tass--2020-07-03--Five radicals seeking to set up Islamic State terror caliphate detained in North Caucasus

As the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS , `` on the territory of the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic five active members of the At Takfir wal-Hijra ( outlawed in Russia ) extremist religious organization were detained who were actively promoting radical dogma and recruiting new followers .
MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Federal Security Service ( FSB ) in Karachay-Cherkessia has taken radical Islamists into custody who were promoting the rejection of national laws and the creation of the so-called caliphate .
According to the FSB , they were urging religious adherents to ignore and repudiate the laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set up a theocratic Islamic state , a caliphate , on the territory of the North Caucasus .
`` At their home addresses and at locations where they conducted clandestine meetings , 45 copies of brochures containing pseudo-religious extremist literature , 10 handwritten notes of lectures by radical preachers , a traumatic pistol converted to fire live ammunition and ammo to go with it , a sawed-off shotgun , a pneumatic pistol , and bladed weapons were uncovered and confiscated , '' the Public Relations Center stated .
Based on the evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation is pressing criminal charges under parts 1 and 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ( The organization of extremist group activity or participation in it ) .
`` The detainees are giving statements of confession , '' the Center reported .
On September 15 , 2010 , the Russian Supreme Court declared the international religious group At Takfir wal-Hijra a terrorist organization .
The extremist organization ’ s activities are outlawed in Russia .

As the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS, "on the territory of the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic five active members of the At Takfir wal-Hijra (outlawed in Russia) extremist religious organization were detained who were actively promoting radical dogma and recruiting new followers.
MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The Federal Security Service (FSB) in Karachay-Cherkessia has taken radical Islamists into custody who were promoting the rejection of national laws and the creation of the so-called caliphate.
According to the FSB, they were urging religious adherents to ignore and repudiate the laws and institutions of civil society and sought to set up a theocratic Islamic state, a caliphate, on the territory of the North Caucasus.
"At their home addresses and at locations where they conducted clandestine meetings, 45 copies of brochures containing pseudo-religious extremist literature, 10 handwritten notes of lectures by radical preachers, a traumatic pistol converted to fire live ammunition and ammo to go with it, a sawed-off shotgun, a pneumatic pistol, and bladed weapons were uncovered and confiscated," the Public Relations Center stated.
Based on the evidence collected, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation is pressing criminal charges under parts 1 and 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (The organization of extremist group activity or participation in it). "The detainees are giving statements of confession," the Center reported.
On September 15, 2010, the Russian Supreme Court declared the international religious group At Takfir wal-Hijra a terrorist organization. The extremist organization’s activities are outlawed in Russia.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia’s Blue Bird search and rescue vehicles for spacemen undergo upgrades

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Blue Bird search and rescue amphibious off-road vehicles , used for recovery @ @ @ @ @ upgrades in the Moscow Region , the Central Military District 's press service announced Friday @ @ @ @ @ PEM-2 trucks and the special screw-propelled vehicle , equipped with the evacuation crane , underwent @ @ @ @ @ engines and transmission , as well as the interior , were upgraded , '' says @ @ @ @ @ the Central Military District ’ s 14th Air and Air Defense Army ’ s search @ @ @ @ @ to Solntsev , the screw-propelled vehicle underwent additional inspection by the Russian technical watchdog .
@ @ @ @ @ overhaul in the Chelyabinsk Region , he added .
Over the last 20 years , @ @ @ @ @ Central Military District conducted about 80 search and rescue raids during landing of the Soyuz @ @ @ @ @ and rescue support missions during Soyuz launches .
The crews of the vehicles evacuated over @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The Blue Bird search and rescue amphibious off-road vehicles, used for recovery of landing spacemen, underwent upgrades in the Moscow Region, the Central Military District's press service announced Friday.
"Three PEM-1 and PEM-2 trucks and the special screw-propelled vehicle, equipped with the evacuation crane, underwent upgrades. In particular, engines and transmission, as well as the interior, were upgraded," says Yevgeniy Solntsev, head of the Central Military District’s 14th Air and Air Defense Army’s search and rescue service.
According to Solntsev, the screw-propelled vehicle underwent additional inspection by the Russian technical watchdog.
Three more vehicles currently undergo overhaul in the Chelyabinsk Region, he added.
Over the last 20 years, personnel and vehicles of the Central Military District conducted about 80 search and rescue raids during landing of the Soyuz landing vehicles and 78 search and rescue support missions during Soyuz launches. The crews of the vehicles evacuated over 200 cosmonauts.


tass--2020-07-03--Russian troops to start receiving medium-and long-range strike drones from 2021

`` Developing medium-and long-range reconnaissance/attack unmanned aerial vehicles is a major area of work , '' the Aerospace Force commander-in-chief @ @ @ @ @ the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ start receiving medium-and long-range reconnaissance/strike drones from 2021 , Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Sergei Surovikin @ @ @ @ @ The effort to outfit drone units with medium-and long-range systems is planned from 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ this effort , the focus is made on integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into the existing @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Armed Forces and jointly employing them in aircraft combat formations , the general @ @ @ @ @ model of a medium-range unmanned aerial system was delivered after the completion of its trials @ @ @ @ @ preparing instructors , he said .

"Developing medium-and long-range reconnaissance/attack unmanned aerial vehicles is a major area of work," the Aerospace Force commander-in-chief said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The Russian troops will start receiving medium-and long-range reconnaissance/strike drones from 2021, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday.
"The effort to outfit drone units with medium-and long-range systems is planned from 2021," he said.
In this effort, the focus is made on integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into the existing and future reconnaissance/strike systems of the Russian Armed Forces and jointly employing them in aircraft combat formations, the general said.
The first serial-produced model of a medium-range unmanned aerial system was delivered after the completion of its trials to a training center for preparing instructors, he said.


tass--2020-07-03--Moscow’s anti-ballistic missile defense system to get new radars and missile interceptors

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The anti-ballistic missile ( ABM ) defense system deployed around Moscow and Russia ’ s Central Industrial District will soon get new radars and missile interceptors , Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday .
`` The trials of the capabilities of the system ( A-135 ) are currently underway and the Aerospace Force will soon get an upgraded multi-purpose radar station and modernized missile interceptors of the ABM system , '' he said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
Active work is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several test-launches of the upgraded missile interceptor have already been conducted , the colonel-general said .
`` No doubt , the upgrade of the existing A-135 ABM system that is on combat duty in the city of Moscow is a major task for defense enterprises , '' Surovikin stressed .
`` The trials of the system ’ s capabilities are underway and the Aerospace Force will soon get a renewed multi-purpose radar station and modernized missile interceptors of the ABM system , '' he said .
The system ’ s firepower capabilities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industrial District will be boosted twofold , which has been numerously confirmed by the interceptor ’ s preliminary trials , he said .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defense system deployed around Moscow and Russia’s Central Industrial District will soon get new radars and missile interceptors, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday.
"The trials of the capabilities of the system (A-135) are currently underway and the Aerospace Force will soon get an upgraded multi-purpose radar station and modernized missile interceptors of the ABM system," he said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
Active work is currently underway to upgrade the ABM system. Several test-launches of the upgraded missile interceptor have already been conducted, the colonel-general said.
"No doubt, the upgrade of the existing A-135 ABM system that is on combat duty in the city of Moscow is a major task for defense enterprises," Surovikin stressed.
"The trials of the system’s capabilities are underway and the Aerospace Force will soon get a renewed multi-purpose radar station and modernized missile interceptors of the ABM system," he said.
The system’s firepower capabilities for the defense of Moscow and the Moscow Industrial District will be boosted twofold, which has been numerously confirmed by the interceptor’s preliminary trials, he said.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia to build three more Container-3M early warning radars

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Construction of three more Container-3M missile defense early warning radars are underway in @ @ @ @ @ and the Kaliningrad directions , Russian Aerospace Forces Commander-in-Chief Sergei Surovikin said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ we have commissioned construction of three more such radar stations — the Siberian one , @ @ @ @ @ Kaliningrad one — which would allow us to monitor airspace from all strategic aerospace directions @ @ @ @ @ In December 2019 , the first Container-3M radar station entered service in Mordovia .
`` @ @ @ @ @ airspace over Europe and the Middle East , '' Surovikin said .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Construction of three more Container-3M missile defense early warning radars are underway in the Siberian, eastern, and the Kaliningrad directions, Russian Aerospace Forces Commander-in-Chief Sergei Surovikin said in an interview Friday.
"Currently, we have commissioned construction of three more such radar stations — the Siberian one, the eastern one and the Kaliningrad one — which would allow us to monitor airspace from all strategic aerospace directions," he said.
In December 2019, the first Container-3M radar station entered service in Mordovia. "This station conducts reconnaissance of airspace over Europe and the Middle East," Surovikin said.


tass--2020-07-03--Sevastopol missile attack early warning system radar to enter service in 2024

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The meter-band ballistic missile early warning system radar in Russia ’ s Sevastopol will enter service in 2024 , Sergey Surovikin , commander of the Russian '' Considering the relevance of deployment of a radar system on the southwestern missile threat direction , we made a decision to deploy a pre-fabricated meter-band radar in Sevastopol , which will be ready in 2024 , '' he told Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
He reminded that Russia enjoys a continuous radiolocation ballistic missile early warning field , which can track ballistic missile launches .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway .
According to Surovikin , the ground-based radar echelon of 10 radars creates a continuous peripheral radiolocation field and provides guaranteed detection of incoming ballistic missiles from all directions and with any trajectory type .
In a bid to upgrade the ground-based early warning system echelon , the Ministry of Defense builds a continuous two-band peripheral field by deploying pre-fabricated radars across the Russian territory .
Construction of two-band radar complexes is underway near Vorkuta and near Murmansk - the latter being of decimeter band - slated for commissioning in 2021 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system development plan involves upgrade of a number of radar systems on duty in the Krasnodar Region and the Irkutsk Region , as well as construction of new systems in the Leningrad Region and the Far East Federal District , featuring advance characteristics and jamming resistance .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The meter-band ballistic missile early warning system radar in Russia’s Sevastopol will enter service in 2024, Sergey Surovikin, commander of the Russian
"Considering the relevance of deployment of a radar system on the southwestern missile threat direction, we made a decision to deploy a pre-fabricated meter-band radar in Sevastopol, which will be ready in 2024," he told Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
He reminded that Russia enjoys a continuous radiolocation ballistic missile early warning field, which can track ballistic missile launches. However, construction of new radar stations is also underway. According to Surovikin, the ground-based radar echelon of 10 radars creates a continuous peripheral radiolocation field and provides guaranteed detection of incoming ballistic missiles from all directions and with any trajectory type.
In a bid to upgrade the ground-based early warning system echelon, the Ministry of Defense builds a continuous two-band peripheral field by deploying pre-fabricated radars across the Russian territory.
Construction of two-band radar complexes is underway near Vorkuta and near Murmansk - the latter being of decimeter band - slated for commissioning in 2021 and 2022, correspondingly.
The early warning system development plan involves upgrade of a number of radar systems on duty in the Krasnodar Region and the Irkutsk Region, as well as construction of new systems in the Leningrad Region and the Far East Federal District, featuring advance characteristics and jamming resistance.


French government resigns

`` Today , Edouarde Philippe filed his resignation to the president , which he accepted , '' the announcement says @ @ @ @ @ members of the government , he will tend to current affairs until a new government @ @ @ @ @ , French media reported disagreements between the prime minister and the president , including after @ @ @ @ @ a mayor of Havre on June 28 .
On Thursday , President Macron confirmed his @ @ @ @ @ reshuffle amid restoration of the nation after the pandemic .

PARIS, July 3. /TASS/. French government, led by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, resigned, the Elysee Palace announced Friday.
"Today, Edouarde Philippe filed his resignation to the president, which he accepted," the announcement says. "Together with other members of the government, he will tend to current affairs until a new government is appointed."
Earlier, French media reported disagreements between the prime minister and the president, including after Philippe’s victory as a mayor of Havre on June 28. On Thursday, President Macron confirmed his intent to conduct a government reshuffle amid restoration of the nation after the pandemic.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia records fewer than 7,000 new coronavirus cases for 8 days running

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian medical workers identified 6,718 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ consistently below 7,000 for eight days in a row now , the national anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ According to the crisis center , the total number of infections reached 667,883 .
The @ @ @ @ @ been below 1 % for four days running now .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russian medical workers identified 6,718 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, this number has been consistently below 7,000 for eight days in a row now, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Friday.
According to the crisis center, the total number of infections reached 667,883. The daily rate of infection has been below 1% for four days running now.


tass--2020-07-03--Aeroflot board of directors recommends not to pay 2019 dividend

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The board of directors of Aeroflot has recommended shareholders not to pay dividends @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement on Friday .
The decision was considered at the board meeting @ @ @ @ @ number of votes .
The decision was taken due to a substantial negative impact of @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic on Aeroflot operations , the statement said .
The annual shareholders meeting will @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The board of directors of Aeroflot has recommended shareholders not to pay dividends for 2019, the company said in a statement on Friday. The decision was considered at the board meeting and supported by the maximum number of votes.
The decision was taken due to a substantial negative impact of the crisis related to the coronavirus pandemic on Aeroflot operations, the statement said.
The annual shareholders meeting will be held on July 27.


tass--2020-07-03--In Russia, 284,100 people still under observation due to coronavirus fears

Russia ready to export Avifavir for treatment of coronavirus amid global shortage MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Around @ @ @ @ @ medical observation in Russia due to suspected coronavirus , the press service for Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In Russia , 284,100 people are still under medical observation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ the agency , more than 20.4 million coronavirus tests have been conducted overall .
In @ @ @ @ @ 282,000 new tests were carried out .

Russia ready to export Avifavir for treatment of coronavirus amid global shortage
MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Around 284,000 Russian citizens remain under medical observation in Russia due to suspected coronavirus, the press service for Russia’s consumer watchdog said Friday.
"In Russia, 284,100 people are still under medical observation," the statement reads.
According to the agency, more than 20.4 million coronavirus tests have been conducted overall. In the past 24 hours, 282,000 new tests were carried out.


tass--2020-07-03--India reports more than 20,000 coronavirus cases in a single day

NEW DELHI , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The number of newly identified coronavirus infections in India rose by 20,903 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 625,544 , while the number of virus-related fatalities also went up by 379 to reach 18,213 , the national Health Ministry said Friday via its website .
The daily increase of infections was record-breaking for India , the previous record high was reported on June 28 ( more than 19,900 new cases ) .
According to the ministry , 227,439 patients are hospitalized with coronavirus across the country , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the ministry experts , the number of confirmed cases is growing not just because the rates of transmission are exacerbating , but also because the number of conducted coronavirus tests is steadily increasing .
In the past 24 hours , India performed 241,576 such 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

NEW DELHI, July 3. /TASS/. The number of newly identified coronavirus infections in India rose by 20,903 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 625,544, while the number of virus-related fatalities also went up by 379 to reach 18,213, the national Health Ministry said Friday via its website.
The daily increase of infections was record-breaking for India, the previous record high was reported on June 28 (more than 19,900 new cases). According to the ministry, 227,439 patients are hospitalized with coronavirus across the country, while 379,892 people recovered from the infection.
According to the ministry experts, the number of confirmed cases is growing not just because the rates of transmission are exacerbating, but also because the number of conducted coronavirus tests is steadily increasing. In the past 24 hours, India performed 241,576 such 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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-03--US national Whelan not sent to correctional facility so far - attorney

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
US national Paul Whelan sentenced in Russia for espionage remains at a temporary detention facility in Moscow , despite his sentence entering into force , Whelan 's attorney Olga Karlova told TASS .
`` So far , he is at the Lefortovo detention facility .
We do n't know so far when he will be sent to a correctional facility and to which one .
Sometimes this process takes a long time , '' she informed .
Karlova explained that Whelan 's sentence had entered into force on July 3 .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS that the defense team had chosen not to appeal his sentence .
`` We decided to act so in order not to waste time .
Those two or three months that the complaint ’ s consideration would take could be now spent on talks and arranging Whelan ’ s exchange for Russians convicted in the United States , '' the lawyer said , noting that `` there are no legal obstacles for this after the sentence came into effect . ''
Earlier lawyers suggested exchanging Whelan for Russian nationals Viktor Bout and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
Their lawyer Alexei Tarasov said the handover of his clients to Russia was a political issue .
On June 16 , the Moscow City Court found Whelan guilty of spying against Russia and sentenced him to 16 years in prison .
Whelan pleaded not guilty dismissing the criminal case as provocation by Russian special services .
Former US marine Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on December 28 , 2018 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. US national Paul Whelan sentenced in Russia for espionage remains at a temporary detention facility in Moscow, despite his sentence entering into force, Whelan's attorney Olga Karlova told TASS.
"So far, he is at the Lefortovo detention facility. We don't know so far when he will be sent to a correctional facility and to which one. Sometimes this process takes a long time," she informed. Karlova explained that Whelan's sentence had entered into force on July 3.
Earlier, another Whelan's attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov told TASS that the defense team had chosen not to appeal his sentence. "We decided to act so in order not to waste time. Those two or three months that the complaint’s consideration would take could be now spent on talks and arranging Whelan’s exchange for Russians convicted in the United States," the lawyer said, noting that "there are no legal obstacles for this after the sentence came into effect."
Earlier lawyers suggested exchanging Whelan for Russian nationals Viktor Bout and Konstantin Yaroshenko serving their prison terms in the United States. Their lawyer Alexei Tarasov said the handover of his clients to Russia was a political issue.
On June 16, the Moscow City Court found Whelan guilty of spying against Russia and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. Whelan pleaded not guilty dismissing the criminal case as provocation by Russian special services.
Former US marine Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission.


tass--2020-07-03--Russian volunteers vaccinated against COVID-19 do not show adverse symptoms - ministry

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Volunteers that have been vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks ago in Russia ’ s Burdenko military hospital have not developed any adverse symptoms , the Russian Defense Ministry informed reporters on Friday .
`` Volunteers from the first group that received one out of two components of a vaccine on June 18 are feeling well , they have not complained about their health .
In the past two weeks , no serious adverse symptoms have been detected , '' the ministry said .
The volunteers forming part of the second group have received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 23 , and 21 days later , they will be injected with the second component .
`` They are also feeling well , there are no complications or side effects , '' the ministry said .
Clinical testing of a COVID-19 vaccine is held by the Russian Defense Ministry along with the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology .
Clinical testing is expected to conclude in late July .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 10,820,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 661,165 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 428,978 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 9,683 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Volunteers that have been vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks ago in Russia’s Burdenko military hospital have not developed any adverse symptoms, the Russian Defense Ministry informed reporters on Friday.
"Volunteers from the first group that received one out of two components of a vaccine on June 18 are feeling well, they have not complained about their health. In the past two weeks, no serious adverse symptoms have been detected," the ministry said.
The volunteers forming part of the second group have received the first component of the vaccine on June 23, and 21 days later, they will be injected with the second component. "They are also feeling well, there are no complications or side effects," the ministry said.
Clinical testing of a COVID-19 vaccine is held by the Russian Defense Ministry along with the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. Clinical testing is expected to conclude in late July.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 10,820,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 519,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 661,165 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 428,978 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 9,683 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-03--Japan to continue peace treaty talks with Russia - foreign minister

TOKYO , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Japanese government aims to continue holding talks with Russia on the issue of a peace treaty in accordance with the previously reached top-level agreements , Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi said on Friday during a press conference in Tokyo .
`` As for the peace treaty talks , they are being held at the level of both countries ' governments .
In accordance with the agreements between Prime Minister [ Shinzo ] Abe and President [ Vladimir ] Putin , we plan to continue holding persistent talks based on our main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty will be signed after a territorial dispute is resolved , '' he said in response to a request for comment on the new amendment to the Russian Constitution , which prohibits expropriation of Russian territories .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said on Thursday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman that the adoption of amendments to the Russian Constitution would not affect the negotiating process with Japan on signing a peace treaty .
`` As for the negotiating process , we are not talking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged in talks with Japan about signing a peace treaty , the treaty of peace , friendship , good neighborliness and cooperation with Japan .
Therefore , I believe , these negotiations can be continued with understanding of the thesis of inviolability of our borders that is now enshrined in the Russian Constitution , '' he said .
Since the mid-20th century , Russia and Japan have been holding consultations in order to clinch a peace treaty as a follow-up to World War II .
The Kuril Islands issue remains the key sticking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed over to the Soviet Union while Japan laid claims to the four southern islands .
In November 2018 , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Singapore and agreed that the two countries would accelerate the pace of the peace negotiations based on the 1956 Joint Declaration .
The document ended the state of war and said that the Soviet government was ready to hand Shikotan Island and a group of small islands called Habomai over to Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them once a peace treaty was signed .
However , after Japan and the United States had signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security in 1960 , the Soviet Union withdrew its obligation to hand over the islands .
A Soviet government ’ s memorandum dated January 27 , 1960 said that those islands would only be handed over to Japan if all foreign troops were pulled out of the country .
Russia has stated on numerous occasions that the document does not set out handover conditions and thus requires further @ @

TOKYO, July 3. /TASS/. The Japanese government aims to continue holding talks with Russia on the issue of a peace treaty in accordance with the previously reached top-level agreements, Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi said on Friday during a press conference in Tokyo.
"As for the peace treaty talks, they are being held at the level of both countries' governments. In accordance with the agreements between Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe and President [Vladimir] Putin, we plan to continue holding persistent talks based on our main stance, which supposes that a peace treaty will be signed after a territorial dispute is resolved," he said in response to a request for comment on the new amendment to the Russian Constitution, which prohibits expropriation of Russian territories.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said on Thursday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman that the adoption of amendments to the Russian Constitution would not affect the negotiating process with Japan on signing a peace treaty. "As for the negotiating process, we are not talking with Japan about the islands, we are engaged in talks with Japan about signing a peace treaty, the treaty of peace, friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation with Japan. Therefore, I believe, these negotiations can be continued with understanding of the thesis of inviolability of our borders that is now enshrined in the Russian Constitution," he said.
Since the mid-20th century, Russia and Japan have been holding consultations in order to clinch a peace treaty as a follow-up to World War II. The Kuril Islands issue remains the key sticking point since after WWII the islands were handed over to the Soviet Union while Japan laid claims to the four southern islands.
In November 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Singapore and agreed that the two countries would accelerate the pace of the peace negotiations based on the 1956 Joint Declaration. The document ended the state of war and said that the Soviet government was ready to hand Shikotan Island and a group of small islands called Habomai over to Japan on condition that Tokyo would take control of them once a peace treaty was signed.
However, after Japan and the United States had signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security in 1960, the Soviet Union withdrew its obligation to hand over the islands. A Soviet government’s memorandum dated January 27, 1960 said that those islands would only be handed over to Japan if all foreign troops were pulled out of the country.
Russia has stated on numerous occasions that the document does not set out handover conditions and thus requires further clarification.


tass--2020-07-03--Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery to open its doors to visitors on July 3

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow 's State Tretyakov Gallery will re-open its doors to visitors on Friday after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 restrictions .
The museum will follow all the required security measures , and its employees are eagerly awaiting visitors , the gallery ’ s Deputy Director General Tatiana Mrdulyash told TASS .
The gallery was closed in mid-March along with other cultural institutions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` Of course , we await our visitors with great worry and concern , but at the same time with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot .
The museum is preparing , all employees are getting used to wearing masks , gloves , protective screens and protective glass at work .
We are getting reacquainted with seemingly habitual things and processes , finding out a lot of new things .
I hope we will make a habit of it , and both employees and visitors will feel safer .
Of course , this won ’ t stop us from enjoying seeing each other and seeing art once again , '' the deputy head told TASS .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be organized every 30 minutes .
`` We recommend visitors to have a look at the exhibits and leave the museum within two hours to let the next guests enter , so that the gallery does not reach its capacity .
We hope that two hours will be enough .
I would like to stress that this is just a recommendation - if you need more time to see the exhibits , of course , you will have it , nobody will kick you out , '' Mrdulyash said .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Moscow's State Tretyakov Gallery will re-open its doors to visitors on Friday after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The museum will follow all the required security measures, and its employees are eagerly awaiting visitors, the gallery’s Deputy Director General Tatiana Mrdulyash told TASS.
The gallery was closed in mid-March along with other cultural institutions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"Of course, we await our visitors with great worry and concern, but at the same time with great happiness. We have missed them a lot. The museum is preparing, all employees are getting used to wearing masks, gloves, protective screens and protective glass at work. We are getting reacquainted with seemingly habitual things and processes, finding out a lot of new things. I hope we will make a habit of it, and both employees and visitors will feel safer. Of course, this won’t stop us from enjoying seeing each other and seeing art once again," the deputy head told TASS.
She informed that entry to the gallery would be organized every 30 minutes. "We recommend visitors to have a look at the exhibits and leave the museum within two hours to let the next guests enter, so that the gallery does not reach its capacity. We hope that two hours will be enough. I would like to stress that this is just a recommendation - if you need more time to see the exhibits, of course, you will have it, nobody will kick you out," Mrdulyash said.


tass--2020-07-02--Duty free festival to kick off on Hainan in July

SANYA , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
The annual duty free festival in the southern Chinese province of Hainan will officially kick off on July 6 , reported the Sanya administration on social network Weibo .
In particular , in Sanya 's duty free zone , marketing campaigns will be held from July to September .
According to plans of the local authorities , the duty free festival should attract an even greater flow of tourists to shop on this tropical island .
Ahead of the festival , the Chinese government has taken a number of measures to liberalize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting from July 1 , the island has a new quota of 100,000 yuan ( approximately $ 14,140 ) for duty free shopping .
In addition , the authorities lifted the limit on the maximum price per purchase , which used to be 8,000 yuan , and expanded the list of categories of consumer goods sold without duty from 38 to 45 .
According to the Sanya city administration , consumer duty free activity was observed on the very first day the new duty free trade rules came into force : there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8 o ’ clock in the morning , and it opened only at 10 o ’ clock .
Visitors were allowed inside , subject to the necessary safety measures , and temperature was measured before entering .
On April 20 , 2011 , the Chinese State Council approved the launch of a pilot program for the development of a chain of duty free shops on Hainan to promote the island as a world-class resort.The customers can purchase perfumes , cosmetics , jewelry , watches , bags , etc .
The Chinese government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty free shops .
In 2018 , the authorities have already increased the maximum amount of purchases in these stores from 16,000 to 30,000 yuan ( from $ 2,300 to $ 4,500 ) .
Among the new categories of duty free products on Hainan are alcohol , natural honey , tea , tablets and minicomputers , smartphones , game consoles , and other electronic gadgets and accessories .
“ The electronic products that have just appeared on the shelves are very popular , ” the Sanya city administration said .
“ There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sale , among them the most expensive bottle of Louis XIII cognac which costs 51,900 yuan ( about $ 7,300 ) , and that is by 7-8,000 yuan ( $ 1-1,300 ) cheaper than the market price '' .
Moreover , one can now purchase the popular Apple products .
Thus , for example , the flagship iPhone 11 Pro Max with 512 GB RAM in Hainan 's duty free costs about 10,200 yuan ( about $ 1,400 ) , while on the official Apple website customers will have to pay no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,800 ) .
Thus , the buyer can save about 20 % .
The cheapest smartphone of the same line in the Sanya duty free store is 128 GB iPhone 11 Pro , it will cost Hainan guests 5,100 yuan ( about $ 720 ) and save them about 900 yuan ( about $ 140 ) .
At the same time , the volume of alcoholic beverages purchased by one person should not exceed 1.5 liters , and the number of purchased smartphones should not exceed four .
The restrictions also apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the list of duty free goods before its expansion .
However , now buyers can purchase up to 30 cosmetic products without paying a fee , before this amount was limited to 12 units of products .
All other products are not subject to quantitative restrictions .
Four duty free shops are currently open on Hainan : two of them are located in the provincial capital , Haikou , the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao .
According to the latest data , their sales in May amounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about $ 279 million ) , which is by 141 % more compared to the same period last year .
Over the recent years , Hainan 's duty free zones have shown solid revenue growth .
Thus , in 2018 , sales in duty free shops on Hainan reached 10.1 billion yuan ( about $ 1.47 billion ) , which is about 26 % of the corresponding national figure .
Last year , sales grew by more than 34 % , to 13.61 billion yuan ( $ 1.97 billion ) .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the total sales of Hainan 's duty free shops over nine years exceeded 55 billion yuan ( about $ 7.78 billion ) .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan , ” according to which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

SANYA, July 2. /TASS/. The annual duty free festival in the southern Chinese province of Hainan will officially kick off on July 6, reported the Sanya administration on social network Weibo.
In particular, in Sanya's duty free zone, marketing campaigns will be held from July to September. According to plans of the local authorities, the duty free festival should attract an even greater flow of tourists to shop on this tropical island.
Ahead of the festival, the Chinese government has taken a number of measures to liberalize the Hainan duty free program. Thus, starting from July 1, the island has a new quota of 100,000 yuan (approximately $ 14,140) for duty free shopping. In addition, the authorities lifted the limit on the maximum price per purchase, which used to be 8,000 yuan, and expanded the list of categories of consumer goods sold without duty from 38 to 45.
According to the Sanya city administration, consumer duty free activity was observed on the very first day the new duty free trade rules came into force: there was a line in front of the store at 8 o’clock in the morning, and it opened only at 10 o’clock. Visitors were allowed inside, subject to the necessary safety measures, and temperature was measured before entering.
On April 20, 2011, the Chinese State Council approved the launch of a pilot program for the development of a chain of duty free shops on Hainan to promote the island as a world-class resort.The customers can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, bags, etc. The Chinese government has gradually lifted trade restrictions at local duty free shops. In 2018, the authorities have already increased the maximum amount of purchases in these stores from 16,000 to 30,000 yuan (from $ 2,300 to $ 4,500).
New duty free categories
Among the new categories of duty free products on Hainan are alcohol, natural honey, tea, tablets and minicomputers, smartphones, game consoles, and other electronic gadgets and accessories.
“The electronic products that have just appeared on the shelves are very popular,” the Sanya city administration said. “There are more than 20 brands of high-end alcohol on sale, among them the most expensive bottle of Louis XIII cognac which costs 51,900 yuan (about $ 7,300), and that is by 7-8,000 yuan ($ 1-1,300) cheaper than the market price".
Moreover, one can now purchase the popular Apple products. Thus, for example, the flagship iPhone 11 Pro Max with 512 GB RAM in Hainan's duty free costs about 10,200 yuan (about $ 1,400), while on the official Apple website customers will have to pay no less than 12,600 yuan (about $ 1,800). Thus, the buyer can save about 20%. The cheapest smartphone of the same line in the Sanya duty free store is 128 GB iPhone 11 Pro, it will cost Hainan guests 5,100 yuan (about $ 720) and save them about 900 yuan (about $ 140).
At the same time, the volume of alcoholic beverages purchased by one person should not exceed 1.5 liters, and the number of purchased smartphones should not exceed four. The restrictions also apply to the purchase of cosmetics, which was on the list of duty free goods before its expansion. However, now buyers can purchase up to 30 cosmetic products without paying a fee, before this amount was limited to 12 units of products. All other products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.
Sales increase in duty free zones
Four duty free shops are currently open on Hainan: two of them are located in the provincial capital, Haikou, the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao. According to the latest data, their sales in May amounted to more than 1.9 billion yuan (about $ 279 million), which is by 141% more compared to the same period last year.
Over the recent years, Hainan's duty free zones have shown solid revenue growth. Thus, in 2018, sales in duty free shops on Hainan reached 10.1 billion yuan (about $ 1.47 billion), which is about 26% of the corresponding national figure. Last year, sales grew by more than 34%, to 13.61 billion yuan ($ 1.97 billion).
According to the data from the Haikou Customs Administration, the total sales of Hainan's duty free shops over nine years exceeded 55 billion yuan (about $ 7.78 billion).
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.
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--2020-07-02--Twelve companies with projects worth $3.3 billion apply for infrastructure incentives

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic received twelve applications for subsidies from ten companies , which investments in Arctic projects will make more than 232 billion rubles ( $ 3.3 billion ) , the ministry ’ s press service said on Thursday .
Businesses , investing in Arctic projects at least 300 million rubles ( $ 4.2 million ) , may receive non-recoverable subsidies of up to 20 % of investments .
“ We have received applications from twelve companies , where investments in projects would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation of those projects , we expect more than 3,500 new jobs .
Now , the state commission on development of the Arctic , chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and the president ’ s envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev , will take decisions regarding the state support for them , ” the press service quoted Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov as saying .
According to the ministry , applying projects should favor the region ’ s social and economic development and should offer new jobs .
Companies should be experienced in implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in the Russian Arctic zone and should not have debts or undergo bankruptcy or reorganization .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russia’s Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic received twelve applications for subsidies from ten companies, which investments in Arctic projects will make more than 232 billion rubles ($3.3 billion), the ministry’s press service said on Thursday.
Businesses, investing in Arctic projects at least 300 million rubles ($4.2 million), may receive non-recoverable subsidies of up to 20% of investments.
“We have received applications from twelve companies, where investments in projects would be more than 232 billion rubles. During implementation of those projects, we expect more than 3,500 new jobs. Now, the state commission on development of the Arctic, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and the president’s envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev, will take decisions regarding the state support for them,” the press service quoted Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov as saying.
According to the ministry, applying projects should favor the region’s social and economic development and should offer new jobs. Companies should be experienced in implementation of investment projects, they should be registered in the Russian Arctic zone and should not have debts or undergo bankruptcy or reorganization.


tass--2020-07-04--No reason to say Berlin meeting on Ukraine achieved breakthrough - Kozak

BERLIN , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
There was a detailed discussion at the Berlin meeting of political advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Quartet countries ( Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) , but there is hardly any reason to say a breakthrough was achieved , the deputy chief of the Russian presidential staff , Dmitry Kozak , told the media on Friday .
`` I won ’ t dare say there was a breakthrough , '' he said .
`` We had a no easy and fundamental discussion on all aspects of settling the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Kozak said .
`` Much time had to be spent on clearing up Ukraine ’ s attitude to the package of measures and other Minsk agreements , '' he said , adding that `` very different interpretations are heard from Kiev , '' including those of the meaning and interpretation of the agreements .
`` Alongside this we managed to come closer at last - I would not say to agree on a final version , but to come closer - to the adoption of a package of extra measures for putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kozak said , adding that the previous three months of discussions in the contact group had failed to bring about any result .
`` The way we see it today , we have come close to a situation where at the forthcoming meeting of the Contact Group we will manage to adopt a concrete package of extra measures , '' Kozak said .
`` As for the final document , some of its details remain unsettled .
We agreed to negotiate them by telephone . ''
The political advisers ’ talks in Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in them were Russia ’ s deputy chief of the presidential staff Dmitry Kozak , German chancellor ’ s adviser Jan Hecker , French presidential adviser Emmanuel Bonne , and head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andrei Yermak .

BERLIN, July 4. /TASS/. The German capital hosted a high-level meeting, where a marathon dialogue among the political advisors to the leadership of the Normandy Quartet countries (Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France) took place. However, hardly any sort of a breakthrough was achieved, Dmitry Kozak, deputy chief of the Russian presidential staff, told the media on Friday.
"I wouldn’t dare say there was a breakthrough," Kozak concluded. "We had no easy or fundamental discussion on all aspects of settling the conflict in accordance with the Minsk Accords," the official stressed. "Much time had to be spent on clearing up Ukraine’s attitude to the package of measures and other Minsk agreements," he said, adding that "very different interpretations were heard from Kiev," including those on the meaning and interpretation of the agreements.
"Alongside this, we managed to come closer at last. I would not say a final version was agreed on, but it came closer to the adoption of a package of extra measures for a ceasefire," Kozak said, adding that the previous three months of discussions in the contact group had failed to produce any result.
"The way we see it today, we have come close to a situation where at the upcoming meeting of the Contact Group we will manage to adopt a concrete package of extra measures," Kozak vowed. "As for the final document, some of its details remain unsettled. We agreed to negotiate them by telephone."
The negotiations involving the political advisers in Berlin ran for about ten hours. Those participating in the talks were Russia’s Deputy Chief of the Presidential Staff Dmitry Kozak, Foreign Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor Jan Hecker, French Presidential Adviser Emmanuel Bonne, and Andrei Yermak, the Ukrainian presidential chief of staff.


tass--2020-07-04--Amended Russian Constitution available on official portal of legal information

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
The text of the Russian Constitution containing amendments adopted as a result of @ @ @ @ @ uploaded to the Internet portal of legal in formation on Saturday .
`` The Constitution @ @ @ @ @ vote on December 12 , 1993 and contains amendments approved in a nationwide vote on @ @ @ @ @ '' the portal says .
The law on amendments to the Constitution was adopted by @ @ @ @ @ 11 and approved by the Federation Council later in the day .
The law was @ @ @ @ @ assemblies of all regions of Russia .
The law stated outright that the amendments would @ @ @ @ @ of their support by the people .
President Vladimir Putin repeatedly confirmed this .
A @ @ @ @ @ June 25 .
July 1 was the main voting day .
According to the Central @ @ @ @ @ supported by 77.92 % of those who cast their ballots , while 21.27 % opposed @ @ @ @ @ 67.97 % .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The text of the Russian Constitution containing amendments adopted as a result of a nationwide popular vote was uploaded to the Internet portal of legal in formation on Saturday.
"The Constitution was adopted in a nationwide vote on December 12, 1993 and contains amendments approved in a nationwide vote on July 1, 2020," the portal says.
The law on amendments to the Constitution was adopted by the State Duma on March 11 and approved by the Federation Council later in the day. The law was then endorsed by the legislative assemblies of all regions of Russia. The law stated outright that the amendments would take effect only in case of their support by the people. President Vladimir Putin repeatedly confirmed this. A nationwide popular vote began on June 25. July 1 was the main voting day. According to the Central Election Commission the amendments were supported by 77.92% of those who cast their ballots, while 21.27% opposed them. The turnout was 67.97%.


tass--2020-07-03--Ireland’s McGregor offers condolences over death of Khabib Nurmagomedov’ father

TASS , July 3 .
Conor McGregor , a renowned Irish professional mixed martial arts fighter and boxer , has expressed condolences to Russia ’ s UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his family over the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov .
`` The loss of a father , a coach , and a dedicated supporter of the sport .
Condolences and rest in peace Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov , '' he wrote on his Twitter account on Friday .
In October 2018 , Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor during the UFC 229 tournament in Las Vegas , defending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 4th round of the fight .
The bout was followed by a mass brawl between the fighters ’ teams .
McGregor has repeatedly thrown insulting remarks in respect of his rival and his father .
The news about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov ’ s death came earlier on Friday .
Back on June 22 , Khabib Nurmagomedov said his father was in hospital in serious condition after catching the coronavirus infection .
He said his father had survived the coronavirus infection but was suffering from its consequences .
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was initially taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stroke and spent a week on life support .
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was born in 1962 in the village of Sildi in Russia ’ s North Caucasian Republic of Dagestan .
He was the holder of numerous sports titles .
He was senior coach of Dagestan ’ s combat sambo team and trained 18 combat sambo world champions .

TASS, July 3. Conor McGregor, a renowned Irish professional mixed martial arts fighter and boxer, has expressed condolences to Russia’s UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his family over the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
"The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport. Condolences and rest in peace Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov," he wrote on his Twitter account on Friday.
In October 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor during the UFC 229 tournament in Las Vegas, defending his lightweight title with a choke in the 4th round of the fight. The bout was followed by a mass brawl between the fighters’ teams. McGregor has repeatedly thrown insulting remarks in respect of his rival and his father.
The news about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s death came earlier on Friday. Back on June 22, Khabib Nurmagomedov said his father was in hospital in serious condition after catching the coronavirus infection. He said his father had survived the coronavirus infection but was suffering from its consequences. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was initially taken to hospital with pneumonia but later had a stroke and spent a week on life support.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was born in 1962 in the village of Sildi in Russia’s North Caucasian Republic of Dagestan. He was the holder of numerous sports titles. He was senior coach of Dagestan’s combat sambo team and trained 18 combat sambo world champions.


tass--2020-07-03--Belarusian president invites Russia’s Sberbank to finance projects in his country

TASS , July 3 .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has invited Russia ’ s Sberbank to take part in financing @ @ @ @ @ `` We want , like back in the Soviet era , to make a list @ @ @ @ @ commissioned in the next five years .
We also plan to agree their financing source @ @ @ @ @ uncompleted projects , '' BelTA agency quoted him as saying at a meeting with Sberbank @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` I would like to discuss a number of such projects with @ @ @ @ @ ready to participate in these projects , I would be glad to welcome you here @ @ @ @ @ financing of our economy , '' he said .
He also noted the Sberbank was @ @ @ @ @ with a large portfolio of contracts and participation in various projects .

TASS, July 3. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has invited Russia’s Sberbank to take part in financing large-scale projects in Belarus.
"We want, like back in the Soviet era, to make a list of innovation facilities to be commissioned in the next five years. We also plan to agree their financing source so that they never be uncompleted projects," BelTA agency quoted him as saying at a meeting with Sberbank President and CEO Herman Gref on Friday.
"I would like to discuss a number of such projects with you. If Sberbank is ready to participate in these projects, I would be glad to welcome you here, your participation in large-scale financing of our economy," he said.
He also noted the Sberbank was actively working in Belarus, with a large portfolio of contracts and participation in various projects.


tass--2020-07-03--Moscow Exchange plans to start trading in foreign shares on August 17

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow Exchange plans to launch trading in foreign stocks on August 17 @ @ @ @ @ Exchange ’ s press service said on Friday .
`` We confirm that we target @ @ @ @ @ press service said .
It was reported earlier that the Moscow Exchange plans to authorize @ @ @ @ @ securities of foreign issuers included into the S & P 500 index .
Trading of @ @ @ @ @ phases .
Trading in stocks of 25-30 foreign companies will start before the end of @ @ @ @ @ list expansion to 50 companies by 2020 year-end .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The Moscow Exchange plans to launch trading in foreign stocks on August 17 of this year, the Exchange’s press service said on Friday.
"We confirm that we target August 17," the press service said.
It was reported earlier that the Moscow Exchange plans to authorize trading for fifty most liquid securities of foreign issuers included into the S&P 500 index.
Trading of foreign securities will have two phases. Trading in stocks of 25-30 foreign companies will start before the end of summer, followed by the list expansion to 50 companies by 2020 year-end.


tass--2020-07-03--Cyprus suggested amendments to new version of taxation agreement with Russia, says source

NICOSIA , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Authorities of Cyprus made a proposal to Russia to introduce a series of amendments to the new version of the double taxation avoidance agreement but the Russian side has not yet accepted them , a source in the Cyprus ’ government told TASS on Friday .
`` Representatives of the Cyprus ’ Ministry of Finance requested making several exceptions in the new agreement version and exempt from higher taxes state-run companies , enterprises with securities listed on the exchange and legal entities , whose operations are supervised by investment groups .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of companies is too broad , '' the source said .
No official confirmation for this piece of information was received from the Russian side .
The Cypriot side was also interested during talks regarding Russia ’ s intentions concerning new conditions for keeping the possibility of double taxation evasion in relation with such countries as Malta , Luxembourg and the Netherlands , the source noted .
The next round of the dialog between the two countries is scheduled in the beginning of the next week , the source added .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested increasing the tax rate on dividends transferred abroad to offshore jurisdictions from 2 % to 15 % .
This measure requires revision of double taxation agreements with certain countries , the head of state said and asked the Cabinet to organize such work .

NICOSIA, July 3. /TASS/. Authorities of Cyprus made a proposal to Russia to introduce a series of amendments to the new version of the double taxation avoidance agreement but the Russian side has not yet accepted them, a source in the Cyprus’ government told TASS on Friday.
"Representatives of the Cyprus’ Ministry of Finance requested making several exceptions in the new agreement version and exempt from higher taxes state-run companies, enterprises with securities listed on the exchange and legal entities, whose operations are supervised by investment groups. However, the Russian side considered that the suggested range of companies is too broad," the source said. No official confirmation for this piece of information was received from the Russian side.
The Cypriot side was also interested during talks regarding Russia’s intentions concerning new conditions for keeping the possibility of double taxation evasion in relation with such countries as Malta, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the source noted.
The next round of the dialog between the two countries is scheduled in the beginning of the next week, the source added.
On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested increasing the tax rate on dividends transferred abroad to offshore jurisdictions from 2% to 15%. This measure requires revision of double taxation agreements with certain countries, the head of state said and asked the Cabinet to organize such work.


tass--2020-07-03--Mishustin congratulates new French Prime Minister Jean Castex

MOSCOW , July 3./TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Jean Castex on his appointment as French Prime @ @ @ @ @ cooperation between the countries would expand on different tracks , the press service of the @ @ @ @ @ `` I am confident that giving a boost to joint work between the governments will @ @ @ @ @ cooperation , to expand practical cooperation along different trajectories , '' Mishustin said in a @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 3./TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Jean Castex on his appointment as French Prime Minister, expressing hope that cooperation between the countries would expand on different tracks, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers said.
"I am confident that giving a boost to joint work between the governments will help to further strengthen Russian-French cooperation, to expand practical cooperation along different trajectories," Mishustin said in a telegram of congratulations.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia held first international premium fish auction

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia staged the first international auction on premium fish product sales , the @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` The first auction of spawner herring was completed in Vladivostok on @ @ @ @ @ Six Japanese companies made bids for 334 tonnes of products .
Similar large auctions were @ @ @ @ @ in particular , in South Korea ’ s Busan considered to be center of fish @ @ @ @ @ authority said .
A new refrigeration facility built in Vladivostok seaport was used to organize @ @ @ @ @ agency said .
The terminal makes possible to transship about 150,000 tonnes of fish products @ @ @ @ @ at a time .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russia staged the first international auction on premium fish product sales, the Federal Agency for Fisheries said on Friday.
"The first auction of spawner herring was completed in Vladivostok on July 3, 2020. Six Japanese companies made bids for 334 tonnes of products. Similar large auctions were staged before only abroad, in particular, in South Korea’s Busan considered to be center of fish auctions," the Russian authority said.
A new refrigeration facility built in Vladivostok seaport was used to organize the auction, the federal agency said. The terminal makes possible to transship about 150,000 tonnes of fish products annually and store 6,000 tonnes at a time.


tass--2020-07-03--First passenger train arrives from St. Petersburg to Crimea’s resort of Yevpatoria

SIMFEROPOL , July 3./TASS/ .
A first train operated by Grand Service Express arrived on Friday from St. Petersburg to the Crimean resort city of Yevpatoria , the press service of the company told TASS .
The St. Petersburg-Yevpatoria train arrived in Crimea at 14:15 on Friday and headed back at 16:25 , it said .
The railway passenger service was launched to Crimea in December 2019 along two routes - Moscow-Simferopol and St. Petersburg-Simferopol .
Double-decker trains travel to Crimea daily from Moscow ’ s Kazansky Railway .
Trains from St. Petersburg also travel on a daily basis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 250,000 passengers .
From July 15 , the N173/174 train will be travelling from Moscow to Yevpatoria every second day .
The journey lasts about 35 hours .
The 19-kilometer long Crimean Bridge , the longest one in Russia , links the Taman Peninsula ( Krasnodar Region ) and the Kerch Peninsula ( Crimea ) , providing uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia .
The bridge consists of parallel automobile and railway sections .
The construction of the railway part of the bridge was officially completed on @ @ @ @ @

SIMFEROPOL, July 3./TASS/. A first train operated by Grand Service Express arrived on Friday from St. Petersburg to the Crimean resort city of Yevpatoria, the press service of the company told TASS.
The St. Petersburg-Yevpatoria train arrived in Crimea at 14:15 on Friday and headed back at 16:25, it said. The railway passenger service was launched to Crimea in December 2019 along two routes - Moscow-Simferopol and St. Petersburg-Simferopol. Double-decker trains travel to Crimea daily from Moscow’s Kazansky Railway. Trains from St. Petersburg also travel on a daily basis. The double-decker Tavria trains have already conveyed more than 250,000 passengers.
From July 15, the N173/174 train will be travelling from Moscow to Yevpatoria every second day. The journey lasts about 35 hours.
The 19-kilometer long Crimean Bridge, the longest one in Russia, links the Taman Peninsula (Krasnodar Region) and the Kerch Peninsula (Crimea), providing uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia.
The bridge consists of parallel automobile and railway sections. The construction of the railway part of the bridge was officially completed on December 18, 2019.


tass--2020-07-03--Three Russian Tu-142 antisubmarine aircraft fly over Barents Sea, North East Atlantic

SEVEROMORSK /Murmansk Region/ , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Three Russian long-range antisubmarine Tu-142 aircraft conducted a scheduled mission , lasting 12 hours , in international airspace over the Barents and Norwegian Seas and over the North East Atlantic , the Russian Northern Fleet said on Friday .
`` On July 3 , 2020 , three antisubmarine aircraft Tu-142 of the Northern Fleet performed a scheduled mission over neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas as well as the North East Atlantic .
The flight lasted for over 12 hours .
The planes covered the distance of 7,000 kilometers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fleet ’ s press service said .
`` Norwegian F-16 fighter jets and the F-35 aircraft deployed to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland shadowed the Russian aircraft at certain stages of the route , '' the fleet added .
The TU-142 planes were supported by MiG-31 fighter interceptors under the program of combat training for antisubmarine and fighter aircraft crews .
The fleet ’ s press service pointed out that the crews practiced flying over featureless terrain , the crews ’ interaction in flying without radar control and air combat missions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way back , the Tu-142 refueled in midair from IL-78 fuel tankers of the Russian Aerospace Forces .
`` The Northern Fleet ’ s aircraft acted in strict compliance with the international airspace rules , without violating the borders of other states , '' the press service added .

SEVEROMORSK /Murmansk Region/, July 3. /TASS/. Three Russian long-range antisubmarine Tu-142 aircraft conducted a scheduled mission, lasting 12 hours, in international airspace over the Barents and Norwegian Seas and over the North East Atlantic, the Russian Northern Fleet said on Friday.
"On July 3, 2020, three antisubmarine aircraft Tu-142 of the Northern Fleet performed a scheduled mission over neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas as well as the North East Atlantic. The flight lasted for over 12 hours. The planes covered the distance of 7,000 kilometers during that period of time," the fleet’s press service said.
"Norwegian F-16 fighter jets and the F-35 aircraft deployed to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland shadowed the Russian aircraft at certain stages of the route," the fleet added.
The TU-142 planes were supported by MiG-31 fighter interceptors under the program of combat training for antisubmarine and fighter aircraft crews.
The fleet’s press service pointed out that the crews practiced flying over featureless terrain, the crews’ interaction in flying without radar control and air combat missions in an off-shore maritime zone. On the way back, the Tu-142 refueled in midair from IL-78 fuel tankers of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
"The Northern Fleet’s aircraft acted in strict compliance with the international airspace rules, without violating the borders of other states," the press service added.


tass--2020-07-03--Jailed Russian pilot may join lawsuit against prison authorities, lawyer says

NEW YORK , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The defense team of Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko , jailed in the United States , are studying his health records to justify a lawsuit against the authorities of a federal correctional institution in Danbury , Connecticut , Yaroshenko ’ s lawyer Alexei Tarasov told TASS on Friday .
`` We are studying Konstantin Yaroshenko ’ s health records , which run about 500 pages , '' he said .
`` The work is likely to be completed next week , and after that we will make a decision on joining a lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for inmates to contract the coronavirus , '' the lawyer said .
Yaroshenko earlier filed a request for early release , citing the coronavirus threat .
In April , the prison authorities informed the Russian that his request had been denied .
Yaroshenko was arrested in Liberia in May 2010 , and was later clandestinely transferred to the United States .
In September 2011 , he was found guilty of conspiring to smuggle a major cocaine shipment into the US , and sentenced to 20 years behind bars .
However , Yaroshenko pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a setup and the case was fabricated .

NEW YORK, July 3. /TASS/. The defense team of Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, jailed in the United States, are studying his health records to justify a lawsuit against the authorities of a federal correctional institution in Danbury, Connecticut, Yaroshenko’s lawyer Alexei Tarasov told TASS on Friday.
"We are studying Konstantin Yaroshenko’s health records, which run about 500 pages," he said. "The work is likely to be completed next week, and after that we will make a decision on joining a lawsuit against the prison authorities over the risk for inmates to contract the coronavirus," the lawyer said.
Yaroshenko earlier filed a request for early release, citing the coronavirus threat. In April, the prison authorities informed the Russian that his request had been denied.
Yaroshenko was arrested in Liberia in May 2010, and was later clandestinely transferred to the United States. In September 2011, he was found guilty of conspiring to smuggle a major cocaine shipment into the US, and sentenced to 20 years behind bars. However, Yaroshenko pleaded not guilty, saying that his arrest was a setup and the case was fabricated.


tass--2020-07-03--Russian deputy defense minister, Finnish ambassador discuss security issues

MOSCOW , July 3./TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin and Finland ’ s Ambassador @ @ @ @ @ on Friday military cooperation , the Defense Ministry told journalists .
Alexander Fomin and Mikko @ @ @ @ @ key issues of security , as well as bilateral relations on the military track , @ @ @ @ @ September 1 , Hautala will take the position of Finland ’ s Ambassador to the @ @ @ @ @ replaced in Moscow by Antti Helantera .

MOSCOW, July 3./TASS/. Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin and Finland’s Ambassador to Russia Mikko Hautala discussed on Friday military cooperation, the Defense Ministry told journalists.
Alexander Fomin and Mikko Hautala "exchanged opinions on key issues of security, as well as bilateral relations on the military track," it said.
From September 1, Hautala will take the position of Finland’s Ambassador to the US. He will be replaced in Moscow by Antti Helantera.


tass--2020-07-03--Russian ports to start collecting investment charge in 2020

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Collection of the investment charge in Russian ports will start in 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ and River Transport Agency ( Rosmorrechflot ) Alexander Poshivai told reporters on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ ports of our country and we will accordingly start working with the already approved investment @ @ @ @ @ charge collection will start this year - TASS ] , '' the official said .
@ @ @ @ @ , it has been introduced in just 13 of our 67 ports , that is @ @ @ @ @ where needed , '' Podshivai said .
Its effect on the cost of ship calls @ @ @ @ @ ports where the charge is introduced , he added .
In May 2019 , the @ @ @ @ @ of collecting the investment port charge from ship-owners .
Received funds are planned to be @ @ @ @ @ of facilities included into the comprehensive plan of mainline infrastructure upgrade and development .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Collection of the investment charge in Russian ports will start in 2020, head of the Federal Maritime and River Transport Agency (Rosmorrechflot) Alexander Poshivai told reporters on Friday.
"It was approved in thirteen ports of our country and we will accordingly start working with the already approved investment charge. Certainly [the charge collection will start this year - TASS]," the official said.
"Concerning the investment charge, it has been introduced in just 13 of our 67 ports, that is, it was enacted exactly where needed," Podshivai said. Its effect on the cost of ship calls will not be significant in ports where the charge is introduced, he added.
In May 2019, the decree was signed setting rules of collecting the investment port charge from ship-owners. Received funds are planned to be allocated for renovation and construction of facilities included into the comprehensive plan of mainline infrastructure upgrade and development.


tass--2020-07-03--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus nearing 63,000

MINSK , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 299 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in @ @ @ @ @ the overall number of such cases rising to 62,997 .
The daily death toll was @ @ @ @ @ health ministry reported on Friday .
`` As many as 62,997 people have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ of 412 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest update , as many as 49,909 coronavirus patients have recovered @ @ @ @ @ total of 1,043,876 coronavirus tests have been conducted..

MINSK, July 3. /TASS/. As many as 299 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases rising to 62,997. The daily death toll was seven, the country’ health ministry reported on Friday.
"As many as 62,997 people have tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 412 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said.
According to the latest update, as many as 49,909 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease. A total of 1,043,876 coronavirus tests have been conducted..


tass--2020-07-03--President Putin expresses condolences to Khabib Nurmagomedov over his father’s death

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov over a death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday .
Russia ’ s prominent mixed martial arts ( MMA ) , sambo and wrestling coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away earlier in the day at the age of 57 .
Peskov said President Putin voiced his condolences to Khabib in a telephone conversation as soon as the news of his father ’ s death was reported earlier in the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held a personal meeting at the airport of Makhachkala in Dagestan with UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov .
During that meeting Putin warmly greeted the young fighter and his father congratulating Khabib with the victorious defense fight of his UFC champion ’ s belt .
The Russian president thanked Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov personally saying : `` I would like to congratulate you with your son ’ s victory . ''
Khabib Nurmagomedov said on June 22 that his father Abdulmanap remained in a critical condition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow .
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was hospitalized earlier in the year after he had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus .
He was initially taken to a hospital in the Russian capital with a case of a severe pneumonia and after being diagnosed with a case of the novel coronavirus he suffered a stroke and then spent a week on the life support system .
Ramzan Kadyrov , the head of the Russian republic of Chechnya , was the first to break the tragic news on Friday that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news today that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away , '' Kadyrov stated on his Twitter account on Friday .
`` On behalf of all people of Chechnya , I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Abdulmanap Magomedovich [ Nurmagomedov ] . ''
`` He parted with us having left behind his good name and having brought up a decent generation , '' the Chechen leader added .
Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin also expressed his condolences shortly after the news about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov ’ s death broke out .
`` On behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally , I express my deepest condolences to the family and relatives of Abdulmanap Magomedovich Nurmagomedov , '' the Russian Sports Ministry ’ s press service quoted Matytsin as saying in a statement .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov over a death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
Russia’s prominent mixed martial arts (MMA), sambo and wrestling coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away earlier in the day at the age of 57.
Peskov said President Putin voiced his condolences to Khabib in a telephone conversation as soon as the news of his father’s death was reported earlier in the day.
In early September 2019, Putin held a personal meeting at the airport of Makhachkala in Dagestan with UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
During that meeting Putin warmly greeted the young fighter and his father congratulating Khabib with the victorious defense fight of his UFC champion’s belt. The Russian president thanked Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov personally saying: "I would like to congratulate you on your son’s victory."
Khabib Nurmagomedov said on June 22 that his father Abdulmanap remained in a critical condition in an emergency ward of a hospital in Moscow.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was hospitalized earlier in the year after he had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. He was initially taken to a hospital in the Russian capital with a case of a severe pneumonia and after being diagnosed with a case of the novel coronavirus he suffered a stroke and then spent a week on the life support system.
News on Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s death
Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Russian republic of Chechnya, was the first to break the tragic news on Friday that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away.
"My friends, I have learnt sad news today that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away," Kadyrov stated on his Twitter account on Friday. "On behalf of all people of Chechnya, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Abdulmanap Magomedovich [Nurmagomedov]."
"He parted with us having left behind his good name and having brought up a decent generation," the Chechen leader added.
Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin also expressed his condolences shortly after the news about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s death broke out.
"On behalf of the Russian Sports Ministry and myself personally, I express my deepest condolences to the family and relatives of Abdulmanap Magomedovich Nurmagomedov," the Russian Sports Ministry’s press service quoted Matytsin as saying in a statement.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia provides 320 coronavirus testing systems to Latin American countries

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has provided personal protective equipment and 320 coronavirus testing systems to Latin American countries , the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday .
`` On July 2 , an Azur Air flight sent to repatriate Russian nationals from Caracas , Quito , San Jose and other places , delivered a shipment of Russian humanitarian aid to Central American region to help combat the coronavirus , '' the statement reads .
According to the Foreign Ministry , Russia `` provided the region with 320 testing systems to detect COVID-19 , designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for assistance had particularly come from Nicaragua ’ s Vice President Rosario Murillo , Central American Integration System Secretary General Vinicio Cerezo and the government of Costa Rica .
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the shipment also contained over 37,000 pieces of personal protective equipment .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 11,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 524,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,172,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russia has provided personal protective equipment and 320 coronavirus testing systems to Latin American countries, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
"On July 2, an Azur Air flight sent to repatriate Russian nationals from Caracas, Quito, San Jose and other places, delivered a shipment of Russian humanitarian aid to Central American region to help combat the coronavirus," the statement reads.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Russia "provided the region with 320 testing systems to detect COVID-19, designed to conduct 32,000 tests." Requests for assistance had particularly come from Nicaragua’s Vice President Rosario Murillo, Central American Integration System Secretary General Vinicio Cerezo and the government of Costa Rica.
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the shipment also contained over 37,000 pieces of personal protective equipment.
Coronavirus pandemic
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 11,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 524,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,172,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-03--Ukrainian president’s wife recovers from coronavirus

KIEV , July 3./TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s wife has recovered from coronavirus , the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` First Lady of Ukraine Yelena Zelenskaya has recovered after being infected with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ today .
She feels well and is happy to be with her family again , @ @ @ @ @ , Yelena needs to continue medical treatment after bilateral pneumonia and will undergo it at @ @ @ @ @ .
It reported about her hospitalization on June 16 .
Prior to that , she @ @ @ @ @ a few days .
President Zelensky and the children tested negative for coronavirus .
On @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ have been infected worldwide and more than 524,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ 6,172,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

KIEV, July 3./TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s wife has recovered from coronavirus, the president’s office reported on Friday.
"First Lady of Ukraine Yelena Zelenskaya has recovered after being infected with COVID-19 and was discharged from hospital today. She feels well and is happy to be with her family again," it said. However, Yelena needs to continue medical treatment after bilateral pneumonia and will undergo it at home, the office said.
It reported about her hospitalization on June 16. Prior to that, she had undergone outpatient treatment for a few days. President Zelensky and the children tested negative for coronavirus.
As of Friday morning, Ukraine officially confirmed 46,763 coronavirus cases.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 11,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 524,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,172,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-03--Number of Hainan market participants exceeds one million

HAIKOU , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The number of economic entities on Hainan in July 2020 amounted to about 1.01 million , reported the Hainan Daily newspaper citing the local Market Regulatory Authority .
According to the authorities , in June , more than 23,300 new participants were registered on the Hainan market , which is by 52.33 % more compared to the same period last year .
Their number increased amid the publication of a program for Hainan 's free port development in June , the news outlet said .
In the first six months , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan , which is by 29.95 % more than in the first half of 2019 .
Among them there are 46,400 companies and 63,800 entrepreneurs .
Over the past two years , their number has increased by more than 440,000 ( approximately by 66 % ) .
“ Over the past two years , Hainan has made efforts to create an internationally regulated business climate in accordance with the laws which facilitates the business , and has also actively attracted Chinese and foreign investors to develop industry , ” the publication quotes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During this time ] the number of market entities on Hainan has increased rapidly.
`` According to the Hainan Department of Commerce , in 2019 , 338 enterprises with foreign capital were created in the province , which is by 102.4 % more than in 2018 , and the amount of actually used foreign investments doubled compared to the previous year reaching $ 1.5 billion .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of a Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .

HAIKOU, July 3. /TASS/. The number of economic entities on Hainan in July 2020 amounted to about 1.01 million, reported the Hainan Daily newspaper citing the local Market Regulatory Authority.
According to the authorities, in June, more than 23,300 new participants were registered on the Hainan market, which is by 52.33% more compared to the same period last year. Their number increased amid the publication of a program for Hainan's free port development in June, the news outlet said.
In the first six months, more than 110,000 new market entities were registered on Hainan, which is by 29.95% more than in the first half of 2019. Among them there are 46,400 companies and 63,800 entrepreneurs. Over the past two years, their number has increased by more than 440,000 (approximately by 66%).
“Over the past two years, Hainan has made efforts to create an internationally regulated business climate in accordance with the laws which facilitates the business, and has also actively attracted Chinese and foreign investors to develop industry,” the publication quotes a representative of the department. “[During this time] the number of market entities on Hainan has increased rapidly. "
According to the Hainan Department of Commerce, in 2019, 338 enterprises with foreign capital were created in the province, which is by 102.4% more than in 2018, and the amount of actually used foreign investments doubled compared to the previous year reaching $ 1.5 billion.
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.


tass--2020-07-03--Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss anti-coronavirus efforts, international security

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of anti-coronavirus efforts and international security were in focus of telephone talks between Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and head Israeli National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat , the press service of the Russian Security Council said on Friday .
`` The sides discussed a number of issues of Russian-Israeli cooperation in the sphere of security and exchanged view on the international situation .
Special attention was focused on issues of combating the coronavirus infection , '' the press service said .
According to the Russian Security Council press service , Ben-Shabbat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parade organized in Russia on June 24 .
`` The head of the Israeli National Security Council reassured the Russian side that Israel stays committed to its policy of preserving the memory of World War II , '' it added .
Patrushev and Ben-Shabbat met in person in Moscow in November 2019 .
Special attention back then was focused on Syrian settlement and cooperation between Russian and Israeli defense and justice agencies .
Still earlier , in June 2019 , Patrushev and Ben-Shabbat took part in a trilateral meeting with their US counterpart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Issues of anti-coronavirus efforts and international security were in focus of telephone talks between Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and head Israeli National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat, the press service of the Russian Security Council said on Friday.
"The sides discussed a number of issues of Russian-Israeli cooperation in the sphere of security and exchanged view on the international situation. Special attention was focused on issues of combating the coronavirus infection," the press service said.
According to the Russian Security Council press service, Ben-Shabbat noted the high significance of the Victory Parade organized in Russia on June 24. "The head of the Israeli National Security Council reassured the Russian side that Israel stays committed to its policy of preserving the memory of World War II," it added.
Patrushev and Ben-Shabbat met in person in Moscow in November 2019. Special attention back then was focused on Syrian settlement and cooperation between Russian and Israeli defense and justice agencies. Still earlier, in June 2019, Patrushev and Ben-Shabbat took part in a trilateral meeting with their US counterpart, the then National Security Adviser John Bolton.


tass--2020-07-03--Russian top diplomat, Libyan parliament speaker discuss consolidation of int’l efforts

`` The sides discussed issues of the consolidation of international efforts in support of Libyan settlement based on the resolutions of the January 19 international conference in Libya in Berlin and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2510 .
They noted the importance of the appointment of the new United Nations Secretary General ’ s special envoy for Libya , '' the ministry said .
MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Consolidation of international efforts towards settlement of the situation in Libya were in focus of talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and visiting Speaker of Libya ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east of the country , Aguila Saleh Issa , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday .
According to the Russian foreign ministry , the Russian side stressed the importance of immediate cessation of hostilities and the launch of an inclusive dialogue involving all Libyan political forces and public movements .
`` In this context , the sides expressed principal support to the Cairo Declaration of June 6 , which lays the basis for launching United Nations-brokered intra-Libyan talks geared to elaborate compromise solutions to the disputes , to form unified authorities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ensuring the country ’ s integrity and sovereignty , '' it added .
The Russian top diplomat said that Russia ’ s embassy in Libya had resumed its operation but would be temporarily based in Tunis .
He also confirmed that Russian economic operators were ready to enliven their activities in Libya when the situation normalized .

"The sides discussed issues of the consolidation of international efforts in support of Libyan settlement based on the resolutions of the January 19 international conference in Libya in Berlin and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2510. They noted the importance of the appointment of the new United Nations Secretary General’s special envoy for Libya," the ministry said.
MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Consolidation of international efforts towards settlement of the situation in Libya were in focus of talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and visiting Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, seated in the east of the country, Aguila Saleh Issa, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
According to the Russian foreign ministry, the Russian side stressed the importance of immediate cessation of hostilities and the launch of an inclusive dialogue involving all Libyan political forces and public movements.
"In this context, the sides expressed principal support to the Cairo Declaration of June 6, which lays the basis for launching United Nations-brokered intra-Libyan talks geared to elaborate compromise solutions to the disputes, to form unified authorities and reach comprehensive national reconciliation in the interests of ensuring the country’s integrity and sovereignty," it added.
The Russian top diplomat said that Russia’s embassy in Libya had resumed its operation but would be temporarily based in Tunis. He also confirmed that Russian economic operators were ready to enliven their activities in Libya when the situation normalized.