tass--2020-06-19--Press review: What are Telegram’s prospects and Cyprus may lose its offshore luster

Izvestia : Telegram may become major advertising player after Russia lifts block After two years of an unsuccessful struggle with Russia ’ s cloud-based instant messaging service , in agreement with the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , Russia ’ s telecom watchdog dropped demands to restrict access to Telegram .
According to experts interviewed by Izvestia , officials decided not to leave Telegram ’ s multi-million audience outside the legal framework , and the service ’ s owner Pavel Durov probably made some concessions in terms of cooperation with the authorities .
The decision favors both Telegram , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the share of the Russian market , and the state in terms of its image .
According to the newspaper , lifting the restrictive measures on Telegram will allow the messenger to increase its audience in Russia , as well as boost its advertising revenue by 10 % .
In essence , the regulator has hinted to the market that the messaging service is cooperating with security agencies , owner of the Katkov & Partners law firm Pavel Katkov told Izvestia .
At the same time , Head of the Roskomsvoboda non-governmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer encryption keys and embark on actively cooperating with the authorities .
If this happens , the cloud-based service will lose its reputation , which will affect its financial performance , the expert noted .
At the moment , it is difficult to understand the motivation of the authorities , but the `` absolute inefficiency of previously taken measures regarding the messenger is clear — everyone uses Telegram , including government agencies , '' the newspaper wrote .
Mark Sherman , B & C Agency ’ s managing partner , told Izvestia that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large banks , corporations and other structures open up their own Telegram channels .
`` This is a reaction to society ’ s demands , therefore , this will be perceived positively from the standpoint of the image of the state , '' the expert noted .
There is a lot of talk about the economy ’ s digitalization , and Telegram is a tool that has gained recognition abroad , he added .
Leading Analyst at RAEC Karen Ghazaryan noted that unlocking the messenger will allow large businesses , especially those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Telegram .
This will increase the volume of the messenger ’ s advertising , and hence revenue .
According to experts , Telegram channels can bolster advertising revenue by 10 % this year , which in itself is already a lot in Russia ’ s declining advertising market .
Kommersant : US Secretary of State talks to Beijing from position of strength US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a private meeting in Hawaii with Beijing ’ s main curator of relations with Washington , Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) Politburo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Honolulu military base became the first high-level bilateral contact between the countries after the coronavirus pandemic , during which the strategic rivalry between both nations sharply intensified , Kommersant wrote .
Meanwhile , US President Donald Trump has been cranking up pressure , but at the same time he does not want a harsh break with China .
His goal is to achieve maximum concessions in trade and economic relations , in order to call this his main foreign policy asset before the US presidential election , the newspaper wrote .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the talks .
However , the meeting was particularly interesting due to the fact that the talks in Hawaii coincided with a scandal after Trump ’ s ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton in his yet unpublished memoirs claimed that Trump had personally asked his Chinese counterpart , Xi Jinping , to help him win the 2020 US presidential election .
In this situation , Pompeo became the main conductor of the White House ’ s general line to exert maximum pressure on Beijing , Kommersant wrote .
Amid the scandal , less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawaii , Trump signed a bill allowing sanctions against Chinese officials who , according to Washington , infringe on the rights of a national minority .
The Chinese Foreign Ministry called the bill a gross interference in the internal affairs of China .
`` In this US presidential election year , Donald Trump seeks to show the US that only his politics towards China can ensure US national interests , as he understands them .
Therefore , today he does not need long talks with Beijing , but harsh conditions for the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with elements of a diplomatic game so as not to bring down the stock market , '' Director of the Center for Political Studies Andrey Fedorov told Kommersant .
`` While Trump ’ s opponents are trying to accuse him of a secret conspiracy with Beijing , the president does not lose hope of presenting relations with China as his main foreign policy boon , '' the expert noted .
Vedomosti : Russia may break off tax treaty with Cyprus Russian businesses operating through offshore companies in Cyprus could face not only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also double taxation .
Russia ’ s negotiations on changing the tax agreement with the Mediterranean island country have reached an impasse and it may be terminated , a federal official and several consultants told Vedomosti .
The decades-old mechanisms no longer suit Moscow , the newspaper wrote , adding that President Vladimir Putin demanded to increase the rates in tax treaties to 15 % starting from 2021 or terminate them .
The second option threatens the agreement with Cyprus .
The Cypriot Ministry of Finance has not yet agreed to revise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to one of the consultants , Cyprus proposed maintaining the current rates by tightening control over the foreign structures of Russian business .
If negotiations come to a deadlock in the coming months , Russia will be forced to initiate laws to denounce the agreement this fall , a spokesperson for the Russian Finance Ministry said .
Cyprus is the most popular low-tax jurisdiction among Russian businesses , through which capital is transferred to the offshore zone and back to Russia .
According to the Bank of Russia , in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies , and received $ 8.1 bln in direct investments .
The deal with Cyprus makes it possible to reduce taxes on dividends and interest paid on loans abroad to 5 % and 0 % from 15 % and 20 % , respectively .
Russian businesses with funding that went through Cyprus , will suffer as taxes on interest on loans will grow to 20 % , Natalia Kuznetsova , a partner at Deloitte told Vedomosti .
For some companies and people , breaking the agreement will result in double taxation .
Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KPMG in Russia and the CIS Alexander Tokarev told Vedomosti that the absence of a deal with Cyprus may lead to the Mediterranean island country being blackballed by Russia ’ s Finance Ministry and the Federal Tax Service if , for instance , in response Cyprus ceases to share tax information with Russia , he explained .
Vedomosti : Council of Europe experts concerned about amendments to Russian Constitution The Venice Commission ( an advisory body on constitutional law under the Council of Europe ) is concerned that the new version of Article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitutional Court ’ s capacity to declare decisions based on international treaties not enforceable in the Russian Federation , Vedomosti wrote , referring to the statement published on the Council of Europe website .
The Commission recommends leaving this amendment out , or at least a change in its wording .
The commission ’ s experts recall that by joining the Council of Europe and ratifying the Convention on Human Rights , Russia has committed itself to complying with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights , and the Convention states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory .
Experts are also up in arms about the fact that the Constitution proposes giving the Federation Council the right to dismiss judges from the Constitutional Court , which makes the judiciary subject to political pressure , the Council of Europe fears .
`` An interesting conclusion , we will review it , '' Deputy Chairman of the State Duma , Head of the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pyotr Tolstoy told Vedomosti .
He recalled that the Commission ’ s conclusions are advisory in nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document `` does not meet the interests of our country '' , since it proceeds from the priorities traditional for the West , he added .
Russia lost five positions in the ranking of the world ’ s most competitive economies , according to a study by the International Institute for Management Development ( IMD ) , based in Geneva .
According to the authors of the list , the main problem is the low efficiency of business , and more precisely — entrepreneurs ’ low opinion about themselves .
The way out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase labor productivity and actively invest in infrastructure , Izvestia wrote .
Russia , according to the results of the current study , took the 50th place , between Greece and Romania .
Among BRICS members , the country is located right in the middle , below China and India , but above Brazil and South Africa .
Among the countries of the former USSR , Ukraine ( 55 ) is located below Russia , while Estonia ( 28 ) , Lithuania ( 31 ) , Latvia ( 41 ) , and Kazakhstan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , Kazakhstan also lost eight positions in a year .
The Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO was involved in measuring Russian indicators .
Vladimir Korovkin , a professor from this educational institution , told Izvestia that Russia showed a decline in several indicators at once , including demography ( long-term population and labor growth ) and macroeconomics ( including exchange rate stability , budget surplus , gross fixed capital formation and GDP growth ) , as well as innovation ( the use of digital tools ) .
Among all the individual indicators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficiency was the worst — 61st , where the quality of management looked especially bad .
According to Korovkin , entrepreneurs and companies are too critical of themselves .
`` In my opinion , 61st place on this list is quite expected for a country in which modern business is only 30 years old , '' he told the newspaper .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Telegram may become major advertising player after Russia lifts block
Read also Russian watchdog lifts blocking of Telegram messenger
After two years of an unsuccessful struggle with Russia’s cloud-based instant messaging service, in agreement with the Prosecutor General’s Office, Russia’s telecom watchdog dropped demands to restrict access to Telegram. According to experts interviewed by Izvestia, officials decided not to leave Telegram’s multi-million audience outside the legal framework, and the service’s owner Pavel Durov probably made some concessions in terms of cooperation with the authorities. The decision favors both Telegram, which so far lags behind other major messengers in the share of the Russian market, and the state in terms of its image. According to the newspaper, lifting the restrictive measures on Telegram will allow the messenger to increase its audience in Russia, as well as boost its advertising revenue by 10%. In essence, the regulator has hinted to the market that the messaging service is cooperating with security agencies, owner of the Katkov & Partners law firm Pavel Katkov told Izvestia. At the same time, Head of the Roskomsvoboda non-governmental association Artem Kozlyuk doubts that Telegram could transfer encryption keys and embark on actively cooperating with the authorities. If this happens, the cloud-based service will lose its reputation, which will affect its financial performance, the expert noted. At the moment, it is difficult to understand the motivation of the authorities, but the "absolute inefficiency of previously taken measures regarding the messenger is clear — everyone uses Telegram, including government agencies," the newspaper wrote. Mark Sherman, B&C Agency’s managing partner, told Izvestia that Telegram would significantly widen its audience when large banks, corporations and other structures open up their own Telegram channels. "This is a reaction to society’s demands, therefore, this will be perceived positively from the standpoint of the image of the state," the expert noted. There is a lot of talk about the economy’s digitalization, and Telegram is a tool that has gained recognition abroad, he added. Leading Analyst at RAEC Karen Ghazaryan noted that unlocking the messenger will allow large businesses, especially those with state participation, to officially purchase advertising on Telegram. This will increase the volume of the messenger’s advertising, and hence revenue. According to experts, Telegram channels can bolster advertising revenue by 10% this year, which in itself is already a lot in Russia’s declining advertising market. Kommersant: US Secretary of State talks to Beijing from position of strength
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a private meeting in Hawaii with Beijing’s main curator of relations with Washington, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo member Yang Jiechi. The negotiations at a Honolulu military base became the first high-level bilateral contact between the countries after the coronavirus pandemic, during which the strategic rivalry between both nations sharply intensified, Kommersant wrote. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been cranking up pressure, but at the same time he does not want a harsh break with China. His goal is to achieve maximum concessions in trade and economic relations, in order to call this his main foreign policy asset before the US presidential election, the newspaper wrote. The parties chose not to announce the agenda of the talks. However, the meeting was particularly interesting due to the fact that the talks in Hawaii coincided with a scandal after Trump’s ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton in his yet unpublished memoirs claimed that Trump had personally asked his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to help him win the 2020 US presidential election. In this situation, Pompeo became the main conductor of the White House’s general line to exert maximum pressure on Beijing, Kommersant wrote. Amid the scandal, less than a day before the talks in Hawaii, Trump signed a bill allowing sanctions against Chinese officials who, according to Washington, infringe on the rights of a national minority. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called the bill a gross interference in the internal affairs of China. "In this US presidential election year, Donald Trump seeks to show the US that only his politics towards China can ensure US national interests, as he understands them. Therefore, today he does not need long talks with Beijing, but harsh conditions for the Chinese leadership. This policy combines direct pressure with elements of a diplomatic game so as not to bring down the stock market," Director of the Center for Political Studies Andrey Fedorov told Kommersant. "While Trump’s opponents are trying to accuse him of a secret conspiracy with Beijing, the president does not lose hope of presenting relations with China as his main foreign policy boon," the expert noted. Vedomosti: Russia may break off tax treaty with Cyprus
Russian businesses operating through offshore companies in Cyprus could face not only a sharp rise in the tax burden, but also double taxation. Russia’s negotiations on changing the tax agreement with the Mediterranean island country have reached an impasse and it may be terminated, a federal official and several consultants told Vedomosti. The decades-old mechanisms no longer suit Moscow, the newspaper wrote, adding that President Vladimir Putin demanded to increase the rates in tax treaties to 15% starting from 2021 or terminate them. The second option threatens the agreement with Cyprus. The Cypriot Ministry of Finance has not yet agreed to revise the agreement, sources told Vedomosti. According to one of the consultants, Cyprus proposed maintaining the current rates by tightening control over the foreign structures of Russian business. If negotiations come to a deadlock in the coming months, Russia will be forced to initiate laws to denounce the agreement this fall, a spokesperson for the Russian Finance Ministry said. Cyprus is the most popular low-tax jurisdiction among Russian businesses, through which capital is transferred to the offshore zone and back to Russia. According to the Bank of Russia, in 2019, Russia invested $14.5 bln in Cypriot companies, and received $8.1 bln in direct investments. The deal with Cyprus makes it possible to reduce taxes on dividends and interest paid on loans abroad to 5% and 0% from 15% and 20%, respectively. Russian businesses with funding that went through Cyprus, will suffer as taxes on interest on loans will grow to 20%, Natalia Kuznetsova, a partner at Deloitte told Vedomosti. For some companies and people, breaking the agreement will result in double taxation. Director of Tax and Legal Advice Department of KPMG in Russia and the CIS Alexander Tokarev told Vedomosti that the absence of a deal with Cyprus may lead to the Mediterranean island country being blackballed by Russia’s Finance Ministry and the Federal Tax Service if, for instance, in response Cyprus ceases to share tax information with Russia, he explained. Vedomosti: Council of Europe experts concerned about amendments to Russian Constitution
Read also Russia to issue nearly 110 mln ballot papers for constitutional vote
The Venice Commission (an advisory body on constitutional law under the Council of Europe) is concerned that the new version of Article 79 of the Russian Constitution expands the Constitutional Court’s capacity to declare decisions based on international treaties not enforceable in the Russian Federation, Vedomosti wrote, referring to the statement published on the Council of Europe website. The Commission recommends leaving this amendment out, or at least a change in its wording. The commission’s experts recall that by joining the Council of Europe and ratifying the Convention on Human Rights, Russia has committed itself to complying with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and the Convention states that the enforcement of court decisions is mandatory. Experts are also up in arms about the fact that the Constitution proposes giving the Federation Council the right to dismiss judges from the Constitutional Court, which makes the judiciary subject to political pressure, the Council of Europe fears. "An interesting conclusion, we will review it," Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, Head of the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pyotr Tolstoy told Vedomosti. He recalled that the Commission’s conclusions are advisory in nature. However, in general, this document "does not meet the interests of our country", since it proceeds from the priorities traditional for the West, he added. Izvestia: Russia loses ground in global competitiveness rating
Read also Putin likens business support amid pandemic to industry mobilization during World War II


tass--2020-06-19--Defense minister to lead Chinese delegation at Victory Parade in Moscow

Most of the Chinese delegation ’ s members have already arrived in Moscow and China ’ s servicemen are training together with the Russian military personnel in the run-up to the parade , the ambassador said .
MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
China ’ s Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and the country ’ s military leadership are expected to lead the Chinese delegation at the Victory Parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 , Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 105 people , of whom 95 are the parade unit , or the guard of honor , to put it plainly , which is renowned for its military skills , '' the diplomat said .
`` Besides , we expect , already closer to the date , at least as is planned , the arrival of the military leadership and the defense minister and we , naturally , are waiting for our Chinese friends in Moscow , '' Denisov noted .
Russia ’ s Land Forces Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , had already arrived in Moscow and were training to take part in the military parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War .
The Army chief said the Russian and foreign troops were preparing for the Victory Parade at the Alabino parade training ground near Moscow .
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26 , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade would be held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on June 24 .
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place , when soldiers , who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad , who stood their ground for Stalingrad , liberated Europe and stormed Berlin marched on Red Square .
The Russian president instructed the defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t any risks to the health of the military parade ’ s participants .

Most of the Chinese delegation’s members have already arrived in Moscow and China’s servicemen are training together with the Russian military personnel in the run-up to the parade, the ambassador said.
MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. China’s Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and the country’s military leadership are expected to lead the Chinese delegation at the Victory Parade on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24, Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Friday.
"The Chinese delegation consists of 105 people, of whom 95 are the parade unit, or the guard of honor, to put it plainly, which is renowned for its military skills," the diplomat said.
"Besides, we expect, already closer to the date, at least as is planned, the arrival of the military leadership and the defense minister and we, naturally, are waiting for our Chinese friends in Moscow," Denisov noted.
Russia’s Land Forces Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said earlier that troops from twelve countries, including China, had already arrived in Moscow and were training to take part in the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square devoted to the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.
The Army chief said the Russian and foreign troops were preparing for the Victory Parade at the Alabino parade training ground near Moscow.
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on May 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the anticipated Victory Parade would be held on Moscow’s Red Square on June 24.
The head of state explained he had chosen this date because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place, when soldiers, who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad, who stood their ground for Stalingrad, liberated Europe and stormed Berlin marched on Red Square.
The Russian president instructed the defense chief to make sure that there weren’t any risks to the health of the military parade’s participants.


tass--2020-06-19--Cooperation of Russia, China on fighting pandemic not to cease — envoy

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Active cooperation of Russia and China over fight against the coronavirus pandemic will continue , Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said Friday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
`` Since effectively the first days of the outbreak , it has become clear that international cooperation would be necessary in terms of supplying medical protective gear , development of drugs as well as assessment of the situation , '' Denisov said .
`` In February , our delegation of leading researchers on infectious diseases and epidemiology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this level , visited China .
This cooperation will continue , because both China and other countries have been developing a vaccine , and this work demands joint efforts . ''
The envoy noted that Russia delivered humanitarian aid to China during the most difficult period for the People ’ s Republic , providing Chinese specialists with everything necessary .
`` And then we swapped places : China entered the incidence plateau while Russia entered the acute phase , and our Chinese friends came to our rescue , sending two big planes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Denisov noted .
`` Russia procured over 200 million medical masks from China , it was a significant aid during the challenging time , there was no other source of medical items of such a scale , '' the envoy said .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Active cooperation of Russia and China over fight against the coronavirus pandemic will continue, Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said Friday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"Since effectively the first days of the outbreak, it has become clear that international cooperation would be necessary in terms of supplying medical protective gear, development of drugs as well as assessment of the situation," Denisov said. "In February, our delegation of leading researchers on infectious diseases and epidemiology, the first and the only one of this level, visited China. This cooperation will continue, because both China and other countries have been developing a vaccine, and this work demands joint efforts."
The envoy noted that Russia delivered humanitarian aid to China during the most difficult period for the People’s Republic, providing Chinese specialists with everything necessary. "And then we swapped places: China entered the incidence plateau while Russia entered the acute phase, and our Chinese friends came to our rescue, sending two big planes with 60 tonnes of medical cargo," Denisov noted.
"Russia procured over 200 million medical masks from China, it was a significant aid during the challenging time, there was no other source of medical items of such a scale," the envoy said.
Tourism


tass--2020-06-19--Number of coronavirus tests in Russia surpass 16 mln

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian experts have conducted over 16,300,000 COVID-19 tests already , the press service @ @ @ @ @ Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Friday .
Production of vaccine @ @ @ @ @ August , says deputy PM '' As of June 18 , 16,321,964 laboratory tests were @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on material taken from people including those arriving from countries with adverse COVID-19 situations @ @ @ @ @ .
On June 15 , the consumer rights watchdog reported that the number of tests @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the agency , to date 310,400 patients with presumed coronavirus infections remain @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russian experts have conducted over 16,300,000 COVID-19 tests already, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Friday.
Production of vaccine against coronavirus may begin in August, says deputy PM
"As of June 18, 16,321,964 laboratory tests were carried out for the novel coronavirus on material taken from people including those arriving from countries with adverse COVID-19 situations," the statement said.
On June 15, the consumer rights watchdog reported that the number of tests conducted countrywide had exceeded 15,000,000.
According to the agency, to date 310,400 patients with presumed coronavirus infections remain under medical supervision.


tass--2020-06-19--Russia expects Chinese leader to upcoming SCO, BRICS summits — envoy

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia expects Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the upcoming summit of BRICS ( @ @ @ @ @ , China and South Africa ) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , @ @ @ @ @ fall , Russian Ambassador in China Andrei Denisov told TASS Friday .
He recalled that @ @ @ @ @ BRICS this year , and the two summits will take place this year in Russia @ @ @ @ @ they will take place this fall , and we expect heads of member states , @ @ @ @ @ '' the envoy said .
The summits were due on July 21-23 in St. Petersburg @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin press service announced that the events were postponed over the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ `` new dates for the summits will be determined depending on further development of the @ @ @ @ @ states and the world in general . ''

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russia expects Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the upcoming summit of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), slated to take place this fall, Russian Ambassador in China Andrei Denisov told TASS Friday.
He recalled that Russia presides over SCO and BRICS this year, and the two summits will take place this year in Russia. "I hope that they will take place this fall, and we expect heads of member states, including the Chinese leader," the envoy said.
The summits were due on July 21-23 in St. Petersburg. On May 27, the Kremlin press service announced that the events were postponed over the coronavirus pandemic. The Kremlin noted that the "new dates for the summits will be determined depending on further development of the epidemiological situation in the member states and the world in general."


tass--2020-06-19--Putin’s visit to China planned for this year, exact date unknown — ambassador

`` It was planned that the official visit of the Russian president would take place in early fall , however , there hasn ’ t been a final decision .
These plans are not finalized .
This is why we expect that the visit of our leader to China will definitely take place later this year , '' he said .
MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to China is planned for this year , however , the exact date of the visit is unknown so far , Russian Ambassador to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
`` The dates might be moved .
We have not had a practical discussion of exact dates with our Chinese partners yet for obvious reasons , '' the ambassador added .
Denisov informed that a meeting between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is also planned this year .
`` We are also discussing it , it might take place in the fall — in October , maybe in November .
It should take place in our country , '' he pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic has affected the discussion of our contacts , however , the discussion continues .
Both we and our Chinese partners are maintaining cooperation , '' the diplomat said .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 8,595,700 people have been infected worldwide and more than 456,600 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,546,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"It was planned that the official visit of the Russian president would take place in early fall, however, there hasn’t been a final decision. These plans are not finalized. This is why we expect that the visit of our leader to China will definitely take place later this year," he said.
MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China is planned for this year, however, the exact date of the visit is unknown so far, Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov said on Friday in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"The dates might be moved. We have not had a practical discussion of exact dates with our Chinese partners yet for obvious reasons," the ambassador added.
Denisov informed that a meeting between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is also planned this year. "We are also discussing it, it might take place in the fall — in October, maybe in November. It should take place in our country," he pointed out.
"Of course, the epidemic has affected the discussion of our contacts, however, the discussion continues. Both we and our Chinese partners are maintaining cooperation," the diplomat said.
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 8,595,700 people have been infected worldwide and more than 456,600 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,546,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-19--Japanese PM will not attend Victory Parade in Moscow

`` Considering the COVID-19 situation in our country and abroad , Prime Minister Abe will not attend this ceremony , '' he said at a parliament committee focusing on Okinawa and the `` Northern Territories '' ( as the Russian Southern Kuril Islands are called in Japan - TASS ) .
TOKYO , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on June 24 , said Deputy Assistant Minister of the European Affairs Bureau of Japan ’ s Foreign Ministry Hideki Uyama on Friday .
According to him , currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any Japanese diplomat in Moscow had received an invitation to the parade .
Toshimitsu Motegi , Japan ’ s top diplomat , noted that should there be an invitation , and the Japanese side would react appropriately .
Abe was scheduled to visit Moscow for Victory Day on May 9 .
Motegi then mentioned that the premier had been planning to meet with the Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow .
However , this trip had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
On May 26 , Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergey Shoigu announced that the Victory Parade would be held on June 24 .
The landmark historical Victory parade of 1945 took place on the same day .
Putin instructed Shoigu to exclude any health risks to the parade ’ s participants .

"Considering the COVID-19 situation in our country and abroad, Prime Minister Abe will not attend this ceremony," he said at a parliament committee focusing on Okinawa and the "Northern Territories" (as the Russian Southern Kuril Islands are called in Japan - TASS).
TOKYO, June 19. /TASS/. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend the Victory Parade in Moscow on June 24, said Deputy Assistant Minister of the European Affairs Bureau of Japan’s Foreign Ministry Hideki Uyama on Friday.
According to him, currently there is no information as to whether any Japanese diplomat in Moscow had received an invitation to the parade. Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s top diplomat, noted that should there be an invitation, and the Japanese side would react appropriately.
Abe was scheduled to visit Moscow for Victory Day on May 9. Motegi then mentioned that the premier had been planning to meet with the Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow. However, this trip had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On May 26, Vladimir Putin in a meeting with the Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced that the Victory Parade would be held on June 24. The landmark historical Victory parade of 1945 took place on the same day. Putin instructed Shoigu to exclude any health risks to the parade’s participants.


tass--2020-06-19--Russian fighter jets scrambled to intercept US B-52H bombers over Okhotsk Sea

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Su-30 , Su-35 and MiG-31 fighter jets of Russia ’ s Eastern Military @ @ @ @ @ US Air Force B-52H bombers over the Sea of Okhotsk , the Defense Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ reported on Friday .
`` On June 19 , 2020 , the air defense quick @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Military District spotted and started tracking a pair of US Air Force B-52H bombers @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Center said .
`` At a considerable distance from the state border @ @ @ @ @ the US Air Force planes were continuously tracked by Russian monitoring capabilities .
Su-30 , @ @ @ @ @ the air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Eastern Military District were scrambled to @ @ @ @ @ it said .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-31 fighter jets of Russia’s Eastern Military District were scrambled to intercept US Air Force B-52H bombers over the Sea of Okhotsk, the Defense Ministry’s National Defense Control Center reported on Friday.
"On June 19, 2020, the air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Eastern Military District spotted and started tracking a pair of US Air Force B-52H bombers over the Sea of Okhotsk," the Center said.
"At a considerable distance from the state border of the Russian Federation, the US Air Force planes were continuously tracked by Russian monitoring capabilities. Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters from the air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Eastern Military District were scrambled to intercept the targets," it said.


tass--2020-06-19--Russia documents fewer than 8,000 daily COVID-19 cases for three days running

Production of vaccine against coronavirus may begin in August , says deputy PM MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has documented 7,972 cases of COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , in the past 24 hours , with the total amount of documented cases reaching 569,063 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed reporters on Friday .
For three days running , the amount of new cases has not surpassed 8,000 .
According to the crisis center , the daily increase rate has reached a minimal 1.4 % for the past three days .
Moscow has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , with the increase rate not surpassing 0.5 % for the past three days .
In total , 211,921 people have contracted the virus in Moscow .
In the past 24 hours , 646 cases of the virus have been documented in the Moscow Region , 259 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region , 254 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 228 in St. Petersburg .
In total , there are 236,816 active cases of COVID-19 in Russia currently .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Production of vaccine against coronavirus may begin in August, says deputy PM
MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russia has documented 7,972 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, with the total amount of documented cases reaching 569,063, the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed reporters on Friday.
For three days running, the amount of new cases has not surpassed 8,000. According to the crisis center, the daily increase rate has reached a minimal 1.4% for the past three days.
Moscow has documented 1,136 cases of the virus in the past 24 hours, with the increase rate not surpassing 0.5% for the past three days. In total, 211,921 people have contracted the virus in Moscow.
In the past 24 hours, 646 cases of the virus have been documented in the Moscow Region, 259 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, 254 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 228 in St. Petersburg. In total, there are 236,816 active cases of COVID-19 in Russia currently.
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.


tass--2020-06-19--India eyeing purchase of 20 Mig-29 jets from Russia — media

`` The IAF is seeking to urgently procure 21 additional MiG 29 fighter jets from Russia to add to its @ @ @ @ @ already in service .
These fighters , which include two trainers , are expected to @ @ @ @ @ price as they have already been partially manufactured in Russia for a previous order that @ @ @ @ @ newspaper said .
`` These fighters , if ordered , would come handy to replace @ @ @ @ @ that are to retire within the next five years . ''
The Indian government is @ @ @ @ @ of the air forces .
The procurement can begin two years after the agreement with @ @ @ @ @ clarified .
The Indian Air Forces are also planning to place an order to manufacture @ @ @ @ @ fighters at the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd facilities .
The new order will allow the company @ @ @ @ @ line after the order to produce 272 such fighters runs its course in 2021 .

"The IAF is seeking to urgently procure 21 additional MiG 29 fighter jets from Russia to add to its three squadrons of the type already in service. These fighters, which include two trainers, are expected to be procured at a reasonable price as they have already been partially manufactured in Russia for a previous order that got cancelled," the newspaper said. "These fighters, if ordered, would come handy to replace the ageing MiG 21 squadrons that are to retire within the next five years."
The Indian government is ready to consider this proposal of the air forces. The procurement can begin two years after the agreement with Russia is signed, sources clarified.
The Indian Air Forces are also planning to place an order to manufacture Su-30MKI twinjet multirole air superiority fighters at the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd facilities. The new order will allow the company to continue producing the Su-30MKI line after the order to produce 272 such fighters runs its course in 2021.


tass--2020-06-19--Ukraine documents record number of daily COVID-19 cases

KIEV , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has documented a record number of daily COVID-19 cases for three days @ @ @ @ @ and Defense Council of Ukraine informed on Friday .
Ukraine has recorded 921 cases of @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .
Yesterday , the figure was reached 829 .
In the past @ @ @ @ @ patients have died in Ukraine .
In total , 34,984 cases of the virus have @ @ @ @ @ 15,447 people have recovered .

KIEV, June 19. /TASS/. Ukraine has documented a record number of daily COVID-19 cases for three days running, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine informed on Friday.
Ukraine has recorded 921 cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Yesterday, the figure was reached 829. In the past 24 hours, 19 COVID-19 patients have died in Ukraine.
In total, 34,984 cases of the virus have been recorded in Ukraine; 15,447 people have recovered.


tass--2020-06-19--NDB prices inaugural USD 1.5 billion 3-year COVID Response Bond

SHANGHAI , June 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 16 , 2020 , the New Development Bank ( NDB ) priced its inaugural benchmark USD 1.5 billion 3-year COVID Response Bond in the international capital markets .
The net proceeds from the Bond issue will be used to finance sustainable development activities in the NDB 's member countries , including emergency assistance loans to the Bank 's member countries .
Such emergency loans could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak or provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The transaction met exceptional high-quality investor support , with strong participation from central banks and official institutions , which represented 75 % of allocations .
The investor geographic distribution of the final Bond book was as follows : 56 % - Asia , 29 % - EMEA , 15 % - Americas .
The robust investor demand allowed the NDB to tighten the pricing by 7 basis points compared to the upper bound of initial price thoughts and to achieve the coupon rate of 0.625 % .
`` We are pleased with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top quality order book for our inaugural COVID Response Bond in the international markets .
This bond issue is strategically important in addressing the economic and social challenges that our member states are facing in their fight against the COVID-19 outbreak , '' said Mr. Leslie Maasdorp , NDB Vice President and Chief Financial Officer .
`` I would like to thank our investors for their trust in our credit and our lead managers who contributed to the successful execution of the transaction '' .
Citi , Credit Agricole CIB , Goldman Sachs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as lead managers for the Bond .
Bank of China , Barclays , DBS Bank Ltd. , Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited , Mizuho Securities , Standard Chartered Bank , TD Securities acted as co-managers for the Bond .
In December 2019 , the NDB registered its inaugural USD 50 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme in the international capital markets .
The Programme has been rated `` AA+ '' by Fitch and has been assigned `` AA+ '' long-term and `` A-1+ '' short-term issue ratings by S & P @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thereto and any Final Terms published in relation to any series of Notes is or will be available for viewing at https : //www.ise.ie/Market-Data-Announcements/Debt/Individual-Debt-Instrument-Data/ShowSecSpecialist/ ?
secID=10710 .
The NDB established Emergency Assistance Facility to meet the emergency needs of its member countries .
Such emergency loans to the member countries could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak or provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery in member countries .
The NDB targets to provide up to USD 10 billion in crisis-related assistance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bank has provided RMB 7 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of China as well as USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of India .
The NDB was established by Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries , complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development .
To fulfill its purpose , the NDB will support public or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equity participation and other financial instruments .
The NDB received AA+ long-term issuer credit ratings from S & P and Fitch and AAA foreign currency long-term issuer rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency ( JCR ) .

SHANGHAI, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 16, 2020, the New Development Bank (NDB) priced its inaugural benchmark USD 1.5 billion 3-year COVID Response Bond in the international capital markets.
The net proceeds from the Bond issue will be used to finance sustainable development activities in the NDB's member countries, including emergency assistance loans to the Bank's member countries. Such emergency loans could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak or provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery in the member countries of the NDB.
The transaction met exceptional high-quality investor support, with strong participation from central banks and official institutions, which represented 75% of allocations. The investor geographic distribution of the final Bond book was as follows: 56% - Asia, 29% - EMEA, 15% - Americas.
The robust investor demand allowed the NDB to tighten the pricing by 7 basis points compared to the upper bound of initial price thoughts and to achieve the coupon rate of 0.625%.
"We are pleased with the overwhelmingly positive investor feedback and the very top quality order book for our inaugural COVID Response Bond in the international markets. This bond issue is strategically important in addressing the economic and social challenges that our member states are facing in their fight against the COVID-19 outbreak," said Mr. Leslie Maasdorp, NDB Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "I would like to thank our investors for their trust in our credit and our lead managers who contributed to the successful execution of the transaction".
Citi, Credit Agricole CIB, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC and J.P. Morgan acted as lead managers for the Bond. Bank of China, Barclays, DBS Bank Ltd., Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Mizuho Securities, Standard Chartered Bank, TD Securities acted as co-managers for the Bond.
Bond Summary Terms
Issuer New Development Bank (NDB) Issuer rating AA+ (S&P) / AA+ (Fitch) / AAA (JCR) / AAA (ACRA) Amount USD 1,500,000,000 Settlement date June 23, 2020 Maturity date June 23, 2023 Issue price 99.896% Issue yield 0.660% Coupon 0.625% annual Denomination USD 200k+1k Listing Euronext Dublin Regulated Market – Irish Stock Exchange Lead managers Citi, Credit Agricole CIB, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC and J.P. Morgan Co-managers Bank of China, Barclays, DBS Bank Ltd., Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Mizuho Securities, Standard Chartered Bank, TD Securities
Background information
In December 2019, the NDB registered its inaugural USD 50 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme in the international capital markets. The Programme has been rated "AA+" by Fitch and has been assigned "AA+" long-term and "A-1+" short-term issue ratings by S&P. The Base Prospectus, each supplement thereto and any Final Terms published in relation to any series of Notes is or will be available for viewing at https://www.ise.ie/Market-Data-Announcements/Debt/Individual-Debt-Instrument-Data/ShowSecSpecialist/?secID=10710.
The NDB established Emergency Assistance Facility to meet the emergency needs of its member countries. Such emergency loans to the member countries could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak or provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery in member countries. The NDB targets to provide up to USD 10 billion in crisis-related assistance. As at June 17, 2020, the Bank has provided RMB 7 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of China as well as USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of India.
The NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. To fulfill its purpose, the NDB will support public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments. The NDB received AA+ long-term issuer credit ratings from S&P and Fitch and AAA foreign currency long-term issuer rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).
CONTACT: Anusuya Mitra, (852) 5505 8705 , anusuya.mitra@ketchum.com; Evan Liu, (852) 5622 1735, evan.liu@ketchum.com


tass--2020-06-19--Russian embassy calls on US lawmakers to stop intimidating citizens with ‘Russian threat’

WASHINGTON , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
US lawmakers should stop intimidating American and European citizens with the so-called Russian threat , the Russian Embassy in the USA wrote on Twitter on Thursday .
Putin says Russian threat myth was invented by those seeking to make profit out of it '' We urge the US lawmakers to exercise restraint in their emotions and assessments .
We need to maintain a civilized dialogue .
Russia does not attack anyone and has no such intentions .
Stop intimidating American and European citizens with horror stories about `` Russian threat '' , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Tweet by US senator Robert Menendez , who announced a bill earlier in tandem with US congressman Eliot Engel .
The bill offers to `` restrict funding for the implementation of President Trump ’ s reckless plans to withdraw some U.S. forces from Germany . ''
`` The current U.S. troop presence in Germany is in the U.S. national security interest .
Full stop .
To argue otherwise ignores decades of history as well and urgent and pressing threats to the U.S. coming from Russia and the Middle East , '' @ @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, June 19. /TASS/. US lawmakers should stop intimidating American and European citizens with the so-called Russian threat, the Russian Embassy in the USA wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
Putin says Russian threat myth was invented by those seeking to make profit out of it
"We urge the US lawmakers to exercise restraint in their emotions and assessments. We need to maintain a civilized dialogue. Russia does not attack anyone and has no such intentions. Stop intimidating American and European citizens with horror stories about "Russian threat"," the embassy wrote.
The embassy linked to a Tweet by US senator Robert Menendez, who announced a bill earlier in tandem with US congressman Eliot Engel. The bill offers to "restrict funding for the implementation of President Trump’s reckless plans to withdraw some U.S. forces from Germany."
"The current U.S. troop presence in Germany is in the U.S. national security interest. Full stop. To argue otherwise ignores decades of history as well and urgent and pressing threats to the U.S. coming from Russia and the Middle East," Menendez said in a statement.


tass--2020-06-19--Price of Brent crude oil rises on London's ICE trading above $42 per barrel

MOSCOW , June 16 .
/TASS/ .
The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for August 2020 delivery went up by 1.3 % on London 's ICE on Friday reaching the figure of $ 42.05 per barrel .
Russian market indexes ended the trading session on Thursday in the red on the back of the continuing uncertainty in respect of the economic recovery after the pandemic .
The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index fell by 0.58 % to 2,724.33 points by the close of business on the Moscow Exchange .
The dollar-denominated RTS Index lost 0.58 % and dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 2020 settlement rose by 2 % to $ 41.35 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Thursday and Bogdan Zvarich from PSB said that `` the situation on the energy resources market restrained the decline of our stocks . ''
The reasons for the markets ’ uncertainty are in concerns regarding the second possible wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and in alarming statistics , Alexander Bakhtin from BCS Premier commented .
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 8,578,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 456,200 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,530,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, June 16. /TASS/. The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for August 2020 delivery went up by 1.3% on London's ICE on Friday reaching the figure of $42.05 per barrel.
Russian market indexes ended the trading session on Thursday in the red on the back of the continuing uncertainty in respect of the economic recovery after the pandemic.
The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index fell by 0.58% to 2,724.33 points by the close of business on the Moscow Exchange. The dollar-denominated RTS Index lost 0.58% and dropped to 1,230.71 points.
Brent futures for August 2020 settlement rose by 2% to $41.35 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Thursday and Bogdan Zvarich from PSB said that "the situation on the energy resources market restrained the decline of our stocks."
The reasons for the markets’ uncertainty are in concerns regarding the second possible wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and in alarming statistics, Alexander Bakhtin from BCS Premier commented.
COVID-19
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 8,578,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 456,200 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,530,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-19--Russia’s Science Ministry allocates over $157 mln to fight COVID-19 pandemic spread

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government has decided to allocate over 11 billion rubles ( over $ 157.4 million ) from its budget of the national project ‘ Education ’ to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus , the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education reported on Friday .
According to June 8 figures of the Accounts Chamber , obtained by the `` Future Russia .
National Projects '' portal operated by TASS Russia ’ s federal budget spending on the implementation of National Projects and the Comprehensive plan for modernization and expansion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 % in January-May 2020 .
It equals 629.773 bln rubles ( $ 9.2 bln ) out of the amount of 2.17 trillion rubles ( $ 31.7 bln ) .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) reported in its daily bulletin on Friday that over 181,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 18 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 8.24 million .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 18 , as many as 8,242,999 novel coronavirus cases and 445,535 coronavirus-associated deaths were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases grew by 181,232 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,245 .
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the global state authorities .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. The Russian government has decided to allocate over 11 billion rubles (over $157.4 million) from its budget of the national project ‘Education’ to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education reported on Friday.
According to June 8 figures of the Accounts Chamber, obtained by the "Future Russia. National Projects" portal operated by TASS Russia’s federal budget spending on the implementation of National Projects and the Comprehensive plan for modernization and expansion of main infrastructure the plan was executed by 29% in January-May 2020. It equals 629.773 bln rubles ($9.2 bln) out of the amount of 2.17 trillion rubles ($31.7 bln).
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in its daily bulletin on Friday that over 181,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 18, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 8.24 million.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 18, as many as 8,242,999 novel coronavirus cases and 445,535 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 181,232 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,245.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the global state authorities.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-06-19--Trump reiterates plans of large-scale military withdrawal from Germany

NEW YORK , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
President of the United States Donald Trump has reiterated his plans to cut American military presence in Germany saying that Berlin has a debt to be paid to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO ) , the Wall Street Journal ( WSJ ) reported .
In an interview with WSJ , US President Trump said that the United States was set for a drastic reduction in the number of its military personnel stationed in Germany because Berlin owes an enormous debt to NATO .
US President Trump stated earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops presence in Germany to the number of 25,000 in comparison to the currently overall figure of 52,000 American soldiers deployed in Germany .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced on June 11 that the downsizing of the US military contingent on the German territory would help to ease the military and political tension in the region .
Zakharova said last week that `` Such steps would undoubtedly contribute to reducing the confrontational potential and the military-political tension in the Euro-Atlantic region . ''
Reuters reported in early June citing a US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon to cut the American military personnel in Germany , because Berlin had failed to meet the target of NATO 's defense spending .

NEW YORK, June 19. /TASS/. President of the United States Donald Trump has reiterated his plans to cut American military presence in Germany saying that Berlin has a debt to be paid to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.
In an interview with WSJ, US President Trump said that the United States was set for a drastic reduction in the number of its military personnel stationed in Germany because Berlin owes an enormous debt to NATO.
US President Trump stated earlier this month that he intended to cut the American troops presence in Germany to the number of 25,000 in comparison to the currently overall figure of 52,000 American soldiers deployed in Germany.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced on June 11 that the downsizing of the US military contingent on the German territory would help to ease the military and political tension in the region.
Zakharova said last week that "Such steps would undoubtedly contribute to reducing the confrontational potential and the military-political tension in the Euro-Atlantic region."
Reuters reported in early June citing a US official that President Trump had ordered the Pentagon to cut the American military personnel in Germany, because Berlin had failed to meet the target of NATO's defense spending.


tass--2020-06-19--Son of ex-Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev dies in US

NEW YORK , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Sergei Krushchev , a son of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev , passed away on Thursday in the United States at the age of 84 , Nina Khrushcheva , a granddaughter of the ex-Soviet leader told TASS .
Asked by a TASS correspondent whether news about Sergei Khrushchev ’ s death was true , Nina Krushcheva replied : `` Yes . ''
`` We deeply regret to say that Sergei Nikitich [ Krushchev ] has passed away , '' she said without giving details about the cause of his death and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khrushchev was born on July 2 , 1935 and he held several advanced engineering decrees , including a Ph.D. from the Moscow Technical University .
He was accompanying his father during Nikita Krushchev ’ s visit to the United States in 1959 .
In 1991 , Sergei Khrushchev moved to reside in the United States , where he was giving lectures on the history of the Cold War at Brown University in Providence , Rhode Island .
On July 12 , 1999 , Sergei Khrushchev and his spouse , Valentina , became naturalized @ @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK, June 19. /TASS/. Sergei Krushchev, a son of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, passed away on Thursday in the United States at the age of 84, Nina Khrushcheva, a granddaughter of the ex-Soviet leader told TASS.
Asked by a TASS correspondent whether news about Sergei Khrushchev’s death was true, Nina Krushcheva replied: "Yes."
"We deeply regret to say that Sergei Nikitich [Krushchev] has passed away," she said without giving details about the cause of his death and a possible date of his funeral.
Sergei Khrushchev was born on July 2, 1935 and he held several advanced engineering decrees, including a Ph.D. from the Moscow Technical University. He was accompanying his father during Nikita Krushchev’s visit to the United States in 1959.
In 1991, Sergei Khrushchev moved to reside in the United States, where he was giving lectures on the history of the Cold War at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
On July 12, 1999, Sergei Khrushchev and his spouse, Valentina, became naturalized citizens of the United States.


tass--2020-06-19--World needs to know the truth about the history of WWII, Putin emphasizes

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has no intention to become an arbiter on the history of the World War II , but he believes that the truth about the war is needed to everyone .
Putin said so in his article on the history of the War , published in The National Interest journal .
`` I by no means intend to take on the role of a judge , to accuse or acquit anyone , let alone initiate a new round of international information confrontation in the historical field that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe that it is academics with a wide representation of respected scientists from different countries of the world who should search for a balanced assessment of what happened .
We all need the truth and objectivity , '' Putin wrote .
`` On my part , I have always encouraged my colleagues to build a calm , open and trust-based dialogue , to look at the common past in a self-critical and unbiased manner . ''
Crimes of Nazi collaborators can not be justified , and there is no statute of limitations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today as well , our position remains unchanged .
There can be no excuse for the criminal acts of Nazi collaborators , and there is no statute of limitations for them .
It is therefore bewildering that in certain countries those who are disgraced by collaborating with the Nazis are suddenly equated with World War II veterans .
I believe that it is unacceptable to equate liberators with occupying invaders , '' Putin wrote .
Names of all citizens of the Soviet Union who perished during World War II must be identified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This painstaking work must be continued to restore the names and fates of all who have perished - Red Army soldiers , partisans , underground fighters , prisoners of war , internees of concentration camps , and civilians killed by death squads .
It is our duty , '' the president said , adding that the USSR ’ s casualties during the Great Patriotic War were practically 27 million people .
Displays of historic revisionism of the outcomes of the World War II in the West are dangerous because they blatantly and cynically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development , laid down during the Yalta and San Francisco conferences , Putin said .
`` Historical revisionism , the manifestations of which we now observe in the West , and primarily with regard to the subject of the Second World War and its outcome , is dangerous because it grossly and cynically distorts the understanding of the principles of peaceful development , laid down at the Yalta and San Francisco conferences in 1945 , '' Putin noted .
The USSR and the Red Army made a decisive contribution to destruction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite anyone ’ s attempts to prove otherwise , Putin said .
`` The Soviet Union and the Red Army , no matter what anyone is trying to prove today , made the main and crucial contribution to the defeat of Nazism , '' Putin said .
He underscored that Russia contends `` for genuine , unvarnished , or whitewashed truth about war . ''

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has no intention to become an arbiter on the history of the World War II, but he believes that the truth about the war is needed to everyone. Putin said so in his article on the history of the War, published in The National Interest journal.
"I by no means intend to take on the role of a judge, to accuse or acquit anyone, let alone initiate a new round of international information confrontation in the historical field that could set countries and peoples at loggerheads. I believe that it is academics with a wide representation of respected scientists from different countries of the world who should search for a balanced assessment of what happened. We all need the truth and objectivity," Putin wrote. "On my part, I have always encouraged my colleagues to build a calm, open and trust-based dialogue, to look at the common past in a self-critical and unbiased manner."
Crimes of Nazi collaborators cannot be justified, and there is no statute of limitations for them, Putin said.
"Today as well, our position remains unchanged. There can be no excuse for the criminal acts of Nazi collaborators, and there is no statute of limitations for them. It is therefore bewildering that in certain countries those who are disgraced by collaborating with the Nazis are suddenly equated with World War II veterans. I believe that it is unacceptable to equate liberators with occupying invaders," Putin wrote.
Names of all citizens of the Soviet Union who perished during World War II must be identified, Putin said in his article. "This painstaking work must be continued to restore the names and fates of all who have perished - Red Army soldiers, partisans, underground fighters, prisoners of war, internees of concentration camps, and civilians killed by death squads. It is our duty," the president said, adding that the USSR’s casualties during the Great Patriotic War were practically 27 million people.
Displays of historic revisionism of the outcomes of the World War II in the West are dangerous because they blatantly and cynically distort the understanding of principles of peaceful development, laid down during the Yalta and San Francisco conferences, Putin said.
"Historical revisionism, the manifestations of which we now observe in the West, and primarily with regard to the subject of the Second World War and its outcome, is dangerous because it grossly and cynically distorts the understanding of the principles of peaceful development, laid down at the Yalta and San Francisco conferences in 1945," Putin noted.
The USSR and the Red Army made a decisive contribution to destruction of the Nazi Germany during the World War II, despite anyone’s attempts to prove otherwise, Putin said.
"The Soviet Union and the Red Army, no matter what anyone is trying to prove today, made the main and crucial contribution to the defeat of Nazism," Putin said. He underscored that Russia contends "for genuine, unvarnished, or whitewashed truth about war."


tass--2020-06-19--Putin censures Zelensky for accusations that USSR started WWII

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Remarks made Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding the alleged involvement of the USSR @ @ @ @ @ have negative effect both for relations of Moscow and Kiev , and for the Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin says in the upcoming documentary `` Russia .
Kremlin .
Putin , '' @ @ @ @ @ channel Thursday .
Speaking to journalists , the Russian president said that Zelensky ’ s @ @ @ @ @ impact the bilateral relations .
`` I think that there is also no good for @ @ @ @ @ himself , considering Ukraine itself suffered greatly during the World War II , '' Putin @ @ @ @ @ to Poland in January this year , Zelensky accused the USSR of starting the World @ @ @ @ @ the Nazi Germany .
According to the Ukrainian President , Poland and the Polish people @ @ @ @ @ the `` conspiracy of the totalitarian regimes '' that led to the outbreak of the @ @

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Remarks made Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding the alleged involvement of the USSR in starting World War II have negative effect both for relations of Moscow and Kiev, and for the Ukrainian leader himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin says in the upcoming documentary "Russia. Kremlin. Putin," teased on Rossiya 1 TV channel Thursday.
Speaking to journalists, the Russian president said that Zelensky’s remarks will "negatively" impact the bilateral relations.
"I think that there is also no good for Vladimir Alexandrovich [Zelensky] himself, considering Ukraine itself suffered greatly during the World War II," Putin added.
During his visit to Poland in January this year, Zelensky accused the USSR of starting the World War II on par with the Nazi Germany. According to the Ukrainian President, Poland and the Polish people were the first to experience the "conspiracy of the totalitarian regimes" that led to the outbreak of the war.


tass--2020-06-19--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 142,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
More than 142,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 19 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 8.38 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 19 , as many as 8,385,440 novel coronavirus cases and 450,686 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 142,451 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,151 .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 4,092,526 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 77,140 and the number of deaths - by 3,526 and reached 212,517 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,490,815 and the number of fatalities is 190,903 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 19,033 and the number of deaths - by 599 .
The East Mediterranean region has 856,650 cases and 19,041 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 19,153 and the number of deaths - by 466 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 2,149,166 ) , Brazil ( 955,377 ) , Russia ( 569,063 ) , India ( 380,532 ) , the United Kingdom ( 300,473 ) , Spain ( 245,268 ) , Peru ( 240,908 ) , Italy ( 238,159 ) , Chile ( 225,103 ) , and Iran ( 197,647 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, June 19. /TASS/. More than 142,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 19, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 8.38 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 19, as many as 8,385,440 novel coronavirus cases and 450,686 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 142,451 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,151.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 4,092,526. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 77,140 and the number of deaths - by 3,526 and reached 212,517.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,490,815 and the number of fatalities is 190,903. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 19,033 and the number of deaths - by 599.
The East Mediterranean region has 856,650 cases and 19,041 fatalities as of June 19. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 19,153 and the number of deaths - by 466.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (2,149,166), Brazil (955,377), Russia (569,063), India (380,532), the United Kingdom (300,473), Spain (245,268), Peru (240,908), Italy (238,159), Chile (225,103), and Iran (197,647).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-06-19--34 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Thirty-four more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , bringing @ @ @ @ @ 3,565 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` Thirty-four @ @ @ @ @ have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding that this is a record @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest update , the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached @ @

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Thirty-four more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, bringing the death toll up to 3,565, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Thirty-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding that this is a record low figure since May 2.
According to the latest update, the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached 3,565.
The center once again warned the city dwellers that they should stay at home and call a doctor if they have symptoms of an acute respiratory disease.
To date, 569,063 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 324,406 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-19--Moscow’s mayor calls for remote work to be extended for one-two months

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Employees should continue working from home in Moscow in the next one month or two , Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a televised interview with Rossiya ’ 1 channel on Friday .
`` In particular , now that we are just getting out of the coronavirus story , if you can continue working remotely , you should preserve that in the coming weeks , and perhaps , even a month or two more , as there is still a risk of infection , '' Sobyanin said .
The mayor added that the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to about 70 % of the pre-pandemic level .
Sobyanin urged to wear face masks in the metro , ground transport and on commuter trains .
Moscow has confirmed 211,921 coronavirus cases .
Of those , 1,136 were registered in the past 24 hours .
Along with this , 132,434 patients have recovered from the disease , but there have been 3,531 fatalities so far .
To date , 569,063 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 324,406 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Employees should continue working from home in Moscow in the next one month or two, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a televised interview with Rossiya’1 channel on Friday.
"In particular, now that we are just getting out of the coronavirus story, if you can continue working remotely, you should preserve that in the coming weeks, and perhaps, even a month or two more, as there is still a risk of infection," Sobyanin said.
The mayor added that the number of movements around the city increased considerably to about 70% of the pre-pandemic level. Sobyanin urged to wear face masks in the metro, ground transport and on commuter trains.
Moscow has confirmed 211,921 coronavirus cases. Of those, 1,136 were registered in the past 24 hours. Along with this, 132,434 patients have recovered from the disease, but there have been 3,531 fatalities so far.
To date, 569,063 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 324,406 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 7,841 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-19--Russia ready to discuss space activities as part of dialogue with US — ministry

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ready to discuss problems of activities in outer space within the Russian-US dialogue the agreement on which was reached in January , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday following the release of the United States ’ defense space strategy .
`` We see a possibility to remove mutual concerns within a comprehensive meaningful Russian-US dialogue on a wide spectrum of issues of security of space activities .
An agreement to organize such dialogue was reach back on January 16 , '' the ministry said .
`` We reiterate our readiness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between representatives from the both sides ’ agencies and organizations concerned . ''
According to the ministry , the newly released US defense space strategy reveals Washington ’ s aggressive policy in this sphere .
`` The document reveals Washington ’ s aggressive course in the space sector .
It clearly sets the ultimate goal of securing the United States ’ military dominance in outer space .
So , Pentagon ’ s activities will be focused on military uses of space potential , '' the ministry said .
The Russian foreign ministry drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side considers outer space as an arena for combat operation .
`` It says that the use of outer space by the United States , its allies and partners is to be backed by military force .
Not only for the purposes of defense and deterrence but also to strike at an enemy in hostile uses of outer space , '' it noted .
`` Serious attention is focused on the United States ’ cooperation with its allies and partners in outer space .
However , Washington assigns only an auxiliary role to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space pans .
Allies and partners are expected only to provide financial , technical and personnel assistance , '' the ministry noted .
According to the ministry , Washington doesn ’ t bother to provide any evidence to back its allegations about strategic threats in outer space from Russia and China .
`` To justify this destructive course that instigates arms race in outer space and destabilizes the situation in the area of international security , Washington uses its routine tactic of accusing others .
American colleagues speak about Russia ’ s and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outer space and never bother to give any proof .
Instead , they opt for a thesis about the changed strategic situation and another confrontation of great powers , where outer space is a central arena , '' the ministry said , adding that Washington doesn ’ t shun spinning facts alleging that Moscow and Beijing are deploying weapons in outer space .
`` They are citing provisions of the 2014 Russian military doctrine , without any concrete details , as a factor of turning outer space into an area for combat operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Naturally , there is nothing of the kind in Russia ’ s military doctrine . ''
`` The Russian armed forces have purely defense tasks in outer space : to timely warn about aerospace attacks , to be prepared to repel strikes of aerospace weapons , to deploy and maintain orbital groupings of spacecraft to back the activities of the Russian armed forces , and to improve aerospace defense systems , '' the ministry stressed .
In order to legitimize its destructive course , Washington suggests focus be made on the development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct in outer space .
`` Naturally , the Americans don ’ t want any talks on a legally binding international instrument to prevent an arms race in outer space , which Russia , China and most of other members of world community insist on , '' the ministry said .
The Russian foreign ministry stressed that the Russia side is keeping a close eye on Washington ’ s aggressive plans and analyzes possible consequences .
`` Russia has an opposite position and gives priority to the use and exploration of outer space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms race in outer space .
The key initiative is the Russian-Chinese draft treaty on preventing weapons deployment in outer space , the use of force or threat of force against space facilities .
The updated edition of the treaty was submitted to the Disarmament Conference several years ago , '' it noted .
`` All the existing and any extra concerns of states about weapons in space may and must be removed at the negotiating table .
We will continue efforts in this direction geared towards concrete results , '' the ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed confrontation in outer space may have pernicious impacts on international security and strategic stability . ''
`` We call on the United States to take a responsible position .
We recall that Washington ’ s all previous attempts to secure dominance in the military sphere inevitably entailed escalation of tension and prompted new spirals of the arms race , '' it stressed .

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Russia ready to discuss problems of activities in outer space within the Russian-US dialogue the agreement on which was reached in January, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday following the release of the United States’ defense space strategy.
"We see a possibility to remove mutual concerns within a comprehensive meaningful Russian-US dialogue on a wide spectrum of issues of security of space activities. An agreement to organize such dialogue was reach back on January 16," the ministry said. "We reiterate our readiness to discuss all the problems of space activities between representatives from the both sides’ agencies and organizations concerned."
According to the ministry, the newly released US defense space strategy reveals Washington’s aggressive policy in this sphere. "The document reveals Washington’s aggressive course in the space sector. It clearly sets the ultimate goal of securing the United States’ military dominance in outer space. So, Pentagon’s activities will be focused on military uses of space potential," the ministry said.
The Russian foreign ministry drew attention to the fact that the US side considers outer space as an arena for combat operation. "It says that the use of outer space by the United States, its allies and partners is to be backed by military force. Not only for the purposes of defense and deterrence but also to strike at an enemy in hostile uses of outer space," it noted.
"Serious attention is focused on the United States’ cooperation with its allies and partners in outer space. However, Washington assigns only an auxiliary role to them in the implementation of its military space pans. Allies and partners are expected only to provide financial, technical and personnel assistance," the ministry noted.
According to the ministry, Washington doesn’t bother to provide any evidence to back its allegations about strategic threats in outer space from Russia and China. "To justify this destructive course that instigates arms race in outer space and destabilizes the situation in the area of international security, Washington uses its routine tactic of accusing others. American colleagues speak about Russia’s and China’s alleged strategic threats in outer space and never bother to give any proof. Instead, they opt for a thesis about the changed strategic situation and another confrontation of great powers, where outer space is a central arena," the ministry said, adding that Washington doesn’t shun spinning facts alleging that Moscow and Beijing are deploying weapons in outer space. "They are citing provisions of the 2014 Russian military doctrine, without any concrete details, as a factor of turning outer space into an area for combat operations," the ministry said. "Naturally, there is nothing of the kind in Russia’s military doctrine."
"The Russian armed forces have purely defense tasks in outer space: to timely warn about aerospace attacks, to be prepared to repel strikes of aerospace weapons, to deploy and maintain orbital groupings of spacecraft to back the activities of the Russian armed forces, and to improve aerospace defense systems," the ministry stressed.
In order to legitimize its destructive course, Washington suggests focus be made on the development of standards and norms of safe and responsible conduct in outer space. "Naturally, the Americans don’t want any talks on a legally binding international instrument to prevent an arms race in outer space, which Russia, China and most of other members of world community insist on," the ministry said.
The Russian foreign ministry stressed that the Russia side is keeping a close eye on Washington’s aggressive plans and analyzes possible consequences. "Russia has an opposite position and gives priority to the use and exploration of outer space solely in peaceful purposes, to prevent arms race in outer space. The key initiative is the Russian-Chinese draft treaty on preventing weapons deployment in outer space, the use of force or threat of force against space facilities. The updated edition of the treaty was submitted to the Disarmament Conference several years ago," it noted.
"All the existing and any extra concerns of states about weapons in space may and must be removed at the negotiating table. We will continue efforts in this direction geared towards concrete results," the ministry added.
The ministry warned that "armed confrontation in outer space may have pernicious impacts on international security and strategic stability."
"We call on the United States to take a responsible position. We recall that Washington’s all previous attempts to secure dominance in the military sphere inevitably entailed escalation of tension and prompted new spirals of the arms race," it stressed.


tass--2020-06-19--Russia, Belarus to jointly counter attempts to rewrite history — Lavrov

MINSK , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Belarus will jointly counter the revival of the neo-Nazi ideology and attempts to rewrite history , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday after talks with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei .
`` We stand united with our Belarusian friends in [ the belief ] that our common goal is to preserve and protect the truth about those events .
We stressed that no attempts to rewrite history , to destroy memorials to Soviet warriors , or to revive neo-Nazism can erase the memory about this sacred date and heroic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighters and homefront workers , who saved the civilization from terrors of the brown plague , '' the minister said .
Lavrov also congratulated Belarusian residents on the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany .
Russia ’ s top diplomat said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed his participation in the upcoming Victory Day parade on the Red Square , upon Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s invitation .
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow ’ s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place , when soldiers , who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad , who stood their ground for Stalingrad , liberated Europe and stormed Berlin , marched on Red Square .

MINSK, June 19. /TASS/. Russia and Belarus will jointly counter the revival of the neo-Nazi ideology and attempts to rewrite history, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday after talks with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei.
"We stand united with our Belarusian friends in [the belief] that our common goal is to preserve and protect the truth about those events. We stressed that no attempts to rewrite history, to destroy memorials to Soviet warriors, or to revive neo-Nazism can erase the memory about this sacred date and heroic deeds of Red Army soldiers, guerilla fighters and homefront workers, who saved the civilization from terrors of the brown plague," the minister said.
Lavrov also congratulated Belarusian residents on the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany.
Russia’s top diplomat said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed his participation in the upcoming Victory Day parade on the Red Square, upon Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation.
Russia postponed its military parade traditionally held on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 for a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic. This date was chosen because June 24 was the day when in 1945 the legendary historic parade of victors took place, when soldiers, who fought for Moscow and defended Leningrad, who stood their ground for Stalingrad, liberated Europe and stormed Berlin, marched on Red Square.


tass--2020-06-19--Turkmenistan’s president tells Putin cannot visit Russia for Victory Day Parade

MOSCOW , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
Turkmenistan ’ s President Gurbankuly Berdimuhamedow informed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Friday that he would be unable to visit Moscow for the Victory Day Parade since traditionally , he celebrates his birthday with the family and the nation .
Turkmenistan ’ s state-owned news agency TDH reported on Friday that Defense Minister Major General Begench Gundogdyev would lead the country ’ s delegation to Moscow .
According to the news agency , Berdimuhamedow voiced regrets that he would not be able to attend the festivities in Moscow marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s victory in World War Two and explained that he would turn 63 on June 29 .
In accordance with the established national traditions , birthdays should be celebrated with family and friends , as well as with the people of Turkmenistan .
Turkmenistan introduced quarantine measures amid coronavirus pandemic , so each individual needs to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a foreign country .
The news agency pointed out that Berdimuhamedow wished Putin success in holding the festivities .
Soldiers from Turkmenistan will take part in the parade on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived in Moscow .
This year ’ s parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War Two was rescheduled from May 9 to a later date for coronavirus fears .
On May 26 , Putin announced that the Victory Day Parade would take place on June 24 , as the historic Victory Day Parade was held on the same date in 1945 .
Turkmenistan remains the only post-Soviet republic that has not yet registered a single coronavirus case .
Seeking to prevent infection transmission , the country introduced strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while each individual arriving from abroad is ordered to stay quarantined .
However , no restrictions were introduced inside the country .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. Turkmenistan’s President Gurbankuly Berdimuhamedow informed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Friday that he would be unable to visit Moscow for the Victory Day Parade since traditionally, he celebrates his birthday with the family and the nation.
Turkmenistan’s state-owned news agency TDH reported on Friday that Defense Minister Major General Begench Gundogdyev would lead the country’s delegation to Moscow.
According to the news agency, Berdimuhamedow voiced regrets that he would not be able to attend the festivities in Moscow marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War Two and explained that he would turn 63 on June 29. In accordance with the established national traditions, birthdays should be celebrated with family and friends, as well as with the people of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan introduced quarantine measures amid coronavirus pandemic, so each individual needs to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a foreign country.
The news agency pointed out that Berdimuhamedow wished Putin success in holding the festivities. Soldiers from Turkmenistan will take part in the parade on Red Square, and they have already arrived in Moscow. This year’s parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War Two was rescheduled from May 9 to a later date for coronavirus fears. On May 26, Putin announced that the Victory Day Parade would take place on June 24, as the historic Victory Day Parade was held on the same date in 1945.
Turkmenistan remains the only post-Soviet republic that has not yet registered a single coronavirus case. Seeking to prevent infection transmission, the country introduced strict restrictions on entry and suspended international flights, while each individual arriving from abroad is ordered to stay quarantined. However, no restrictions were introduced inside the country.
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.


tass--2020-06-19--World in new, dangerous phase of coronavirus pandemic, says WHO director-general

GENEVA , June 19 .
/TASS/ .
The world has entered a new and dangerous phase of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a briefing in Geneva on Friday .
He recalled that on @ @ @ @ @ reported to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
`` Almost half of those @ @ @ @ @ Americas , with large numbers also being reported from South Asia and the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The world is in a new and dangerous phase , '' he @ @

GENEVA, June 19. /TASS/. The world has entered a new and dangerous phase of the coronavirus pandemic, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a briefing in Geneva on Friday.
He recalled that on Thursday 150,000 new cases were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).
"Almost half of those cases were reported from the Americas, with large numbers also being reported from South Asia and the Middle East," the WHO head said.
"The world is in a new and dangerous phase," he stated.