tass--2020-07-10--Russian Defense Ministry’s clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine enter final stage

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Defense Ministry and the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology have started the final stage of clinical trials of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus , the ministry stated on Friday .
According to the Defense Ministry , `` an in-ward treatment of the first group of volunteers , who were tested for the safety and tolerability of the vaccine , will end on July 15 . ''
`` On Monday , July 13 , the second group of volunteers , who are tested for the efficiency and immunogenicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the second component of the vaccine against the coronavirus , '' the ministry stated .
`` The booster scheme of the vaccination , which is intended for the second group of volunteers , will enable to strengthen the immune system and will also prolong its endurance , '' according to the ministry .
The ministry also added that all volunteers feel well , have no complaints ; they experience no side-effects at all and the first group of volunteers would be discharged from the Burdenko Military Hospital after undergoing the final tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , performed on a group of volunteers in Russia , show that they are developing immunity to the coronavirus , the ministry continued .
`` In line with the research protocol , volunteers regularly take tests for antibody and cell-mediated immunity , '' the ministry stated .
`` The data obtained by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology , proves that volunteers of the first and second groups are forming an immune response after injections of the vaccine against the coronavirus . ''
The Defense Ministry announced in early June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected for the clinical tests of an anti-coronavirus vaccine .
The first group of 50 servicemen includes five women and ten medics .
The second group is comprised of civilians .
Clinical testing of the vaccine developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology began on June 18 .
Eighteen volunteers were vaccinated against the novel coronavirus .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 12,390,370 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,220,650 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , over 707,300 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 481,316 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s latest data indicates 10,843 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry and the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology have started the final stage of clinical trials of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, the ministry stated on Friday.
According to the Defense Ministry, "an in-ward treatment of the first group of volunteers, who were tested for the safety and tolerability of the vaccine, will end on July 15."
"On Monday, July 13, the second group of volunteers, who are tested for the efficiency and immunogenicity of the vaccine, will be injected with the second component of the vaccine against the coronavirus," the ministry stated.
"The booster scheme of the vaccination, which is intended for the second group of volunteers, will enable to strengthen the immune system and will also prolong its endurance," according to the ministry.
The ministry also added that all volunteers feel well, have no complaints; they experience no side-effects at all and the first group of volunteers would be discharged from the Burdenko Military Hospital after undergoing the final tests.
Results of the COVID-19 vaccine tests, performed on a group of volunteers in Russia, show that they are developing immunity to the coronavirus, the ministry continued.
"In line with the research protocol, volunteers regularly take tests for antibody and cell-mediated immunity," the ministry stated. "The data obtained by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, proves that volunteers of the first and second groups are forming an immune response after injections of the vaccine against the coronavirus."
The Defense Ministry announced in early June that two groups of volunteers had been selected for the clinical tests of an anti-coronavirus vaccine. The first group of 50 servicemen includes five women and ten medics. The second group is comprised of civilians.
Clinical testing of the vaccine developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology began on June 18. Eighteen volunteers were vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 12,390,370 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,220,650 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, over 707,300 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 481,316 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 10,843 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-10--Foreign spy planes flew 30 times near Russian borders within a week

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Thirty foreign planes conducted air reconnaissance near Russian borders over the week , @ @ @ @ @ in the Defense Ministry ’ s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Friday .
`` Thirty spy @ @ @ @ @ air reconnaissance along the borders of the Russian Federation and were tracked by Russian radar @ @ @ @ @ says .
Moreover , two drones flew close to the Russian borders , according to @ @ @ @ @ jets from the air defense quick reaction alert forces were scrambled eight times to intercept @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian state border were allowed , the infographics specifies .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. Thirty foreign planes conducted air reconnaissance near Russian borders over the week, according to the infographics published in the Defense Ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Friday.
"Thirty spy planes of foreign states conducted air reconnaissance along the borders of the Russian Federation and were tracked by Russian radar systems," the infographics says.
Moreover, two drones flew close to the Russian borders, according to the infographics.
Russian fighter jets from the air defense quick reaction alert forces were scrambled eight times to intercept foreign aircraft. No violations of the Russian state border were allowed, the infographics specifies.


tass--2020-07-10--US Department of State invites Russia for new round of Strategic Security Dialogue

WASHINGTON , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation ( ISN ) Christopher Ford has invited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov for a new round of talks on the strategic stability , the ISN said on its Twitter page .
`` Big day for strategic security diplomacy with Russia : in meeting with Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov , [ US Assistant Secretary Chris ] Ford finalized planning for a Space Security Exchange at end of July , '' the US bureau stated .
`` Ford also invited Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Strategic Security Dialogue last held in January . ''
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov announced last week that the previously scheduled dates for the US-Russia consultations on the strategic stability remained unchanged and were set for mid-July .
On June 22 , Russia and the United States held talks on strategic stability and arms control behind closed doors in Vienna .
The countries ’ delegations were headed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea .
An issue of extending the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the talks .
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) was signed in 2010 and it entered into force on February 5 , 2011 .
The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBM ) and strategic bombers , as well as no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers , and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers , SLBM launchers and strategic bombers .
The New START Treaty obliges the parties to exchange information on the number of warheads and carriers twice a year .
The New START Treaty will remain in force during 10 years until 2021 , unless superseded by a subsequent agreement .
It may be extended for a period of no more than five years ( i.e .
until 2026 ) upon the parties ’ mutual consent .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay the issue of the Treaty ’ s possible extension and calls it a ‘ golden standard ’ in the sphere of disarmament .

WASHINGTON, July 10. /TASS/. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) Christopher Ford has invited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov for a new round of talks on the strategic stability, the ISN said on its Twitter page.
"Big day for strategic security diplomacy with Russia: in meeting with Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov, [US Assistant Secretary Chris] Ford finalized planning for a Space Security Exchange at end of July," the US bureau stated. "Ford also invited Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov to new round of the Strategic Security Dialogue last held in January."
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov announced last week that the previously scheduled dates for the US-Russia consultations on the strategic stability remained unchanged and were set for mid-July.
On June 22, Russia and the United States held talks on strategic stability and arms control behind closed doors in Vienna. The countries’ delegations were headed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea. An issue of extending the New START Treaty was also on the agenda of the talks.
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) was signed in 2010 and it entered into force on February 5, 2011.
The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and strategic bombers, as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers, and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and strategic bombers.
The New START Treaty obliges the parties to exchange information on the number of warheads and carriers twice a year.
The New START Treaty will remain in force during 10 years until 2021, unless superseded by a subsequent agreement. It may be extended for a period of no more than five years (i.e. until 2026) upon the parties’ mutual consent.
Moscow has numerously called on Washington not to delay the issue of the Treaty’s possible extension and calls it a ‘golden standard’ in the sphere of disarmament.


tass--2020-07-10--Bank accounts of Russia’s high treason suspect Safronov blocked - source

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Bank accounts of Ivan Safronov , a former journalist and an advisor to the head of Russia ’ s space agency Roscosmos , as well as bank accounts of his relatives , have been blocked , a source close to the investigation told TASS .
`` All bank accounts of Safronov , as well as of his mother , his sister and her husband , have been blocked , '' the source said adding that police searches took place at houses of Safronov ’ s mother and sister .
`` They [ Safronov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have no procedural status , '' according to the source .
TASS has no official confirmation to this information from investigative bodies .
Ivan Safronov , an advisor to the Roscosmos chief , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on July 7 on charges of high treason .
The FSB claims that Safronov was recruited by the Czech intelligence in 2012 and in 2017 he provided the Czech secret agency with information about Russian arms supplies to the Middle East and Africa .
The provided data was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the investigation .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovo Court ordered to put him in custody until September 6 .
Safronov faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. Bank accounts of Ivan Safronov, a former journalist and an advisor to the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, as well as bank accounts of his relatives, have been blocked, a source close to the investigation told TASS.
"All bank accounts of Safronov, as well as of his mother, his sister and her husband, have been blocked," the source said adding that police searches took place at houses of Safronov’s mother and sister.
"They [Safronov’s relatives] were not detained and have no procedural status," according to the source.
TASS has no official confirmation to this information from investigative bodies.
Ivan Safronov, an advisor to the Roscosmos chief, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on July 7 on charges of high treason. The FSB claims that Safronov was recruited by the Czech intelligence in 2012 and in 2017 he provided the Czech secret agency with information about Russian arms supplies to the Middle East and Africa. The provided data was later passed on to the United States, according to the investigation.
Moscow’s Lefortovo Court ordered to put him in custody until September 6. Safronov faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.


tass--2020-07-09--Hainan's new economic district to offer consulting services to investors

HAIKOU , July 9 .
/TASS/ .
The new Jiangdong Economic Development Area located in Hainan ' Haikou will provide advisory services to investors , reported the Hainan Daily newspaper .
The authorities in Jiaodong will advise both Chinese and foreign enterprises intending to register their companies or branches there .
In particular , the interested parties will be helped with registration procedures , rental of office and industrial premises , as well as space in business incubators .
Moreover , foreign companies will be provided with the necessary guidance in foreign languages , the publication clarifies .
Foreign investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project on the possibilities of the new economic region of Jiangdong .
The site informs about the advantages and prospects of this special development zone , as well as the latest updates .
In June 2018 , the Hainan administration announced the creation of a new economic development district of Jiangdong near Meilan International Airport .
Major commercial , industrial and energy corporations , financial institutions on the list of 500 largest commercial organizations in China have already begun working here .
This special zone , with an area of more than 298 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the creation of Hainan 's free trade port .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @

HAIKOU, July 9. /TASS/. The new Jiangdong Economic Development Area located in Hainan' Haikou will provide advisory services to investors, reported the Hainan Daily newspaper.
The authorities in Jiaodong will advise both Chinese and foreign enterprises intending to register their companies or branches there. In particular, the interested parties will be helped with registration procedures, rental of office and industrial premises, as well as space in business incubators. Moreover, foreign companies will be provided with the necessary guidance in foreign languages, the publication clarifies.
Foreign investors can also check out the English-language online project on the possibilities of the new economic region of Jiangdong. The site informs about the advantages and prospects of this special development zone, as well as the latest updates.
In June 2018, the Hainan administration announced the creation of a new economic development district of Jiangdong near Meilan International Airport. Major commercial, industrial and energy corporations, financial institutions on the list of 500 largest commercial organizations in China have already begun working here. This special zone, with an area of more than 298 square kilometers, plays an important part in the creation of Hainan's free trade port.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-07-11--US Jury finds Russian cybercrime suspect Nikulin guilty on all counts

NEW YORK , July 11 .
/TASS/ .
The jury at the US District Court for the Northern District of California found Russian citizen Yevgeny Nikulin gulty on nine counts of cybercrime , according to a live broadcast of the court session via Zoom .
The judge said it was a unanimous decision and read out the verdict .
According to the verdict , the jury cleared Nikulin of two criminal episodes mentioned in two counts .
However , he was still found guilty on those counts .
The date of the sentencing is yet unknown .
The trial of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , began in San Francisco on March 9 , but it was suspended on March 16 due to the spread of coronavirus .
The US authorities hold Nikulin responsible for a number of crimes , including hacking into computer systems and theft of personal data .
He was detained in Prague on October 5 , 2016 .
In November 2016 , a request for Nikulin ’ s extradition was lodged by Russia , where he is accused of stealing $ 3,400 through the Internet in 2009 .
The Czech Republic on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
On the same day he faced a court in San Francisco to plead not guilty .

NEW YORK, July 11. /TASS/. The jury at the US District Court for the Northern District of California found Russian citizen Yevgeny Nikulin gulty on nine counts of cybercrime, according to a live broadcast of the court session via Zoom.
The judge said it was a unanimous decision and read out the verdict.
According to the verdict, the jury disagreed with the prosecutors’ reasons and cleared Nikulin of two sections of two counts. However, the Russian citizen was still found guilty on those counts.
It took the jury several hours to pass the decision.
The sentencing will take place in San Francisco at 14:00 on September 29, 2020, the District Court for the Northern District of California said.
Nikulin’s lawyer Arkady Bukh told TASS that the verdict will be appealed.
"We are certainly filing an appeal. An agreement with the family has already been reached. A huge injustice has taken place," he said.
The lawyer said a psychiatric examination ordered by the judge found that Nikulin had problems with his mental health.
Apparently, there will be some other additional reasons," Bukh said.
In his words, an appeal must be filed within 60 days, "but some changes are possible due to the coronavirus." "But we are certainly going to the court of appeal," he added.
The trial of Nikulin, accused of cybercrimes in the US, began in San Francisco on March 9, but it was suspended on March 16 due to the spread of coronavirus. The US authorities hold Nikulin responsible for a number of crimes, including hacking into computer systems and theft of personal data. He was detained in Prague on October 5, 2016. In November 2016, a request for Nikulin’s extradition was lodged by Russia, where he is accused of stealing $3,400 through the Internet in 2009.
The Czech Republic on March 31 confirmed that Nikulin was extradited to the United States. On the same day he faced a court in San Francisco to plead not guilty.


tass--2020-07-11--UN Security Council once again rejects Russia’s resolution on trans-border aid to Syria

UNITED NATIONS , July 11 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Security Council once again voted to reject the Russian draft resolution on international aid deliveries to Syria via one checkpoint on the border with Turkey , said Christoph Heusgen , Germany ’ s envoy to the UN who chairs the Council in July .
The draft resolution received seven ‘ no ’ votes and four ‘ yes ’ votes , with four abstentions .
A UN source told TASS that the document was supported by Russia , China , Vietnam and South Africa .
The United Kingdom , the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Dominican Republic and Estonia voted against , while Indonesia , Niger , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Tunisia abstained .
Earlier , Russia ’ s first deputy UN envoy , Dmitry Polyansky , said the updated Russian resolution `` will allow cross-border humanitarian deliveries to Idlib in Syria through crossing point Bab-el-Hawa for one year . ''
`` This border-crossing accounts for more than 85 % of total volume of operations , '' the Russian diplomat added .
Moscow has explained the need to gradually curtail the mechanism of trans-border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground .
As the Syrian government regains control over more and more regions , international aid to those areas can be delivered in coordination with Damascus and in accordance with the international humanitarian law .
On Friday , Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution co-authored by Germany and Belgium , which stipulates extending the delivery of aid bypassing Damascus and suggests two border crossings for the purpose , with the possibility of opening the third one .
The decision to launch cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria was passed in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic decrease in access to the population because of heated hostilities .
Thus , Resolution 2165 stipulates the establishment of several checkpoints at Syria ’ s borders and the deployment of a United Nations monitoring mission to inspect incoming cargoes to prevent weapons supplies .
In January 2020 , the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism for six months but reducing the number of checkpoints from four to two .

UNITED NATIONS, July 11. /TASS/. The UN Security Council once again voted to reject the Russian draft resolution on international aid deliveries to Syria via one checkpoint on the border with Turkey, said Christoph Heusgen, Germany’s envoy to the UN who chairs the Council in July.
The draft resolution received seven ‘no’ votes and four ‘yes’ votes, with four abstentions.
A UN source told TASS that the document was supported by Russia, China, Vietnam and South Africa. The United Kingdom, the United States, France, Belgium, Germany, the Dominican Republic and Estonia voted against, while Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Tunisia abstained.
Earlier, Russia’s first deputy UN envoy, Dmitry Polyansky, said the updated Russian resolution "will allow cross-border humanitarian deliveries to Idlib in Syria through crossing point Bab-el-Hawa for one year." "This border-crossing accounts for more than 85% of total volume of operations," the Russian diplomat added.
Moscow has explained the need to gradually curtail the mechanism of trans-border deliveries to Syria by the changing situation on the ground. As the Syrian government regains control over more and more regions, international aid to those areas can be delivered in coordination with Damascus and in accordance with the international humanitarian law.
On Friday, Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution co-authored by Germany and Belgium, which stipulates extending the delivery of aid bypassing Damascus and suggests two border crossings for the purpose, with the possibility of opening the third one.
The decision to launch cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria was passed in July 2014 as a response measure to the dramatic decrease in access to the population because of heated hostilities. Thus, Resolution 2165 stipulates the establishment of several checkpoints at Syria’s borders and the deployment of a United Nations monitoring mission to inspect incoming cargoes to prevent weapons supplies.
In January 2020, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism for six months but reducing the number of checkpoints from four to two.


tass--2020-07-11--Muslim worship at Hagia Sophia to begin on July 24 — Erdogan

ANKARA , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Muslim worship at the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul , which was turned from a museum into a mosque on Friday , will begin on July 24 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised address to the nation on Friday .
`` Upon the completion of preparatory measures , we plan to organize a religious service in Hagia Sophia on July 24 .
As its museum status has been revoked , entry fees will be cancelled .
Its doors will always be open for local residents , foreign tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Turkish leader said .
According to the Turkish president , the process of turning Hagia Sophia into a museum `` will take six months . ''
`` The transformation of Hagia Sophia will be careful , with an eye on preserving the humanity ’ s cultural heritage , '' he said .
Erdogan called upon everyone to respect the government ’ s decision .
`` Hagia Sophia falls under Turkey ’ s jurisdiction .
I call upon everyone to respect the decisions made by Turkey ’ s judicial and executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views on the matter , except for those aimed at undermining out sovereignty , '' the Turkish leader said .
He went on to say that his country has 435 churches and synagogues on its territory .
`` This demonstrates our mentality , which views diversity as our wealth , '' he added .
Earlier in the day , the Turkish Council of State cancelled the Turkish government ’ s decree on assigning the museum status to Hagia Sophia .
President Recept Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree allowing Moslems to perform prayers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status of a mosque .
The Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine architectural monument .
The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Byzantine Emperor Justinian I .
After the fall of Byzantine Empire in 1453 , the cathedral was converted into a mosque .
In 1935 , under the decree of the Turkish government signed by the founder of the modern Turkish state Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , the building was transformed into a museum .
White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals were removed .
In 1985 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNESCO World Heritage ’ s list of monuments .

ANKARA, July 10. /TASS/. The Muslim worship at the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul, which was turned from a museum into a mosque on Friday, will begin on July 24, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised address to the nation on Friday.
"Upon the completion of preparatory measures, we plan to organize a religious service in Hagia Sophia on July 24. As its museum status has been revoked, entry fees will be cancelled. Its doors will always be open for local residents, foreign tourists, Muslims and followers of other religions," the Turkish leader said.
According to the Turkish president, the process of turning Hagia Sophia into a museum "will take six months."
"The transformation of Hagia Sophia will be careful, with an eye on preserving the humanity’s cultural heritage," he said.
Erdogan called upon everyone to respect the government’s decision.
"Hagia Sophia falls under Turkey’s jurisdiction. I call upon everyone to respect the decisions made by Turkey’s judicial and executive authorities. We accept any expression of views on the matter, except for those aimed at undermining out sovereignty," the Turkish leader said.
He went on to say that his country has 435 churches and synagogues on its territory. "This demonstrates our mentality, which views diversity as our wealth," he added.
Earlier in the day, the Turkish Council of State cancelled the Turkish government’s decree on assigning the museum status to Hagia Sophia. President Recept Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree allowing Moslems to perform prayers in Hagia Sophia, which now enjoys the status of a mosque.
The Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine architectural monument. The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
After the fall of Byzantine Empire in 1453, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. In 1935, under the decree of the Turkish government signed by the founder of the modern Turkish state Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the building was transformed into a museum. White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals were removed. In 1985, the building was included on the UNESCO World Heritage’s list of monuments.


tass--2020-07-11--Return to INF Treaty impossible after US withdrawal — Russian deputy foreign minister

MOSCOW , July 11 .
/TASS/ .
The US withdrawal from the Inermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty has become an irreparable mistake , which makes the return to the agreement impossible , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the Duma TV channel on Friday .
`` I would like to say that several mistakes , committed by the US , entailed irreparable consequences .
One of those huge mistakes , for example , is Washington ’ s unilateral withdrawal from the INF Treaty .
It ’ s evident that there can be no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a solid foundation for European security for decades , '' the Russian diplomat said .
Speaking about Washington ’ s mistakes in relations with Russia , the deputy minister noted `` US reluctance to deal with humanitarian issues , '' in particular the refusal to cooperate on repatriating Russian citizens , convicted in the US `` for contrived reasons . ''
`` I ’ m also ready to admit my own mistake : apparently , I underestimated how persistent our US colleagues can be in following dogmas and cliches , which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us .
We should have worked with more energy at various stages .
We will continue this work , '' Ryabkov added .
He went on to say that given how profound the crisis in Russian-US relations is , the tactics of small steps will be the only way to overcome it .
According to the deputy minister , Russia calls upon the United States to search for compromises , but will not sacrifice its national interests or agree to impossible requirements , deliberately put forward by Washington in an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty was terminated on August 2 , 2019 at the initiative of the United States .
Washington said the reason was Russia ’ s refusal to comply with its ultimatum-like demand for scrapping all new cruise missiles 9M729 , which , according to the United States and its NATO allies , were a violation of the agreement .
Moscow dismissed these charges , saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile matched those permitted under the INF Treaty and put forward its own counterarguments over Washington ’ s non-compliance .

MOSCOW, July 11. /TASS/. The US withdrawal from the Inermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has become an irreparable mistake, which makes the return to the agreement impossible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the Duma TV channel on Friday.
"I would like to say that several mistakes, committed by the US, entailed irreparable consequences. One of those huge mistakes, for example, is Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the INF Treaty. It’s evident that there can be no return to this document, which served as a solid foundation for European security for decades," the Russian diplomat said.
Speaking about Washington’s mistakes in relations with Russia, the deputy minister noted "US reluctance to deal with humanitarian issues," in particular the refusal to cooperate on repatriating Russian citizens, convicted in the US "for contrived reasons."
"I’m also ready to admit my own mistake: apparently, I underestimated how persistent our US colleagues can be in following dogmas and cliches, which, to put it mildly, seem inadequate to us. We should have worked with more energy at various stages. We will continue this work," Ryabkov added.
He went on to say that given how profound the crisis in Russian-US relations is, the tactics of small steps will be the only way to overcome it. According to the deputy minister, Russia calls upon the United States to search for compromises, but will not sacrifice its national interests or agree to impossible requirements, deliberately put forward by Washington in an attempt to avoid solving true problems.
The INF Treaty was terminated on August 2, 2019 at the initiative of the United States. Washington said the reason was Russia’s refusal to comply with its ultimatum-like demand for scrapping all new cruise missiles 9M729, which, according to the United States and its NATO allies, were a violation of the agreement. Moscow dismissed these charges, saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile matched those permitted under the INF Treaty and put forward its own counterarguments over Washington’s non-compliance.


tass--2020-07-11--29 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , July10 .
/TASS/ .
Twenty-nine more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with the @ @ @ @ @ 4,110 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` Twenty-nine @ @ @ @ @ have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ 4,116 .
To date , 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July10. /TASS/. Twenty-nine more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 4,110, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Twenty-nine coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,116.
To date, 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 489,068 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-11--Open Skies Treaty to collapse if US talks allies into quitting it — Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
After withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies , the United States might persuade their allies to pull out , and then the treaty will collapse , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in a televised interview on Friday .
`` Having withdrawn from the Treaty , the United States is likely , due to their recent conduct , to try to lure some of their allies out .
Should this happen , the treaty will certainly be doomed and will collapse , '' he said .
The deputy foreign minister says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from the treaty is unjustified and their motives are unacceptable .
`` An attempt to put the blame for this decision on Russia is unscrupulous .
We underline that we have a variety of serious claims against the US , its allies and some states that are US so-called ‘ clients ’ in how they are compliant or not fully compliant with the treaty , '' he added .
Ryabkov pointed out that the United States is guided by a policy of maximum freedom from any restrictions in the arms control sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in principle acceptable to move on looking for ways ensuring their undeniable military superiority .
They will not achieve that , as any action has an equal reaction , '' the diplomat stressed .
`` We have proved many times , including in recent years , that we have the most effective system to ensure our security with the help of military and technological means .
Nobody should doubt that . ''
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ territories to monitor military activities .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty would come into effect in six months after May 22 .
Moscow denies these accusations saying it is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims .
On July 6 , the delegates of the member-states of the Treaty on Open Skies held a video conference to discuss the impact of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s future after that .
Russia was represented at this event by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov .
The senior diplomat said the sides failed to bring closer their positions at the meeting .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements , broaden possibilities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. After withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies, the United States might persuade their allies to pull out, and then the treaty will collapse, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in a televised interview on Friday.
"Having withdrawn from the Treaty, the United States is likely, due to their recent conduct, to try to lure some of their allies out. Should this happen, the treaty will certainly be doomed and will collapse," he said.
The deputy foreign minister says that Russia thinks the US move to withdraw from the treaty is unjustified and their motives are unacceptable.
"An attempt to put the blame for this decision on Russia is unscrupulous. We underline that we have a variety of serious claims against the US, its allies and some states that are US so-called ‘clients’ in how they are compliant or not fully compliant with the treaty," he added.
Ryabkov pointed out that the United States is guided by a policy of maximum freedom from any restrictions in the arms control sector.
"They think that it is in principle acceptable to move on looking for ways ensuring their undeniable military superiority. They will not achieve that, as any action has an equal reaction," the diplomat stressed. "We have proved many times, including in recent years, that we have the most effective system to ensure our security with the help of military and technological means. Nobody should doubt that."
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty would come into effect in six months after May 22. Moscow denies these accusations saying it is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims.
On July 6, the delegates of the member-states of the Treaty on Open Skies held a video conference to discuss the impact of the United States’ withdrawal and the treaty’s future after that. Russia was represented at this event by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. The senior diplomat said the sides failed to bring closer their positions at the meeting.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements, broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.


tass--2020-07-11--Russia’s Vektor research center completes pre-clinical trials of anti-coronavirus vaccine

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Vektor State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnologies has successfully @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus vaccine , Anna Popova , chief of the Russian sanitary watchdog , said on @ @ @ @ @ finished pre-clinical trials .
They were successful .
Actually , we have practically all the @ @ @ @ @ things will go as we promised , i.e .
we plan to begin clinical trials @ @ @ @ @ she said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel @ @ @ @ @ Tatiana Golikova said earlier that works on the development of an anti-coronavirus vaccine proceeded as @ @ @ @ @ 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 489,068 patients having recovered from @ @ @ @ @ s latest data indicates 11,017 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up @ @ @ @ @ the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. Russia’s Vektor State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnologies has successfully completed pre-clinical trials of an anti-coronavirus vaccine, Anna Popova, chief of the Russian sanitary watchdog, said on Friday.
"Colleagues have finished pre-clinical trials. They were successful. Actually, we have practically all the grounds to be sure that things will go as we promised, i.e. we plan to begin clinical trials on July 15," she said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said earlier that works on the development of an anti-coronavirus vaccine proceeded as scheduled.
To date, 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 489,068 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 11,017 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-11--Deputy PM: Russian government to discuss resumption of international flights after July 15

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government will consider resuming international flights after July 15 , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a briefing on Friday .
`` As for the date when we could restart international air travel , we suggest July 15 , 2020 and we suppose that , based on the air authorities ’ negotiating position , the Transport Ministry and the Federal Air Transport Agency will be informing the government of the Russian Federation about the negotiation , '' she said .
Golikova added that the government would be briefed either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said Russia would resume flights to those countries where the average incidence rate is below 40 cases per 100,000 population within 14 days , and the indicator will be calculated every two weeks .
`` The first criterion is similar to those applied in other countries .
It is a criterion related to the incidence rate of coronavirus per 100,000 population .
We assume that it should be about 40 per 100,000 population in Russia .
And the indicator is calculated - 40 [ cases ] per 100,000 population - for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incubation period , '' she said adding that in Russia that indicator tended to be falling .
According to Golikova , the second criterion will be a daily increase throughout 14 days and Russia will restart flights to only those countries where an average daily incidence of coronavirus will be below 1 % .
The third indicator is the coronavirus spread rate that should not exceed 1 .
`` The second indicator is an average daily increase over 14 days in new cases of coronavirus infection .
The indicator should not be above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the third indicator is the coronavirus spread rate , which should not exceed 1 either , '' she said .
`` The final criterion along with the average daily incidence rate are well-known indicators understandable to the country ’ s regions .
They < … > have applied them since May 11 , when the non-working period ended in Russia .
Those indicators , among other things , were criteria for easing restrictions in the regions of the Russian Federation , '' Golikova explained .
`` Every two weeks we will simultaneously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the criteria I have just voiced .
And we will definitely regulate the issues related to a list of countries where we are resuming international flights to , '' she said .
Russia ’ s consumer safety watchdog submitted a list of 13 countries to the Transport Ministry and the Federal Air Transport Agency .
The list includes the countries that Russia could restart flights to at the first stage , due to their suitable epidemic indicators .
Among them are the United Kingdom , Hungary , Germany , Denmark , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Finland , Vietnam , China , Mongolia and Sri Lanka .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 489,068 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 11,017 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. The Russian government will consider resuming international flights after July 15, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a briefing on Friday.
"As for the date when we could restart international air travel, we suggest July 15, 2020 and we suppose that, based on the air authorities’ negotiating position, the Transport Ministry and the Federal Air Transport Agency will be informing the government of the Russian Federation about the negotiation," she said.
Golikova added that the government would be briefed either once a week or in two weeks.
She said Russia would resume flights to those countries where the average incidence rate is below 40 cases per 100,000 population within 14 days, and the indicator will be calculated every two weeks.
"The first criterion is similar to those applied in other countries. It is a criterion related to the incidence rate of coronavirus per 100,000 population. We assume that it should be about 40 per 100,000 population in Russia. And the indicator is calculated - 40 [cases] per 100,000 population - for 14 days, which is a well-known incubation period," she said adding that in Russia that indicator tended to be falling.
According to Golikova, the second criterion will be a daily increase throughout 14 days and Russia will restart flights to only those countries where an average daily incidence of coronavirus will be below 1%. The third indicator is the coronavirus spread rate that should not exceed 1.
"The second indicator is an average daily increase over 14 days in new cases of coronavirus infection. The indicator should not be above one, or 1%. Finally, the third indicator is the coronavirus spread rate, which should not exceed 1 either," she said.
"The final criterion along with the average daily incidence rate are well-known indicators understandable to the country’s regions. They <…> have applied them since May 11, when the non-working period ended in Russia. Those indicators, among other things, were criteria for easing restrictions in the regions of the Russian Federation," Golikova explained.
"Every two weeks we will simultaneously assess epidemic situations in the countries basing on the criteria I have just voiced. And we will definitely regulate the issues related to a list of countries where we are resuming international flights to," she said.
Russia’s consumer safety watchdog submitted a list of 13 countries to the Transport Ministry and the Federal Air Transport Agency. The list includes the countries that Russia could restart flights to at the first stage, due to their suitable epidemic indicators. Among them are the United Kingdom, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Finland, Vietnam, China, Mongolia and Sri Lanka.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 489,068 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 11,017 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-11--UNESCO regrets Turkish government’s decision to change status of Hagia Sophia

PARIS , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( UNESCO ) expressed its regrets over the Turkish government ’ s decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia without prior discussions .
`` The Director-General of UNESCO deeply regrets the decision of the Turkish authorities , made without prior discussion , to change the status of Hagia Sophia , '' the organization said .
`` This evening , she shared her serious concerns with the Ambassador of Turkey to UNESCO . ''
According to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay , `` Hagia Sophia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testimony to interactions between Europe and Asia over the centuries . ''
`` Its status as a museum reflects the universal nature of its heritage , and makes it a powerful symbol for dialogue , '' Azoulay said .
UNESCO called upon the Turkish authorities `` to initiate dialogue without delay , in order to prevent any detrimental effect on the universal value of this exceptional heritage . ''
The building 's state of conservation will be examined by the World Heritage Committee at its next session .
According to the international organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raises the issue of how the change of status will affect the property ’ s universal value .
In this regard , UNESCO reminded Turkey of its obligation `` to ensure that modifications do not affect the Outstanding Universal Value of inscribed sites on their territories . ''
`` UNESCO must be given prior notice of any such modifications , which , if necessary , are then examined by the World Heritage Committee , '' the organization said .
Meanwhile , UNESCO ’ s Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone urged `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion with UNESCO , that would affect physical access to the site , the structure of the buildings , the site ’ s moveable property , or the site ’ s management . ''
In his words , such measures could constitute breaches of the rules derived from the 1972 World Heritage Convention .
Earlier on Friday , the Turkish Council of State has cancelled the Turkish government ’ s decree on assigning the museum status to Hagia Sophia .
The Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul is an example of Byzantine architecture built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emperor Justinian .
After the fall of the Byzantine Empire the cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1453 .
In 1935 , according to a decree signed by the founder of the modern Turkish state Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , the cathedral became a museum and the plaster was cleared off the frescoes and the mosaics .
In 1985 , the building was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list .

PARIS, July 10. /TASS/. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) expressed its regrets over the Turkish government’s decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia without prior discussions.
"The Director-General of UNESCO deeply regrets the decision of the Turkish authorities, made without prior discussion, to change the status of Hagia Sophia," the organization said. "This evening, she shared her serious concerns with the Ambassador of Turkey to UNESCO."
According to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay, "Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece and a unique testimony to interactions between Europe and Asia over the centuries."
"Its status as a museum reflects the universal nature of its heritage, and makes it a powerful symbol for dialogue," Azoulay said.
UNESCO called upon the Turkish authorities "to initiate dialogue without delay, in order to prevent any detrimental effect on the universal value of this exceptional heritage." The building's state of conservation will be examined by the World Heritage Committee at its next session.
According to the international organization, the Turkish government’s decision raises the issue of how the change of status will affect the property’s universal value. In this regard, UNESCO reminded Turkey of its obligation "to ensure that modifications do not affect the Outstanding Universal Value of inscribed sites on their territories."
"UNESCO must be given prior notice of any such modifications, which, if necessary, are then examined by the World Heritage Committee," the organization said.
Meanwhile, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone urged "to avoid any implementing measure, without prior discussion with UNESCO, that would affect physical access to the site, the structure of the buildings, the site’s moveable property, or the site’s management."
In his words, such measures could constitute breaches of the rules derived from the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Earlier on Friday, the Turkish Council of State has cancelled the Turkish government’s decree on assigning the museum status to Hagia Sophia.
The Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul is an example of Byzantine architecture built in 532-537 on the orders of the emperor Justinian. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire the cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1453.
In 1935, according to a decree signed by the founder of the modern Turkish state Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the cathedral became a museum and the plaster was cleared off the frescoes and the mosaics. In 1985, the building was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.


tass--2020-07-11--OPCW IIT report on chemical attacks in Syria politically biased — diplomat

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The report presented by the Investigation and Identification Team ( IIT ) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) is politically charged and factually inaccurate , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Friday .
The diplomat recalled that the IIT came to a conclusion in its report that Syria ’ s Air Force allegedly used toxic chemicals against the civilian population in Ltamenah in 2017 .
`` Basing on the evidence , we informed the OPCW that the report turned out to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , extremely weak from a professional point of view , and technically unconvincing , '' Zakharova stressed .
`` Russia and other states - members of the Chemical Weapons Convention - are firmly convinced that the creation - upon an initiative of the US-led group of ‘ concerned ’ states - of an illegitimate attributive mechanism in the form of the IIT , where representatives of the Western countries dominate , runs counter to the Convention provisions . ''
Zakharova added that the activity `` of that quasi-prosecution body '' interferes with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council .
`` The goal of that geopolitical ‘ project ’ is evident , as it aims to undermine the positions of the government [ of Syrian President ] Bashar al-Assad through political manipulations and insinuations , '' she said .
`` This flawed and malicious approach is outrageous . ''
`` The organization should not remain a hostage to the states imposing their mercenary agenda , '' the diplomat warned .
`` If their activities are not stopped , the OPCW could find itself completely paralyzed .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. The report presented by the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is politically charged and factually inaccurate, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Friday.
The diplomat recalled that the IIT came to a conclusion in its report that Syria’s Air Force allegedly used toxic chemicals against the civilian population in Ltamenah in 2017.
"Basing on the evidence, we informed the OPCW that the report turned out to be biased, politically motivated, factologically inaccurate, extremely weak from a professional point of view, and technically unconvincing," Zakharova stressed. "Russia and other states - members of the Chemical Weapons Convention - are firmly convinced that the creation - upon an initiative of the US-led group of ‘concerned’ states - of an illegitimate attributive mechanism in the form of the IIT, where representatives of the Western countries dominate, runs counter to the Convention provisions."
Zakharova added that the activity "of that quasi-prosecution body" interferes with the exclusive authority of the United Nations Security Council.
"The goal of that geopolitical ‘project’ is evident, as it aims to undermine the positions of the government [of Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad through political manipulations and insinuations," she said. "This flawed and malicious approach is outrageous."
"The organization should not remain a hostage to the states imposing their mercenary agenda," the diplomat warned. "If their activities are not stopped, the OPCW could find itself completely paralyzed.".


tass--2020-07-11--Russia puts for voting its edition of UNSC draft resolution on humanitarian aid to Syria

UNITED NATIONS , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has put for voting its edition of the United Nations Security Council draft resolution extending the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism to Syria via one checkpoint at the border with Turkey , a spokesman for the Russian mission to the United Nations told TASS .
Earlier in the day , Russia and China vetoed Germany- and Belgium-initiated draft envisaging the extension of deliveries via two checkpoints .
`` We have put in blue a draft Security Council resolution which will allow cross-border humanitarian deliveries to Idlib in Syria through crossing point Bab-el-Hawa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more than 85 % of total volume of operations , '' he wrote on his Twitter account .
`` The rest can be readjusted through this border point and through the crossline taking into account in particular , the changes on the ground , where we face the decrease of the de-escalation zone by 30 % lately . ''
Moscow explains the need to scale down the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism in Syria by the changed situation on the ground , with more and more territories being controlled by the government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the country in coordination with Damascus , in full compliance with international humanitarian law .
Actually , it is the last chance to extend the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism which is expiring on July 11 .
Due to the quarantine measures amid the coronavirus pandemic , decision making procedures in the Security Council are carried out in the written form .
The results will be known when all the 15 Security Council member nations submit their votes to the chairman .
The decision to launch cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria was passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dramatic decrease in access to the population because of heated hostilities .
Thus , Resolution 2165 stipulates the establishment of several checkpoints at Syria ’ s borders and the deployment of a United Nations monitoring mission to inspect incoming cargoes to prevent weapons supplies .
In January 2020 , the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism for six months but reducing the number of checkpoints from four to two .

UNITED NATIONS, July 10. /TASS/. Russia has put for voting its edition of the United Nations Security Council draft resolution extending the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism to Syria via one checkpoint at the border with Turkey, a spokesman for the Russian mission to the United Nations told TASS.
Earlier in the day, Russia and China vetoed Germany- and Belgium-initiated draft envisaging the extension of deliveries via two checkpoints.
"We have put in blue a draft Security Council resolution which will allow cross-border humanitarian deliveries to Idlib in Syria through crossing point Bab-el-Hawa for one year. This border-crossing accounts for more than 85% of total volume of operations," he wrote on his Twitter account. "The rest can be readjusted through this border point and through the crossline taking into account in particular, the changes on the ground, where we face the decrease of the de-escalation zone by 30% lately."
Moscow explains the need to scale down the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism in Syria by the changed situation on the ground, with more and more territories being controlled by the government. He insisted that assistance be delivered from inside the country in coordination with Damascus, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.
Actually, it is the last chance to extend the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism which is expiring on July 11. Due to the quarantine measures amid the coronavirus pandemic, decision making procedures in the Security Council are carried out in the written form. The results will be known when all the 15 Security Council member nations submit their votes to the chairman.
The decision to launch cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria was passed in July 2014 as a response measure to the dramatic decrease in access to the population because of heated hostilities. Thus, Resolution 2165 stipulates the establishment of several checkpoints at Syria’s borders and the deployment of a United Nations monitoring mission to inspect incoming cargoes to prevent weapons supplies.
In January 2020, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism for six months but reducing the number of checkpoints from four to two.


tass--2020-07-10--Russia, China veto new edition of Western UNSC draft on humanitarian aid to Syria

UNITED NATIONS , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and China have vetoed another edition of the West ’ s United Nations Security Council draft resolution on cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria .
Thirteen nations voted in favor of the draft , and two voted against it .
The decision was not adopted due to voting against by two permanent members , said Germany ’ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Christoph Heusgen , who chairs the Security Council in July .
According to UN sources , the document was vetoed by Russia and China .
Due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision making procedures in the Security Council are carried out in the written form .
The document , initiated by Germany and Belgium , provided for the extension of cross-border humanitarian deliveries via two checkpoints at the border with Turkey by six months .
Russia insists assistance be delivered via one checkpoint .
Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said earlier that the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism in Syria should be scaled down as the situation on the ground had changed , with more and more territories being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that assistance be delivered from inside the country in coordination with Damascus , in full compliance with international humanitarian law .
In a joint statement after the voting , Germany and Belgium expressed deep regret over its being vetoed by Russia and China .
They said their initiative was a compromise solution as compared with the initial edition as the extension period had been shortened from one year to six months .
The decision to launch cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria was passed in July 2014 as a response measure to the dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of heated hostilities .
Thus , Resolution 2165 stipulates the establishment of several checkpoints at Syria ’ s borders and the deployment of a United Nations monitoring mission to inspect incoming cargoes to prevent weapons supplies .
In January 2020 , the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism for six months but reducing the number of checkpoints from four to two .

UNITED NATIONS, July 10. /TASS/. Russia and China have vetoed another edition of the West’s United Nations Security Council draft resolution on cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria.
Thirteen nations voted in favor of the draft, and two voted against it.
The decision was not adopted due to voting against by two permanent members, said Germany’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Christoph Heusgen, who chairs the Security Council in July.
According to UN sources, the document was vetoed by Russia and China. Due to the quarantine measures amid the coronavirus pandemic, decision making procedures in the Security Council are carried out in the written form.
The document, initiated by Germany and Belgium, provided for the extension of cross-border humanitarian deliveries via two checkpoints at the border with Turkey by six months.
Russia insists assistance be delivered via one checkpoint.
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said earlier that the cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism in Syria should be scaled down as the situation on the ground had changed, with more and more territories being controlled by the government. He insisted that assistance be delivered from inside the country in coordination with Damascus, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.
In a joint statement after the voting, Germany and Belgium expressed deep regret over its being vetoed by Russia and China. They said their initiative was a compromise solution as compared with the initial edition as the extension period had been shortened from one year to six months.
The decision to launch cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria was passed in July 2014 as a response measure to the dramatic decrease in access to the population because of heated hostilities. Thus, Resolution 2165 stipulates the establishment of several checkpoints at Syria’s borders and the deployment of a United Nations monitoring mission to inspect incoming cargoes to prevent weapons supplies.
In January 2020, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the cross-border aid mechanism for six months but reducing the number of checkpoints from four to two.


tass--2020-07-10--London Court postponed businessman Tinkov case hearing to July 31

`` The administrative hearing has been moved to the 31st July , '' the Court said .
LONDON , July @ @ @ @ @ Westminster Magistrates Court postponed hearing of the extradition case of Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov to @ @ @ @ @ 31 , the Court told TASS on Wednesday .
The businessman will have to stay @ @ @ @ @ without the possibility to leave the city , the court ’ s spokesperson said earlier @ @ @ @ @ London for the duration of court hearings initiated by the US Internal Revenue Service , @ @ @ @ @ of Tinkoff Bank ) said in a statement released on the London Stock Exchange on @ @ @ @ @ said earlier that an acute form of leukemia had been diagnosed with him .
TCS @ @ @ @ @ US Internal Revenue Service had initiated court hearings of Oleg Tinkov in London .
The @ @ @ @ @ tax issues .

"The administrative hearing has been moved to the 31st July," the Court said.
LONDON, July 10. /TASS/. The Westminster Magistrates Court postponed hearing of the extradition case of Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov to the United States to July 31, the Court told TASS on Wednesday.
The businessman will have to stay in London all that time without the possibility to leave the city, the court’s spokesperson said earlier.
Tinkov will remain in London for the duration of court hearings initiated by the US Internal Revenue Service, TCS Group (parent company of Tinkoff Bank) said in a statement released on the London Stock Exchange on March 2.
The businessman said earlier that an acute form of leukemia had been diagnosed with him.
TCS Group said earlier that the US Internal Revenue Service had initiated court hearings of Oleg Tinkov in London. The case concerns resolution of potential tax issues.


tass--2020-07-10--Opposition at international economic stage will obviously continue, says Putin

MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The opposition at the international economic stage will certainly continue , Russian President @ @ @ @ @ It is obvious for me that the opposition at the international economic scene will continue @ @ @ @ @ state said in an interview , with its fragment showed by the Rossiya-1 TV Channel @ @ @ @ @ also explained why Russia considers necessary to pursue the respectful international policy in respect of @ @ @ @ @ when the language of international communication is not always kept within the reputable framework .
@ @ @ @ @ that when defending our interests we should look like some fools , like madmen with @ @ @ @ @ hands , and they run and brandish it , and at the same time attack @ @ @ @ @ expressions , '' Putin noted .

MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. The opposition at the international economic stage will certainly continue, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"It is obvious for me that the opposition at the international economic scene will continue," the head of state said in an interview, with its fragment showed by the Rossiya-1 TV Channel on Friday.
The President also explained why Russia considers necessary to pursue the respectful international policy in respect of foreign countries during the epoch when the language of international communication is not always kept within the reputable framework. "I do not think that when defending our interests we should look like some fools, like madmen with a razor falling into their hands, and they run and brandish it, and at the same time attack everyone verbally with various obscure expressions," Putin noted.


tass--2020-07-10--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 228,000 in past day, WHO says

As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 10 , as many as 12,102,328 novel coronavirus cases and 551,046 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 228,102 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,565 .
MOSCOW , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
More than 228,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 10 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 12.1 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 6,264,626 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 138,824 and the number of deaths - by 3,764 and reached 276,370 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,868,080 and the number of fatalities is 202,341 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 20,193 and the number of deaths - by 488 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,238,779 cases and 29,690 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 16,709 and the number of deaths - by 563 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 3,038,325 ) , Brazil ( 1,713,160 ) , India ( 793,802 ) , Russia ( 713,936 ) , Peru ( 312,911 ) , Chile ( 306,216 ) , the United Kingdom ( 287,625 ) , Mexico ( 275,003 ) , Spain ( 253,056 ) , and Iran ( 250,458 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 10, as many as 12,102,328 novel coronavirus cases and 551,046 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 228,102 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,565.
MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. More than 228,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 10, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 12.1 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 6,264,626. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 138,824 and the number of deaths - by 3,764 and reached 276,370.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,868,080 and the number of fatalities is 202,341. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 20,193 and the number of deaths - by 488.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,238,779 cases and 29,690 fatalities as of July 10. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 16,709 and the number of deaths - by 563.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (3,038,325), Brazil (1,713,160), India (793,802), Russia (713,936), Peru (312,911), Chile (306,216), the United Kingdom (287,625), Mexico (275,003), Spain (253,056), and Iran (250,458).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-10--Two WHO experts headed to China to study coronavirus origins

GENEVA , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
Two experts of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) have left for @ @ @ @ @ colleagues to identify origins of the novel coronavirus that wreaked havoc on the entire world @ @ @ @ @ Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Friday .
`` Two WHO experts are currently en @ @ @ @ @ with fellow scientists and learn about the progress made in understanding the animal reservoir for @ @ @ @ @ jumped between animals and humans , '' he said .
`` This will help lay @ @ @ @ @ international mission into the origins .
`` .

GENEVA, July 10. /TASS/. Two experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) have left for China to help their Chinese colleagues to identify origins of the novel coronavirus that wreaked havoc on the entire world, WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Friday.
"Two WHO experts are currently en route to China to meet with fellow scientists and learn about the progress made in understanding the animal reservoir for COVID-19 and how the disease jumped between animals and humans," he said. "This will help lay the groundwork for the WHO-led international mission into the origins.".


tass--2020-07-10--Russian embassy slams groundless attacks of German security service on Moscow

BERLIN , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The attacks of the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution ( counterintelligence , security service ) against Russia are unfounded and are drawn up in the spirit of a ‘ witch hunt ’ , which can only be regrettable , the Russian embassy in Berlin noted , commenting on the report of the German security service presented earlier , which claims that Moscow allegedly attempted to influence Germany ’ s public opinion .
`` We also noticed the anti-Russian passages in the report about operations of the German counterintelligence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tired accusations compiled in the best traditions of a ‘ witch hunt ’ are confusing , to say the least , '' the Russian embassy noted .
`` There is nothing keft to do but to deeply regret the fact that the reputable agency is obviously abusing the topic of the so-called ‘ Russian threat ’ for political gains , trying to look for a black cat in a dark room when it is not there , '' the statement reads .
The diplomatic mission warned that these steps `` do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive way . ''
The German counterintelligence report claims that in 2019 Russia allegedly tried to exert influence over the German public opinion , particularly through mass media outlets .
At the same time , the agency noted that Russia `` exercised certain restraint '' in Germany compared to the last few years .
Western countries have repeatedly come up with similar accusations of attempts to sway public opinions - something that Moscow has staunchly denied on a number of occasions .

BERLIN, July 10. /TASS/. The attacks of the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (counterintelligence, security service) against Russia are unfounded and are drawn up in the spirit of a ‘witch hunt’, which can only be regrettable, the Russian embassy in Berlin noted, commenting on the report of the German security service presented earlier, which claims that Moscow allegedly attempted to influence Germany’s public opinion.
"We also noticed the anti-Russian passages in the report about operations of the German counterintelligence in 2019 presented in Berlin. The groundless and tired accusations compiled in the best traditions of a ‘witch hunt’ are confusing, to say the least," the Russian embassy noted. "There is nothing keft to do but to deeply regret the fact that the reputable agency is obviously abusing the topic of the so-called ‘Russian threat’ for political gains, trying to look for a black cat in a dark room when it is not there," the statement reads.
The diplomatic mission warned that these steps "do not facilitate development of the Russian-German relations in a positive way."
The German counterintelligence report claims that in 2019 Russia allegedly tried to exert influence over the German public opinion, particularly through mass media outlets. At the same time, the agency noted that Russia "exercised certain restraint" in Germany compared to the last few years.
Western countries have repeatedly come up with similar accusations of attempts to sway public opinions - something that Moscow has staunchly denied on a number of occasions.


tass--2020-07-10--Russian Northern Fleet warships strike enemy missiles in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s all-arms strike force led by the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky struck eight target missiles during comprehensive drills for repelling a notional enemy ’ s air attack in the Barents Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
`` Four Saman target missiles launched by the small missile ship Rassvet towards the naval strike force were eliminated by the fire of shipborne artillery , the combat teams of AK-130 and AK-630 artillery guns of the missile cruisers [ the Pyotr Veliky and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target missiles were successfully hit by the combat teams of Kinzhal surface-to-air missile systems of both cruisers , '' the press office said in a statement .
The artillery and anti-aircraft missile firings were conducted as part of the Northern Fleet ’ s naval exercise that is taking place in the Barents Sea under the command of Fleet Commander Hero of Russia Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev , the press office said .
During the live-fire exercise , the crews of the missile cruisers practiced a full set of missions to provide air defense for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from detecting to eliminating air targets , it said .
The all-arms groupings have already practiced a set of exercises to provide for the combat sustainability of the seaborne strategic nuclear forces , search for and eliminate a notional enemy ’ s submarines , employ the tactical methods and techniques of striking enemy naval groups , defend the sea coast and protect sea lanes and ensure the security of maritime economic activity , the press office specified .
During the naval exercise , the Northern Fleet ’ s forces are accomplishing assigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are deployed on an area of over 250,000 square kilometers .
More than 30 surface ships , submarines and support vessels , over 20 aircraft and about 40 items of military hardware of coastal defense missile and artillery troops and air defense forces of the Northern Fleet are involved at various stages of the drills .

MURMANSK, July 10. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s all-arms strike force led by the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky struck eight target missiles during comprehensive drills for repelling a notional enemy’s air attack in the Barents Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
"Four Saman target missiles launched by the small missile ship Rassvet towards the naval strike force were eliminated by the fire of shipborne artillery, the combat teams of AK-130 and AK-630 artillery guns of the missile cruisers [the Pyotr Veliky and the Marshal Ustinov]. Four more Saman target missiles were successfully hit by the combat teams of Kinzhal surface-to-air missile systems of both cruisers," the press office said in a statement.
The artillery and anti-aircraft missile firings were conducted as part of the Northern Fleet’s naval exercise that is taking place in the Barents Sea under the command of Fleet Commander Hero of Russia Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the press office said.
During the live-fire exercise, the crews of the missile cruisers practiced a full set of missions to provide air defense for a grouping of surface ships at sea, from detecting to eliminating air targets, it said.
The all-arms groupings have already practiced a set of exercises to provide for the combat sustainability of the seaborne strategic nuclear forces, search for and eliminate a notional enemy’s submarines, employ the tactical methods and techniques of striking enemy naval groups, defend the sea coast and protect sea lanes and ensure the security of maritime economic activity, the press office specified.
During the naval exercise, the Northern Fleet’s forces are accomplishing assigned missions in the Barents Sea where they are deployed on an area of over 250,000 square kilometers. More than 30 surface ships, submarines and support vessels, over 20 aircraft and about 40 items of military hardware of coastal defense missile and artillery troops and air defense forces of the Northern Fleet are involved at various stages of the drills.


tass--2020-07-10--Government to monitor epidemic situations in countries Russia resumes flights to

Possible use of NATO aircraft to traffic Afghan drugs needs to be investigated — Lavrov According to Russia 's top @ @ @ @ @ years of the US ’ and the coalition ’ s other participants ' presence in @ @ @ @ @ that country has increased many-fold

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


tass--2020-07-10--Over 12,400 coronavirus diagnosed people died in Russia in May

`` In May , the coronavirus was the main cause of fatalities in 5,644 cases .
This was the confirmed primary cause of death .
There are also 1,800 cases where the coronavirus is presumed to be the main cause of death but all the tests have not been completed yet .
In another 1,530 cases , other causes of death were reported but the coronavirus had its impact on its approach .
Finally , the coronavirus was diagnosed but had no impact on the approach of death in 3,478 cases , '' the Rosstat head said .
MOSCOW , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 12,452 people diagnosed with the coronavirus infection died in Russia in May , Head of Russia ’ s Federal Statistics Service Rosstat Pavel Malkov said on Friday .
The Rosstat data on the coronavirus will have to be supplemented and specified , Malkov said .
`` This can be explained by the fact that time is needed to hold all necessary medical tests . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 11,017 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"In May, the coronavirus was the main cause of fatalities in 5,644 cases. This was the confirmed primary cause of death. There are also 1,800 cases where the coronavirus is presumed to be the main cause of death but all the tests have not been completed yet. In another 1,530 cases, other causes of death were reported but the coronavirus had its impact on its approach. Finally, the coronavirus was diagnosed but had no impact on the approach of death in 3,478 cases," the Rosstat head said.
MOSCOW, July 10. /TASS/. A total of 12,452 people diagnosed with the coronavirus infection died in Russia in May, Head of Russia’s Federal Statistics Service Rosstat Pavel Malkov said on Friday.
The Rosstat data on the coronavirus will have to be supplemented and specified, Malkov said. "This can be explained by the fact that time is needed to hold all necessary medical tests."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 713,936 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 489,068 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 11,017 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-10--Ski resorts reopen in Georgia

Ski resorts reopen in Georgia

TBILISI , July 10./TASS/ .
Ski resorts reopened in Georgia on Friday , a source from the press service of the Mountain Resorts Development Company told TASS on Friday .
According to the source , ski resorts have reopened in Bakuriani , Gudauri and Mestia .
Only the Goderzi resort ( Ajara ) has not opened , since major construction work is underway there and the territory does not have all necessary services and utilities as of now , she said .
The ski resorts were closed in the country on March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to use cable cars to get to the top of the mountain , must have their temperature measured and also must observe the social distancing rules and wear masks .
Gondola lifts will take on four passengers , who will be seated in a zigzag order .
The open cable cars accommodating six people will now take on three passengers , while four-seaters - two passengers .
A state of emergency imposed due to the pandemic was in effect in the country from March 21 to May 22 .
On April 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these restrictions .
Domestic tourism restarted on June 15 after several months of inactivity due to the coronavirus pandemic .
From July 1 , the country planned to start inviting foreign tourists , but this decision was postponed until the end of July .
It has become known that in August Georgia will gradually begin to receive tourists from Germany , Latvia , Lithuania , France and Estonia .
According to updated figures , the country currently reports 973 coronavirus cases .
Besides , 31 Georgian nationals returned home from abroad infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over 4,800 people are currently quarantined , and 231 patients are in hospitals .
Fifteen patients have died .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TBILISI, July 10./TASS/. Ski resorts reopened in Georgia on Friday, a source from the press service of the Mountain Resorts Development Company told TASS on Friday.
According to the source, ski resorts have reopened in Bakuriani, Gudauri and Mestia. Only the Goderzi resort (Ajara) has not opened, since major construction work is underway there and the territory does not have all necessary services and utilities as of now, she said.
The ski resorts were closed in the country on March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Under the new rules, the people who want to use cable cars to get to the top of the mountain, must have their temperature measured and also must observe the social distancing rules and wear masks.
Gondola lifts will take on four passengers, who will be seated in a zigzag order. The open cable cars accommodating six people will now take on three passengers, while four-seaters - two passengers.
A state of emergency imposed due to the pandemic was in effect in the country from March 21 to May 22. On April 27, the authorities began to gradually ease these restrictions. Domestic tourism restarted on June 15 after several months of inactivity due to the coronavirus pandemic. From July 1, the country planned to start inviting foreign tourists, but this decision was postponed until the end of July. It has become known that in August Georgia will gradually begin to receive tourists from Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, France and Estonia.
According to updated figures, the country currently reports 973 coronavirus cases. Besides, 31 Georgian nationals returned home from abroad infected. As many as 846 people have recovered. Over 4,800 people are currently quarantined, and 231 patients are in hospitals. Fifteen patients have died.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-10--Africa’s coronavirus cases top 540,000, WHO reports

PRETORIA , July 10 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 540,207 after increasing by 20,009 in the past 24 hours , while 475 new deaths from virus-related causes across the continent were identified in the same period to bring the total to 12,434 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Friday , adding that 264,000 patients recovered on the continent .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 238,339 ) and 3,720 deaths .
Egypt , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll of 3,617 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 30,748 coronavirus infections and 689 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 23,463 and 129 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest statistics , over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, July 10. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa reached 540,207 after increasing by 20,009 in the past 24 hours, while 475 new deaths from virus-related causes across the continent were identified in the same period to bring the total to 12,434, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Friday, adding that 264,000 patients recovered on the continent.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (238,339) and 3,720 deaths. Egypt, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll of 3,617 with 79,254. Algeria reported 988 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 30,748 coronavirus infections and 689 fatalities, followed by Ghana (23,463 and 129).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 12,404,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 557,700 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,235,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.