yenisei River from Krasnoyarsk .
It is a village of hunters , who lay hunting paths in the taiga towards winter houses , and who set traps .
The village became famous , when Tarkovsky made a series of documentaries , Happy People , about hunters ' and fishers ' life .
Another documentary , Frozen Time , won about a dozen prizes .
`` The life in villages on the Yenisei , conversations with the elderly , admiration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , made me want to capture , to grasp this most interesting life — in writing , on film , or simply in amazing objects of life in taiga : ski with climbing skins , a dugout boat or items made of birch bark .
I wanted to perpetuate the very processes of making these , I 'm not afraid to call them so , works of art .
This is how I came to the idea to make a Museum of taiga tradition in Bakhta .
Its most important purpose is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world of traditions , where they live , to have them look differently at things they know and see every day , '' Mikhail Tarkovsky said .
The exhibited objects are unique - they do not exist in other regions , where hunting traditions also differ .
Tarkovsky ’ s life on the Yenisei began in 1981 .
He integrated very easily .
Mikhail learned to make things which were useful in those conditions .
Gennady Solovyov , a hunter , taught him how to make a tin stove , skis and traps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , as he ’ s a good teacher and knows how to explain things .
It is not only about hunting - I often discussed with him the stories , and he even came up with a plot .
Once , I came to him and said : `` What story should I write ? ''
He said : `` Write about how Ivan returned for one hunting season . ''
This was how the story Yenisei , Let it Go appeared .
And then , later on he supported my idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one phrase - sincere and strong : 'Make it !
I ’ ll help ! '
, '' Mikhail remembers .
In addition to the movie and the museum , Tarkovsky was an initiator of building an Orthodox church in the village .
The walls were made of Karelian pine .
Four trucks carried the logs from Lake Onega to Krasnoyarsk .
From there , a ship brought the logs to Bakhta .
`` My initiative could be nothing without the absolute support from the supervising council [ in the name of ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Svetlana Pokrovskaya , '' he continued .
Nowadays , many locals attend services at the church in Bakhta .
The idea of the museum goes back to the 2000s .
The dream , however , has come true only recently .
The building - a village house - is surrounded by a traditional fence of logs .
The house is full of unique objects , collected in Bakhta , neighboring villages and in the taiga .
The museum has prepared its first expositions .
In the future , the museum will grow into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor exhibits .
It will also have a craftshop .
The idea is not just to display objects , but to demonstrate how they are made .
`` At first , I kept the collection at home , and later on the local school offered rooms and we made an exhibition of local life and history there .
Then I used the Tolstoi prize , which I had won , to buy logs for the new museum in Vorogov ( the Krasnoyarsk Region ) , and the Yenisei River Shipping Company assisted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciated every effort .
< … > I plan to make a plate to name all the contributors , '' he said .
The museum is about nature .
Take for example the objects , which demonstrate how birch boxes are made .
It is impossible to learn to make them without knowing when to collect birch bark and where birch trees that have the necessary properties grow .
`` People from cities fish with rods , and here we call them ‘ throwings . '
They gather mushrooms into small nets or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bark boxes .
Here , you may only begin collecting , and in an instant - here you go - two boxes are full .
They are as big as two buckets each .
It is most vital here to process what you get from the river , from the taiga .
All these objects are nothing special for us , until you learn what they are for , '' Director of the Turukhansk Local History Museum Tatyana Sergiyenko told TASS .
The museum in Bakhta is a part of that big museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunters use all those objects in everyday life .
Hunter Solovyov has made a few objects : various traps and a shelter in the forest to hide and keep food .
His hunting area in the taiga is bigger than 1,000 square kilometers .
These objects are exhibited now in the open air .
Later on , the museum will organize a hunting site on its territory .
`` The indoor exposition will also feature objects , which are used to make dugout boats , ski with climbing skins and birch bark boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest value is that we shall demonstrate the very processes of making objects . ''
Tatyana Sergiyenko told us that the museum in Bakhta , an outstanding tourist attraction , was supposed to open its first season this year .
The thing is that the village is accessible only by water , but this year the navigation due to the pandemic began later than usual .
Only in July ships were allowed on the Yenisei .
`` The museum reflects the spirit and specifics of this place , it is a museum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the locals do .
It is connected with Tarkovsky , with the Happy People movie , which many have seen .
Those are the additional advantages .
This complex atmosphere shows how people live and what they do .
It is very interesting for many tourists .
It ’ s a new world , which will amaze and shock foreigners , '' the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s tourism agency official Yulia Verkhushina told TASS .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Russia’s well-known writer and documentary filmmaker, the nephew of famous filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, fell in love with the taiga and the Yenisei River to the extent of moving there. He organized in the northern Krasnoyarsk Region a museum, where visitors may learn how people live in the taiga.
Almost 30 years ago, after graduating from the university, Mikhail Tarkovsky came to the Yenisei River for the first time to stay there for good. At first, he worked as a zoologist at a biology station, and later on - as a hunter in the Bakhta village.
Taiga’s tradition
Bakhta is about 1,000km down the Yenisei River from Krasnoyarsk. It is a village of hunters, who lay hunting paths in the taiga towards winter houses, and who set traps. The village became famous, when Tarkovsky made a series of documentaries, Happy People, about hunters' and fishers' life. Another documentary, Frozen Time, won about a dozen prizes.
"The life in villages on the Yenisei, conversations with the elderly, admiration for hunters, their knowledge and skills, made me want to capture, to grasp this most interesting life — in writing, on film, or simply in amazing objects of life in taiga: ski with climbing skins, a dugout boat or items made of birch bark. I wanted to perpetuate the very processes of making these, I'm not afraid to call them so, works of art. This is how I came to the idea to make a Museum of taiga tradition in Bakhta. Its most important purpose is to help local school pupils to rediscover the world of traditions, where they live, to have them look differently at things they know and see every day," Mikhail Tarkovsky said.
The exhibited objects are unique - they do not exist in other regions, where hunting traditions also differ.
Teachers and devotees
Tarkovsky’s life on the Yenisei began in 1981. He integrated very easily. Mikhail learned to make things which were useful in those conditions. Gennady Solovyov, a hunter, taught him how to make a tin stove, skis and traps.
"Solovyov has taught me many things, as he’s a good teacher and knows how to explain things. It is not only about hunting - I often discussed with him the stories, and he even came up with a plot. Once, I came to him and said: "What story should I write?" He said: "Write about how Ivan returned for one hunting season." This was how the story Yenisei, Let it Go appeared. And then, later on he supported my idea about the movie, it was just one phrase - sincere and strong: 'Make it! I’ll help!'," Mikhail remembers.
In addition to the movie and the museum, Tarkovsky was an initiator of building an Orthodox church in the village. The walls were made of Karelian pine. Four trucks carried the logs from Lake Onega to Krasnoyarsk. From there, a ship brought the logs to Bakhta.
"My initiative could be nothing without the absolute support from the supervising council [in the name of] St. Alexis, namely, from ascetic Svetlana Pokrovskaya," he continued.
Nowadays, many locals attend services at the church in Bakhta.
The idea of the museum goes back to the 2000s. The dream, however, has come true only recently. The building - a village house - is surrounded by a traditional fence of logs. The house is full of unique objects, collected in Bakhta, neighboring villages and in the taiga. The museum has prepared its first expositions. In the future, the museum will grow into a museum complex with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It will also have a craftshop. The idea is not just to display objects, but to demonstrate how they are made.
"At first, I kept the collection at home, and later on the local school offered rooms and we made an exhibition of local life and history there. Then I used the Tolstoi prize, which I had won, to buy logs for the new museum in Vorogov (the Krasnoyarsk Region), and the Yenisei River Shipping Company assisted with the delivery. In fact, we appreciated every effort. <…> I plan to make a plate to name all the contributors," he said.
Life exhibits
The museum is about nature. Take for example the objects, which demonstrate how birch boxes are made. It is impossible to learn to make them without knowing when to collect birch bark and where birch trees that have the necessary properties grow.
"People from cities fish with rods, and here we call them ‘throwings.' They gather mushrooms into small nets or buckets, and we here made special bark boxes. Here, you may only begin collecting, and in an instant - here you go - two boxes are full. They are as big as two buckets each. It is most vital here to process what you get from the river, from the taiga. All these objects are nothing special for us, until you learn what they are for," Director of the Turukhansk Local History Museum Tatyana Sergiyenko told TASS. The museum in Bakhta is a part of that big museum now.
According to her, local hunters use all those objects in everyday life.
Hunter Solovyov has made a few objects: various traps and a shelter in the forest to hide and keep food. His hunting area in the taiga is bigger than 1,000 square kilometers. These objects are exhibited now in the open air. Later on, the museum will organize a hunting site on its territory.
"The indoor exposition will also feature objects, which are used to make dugout boats, ski with climbing skins and birch bark boxes," Tarkovsky said. "The greatest value is that we shall demonstrate the very processes of making objects."
Visiting Bakhta
Tatyana Sergiyenko told us that the museum in Bakhta, an outstanding tourist attraction, was supposed to open its first season this year. The thing is that the village is accessible only by water, but this year the navigation due to the pandemic began later than usual. Only in July ships were allowed on the Yenisei.
"The museum reflects the spirit and specifics of this place, it is a museum of hunting, which is what 90% of the locals do. It is connected with Tarkovsky, with the Happy People movie, which many have seen. Those are the additional advantages. This complex atmosphere shows how people live and what they do. It is very interesting for many tourists. It’s a new world, which will amaze and shock foreigners," the Krasnoyarsk Region’s tourism agency official Yulia Verkhushina told TASS.


tass--2020-08-13--Provocateurs blend into the crowd during Minsk protests, says journalist

MINSK , August 13./TASS/ .
Provocateurs are operating in protests in Minsk to incite conflicts between protesters and law enforcement officers .
They insult crack police officers and then blend back into the crowd , Russian journalist Semyon Pegov , the founder of WarGonzo project , told Belarusian ONT TV channel on Thursday .
`` I was standing between the crack police and protesters , the distance between them was about 50 meters , '' Pegov said in an interview , uploaded to the Telegram channel of ONT .
`` I was taking a GoPro selfie to show both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` I saw people of a certain kind who are called provocateurs running out .
People run out of the crowd from time to time , run up close , face to face , to crack police officers , shout insults at them .
It ’ s like a roundabout - one comes close , says something insulting , and runs back into the crowd , '' the Russian journalist described the situation that he had witnessed during protests in Minsk .
According to Pegov , he saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters , trying to trigger conflict situations .
When the Russian journalist was covering protests at the end of the previous week , he was injured and then detained by Belarusian police .
`` As for the moment that I lost consciousness - I can not understand where the blow came from .
Striking me on the back of the head .
I hesitate to say whether this was from the right or from the left .
I am not ready to say whether those were protesters or crack police , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , media reports said that Pegov was detained in Minsk on August 9 along with several other Russian journalists .
They were later released and returned to Russia .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , suggesting Lukashenko ’ s landslide victory , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 13./TASS/. Provocateurs are operating in protests in Minsk to incite conflicts between protesters and law enforcement officers. They insult crack police officers and then blend back into the crowd, Russian journalist Semyon Pegov, the founder of WarGonzo project, told Belarusian ONT TV channel on Thursday.
"I was standing between the crack police and protesters, the distance between them was about 50 meters," Pegov said in an interview, uploaded to the Telegram channel of ONT. "I was taking a GoPro selfie to show both sides and describe objectively what is going on," he said.
"I saw people of a certain kind who are called provocateurs running out. People run out of the crowd from time to time, run up close, face to face, to crack police officers, shout insults at them. It’s like a roundabout - one comes close, says something insulting, and runs back into the crowd," the Russian journalist described the situation that he had witnessed during protests in Minsk. According to Pegov, he saw four or three such instigators among the protesters, trying to trigger conflict situations.
When the Russian journalist was covering protests at the end of the previous week, he was injured and then detained by Belarusian police. "As for the moment that I lost consciousness - I cannot understand where the blow came from. Striking me on the back of the head. I hesitate to say whether this was from the right or from the left. I am not ready to say whether those were protesters or crack police," he went on to say.
On Monday, media reports said that Pegov was detained in Minsk on August 9 along with several other Russian journalists. They were later released and returned to Russia.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote.
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, suggesting Lukashenko’s landslide victory, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police. Protests have continued since Sunday. The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--Online lessons, animated films, phrasebooks as ways to preserve Arctic languages

YAKUTSK , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Experts have been working on an Arctic multi-lingual website , animated films based on Enets and Nenets fairy tale plots and videos dedicated to the ancient culture of Yukaghirs , all to preserve the endangered languages of the low-numbered peoples of the North and Arctic .
On the International Day of the World 's Indigenous Peoples , August 9 , experts told TASS about their initiatives to preserve the Northern languages .
Russia ’ s state national policies strategy to 2025 prioritizes state support and protection of cultures and languages of the peoples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the World 's Languages in danger , published in 2010 , reads that out of more than 7,000 languages about 2,500 are in danger .
The Russian educational system uses more than 100 languages , of which 24 are used as the medium of instruction and 81 as subjects of study , including as part of extracurricular activities .
On the verge of ethnic crisis Like nobody else , the low-numbered indigenous peoples of the North and Arctic feel the modern challenges .
The aggressive globalization , man-induced processes and active industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating impact on the traditional way of life , says Anatoly Zhozhikov , DSc in Pedagogy and head of the UNESCO international department Social and Human Adaptation of the Arctic Regions to Climate Change at North-Eastern Federal University .
`` Amid rapid processes of globalization and industrial development in the North these peoples are on the verge of an ethnic crisis , which threatens the unity of ethnic elements , including the language .
This accelerates the rate of extinction of languages , devastating shrinking of the number of native speakers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their authentic cultural heritage .
To address these trends , urgent measures must be taken to preserve and develop the languages and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the North , '' the expert said .
Since 2011 , North-Eastern Federal University has been working on the Arctic multi-lingual website , arctic-megapedia.ru , where already now users may see low-numbered indigenous peoples of the Far East : the Yukaghirs , Evens , Evenks , Dolgans , Chukchi , Nanais , Negidals , Udeges , Koryaks and others .
`` We plan to present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic peoples native to both Russia and other states .
We have filed an application to get the Arctic Council ’ s funding .
The website will offer online phrasebooks and video lessons , '' he added .
An expert at North-Eastern Federal University , Elida Atlasova plans to implement a project - Revived Drawings of Ancient Yukaghirs , which has won a grant of Yakutia ’ s governor .
`` The project presents the Yukaghir ’ s culture of drawings on birch bark .
Women used this kind of drawings for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunting and fishing scenes , '' she said .
The organizers will work with pupils at Yakutia ’ s Andryushkinskaya School to make 15 videos about how the Yukaghirs live .
`` The students will make traditional drawings , and we shall make videos in two languages - Yukaghir and Russian .
They will be on the Internet and the wide audience will learn about the unique Yukaghir traditions , '' she said .
In 2016 , she organized the Keyghur nomadic community of the Yukaghirs .
`` New jobs , higher living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the youth , '' she said , adding that the community ’ s main business is making national clothes .
The Arctic Development Project Office ( PORA ) offers grants for initiatives to preserve languages of the North ’ s indigenous peoples .
One of the grants has been used to publish the Dolgan ABC Book , and on September 1 , when a new academic year begins , the little Dolgans , who live on Taimyr Peninsula , will use this book at lessons .
PORA is a national platform for state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Arctic ’ s sustainable development .
The expert center raises awareness to social , economic and environmental aspects of living in northern Russia .
`` We have been digitalizing the cultural heritage of the North ’ s peoples , so that to use the format friendly for kids and teenagers - to use the channels they use .
We have supported work on Enets and Nenets animated fairy tales .
We also have streaming projects : on social networks people from the North ’ s various regions recite tales and teach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cook national dishes .
During the self-isolation period , we organized a special resource ( poravsedoma.ru ) , which was very popular , '' the project office ’ s Director General Alexander Stotsky said .
PORA supports publishing projects to preserve the rare and endangered languages of Russia ’ s Arctic and sub-Arctic regions .
Here belong school books in more than a dozen languages , which are expected to be certified for use at schools .

YAKUTSK, August 13. /TASS/. Experts have been working on an Arctic multi-lingual website, animated films based on Enets and Nenets fairy tale plots and videos dedicated to the ancient culture of Yukaghirs, all to preserve the endangered languages of the low-numbered peoples of the North and Arctic. On the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, August 9, experts told TASS about their initiatives to preserve the Northern languages.
Russia’s state national policies strategy to 2025 prioritizes state support and protection of cultures and languages of the peoples of the country.
The UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in danger, published in 2010, reads that out of more than 7,000 languages about 2,500 are in danger. The Russian educational system uses more than 100 languages, of which 24 are used as the medium of instruction and 81 as subjects of study, including as part of extracurricular activities.
On the verge of ethnic crisis
Like nobody else, the low-numbered indigenous peoples of the North and Arctic feel the modern challenges. The aggressive globalization, man-induced processes and active industrial development of their native habitat have a devastating impact on the traditional way of life, says Anatoly Zhozhikov, DSc in Pedagogy and head of the UNESCO international department Social and Human Adaptation of the Arctic Regions to Climate Change at North-Eastern Federal University.
"Amid rapid processes of globalization and industrial development in the North these peoples are on the verge of an ethnic crisis, which threatens the unity of ethnic elements, including the language. This accelerates the rate of extinction of languages, devastating shrinking of the number of native speakers in the North and Arctic and gradual loss of their authentic cultural heritage. To address these trends, urgent measures must be taken to preserve and develop the languages and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the North," the expert said.
Since 2011, North-Eastern Federal University has been working on the Arctic multi-lingual website, arctic-megapedia.ru, where already now users may see low-numbered indigenous peoples of the Far East: the Yukaghirs, Evens, Evenks, Dolgans, Chukchi, Nanais, Negidals, Udeges, Koryaks and others.
"We plan to present on the website about 70 languages of the Arctic peoples native to both Russia and other states. We have filed an application to get the Arctic Council’s funding. The website will offer online phrasebooks and video lessons," he added.
Supporting communities
An expert at North-Eastern Federal University, Elida Atlasova plans to implement a project - Revived Drawings of Ancient Yukaghirs, which has won a grant of Yakutia’s governor. "The project presents the Yukaghir’s culture of drawings on birch bark. Women used this kind of drawings for love letters and men drew routes, hunting and fishing scenes," she said.
The organizers will work with pupils at Yakutia’s Andryushkinskaya School to make 15 videos about how the Yukaghirs live. "The students will make traditional drawings, and we shall make videos in two languages - Yukaghir and Russian. They will be on the Internet and the wide audience will learn about the unique Yukaghir traditions," she said.
In 2016, she organized the Keyghur nomadic community of the Yukaghirs. "New jobs, higher living standards, infrastructures and better conditions for the youth," she said, adding that the community’s main business is making national clothes.
Initiatives of Arctic Development Project Office
The Arctic Development Project Office (PORA) offers grants for initiatives to preserve languages of the North’s indigenous peoples. One of the grants has been used to publish the Dolgan ABC Book, and on September 1, when a new academic year begins, the little Dolgans, who live on the Taimyr Peninsula, will use this book at lessons.
PORA is a national platform for state, public and commercial organizations, interested in the Arctic’s sustainable development. The expert center raises awareness to social, economic and environmental aspects of living in northern Russia.
"We have been digitalizing the cultural heritage of the North’s peoples, so that to use the format friendly for kids and teenagers - to use the channels they use. We have supported work on Enets and Nenets animated fairy tales. We also have streaming projects: on social networks people from the North’s various regions recite tales and teach traditional games as well as how to cook national dishes. During the self-isolation period, we organized a special resource (poravsedoma.ru), which was very popular," the project office’s Director General Alexander Stotsky said.
PORA supports publishing projects to preserve the rare and endangered languages of Russia’s Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Here belong school books in more than a dozen languages, which are expected to be certified for use at schools.


tass--2020-08-13--Mass rally continues in Minsk at the site where demonstrator died during protest

MINSK , August 13./TASS/ .
A mass rally is underway on Pushkin Square in Minsk , where a protester died a few days ago , TASS reports from the site , estimating the number of participants at several thousand .
People stand peacefully along the roadway , now and then giving flowers to the drivers of passing by cars .
No police or crack police units are seen in that part of the city .
Transport flow has not been blocked .
Earlier , about 20 representatives from diplomatic missions of the European Union countries accredited in Minsk visited the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorial to the victim of protests in Belarus .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , suggesting Lukashenko ’ s landslide victory , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police .
Protests have continued since Sunday .
The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MINSK, August 13./TASS/. A mass rally is underway on Pushkin Square in Minsk, where a protester died a few days ago, TASS reports from the site, estimating the number of participants at several thousand.
People stand peacefully along the roadway, now and then giving flowers to the drivers of passing by cars. No police or crack police units are seen in that part of the city. Transport flow has not been blocked.
Earlier, about 20 representatives from diplomatic missions of the European Union countries accredited in Minsk visited the site, putting flowers at the spontaneous memorial to the victim of protests in Belarus.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote.
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, suggesting Lukashenko’s landslide victory, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police. Protests have continued since Sunday. The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--Moscow residents will be able to choose out of a few coronavirus vaccines — mayor

`` We now have our own vaccine , which means that there will be an opportunity to get the real vaccine in civil circulation .
This is great , '' he said .
`` I am certain that more vaccines will come out in the coming months .
People will have a choice which vaccine to use . ''
He noted that the world faced a true danger , adding that people have two options : either get vaccinated or contract coronavirus sooner or later , while the vaccine distribution system is safe because specialists have analogues of flu vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complications .
`` In reality , the problem of the coming months is that there won ’ t be enough vaccines rather than that someone will be forced to get vaccinated , this is not a problem at all .
In the beginning , there will be a huge deficit until their production will be rolled out on an industrial scale to produce millions of doses , '' the mayor said .
Earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had become the first country in the world to register a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective properties will remain in place for at least two years from the time of injection .

"We now have our own vaccine, which means that there will be an opportunity to get the real vaccine in civil circulation. This is great," he said. "I am certain that more vaccines will come out in the coming months. People will have a choice which vaccine to use."
He noted that the world faced a true danger, adding that people have two options: either get vaccinated or contract coronavirus sooner or later, while the vaccine distribution system is safe because specialists have analogues of flu vaccines that give 95% success with minimal complications.
"In reality, the problem of the coming months is that there won’t be enough vaccines rather than that someone will be forced to get vaccinated, this is not a problem at all. In the beginning, there will be a huge deficit until their production will be rolled out on an industrial scale to produce millions of doses," the mayor said.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had become the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine. The Russian vaccine’s protective properties will remain in place for at least two years from the time of injection.


tass--2020-08-13--TASS leading in citations among Russian news agencies in July 2020

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
TASS news agency was the most cited among Russian news agencies in July @ @ @ @ @ Medialogia media company told reporters Wednesday .
`` TASS is the leader of the citation @ @ @ @ @ The agency reported about Lefortovo Court arresting [ journalist ] Ivan Safronov .
TASS also @ @ @ @ @ of the Khabarovsk Region ] Sergei Furgal is suspected of organizing at least two murders @ @ @ @ @ '' the company said in a statement .
The citation rate index of TASS is @ @ @ @ @ followed by RIA Novosti ( 15,508.57 ) and Interfax ( 4,475.85 ) .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. TASS news agency was the most cited among Russian news agencies in July 2020, Russia’s Medialogia media company told reporters Wednesday.
"TASS is the leader of the citation ranking among media outlets. The agency reported about Lefortovo Court arresting [journalist] Ivan Safronov. TASS also reported that [former Governor of the Khabarovsk Region] Sergei Furgal is suspected of organizing at least two murders and one attempted murder," the company said in a statement.
The citation rate index of TASS is 15,641.14, the agency is followed by RIA Novosti (15,508.57) and Interfax (4,475.85).


tass--2020-08-13--Baltic countries, Poland ready to broker settlement in Belarus

VILNIUS , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Lithuania , Latvia , Estonia and Poland are prepared to broker a settlement in Belarus .
According to the press service of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda the leaders of the four countries adopted a special declaration on the issue .
`` We are ready to act as mediators for the sake of a peace settlement of the crisis in Belarus and for strengthening its independence and sovereignty , '' the declaration runs .
The signatories believe that such mediation `` is a diplomatic means of crisis settlement that is worth using . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latvia and Poland had drafted a three-point plan for settling the Belarusian crisis .
It envisages the Belarusian authorities ’ pledge to refrain from the use of force against demonstrators who are protesting the results of the August 9 presidential election , the release of all those detained and the beginning of a dialogue with representatives of the civil society .
Nauseda believes such a dialogue might be held on the platform of a national reconciliation council consisting of representatives of the authorities and civil society .
`` Such a forum might turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue .
We are certain that such a dialogue is the best means of encouraging social development and discussing reforms and the country ’ s future , '' the presidents of the Baltic countries and Poland said in the declaration .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to early returns , the incumbent head of state , Alexander Lukashenko , received 80.08 % of the votes .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , described as his main rival , received 10.09 % .
She refused to recognize the results , regarding herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lodged a complaint with the Central Election Commission .
On Tuesday Tikhanovskaya left the country .
Currently , she is in Lithuania .

VILNIUS, August 13. /TASS/. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland are prepared to broker a settlement in Belarus. According to the press service of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda the leaders of the four countries adopted a special declaration on the issue.
"We are ready to act as mediators for the sake of a peace settlement of the crisis in Belarus and for strengthening its independence and sovereignty," the declaration runs. The signatories believe that such mediation "is a diplomatic means of crisis settlement that is worth using."
Nauseda on Wednesday said that Lithuania, Latvia and Poland had drafted a three-point plan for settling the Belarusian crisis. It envisages the Belarusian authorities’ pledge to refrain from the use of force against demonstrators who are protesting the results of the August 9 presidential election, the release of all those detained and the beginning of a dialogue with representatives of the civil society. Nauseda believes such a dialogue might be held on the platform of a national reconciliation council consisting of representatives of the authorities and civil society.
"Such a forum might turn out an acceptable step towards a national dialogue. We are certain that such a dialogue is the best means of encouraging social development and discussing reforms and the country’s future," the presidents of the Baltic countries and Poland said in the declaration.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to early returns, the incumbent head of state, Alexander Lukashenko, received 80.08% of the votes. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, described as his main rival, received 10.09%. She refused to recognize the results, regarding herself as an elected head of state, and lodged a complaint with the Central Election Commission. On Tuesday Tikhanovskaya left the country. Currently, she is in Lithuania.


tass--2020-08-13--Police detain several protesters outside Belarusian embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 13./TASS/ .
Several people have been detained during an unsanctioned rally in front of the Belarusian embassy in Moscow , TASS reports from the site .
About 20 people got together at the embassy at 5pm , Moscow time , on Thursday .
Some of them brought along banners .
Security measures had been stepped up at the embassy by that time .
At about 6pm , police officers detained several protesters , while the others left the site .
Currently , the situation around the embassy is calm .
Several police buses are parked nearby .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission was blocked , people are asked to cross to the other side of the street .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , suggesting Lukashenko ’ s landslide victory , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police .
Protests have continued since Sunday .
The national Interior Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MOSCOW, August 13./TASS/. Several people have been detained during an unsanctioned rally in front of the Belarusian embassy in Moscow, TASS reports from the site.
About 20 people got together at the embassy at 5pm, Moscow time, on Thursday. Some of them brought along banners. Security measures had been stepped up at the embassy by that time. At about 6pm, police officers detained several protesters, while the others left the site.
Currently, the situation around the embassy is calm. Several police buses are parked nearby. A section of the sidewalk opposite the mission was blocked, people are asked to cross to the other side of the street.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote.
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, suggesting Lukashenko’s landslide victory, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police. Protests have continued since Sunday. The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--Police in Minsk cordon off approaches to downtown Independence Square

MINSK , August 13./TASS/ .
Police in Minsk have cordoned off approaches to central Independence Square , where the Government @ @ @ @ @ are located , TASS reports from the site .
Police units were also dispatched to @ @ @ @ @ administration .
Over ten buses with crack police units are parked there and special-purpose equipment @ @ @ @ @ brought in .
The number of protesters keeps growing in the meantime .
TASS estimates @ @ @ @ @ people , getting together in downtown and uptown Minsk .
Belarus held the presidential election @ @ @ @ @ results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote @ @ @ @ @ Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August @ @ @ @ @ s landslide victory , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that @ @ @ @ @ clashes with the police .
Protests have continued since Sunday .
The national Interior Ministry @ @ @ @ @ been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 13./TASS/. Police in Minsk have cordoned off approaches to central Independence Square, where the Government and the Central Election Commission are located, TASS reports from the site.
Police units were also dispatched to the building of the presidential administration. Over ten buses with crack police units are parked there and special-purpose equipment used to disperse protesters was brought in. The number of protesters keeps growing in the meantime. TASS estimates their number as several thousand people, getting together in downtown and uptown Minsk.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09%.
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, suggesting Lukashenko’s landslide victory, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police. Protests have continued since Sunday. The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--Combat trainer crashes in southern Russia, pilots eject to safety

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
An L-39 combat trainer crashed during a training flight in the southern Krasnodar @ @ @ @ @ ejecting to safety , the press office of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on @ @ @ @ @ 13 , 2020 , an L-39 trainer from the training airbase crashed during a planned @ @ @ @ @ Region .
The crew of two pilots ejected .
The pilots were not hurt , @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
The plane went down in a remote area , causing no @ @ @ @ @ the Defense Ministry said .
`` The commission of the Flight Safety Service of the @ @ @ @ @ the causes of the crash , '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. An L-39 combat trainer crashed during a training flight in the southern Krasnodar Region, with both pilots ejecting to safety, the press office of Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
"On August 13, 2020, an L-39 trainer from the training airbase crashed during a planned training flight in the Krasnodar Region. The crew of two pilots ejected. The pilots were not hurt," the press office said in a statement.
The plane went down in a remote area, causing no destruction on the ground, the Defense Ministry said.
"The commission of the Flight Safety Service of the Russian Armed Forces is establishing the causes of the crash," the ministry said.


tass--2020-08-13--Russia’s MiG-31 fighter jet scrambled to intercept US spy plane over Barents Sea

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian MiG-31 fighter was scrambled to intercept a US Poseidon reconnaissance plane over the Barents Sea approaching Russia ’ s state border , the National Defense Control Center reported on Thursday .
Russian radar stations spotted an air target over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea approaching Russia ’ s state border on August 13 , the Center said .
`` A MiG-31BM fighter jet from the Northern Fleet ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify the target .
The Russian fighter ’ s crew approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and identified it as a US Navy P-8A maritime patrol plane , '' the National Defense Control Center said .
`` After the US plane moved away from Russia ’ s state border , the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield , '' the Center said .
`` No violations of the Russian state border by the US military plane were allowed , '' the National Defense Control Center stressed .
The entire flight of the Russian fighter aircraft proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US spy planes near Russian borders have become more frequent lately .
In particular , a Su-27 fighter from the Southern Military District ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled on August 12 to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the Black Sea .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. A Russian MiG-31 fighter was scrambled to intercept a US Poseidon reconnaissance plane over the Barents Sea approaching Russia’s state border, the National Defense Control Center reported on Thursday.
Russian radar stations spotted an air target over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea approaching Russia’s state border on August 13, the Center said.
"A MiG-31BM fighter jet from the Northern Fleet’s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify the target. The Russian fighter’s crew approached the air target at a safe distance and identified it as a US Navy P-8A maritime patrol plane," the National Defense Control Center said.
"After the US plane moved away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield," the Center said.
"No violations of the Russian state border by the US military plane were allowed," the National Defense Control Center stressed.
The entire flight of the Russian fighter aircraft proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace, it said.
The flights of US spy planes near Russian borders have become more frequent lately. In particular, a Su-27 fighter from the Southern Military District’s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled on August 12 to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the Black Sea.


tass--2020-08-13--Serbian diplomatic source confirms detention of Azeri envoy in Belgrade

BELGRADE , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Azeri ambassador to Serbia Eldar Hasanov has been detained in Belgrade , a @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` The information has been verified , '' the source said , adding @ @ @ @ @ '' was behind the detention .
In turn , the Azeri State Security Service pointed @ @ @ @ @ revealed valid suspicions of inappropriate use of significant budgetary funds and other law violations by @ @ @ @ @ , Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina Eldar Hasanov . ''
`` In the course of @ @ @ @ @ was detained as a suspect , '' the statement reads .
It is also noted @ @ @ @ @ Eldar Hasanov served as Azeri Prosecutor General in 1995-2000 .
In early July , the @ @ @ @ @ an anti-corruption operation in the Azeri Foreign Ministry , arresting a number of senior officials @ @ @ @ @ power and bribery .

BELGRADE, August 13. /TASS/. Azeri ambassador to Serbia Eldar Hasanov has been detained in Belgrade, a Serbian diplomatic source told TASS Thursday.
"The information has been verified," the source said, adding that a "money issue" was behind the detention.
In turn, the Azeri State Security Service pointed out that "financial inspection revealed valid suspicions of inappropriate use of significant budgetary funds and other law violations by Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina Eldar Hasanov." "In the course of the investigation, Eldar Hasanov was detained as a suspect," the statement reads.
It is also noted that the investigation continues.
Eldar Hasanov served as Azeri Prosecutor General in 1995-2000. In early July, the State Security Service carried out an anti-corruption operation in the Azeri Foreign Ministry, arresting a number of senior officials on counts of abuse of power and bribery.


tass--2020-08-13--Specialists see no traces of fuel spill in Pyasina River

TASS , August 13 .
Participants in the Big Norilsk Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch have not seen any traces of the fuel spill in the Pyasina River , where they have completed a stage of field works , the expedition ’ s press service told TASS citing the field stage leader , Nikolai Yurkevich of the Institute of Petroleum-Gas Geology and Geophysics .
“ I would rather not give any comments now .
I can confirm only the following : while near the power plant the spill was evident , on the Pyasina River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientist said .
“ Botanists have also confirmed positive dynamics in the plants at a distance from the industrial facilities.
” Those are the only clear conclusions the scientists can give now , as any further details will be available only after laboratory tests , he added .
The expedition has completed a part of the field works , the press service said .
Two teams , one named Ground Ecosystems and that of hydrobiologists have taken all the samples .
“ Geophysicists have also completed their part of work .
Permafrost specialists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days when they drill a few wells to measure temperatures and to collect core samples , ” the scientist said .
“ All these works are conducted near the power plant.
” The expedition is waiting for a team of geochronology scientists who will analyze the soil pollution .
They will begin working after August 15 , when their equipment will be in place .
The expedition has completed work at about 30 locations .
At each of the locatons they had determined the points where samples of water , soil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken .
The scientists have collected more than 1,500 samples , which weigh about 300 kilograms overall , the field stage leader said .
“ The number of tests is impressive .
Water will be sampled for oil products , heavy metals and microelements .
In addition to that , hydrobiological studies will be conducted to determine the share of benthos , and more , ” he said .
“ Similar tests will be made to sample soils and sediments .
”

TASS, August 13. Participants in the Great Norilsk Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch have not seen any traces of the fuel spill in the Pyasina River, where they have completed a stage of field works, the expedition’s press service told TASS citing the field stage leader, Nikolai Yurkevich of the Institute of Petroleum-Gas Geology and Geophysics.
“I would rather not give any comments now. I can confirm only the following: while near the power plant the spill was evident, on the Pyasina River it was not seen,” the scientist said. “Botanists have also confirmed positive dynamics in the plants at a distance from the industrial facilities.”
Those are the only clear conclusions the scientists can give now, as any further details will be available only after laboratory tests, he added.
Field works almost complete
The expedition has completed a part of the field works, the press service said. Two teams, one named Ground Ecosystems and that of hydrobiologists have taken all the samples. “Geophysicists have also completed their part of work. Permafrost specialists are about to finalize their stage within a few days when they drill a few wells to measure temperatures and to collect core samples,” the scientist said. “All these works are conducted near the power plant.” The expedition is waiting for a team of geochronology scientists who will analyze the soil pollution. They will begin working after August 15, when their equipment will be in place.
The expedition has completed work at about 30 locations. At each of the locatons they had determined the points where samples of water, soil, sediments and plants were to be taken. The scientists have collected more than 1,500 samples, which weigh about 300 kilograms overall, the field stage leader said.
“The number of tests is impressive. Water will be sampled for oil products, heavy metals and microelements. In addition to that, hydrobiological studies will be conducted to determine the share of benthos, and more,” he said. “Similar tests will be made to sample soils and sediments.”


tass--2020-08-13--Washington furnished no proof of Russia’s alleged collusion with the Taliban — diplomat

MOSCOW , August 13./TASS/ .
The US failed to provide facts confirming alleged ties between Russian intelligence services and the Taliban movement even after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had requested this in a phone call with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` In a telephone conversation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the US secretary of state on July 13 , the US side indeed raised the issue of alleged collusion of Russian intelligence services with the Taliban fighters whom they [ Russian intelligence ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military in Afghanistan , '' Zakharova said .
`` The Russian side ’ s answer was as follows - the Russian foreign minister described these statements as dishonest speculations having nothing to do with reality .
He also asked the US side to produce evidence that Washington had on hands , which was not provided as usual , '' the diplomat stressed .
`` Moreover , Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the Russian side was interested in the US presence in Afghanistan , among other things within the context of preventing militants from moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
The New York Times wrote on June 26 that a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties to Taliban militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan .
`` The intelligence finding was briefed to President Trump , and the White House ’ s National Security Council discussed the problem at an interagency meeting in late March , the officials said , '' the newspaper wrote .

MOSCOW, August 13./TASS/. The US failed to provide facts confirming alleged ties between Russian intelligence services and the Taliban movement even after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had requested this in a phone call with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"In a telephone conversation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the US secretary of state on July 13, the US side indeed raised the issue of alleged collusion of Russian intelligence services with the Taliban fighters whom they [Russian intelligence] allegedly incite to make sorties against US military in Afghanistan," Zakharova said.
"The Russian side’s answer was as follows - the Russian foreign minister described these statements as dishonest speculations having nothing to do with reality. He also asked the US side to produce evidence that Washington had on hands, which was not provided as usual," the diplomat stressed.
"Moreover, Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the Russian side was interested in the US presence in Afghanistan, among other things within the context of preventing militants from moving to Central Asian countries," she added.
The New York Times wrote on June 26 that a Russian military intelligence unit had offered bounties to Taliban militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan. "The intelligence finding was briefed to President Trump, and the White House’s National Security Council discussed the problem at an interagency meeting in late March, the officials said," the newspaper wrote.


tass--2020-08-13--Attempts to find ‘Russian connection’ to unrest in Belarus groundless — diplomat

Russia observes attempts of foreign interference in Belarus ' affairs aimed at splitting the society , the spokeswoman said '' We expect that professional cooperation by the investigative committees , prosecutor generals ’ offices and other agencies of the two countries will help clear up the situation involving the detention of 33 Russian citizens as soon as possible .
It is important to stress that the attempts to find a ‘ Russian connection ’ to the latest unrest in Belarus are groundless , '' Zakharova told a news briefing .
`` There have been signs pointing in a different direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been shared with the Belarusian side and is available to the public at large .
Attempts to spoil relations between Russia and Belarus are bound to fail , Maria Zakharova continued .
`` Russia has been and will remain a reliable ally and friend of Belarus and the fraternal Belarusian nation .
We are confident that any attempts to cause a rift between us are bound to fail , '' she said .
Russia observes clear attempts of foreign interference in Belarus ' affairs aimed at splitting the society , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure exerted on Belarusian authorities by some foreign partners .
There are clear attempts of foreign interference in the affairs of a sovereign state to split the society and destabilize the situation , '' the diplomat underlined .
She also emphasized that the Russian side had witnessed these tools employed in other countries many times .
`` We urge everyone to show restraint and prudence .
We reaffirm that we are interested in stable domestic political situation in Belarus .
We hope that the situation in that country will stabilize and return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of the Russian journalists detained in Belarus in recent days have been released , the diplomat informed .
She said Russia ’ s ambassador in Minsk , Dmitry Mezentsev maintained close contact with the Belarusian authorities concerned .
`` By now most of the detained Russian journalists have been released , '' Zakharova stated .
`` Semyon Pegov , Vladislav Zizdok , Anton Starkov , Dmitry Lasenko , Maxim Solopov , Ilya Pitalyov , Nikita Telizhenko and Igor Rogov are back home .
We are grateful to our Belarusian counterparts for prompt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I would like to point out that the work for protecting the rights of Russian citizens will certainly continue , '' she stressed .
On August 9 , the presidential election took place in Belarus .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the votes , while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % of the ballots cast .
The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
Since Sunday , people have been joining demonstrators in the evening daily , while the national Interior Ministry said 6,000 had been detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

Russia observes attempts of foreign interference in Belarus' affairs aimed at splitting the society, the spokeswoman said
MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has dismissed as groundless attempts to find a "Russian connection" to the unrest in Belarus.
"We expect that professional cooperation by the investigative committees, prosecutor generals’ offices and other agencies of the two countries will help clear up the situation involving the detention of 33 Russian citizens as soon as possible. It is important to stress that the attempts to find a ‘Russian connection’ to the latest unrest in Belarus are groundless," Zakharova told a news briefing. "There have been signs pointing in a different direction."
Read also Over 60 journalists detained after election in Belarus
Related evidence, she said, has been shared with the Belarusian side and is available to the public at large. Attempts to spoil relations between Russia and Belarus are bound to fail, Maria Zakharova continued. "Russia has been and will remain a reliable ally and friend of Belarus and the fraternal Belarusian nation. We are confident that any attempts to cause a rift between us are bound to fail," she said. Foreign interference
Russia observes clear attempts of foreign interference in Belarus' affairs aimed at splitting the society, the spokeswoman stated. "We observe unprecedented pressure exerted on Belarusian authorities by some foreign partners. There are clear attempts of foreign interference in the affairs of a sovereign state to split the society and destabilize the situation," the diplomat underlined. She also emphasized that the Russian side had witnessed these tools employed in other countries many times. "We urge everyone to show restraint and prudence. We reaffirm that we are interested in stable domestic political situation in Belarus. We hope that the situation in that country will stabilize and return to normalcy soon," she stressed. Most journalists released
Read also Released journalists back in Russia from Belarus


tass--2020-08-13--Belarus’ National Salvation Front announces collection of documents for Lukashenko’s trial

KIEV , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
The National Salvation Front of Belarus whose creation was announced earlier by Valery @ @ @ @ @ registration by the Central Election Committee , announced the collection of materials to bring a @ @ @ @ @ Belarus Alexander Lukashenko before the court , the organization ’ s Telegram channel reported on @ @ @ @ @ an agreement with a number of foreign lawyers regarding the preparation of paperwork to form @ @ @ @ @ G. in the International Court of Justice in the Hague .
We ask Belarusian lawyers @ @ @ @ @ the norms of Belarusian and international legislations violated by citizen Lukashenko A.G .
They may @ @ @ @ @ Code of Belarus , as well as a list of violations of international agreements Belarus @ @ @ @ @ statement reads .

KIEV, August 13. /TASS/. The National Salvation Front of Belarus whose creation was announced earlier by Valery Tsepkalo, presidential candidate denied registration by the Central Election Commission, announced the collection of materials to bring a case against incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko before the court, the organization’s Telegram channel reported on Thursday.
"We have an agreement with a number of foreign lawyers regarding the preparation of paperwork to form an accusation against Lukashenko A. G. in the International Court of Justice in the Hague. We ask Belarusian lawyers to join this process listing the norms of Belarusian and international legislations violated by citizen Lukashenko A.G. They may include articles of the Criminal Code of Belarus, as well as a list of violations of international agreements Belarus participates in," the statement reads.


tass--2020-08-13--Hainan's Haikou approves import and export bureau for international communications

HAIKOU , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's Office for Industry and IT has approved the establishment of a regional bureau for the import and export of international communications services in Haikou , reported www.hinews.cn .
A request to create such a structure came from China Mobile Communications Group .
This bureau , the news outlet writes , will be a breakthrough in building an international communications network for Hainan 's free trade port .
The bureau will provide services for establishing connections between the communication networks of Chinese and foreign telecom operators .
The creation of the structure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the construction of Hainan 's free trade port .
Earlier , the Ministry of Industry and IT also approved the creation of a special Internet channel for Hainan 's free trade port .
Improving the Hainan free trade port 's ability to provide international data services will lay a solid foundation for an international information and communication hub in the future , as well as boost related industries .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 13. /TASS/. Hainan's Office for Industry and IT has approved the establishment of a regional bureau for the import and export of international communications services in Haikou, reported www.hinews.cn.
A request to create such a structure came from China Mobile Communications Group. This bureau, the news outlet writes, will be a breakthrough in building an international communications network for Hainan's free trade port. The bureau will provide services for establishing connections between the communication networks of Chinese and foreign telecom operators.
The creation of the structure is part of the June program for the construction of Hainan's free trade port. Earlier, the Ministry of Industry and IT also approved the creation of a special Internet channel for Hainan's free trade port. Improving the Hainan free trade port's ability to provide international data services will lay a solid foundation for an international information and communication hub in the future, as well as boost related industries.
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.
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--2020-08-13--Austrian chancellor urges probe into death of protesters in Belarus

VIENNA , August 13./TASS/ .
A neutral party must investigate the death of protesters in Belarus , Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said in a tweet on Thursday .
`` We denounce the developments in Belarus and violence against protesters these days .
Those who were arrested must be immediately released , the death of demonstrators must be promptly and fully investigated by an independent party .
A clear reaction is needed from the EU , '' he wrote on Twitter .
Earlier , the Belarusian Interior Ministry reported one fatality during the protests .
It said a man had tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement officers , but it went off right in his hands .
`` I call upon the Belarusian authorities to immediately stop harsh and unruly actions against peaceful protesters and to lift the internet blockade .
Relations between the EU and Belarus should be reviewed depending on how the situation unfolds , '' Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in a statement released via the Austrian Foreign Ministry ’ s Twitter account on Tuesday .
Austrian president ’ s Office said that President Alexander Van der Bellen would not send a telegram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko , whom the Austrian authorities received for a visit in Vienna in November 2019 .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , suggesting Lukashenko ’ s landslide victory , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police .
Protests have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
Tikhanovskaya challenged the results , refusing to recognize them .
She also filed a complaint with the national election commission .
Tikhanovskaya then left the country and is now in Lithuania .

VIENNA, August 13./TASS/. A neutral party must investigate the death of protesters in Belarus, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said in a tweet on Thursday.
"We denounce the developments in Belarus and violence against protesters these days. Those who were arrested must be immediately released, the death of demonstrators must be promptly and fully investigated by an independent party. A clear reaction is needed from the EU," he wrote on Twitter.
Earlier, the Belarusian Interior Ministry reported one fatality during the protests. It said a man had tried to throw an unidentified explosive devise towards law enforcement officers, but it went off right in his hands.
"I call upon the Belarusian authorities to immediately stop harsh and unruly actions against peaceful protesters and to lift the internet blockade. Relations between the EU and Belarus should be reviewed depending on how the situation unfolds," Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in a statement released via the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Twitter account on Tuesday.
Austrian president’s Office said that President Alexander Van der Bellen would not send a telegram of congratulations to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, whom the Austrian authorities received for a visit in Vienna in November 2019.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09%.
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, suggesting Lukashenko’s landslide victory, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases escalated into clashes with the police. Protests have continued since Sunday. The national Interior Ministry said about 6,000 people had been detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. Tikhanovskaya challenged the results, refusing to recognize them. She also filed a complaint with the national election commission. Tikhanovskaya then left the country and is now in Lithuania.


tass--2020-08-13--Belarusian law enforcement officials leave Yandex and Uber offices in Minsk

MINSK , August 13 /TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcement officers left Yandex and Uber offices in Minsk 2.5 hours later @ @ @ @ @ individuals went out of the building , got into a minivan and departed .
Representatives @ @ @ @ @ interact with mass media .
Investigative activities were conducted in Yandex and Uber offices in @ @ @ @ @ told TASS earlier on Thursday .

MINSK, August 13 /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement officers left Yandex and Uber offices in Minsk 2.5 hours later on Thursday.
Six uniformed individuals went out of the building, got into a minivan and departed.
Representatives of the companies refused to interact with mass media.
Investigative activities were conducted in Yandex and Uber offices in Minsk, a security official told TASS earlier on Thursday.


tass--2020-08-13--Russian Navy warship wraps up visit to Algeria

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s large anti-submarine warfare ship Vice-Admiral Kulakov wrapped up its business call at Algeria and left the port for the Mediterranean Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` The Russian sailors ’ visit lasted three days .
Over this time , the ship ’ s crew replenished fresh water and food supplies , fulfilled necessary maintenance works and had a rest from the deck watch , '' the press office said in a statement .
No visits to the city , excursions or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Navy sailors in Algeria due to the epidemiological situation .
This has been the ship ’ s first visit to a foreign port since the beginning of its deployment in distant waters and several more business calls at ports of some other Mediterranean states are planned , the statement says .
The Russian Navy ship ’ s calls at Algeria and other counties are being held as part of international naval cooperation .
One of the tasks of the Vice-Admiral Kulakov ’ s deployment is to demonstrate the St. Andrew ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide for Russia ’ s presence in the region , the Fleet ’ s press office specified .
The Project 1155 large anti-submarine warfare ship Vice-Admiral Kulakov is armed with anti-submarine missile systems , rocket launchers , torpedo tubes and other types of artillery and missile armament .
The warship also carries two Ka-27 anti-submarine warfare helicopters .
The Russian Navy has been actively employing the Northern Fleet ’ s large anti-submarine warfare ships in recent years to perform long-distance deployments to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and to carry out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s large anti-submarine warfare ship Vice-Admiral Kulakov wrapped up its business call at Algeria and left the port for the Mediterranean Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"The Russian sailors’ visit lasted three days. Over this time, the ship’s crew replenished fresh water and food supplies, fulfilled necessary maintenance works and had a rest from the deck watch," the press office said in a statement.
No visits to the city, excursions or other mass cultural events were held for the Russian Navy sailors in Algeria due to the epidemiological situation. This has been the ship’s first visit to a foreign port since the beginning of its deployment in distant waters and several more business calls at ports of some other Mediterranean states are planned, the statement says.
The Russian Navy ship’s calls at Algeria and other counties are being held as part of international naval cooperation. One of the tasks of the Vice-Admiral Kulakov’s deployment is to demonstrate the St. Andrew’s (Russian naval) flag and provide for Russia’s presence in the region, the Fleet’s press office specified.
The Project 1155 large anti-submarine warfare ship Vice-Admiral Kulakov is armed with anti-submarine missile systems, rocket launchers, torpedo tubes and other types of artillery and missile armament. The warship also carries two Ka-27 anti-submarine warfare helicopters.
The Russian Navy has been actively employing the Northern Fleet’s large anti-submarine warfare ships in recent years to perform long-distance deployments to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and to carry out missions for the exploration of the Arctic.


tass--2020-08-13--Minsk’s cardiology center workers rally ‘against violence’

MINSK , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Employees of the Belarusian Scientific and Practical Center Cardiology have organized a rally dubbed ‘ against violence ’ on Thursday amid clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers that gripped the country , tut.by portal reports .
`` Medical workers of the Scientific and Practical Center Cardiology have launched a rally in solidarity , '' the portal said .
Tut.by also published a video showing a few dozens people gathered in the center ’ s patio , many of them wearing special medical uniform .
The rally participants are holding placards reading ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On August 9 , the presidential election took place in Belarus .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the votes , while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % of the ballots cast .
The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
Since Sunday , people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the national Interior Ministry said some 7,000 had been detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. Employees of the Belarusian Scientific and Practical Center Cardiology have organized a rally dubbed ‘against violence’ on Thursday amid clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers that gripped the country, tut.by portal reports.
"Medical workers of the Scientific and Practical Center Cardiology have launched a rally in solidarity," the portal said.
Tut.by also published a video showing a few dozens people gathered in the center’s patio, many of them wearing special medical uniform. The rally participants are holding placards reading ‘No to violence’ and applauding.
On August 9, the presidential election took place in Belarus. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the votes, while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09% of the ballots cast. The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each. After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. Since Sunday, people have been joining demonstrators in the evening daily, while the national Interior Ministry said some 7,000 had been detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-14--Belarus Interior Ministry says past 24 hours were calmest in four days

MINSK , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
The past 24 hours were the calmest time in Belarus in the past four days , spokesperson for the national Interior Ministry Olga Chemodanova wrote in her Telegram channel Friday .
`` The rallies that took place were largely peaceful .
< … > Only in isolated cases actions of some people during the unauthorized events were aggressive .
For example , a law enforcement officer was wounded in Vitebsk , '' she wrote .
The spokesperson also underlined that 102 administrative offence protocols were signed in the past 24 hours and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disparaging the police on the Internet .
On August 9 , Belarus held the presidential election .
Earlier on Friday , the national Central Election Commission declared official results , showing incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.1 % of the votes .
His key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who came second with 10.12 % rejected the results .
After exit poll results were revealed when voting was closed , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been detained since Sunday , while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 14. /TASS/. The past 24 hours were the calmest time in Belarus in the past four days, spokesperson for the national Interior Ministry Olga Chemodanova wrote in her Telegram channel Friday.
"The rallies that took place were largely peaceful. <…> Only in isolated cases actions of some people during the unauthorized events were aggressive. For example, a law enforcement officer was wounded in Vitebsk," she wrote.
The spokesperson also underlined that 102 administrative offence protocols were signed in the past 24 hours and a probe is underway into publication of materials disparaging the police on the Internet.
On August 9, Belarus held the presidential election. Earlier on Friday, the national Central Election Commission declared official results, showing incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.1% of the votes. His key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who came second with 10.12% rejected the results. After exit poll results were revealed when voting was closed, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. The national Interior Ministry said a few thousands had been detained since Sunday, while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-14--Russian radars track 35 foreign spy planes and 11 drones over week

MOSCOW , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian radars tracked 46 foreign aircraft that conducted air reconnaissance near Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ past week , the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ show that 35 foreign spy planes and 11 drones conducted air reconnaissance along Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ past week .
All the flights by foreign spy aircraft were tracked by Russian radar @ @ @ @ @ the Russian state border were allowed , the paper stressed .
In the past week @ @ @ @ @ 342 flight shifts at 77 aerodromes as part of their combat training , the Defense @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 14. /TASS/. Russian radars tracked 46 foreign aircraft that conducted air reconnaissance near Russia’s state border in the past week, the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported on Friday.
The paper’s infographics show that 35 foreign spy planes and 11 drones conducted air reconnaissance along Russia’s state borders in the past week. All the flights by foreign spy aircraft were tracked by Russian radar stations. No violations of the Russian state border were allowed, the paper stressed.
In the past week, Russian pilots carried out 342 flight shifts at 77 aerodromes as part of their combat training, the Defense Ministry said.


tass--2020-08-14--Over 2,000 protesters released after detention in Belarus, Interior Ministry says

MINSK , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
More than 2,000 people who were detained in Belarus during protests over the past several days have been released , the country ’ s Interior Ministry said on Friday .
`` The Interior Ministry is worried over the fact that detention facilities are overcrowded .
More than 2,000 people have already been released .
This process goes on non-stop , it is underway at this moment .
Not that fast as one might want it to , although .
We are doing our best to resolve the situation . ''
On August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since declaring independence in 1991 .
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities on Sunday night into Monday morning after exit poll results were made public .
As a result , more than 6,000 people were detained , dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured .
On Friday , Belarus ’ Central Election Commission made public the final results of Sunday ’ s voting .
The incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.1 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 14. /TASS/. More than 2,000 people who were detained in Belarus during protests over the past several days have been released, the country’s Interior Ministry said on Friday.
"The Interior Ministry is worried over the fact that detention facilities are overcrowded. More than 2,000 people have already been released. This process goes on non-stop, it is underway at this moment. Not that fast as one might want it to, although. We are doing our best to resolve the situation."
On August 9, Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991. Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities on Sunday night into Monday morning after exit poll results were made public. As a result, more than 6,000 people were detained, dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured.
On Friday, Belarus’ Central Election Commission made public the final results of Sunday’s voting. The incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.1% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes.