tass--2020-06-26--This week in photos: Red Square parade, ‘Ring of Fire’ eclipse, and an audience of plants

US expects to get along with Russia despite plans to deploy troops in Poland — Trump '' I think it @ @ @ @ @ to Russia , but I think that a stronger signal sent to Russia is the @ @ @ @ @ Russia billions of dollars to purchase energy from Russia through the pipeline , '' he @

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressing a Victory Day military parade on Moscow's Red Square, marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, Russia, June 24 © Alexei Nikolsky/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS
Russia's Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces Oleg Salyukov reviewing a Red Square Victory Day military parade, Moscow, Russia, June 24 © Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS
US President Donald Trump signing a plaque while touring a section of the border wall, in San Luis, USA, June 23 © AP Photo/Evan Vucci
People watching as Russian fighter jets flying above the Kremlin during Victory Day military parade, in Moscow, Russia, June 24 © EPA-EFE/SERGEI ILNITSKY
A boy taking a shot while his dad looking on at a basketball hoop in front of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond, USA, June 21. The statue had become a focal point for the Black Lives Matter movement in Richmond © AP Photo/Steve Helber
A new born baby Western lowland gorilla is seen with its mother Mambele at the Antwerp zoo in Antwerp, Belgium June 25 © REUTERS/Yves Herman
Annular solar eclipse in Chiayi city, Taiwan, June 21. During this solar eclipse the moon appeared to cover the sun, leaving the sun's halo as a visible rim forming an annulus, popularly known as the 'ring of fire' © EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin tries shooting a bow on his visit the Modern Pentathlon Centre opening after four years of construction, Moscow, Russia, June 23 © Vladimir Gerdo/TASS
Red deer with antlers big enough to be cut off are brought into a fold at the Chyornaya Rechka breeding farm in the Ust-Koksa District, Altai region, Russia, June 20 © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS
Nursery plants are seen placed in people's seats during a rehearsal as Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu opera reopened its doors with a concert for plants to raise awareness about the importance of an audience after the lockdown, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in Barcelona, Spain, June 22 © REUTERS/Nacho Doce
People taking part in the Candle of Memory event marking the 79th anniversary of the German invasion of the Soviet Union in World War II by the Memorial of Heroic Defense of Sevastopol in 1941-1942, Sevastopol, Russia, June 22 © Sergei Malgavko/TASS
People walking in Zaryadye Park after its reopening for walks and sports activities after the COVID-19 lockdown in Moscow, Russia, June 23 © Valery Sharifulin/TASS
Director Emir Kusturica visiting the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in the Patriot park, the main cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces, Kubinka, Russia, June 24 © Andrei Rusov / press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / TASS


tass--2020-06-26--Fundamental disagreements on strategic stability remain between Russia, US, says diplomat

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Fundamental and substantial disagreements on some matters of strategic stability remain between Russia and the US , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS Friday .
During the recent Russian-American consultation in Vienna , the sides spoke in a friendly and constructive manner , focusing on the matter at hand , `` realizing the necessity to find a way forward , '' Ryabkov noted .
`` We did not limit ourselves to mere relaying of our positions , which both Russian and the US are well aware of .
These positions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combining in a number of fields , incompatible in a whole number of elements , but we worked for a result , '' Ryabkov said .
`` That this result is beyond our field of view is another matter .
But a constructive , calm , business-like approach to these issues , creative in many ways , provides a dose of optimism , '' Rybakov said .
`` I hope that , when this work continues , including on the level of expert groups , whose establishment we have negotiated , and later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be able to augment this progress , although , I repeat , disagreements are very significant and fundamental in some aspects , '' the senior diplomat added .
On June 22 , Russian-American consultations on strategic stability and arms control took place behind closed doors in Vienna .
Sergey Ryabkov led the Russian delegation .
The American delegation was led by Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Fundamental and substantial disagreements on some matters of strategic stability remain between Russia and the US, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS Friday.
During the recent Russian-American consultation in Vienna, the sides spoke in a friendly and constructive manner, focusing on the matter at hand, "realizing the necessity to find a way forward," Ryabkov noted.
"We did not limit ourselves to mere relaying of our positions, which both Russian and the US are well aware of. These positions are rather strict in many aspects, poorly combining in a number of fields, incompatible in a whole number of elements, but we worked for a result," Ryabkov said. "That this result is beyond our field of view is another matter. But a constructive, calm, business-like approach to these issues, creative in many ways, provides a dose of optimism," Rybakov said.
"I hope that, when this work continues, including on the level of expert groups, whose establishment we have negotiated, and later on our level of inter-agency delegations, we will be able to augment this progress, although, I repeat, disagreements are very significant and fundamental in some aspects," the senior diplomat added.
On June 22, Russian-American consultations on strategic stability and arms control took place behind closed doors in Vienna. Sergey Ryabkov led the Russian delegation. The American delegation was led by Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea.


tass--2020-06-26--Court hands director Serebrennikov three-year suspended sentence

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Meshchansky Court has handed down a three-year suspended sentence to director Kirill Serebrennikov regarding his 129-million-ruble ( $ 1.8 mln ) embezzlement case , where he stood accused of misappropriating state funds for the Platforma theater project .
`` [ The court ] hereby imposes a penalty on Serebrennikov in the form of a three-year-suspended prison sentence along with a fine of 800,000 rubles [ about $ 11,480 ] and probation for three years , '' judge Olesya Mendeleyeva ruled .
The court refrained from sentencing director Kirill Serebrennikov to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative offices in the Ministry of Culture .
There is no such clause in the sentence , announced by the judge Friday .
Producer Itin was sentenced to a suspended sentence of 3 years in prison , with monetary fine of 200,000 rubles ( about $ 2,870 ) , while producer Malobrodsky was sentenced to a suspended sentence of 2 years with monetary fine of 200,000 rubles ( about $ 2,870 ) .
Besides , Malobrodsky was barred from working in culture institutions for two years .
Former Ministry of Culture employee Sofya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 100,000 rubles ( about $ 1,435 ) .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Moscow’s Meshchansky Court has handed down a three-year suspended sentence to director Kirill Serebrennikov regarding his 129-million-ruble ($1.8 mln) embezzlement case, where he stood accused of misappropriating state funds for the Platforma theater project.
"[The court] hereby imposes a penalty on Serebrennikov in the form of a three-year-suspended prison sentence along with a fine of 800,000 rubles [about $11,480] and probation for three years," judge Olesya Mendeleyeva ruled.
The court refrained from sentencing director Kirill Serebrennikov to additional punishment by barring him from holding administrative offices in the Ministry of Culture. There is no such clause in the sentence, announced by the judge Friday.
Producer Itin was sentenced to a suspended sentence of 3 years in prison, with monetary fine of 200,000 rubles (about $2,870), while producer Malobrodsky was sentenced to a suspended sentence of 2 years with monetary fine of 200,000 rubles (about $2,870). Besides, Malobrodsky was barred from working in culture institutions for two years. Former Ministry of Culture employee Sofya Apfelbaum was sentenced to a monetary fine of 100,000 rubles (about $1,435).


tass--2020-06-26--Coronavirus pandemic receding in Russia, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 pandemic is receding in Russia , so the number of tasks for the volunteers , who have been doing a good job during the outbreak , is declining , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday during a video call with participants of the Russian nationwide campaign ‘ We are together.
’ '' Thank God , the epidemic is receding now .
Therefore , the number of tasks for the volunteers gradually goes down .
You did a good job , '' the president said addressing the members of the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was only positive and thanked the volunteers .
`` It is summer outdoors and , as we can see , we can take a rest with a feeling of fulfilled duty but , as far as I know , the headquarters of the ‘ We are together ’ campaign are not being dismissed .
I understand you very well , since when you have a close-knit team of like-minded people and the experience of working in difficult conditions , you want to take on new tasks and to again and again experience true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The president suggested discussing the campaign participants ’ ideas and projects .
`` I would be delighted to hear today what you are planning to do .
If you need more support , please , put into words what you need and we will be happy to support you , '' he concluded .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, June 26. /TASS/. The COVID-19 pandemic is receding in Russia, so the number of tasks for the volunteers, who have been doing a good job during the outbreak, is declining, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday during a video call with participants of the Russian nationwide campaign ‘We are together.’
"Thank God, the epidemic is receding now. Therefore, the number of tasks for the volunteers gradually goes down. You did a good job," the president said addressing the members of the campaign.
Putin pointed out that this fact was only positive and thanked the volunteers. "It is summer outdoors and, as we can see, we can take a rest with a feeling of fulfilled duty but, as far as I know, the headquarters of the ‘We are together’ campaign are not being dismissed. I understand you very well, since when you have a close-knit team of like-minded people and the experience of working in difficult conditions, you want to take on new tasks and to again and again experience true joy of helping others," Putin said.
The president suggested discussing the campaign participants’ ideas and projects. "I would be delighted to hear today what you are planning to do. If you need more support, please, put into words what you need and we will be happy to support you," he concluded.


tass--2020-06-26--Russian Northern Fleet missile cruiser deploys to Barents Sea for Arctic drills

MURMANSK , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov has taken to the Barents Sea for planned combat training measures , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
At various stages of the drills , the missile cruiser will operate in the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian seas .
At the final stage , the ship will accomplish combat exercises with missile and artillery systems , the press office specified .
`` During its deployment to the sea , the cruiser ’ s crew will practice combat training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Air Force and Air Defense Army , and also with the crews of the Northern Fleet ’ s other surface ships and submarines , '' the press office said in a statement .
During its previous deployments to the sea , the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov practiced anti-submarine warfare missions and conducted artillery fire against naval targets .
On May 9 , the ship ’ s crew paid tribute to the Northern Fleet sailors who had died fighting for their Motherland during the Soviet Union ’ s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wreath on the water at the entrance to the Kola Bay where the patrol ship Tuman had heroically fallen in battle in 1941 , without lowering its naval flag .
The Marshal Ustinov is the Project 1164 missile cruiser .
It was laid down at the Nikolayev Shipyard on October 5 , 1978 under the name of the Fleet Admiral Lobov and floated out in 1982 .
The missile cruiser entered service with the Northern Fleet in 1986 under the name of the Marshal Ustinov .
The missile cruiser is armed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also with air defense missile and artillery systems and anti-submarine warfare weapons .
The warship underwent its upgrade in Severodvinsk in 2011-2016 .

MURMANSK, June 26. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov has taken to the Barents Sea for planned combat training measures, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
At various stages of the drills, the missile cruiser will operate in the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian seas. At the final stage, the ship will accomplish combat exercises with missile and artillery systems, the press office specified.
"During its deployment to the sea, the cruiser’s crew will practice combat training assignments in interaction with aircraft and helicopters of the Air Force and Air Defense Army, and also with the crews of the Northern Fleet’s other surface ships and submarines," the press office said in a statement.
During its previous deployments to the sea, the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov practiced anti-submarine warfare missions and conducted artillery fire against naval targets.
On May 9, the ship’s crew paid tribute to the Northern Fleet sailors who had died fighting for their Motherland during the Soviet Union’s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. The crew put a wreath on the water at the entrance to the Kola Bay where the patrol ship Tuman had heroically fallen in battle in 1941, without lowering its naval flag.
The Marshal Ustinov is the Project 1164 missile cruiser. It was laid down at the Nikolayev Shipyard on October 5, 1978 under the name of the Fleet Admiral Lobov and floated out in 1982. The missile cruiser entered service with the Northern Fleet in 1986 under the name of the Marshal Ustinov.
The missile cruiser is armed with 16 launchers of cruise missiles, and also with air defense missile and artillery systems and anti-submarine warfare weapons. The warship underwent its upgrade in Severodvinsk in 2011-2016.


tass--2020-06-26--Volunteers provide assistance to over 3 mln Russians during pandemic, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Volunteers have provided assistance to more than 3 million Russians during the coronavirus pandemic , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at a meeting with participants in the nationwide campaign We Are Together held via videoconference .
`` According to the most conservative estimates , volunteers provided effective , practical assistance to more than 3 million of our citizens , primarily those who especially needed attention and care - disabled and seriously ill persons , the elderly , '' the head of state said .
He thanked all volunteers and members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generous people who showed the best human qualities in one ’ s hour of need , selflessly , on their own initiative did good deeds for the sake of life and health of fellow citizens . ''
`` The strength of our people has always been in such heartfelt generosity and compassion , willingness to respond to challenges all together .
Together with doctors , nurses , employees of the most important industries , everyone who was doing one ’ s work , you did a lot to make the threat begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants in the nationwide campaign .
According to the president , this consolidation of society is `` a decisive factor for success in the fight against the dangerous infection . ''
`` People knew and felt that they were not alone , that they would not be left in the lurch , wherever they lived - in big or small cities , villages or difficult-to-reach territories , '' he added .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, June 26. /TASS/. Volunteers have provided assistance to more than 3 million Russians during the coronavirus pandemic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at a meeting with participants in the nationwide campaign We Are Together held via videoconference.
"According to the most conservative estimates, volunteers provided effective, practical assistance to more than 3 million of our citizens, primarily those who especially needed attention and care - disabled and seriously ill persons, the elderly," the head of state said.
He thanked all volunteers and members of non-governmental and non-profit organizations, "all generous people who showed the best human qualities in one’s hour of need, selflessly, on their own initiative did good deeds for the sake of life and health of fellow citizens." "The strength of our people has always been in such heartfelt generosity and compassion, willingness to respond to challenges all together. Together with doctors, nurses, employees of the most important industries, everyone who was doing one’s work, you did a lot to make the threat begin to fade," Putin stressed addressing the participants in the nationwide campaign.
According to the president, this consolidation of society is "a decisive factor for success in the fight against the dangerous infection." "People knew and felt that they were not alone, that they would not be left in the lurch, wherever they lived - in big or small cities, villages or difficult-to-reach territories," he added.


tass--2020-06-26--Foreign spy planes flew over 30 times near Russian borders over week

MOSCOW , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Over 30 foreign planes conducted air reconnaissance near Russian borders over the week @ @ @ @ @ published in the Defense Ministry ’ s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Friday .
Foreign spy @ @ @ @ @ near Russian borders in past week '' Thirty-five spy planes of foreign states conducted air @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation and were tracked by Russia ’ s radars , '' the infographics @ @ @ @ @ drones flew close to the Russian borders , according to the infographics .
Russian fighter @ @ @ @ @ quick reaction alert forces were scrambled 19 times to intercept foreign aircraft .
No violations @ @ @ @ @ were allowed , the infographics specifies .
Over the week , Russian pilots completed 301 @ @ @ @ @ as part of their combat training .
More than 70 submarines , surface ships and @ @ @ @ @ , the Defense Ministry said .

MOSCOW, June 26. /TASS/. Over 30 foreign planes conducted air reconnaissance near Russian borders over the week, according to the infographics published in the Defense Ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Friday.
Foreign spy planes flew over 30 times near Russian borders in past week
"Thirty-five spy planes of foreign states conducted air reconnaissance along the borders of the Russian Federation and were tracked by Russia’s radars," the infographics says.
Also, six drones flew close to the Russian borders, according to the infographics.
Russian fighter jets from the air defense quick reaction alert forces were scrambled 19 times to intercept foreign aircraft. No violations of the Russian state border were allowed, the infographics specifies.
Over the week, Russian pilots completed 301 flight shifts at 70 airfields as part of their combat training. More than 70 submarines, surface ships and support vessels stayed at sea, the Defense Ministry said.


tass--2020-06-26--Japan’s scrapping Aegis Ashore deployment can influence talks with Russia, says minister

`` [ Cancelling Aegis Ashore deployment ] touches upon the contents of the Japanese-Russian talks .
There is a possibility that this will influence the talks themselves , '' the minister noted .
He also underlined , `` issues of maintaining security are also touched upon in the negotiations with Russia . ''
TOKYO , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The decision of Japanese authorities to cancel plans to deploy US Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in the country can have an influence on negotiations with Russia , Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a press conference Friday .
Responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile defense systems can become a positive moment for the consultations with Moscow , the minister noted that he expresses `` neither optimism nor pessimism '' regarding the factors that can have an impact on the process .
On June 15 , Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono revealed the decision to end Aegis Ashore deployment program .
He cited the fact that it is impossible to guarantee that missile boosters will land within military bases or in the sea when activating the systems , which poses a threat to residential communities .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are required to fix this design flaw .
Meanwhile , the experts point to the fact that Aegis Ashore systems in the ordered version can not intercept latest ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles .
On June 18 , Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe revealed that he intended to launch discussions on a new national defense strategy policy in summer in light of plans to scrap the procurement and deployment of the US systems .
Moscow and Tokyo have been conducting intermittent consultations on concluding a peace treaty on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of last century .
The sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is the stumbling block .
In 1945 , the whole archipelago was taken over by the Soviet Union .
Japan disputes the territorial affiliation of Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan and a group of currently uninhabited islands referred to as Habomai in Japan .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia ’ s sovereignty over the islands relies on an international legal groundwork and is unquestionable .

"[Cancelling Aegis Ashore deployment] touches upon the contents of the Japanese-Russian talks. There is a possibility that this will influence the talks themselves," the minister noted. He also underlined, "issues of maintaining security are also touched upon in the negotiations with Russia."
TOKYO, June 26. /TASS/. The decision of Japanese authorities to cancel plans to deploy US Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in the country can have an influence on negotiations with Russia, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a press conference Friday.
Responding to the question whether scrapping the American missile defense systems can become a positive moment for the consultations with Moscow, the minister noted that he expresses "neither optimism nor pessimism" regarding the factors that can have an impact on the process.
On June 15, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono revealed the decision to end Aegis Ashore deployment program. He cited the fact that it is impossible to guarantee that missile boosters will land within military bases or in the sea when activating the systems, which poses a threat to residential communities. According to him, additional costs and time are required to fix this design flaw. Meanwhile, the experts point to the fact that Aegis Ashore systems in the ordered version cannot intercept latest ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles. On June 18, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe revealed that he intended to launch discussions on a new national defense strategy policy in summer in light of plans to scrap the procurement and deployment of the US systems.
Moscow and Tokyo have been conducting intermittent consultations on concluding a peace treaty on the basis of the results of World War II since the middle of last century. The sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is the stumbling block. In 1945, the whole archipelago was taken over by the Soviet Union. Japan disputes the territorial affiliation of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and a group of currently uninhabited islands referred to as Habomai in Japan. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia’s sovereignty over the islands relies on an international legal groundwork and is unquestionable.


tass--2020-06-26--People demonstrating high interest in constitutional amendments voting, says ombudsperson

KONAKOVO /Tver region/ , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russians are demonstrating increased interest in voting on constitutional amendments , @ @ @ @ @ told TASS on Friday .
`` In general , our monitoring shows that interest to @ @ @ @ @ very high and people are demonstrating quite serious political activity and personal involvement in amending @ @ @ @ @ she said .
She said the office had receives quite a lot of calls when @ @ @ @ @ of information about the location of their polling stations or that they were being forced @ @ @ @ @ from that , in her words , some complained that polling stations were inaccessible for @ @ @

KONAKOVO /Tver region/, June 26. /TASS/. Russians are demonstrating increased interest in voting on constitutional amendments, human rights ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova told TASS on Friday.
"In general, our monitoring shows that interest to the constitutional amendment voting is very high and people are demonstrating quite serious political activity and personal involvement in amending the basic law," she said.
She said the office had receives quite a lot of calls when people complained about the lack of information about the location of their polling stations or that they were being forced to vote online. Apart from that, in her words, some complained that polling stations were inaccessible for disabled persons.


tass--2020-06-26--Haikou to increase the number of cars running on alternative energy sources in 2020

HAIKOU , June 26 .
/TASS/ .
The total number of cars operating on alternative energy sources on the roads of Haikou city in the southern Chinese province of Hainan reached 21.5 thousand units by the end of 2019 , according to the Haikou Daily .
Over the past year , this figure increased by more than 7,100 cars .
At the end of 2019 , passenger vehicles using alternative energy sources in Haikou accounted for 2.61 % of the total number of cars .
Over the indicated period , Haikou 's central authorities allocated over 2.5 million yuan ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purchase of cars using alternative energy sources , and the local authorities allocated more than 14.6 million yuan ( over $ 2 million ) .
Last year , over 620 vehicles fell under the government subsidy program .
In the first four months of 2020 , more than 1,900 cars using alternative energy sources were seen on the city roads .
By the end of 2020 , the task was set to bring this indicator to 6,000 .
In 2019 , the newspaper writes , all government departments and state-owned enterprises purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative energy sources , including public transport .
At the end of April 2020 , according to official figures , more than 8,300 charging stations were built in Haikou for electric vehicles .
The authorities set the task in 2020 to increase their number by more than 1,300 units .
To the year 2030 with no gas In order to combat environment pollution and protect ecology , the Hainan authorities intend to completely stop selling cars with conventional gasoline and diesel engines on the island by 2030 .
For these purposes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electric vehicles and hybrids , as well as develop the infrastructure necessary for them .
Starting from August 1 , 2018 , the authorities have already introduced a special quota for obtaining state-standard numbers for ordinary types of vehicles .
Meanwhile , according to the last year 's data , there were more than 23,000 `` green '' cars registered on Hainan , which is about 1.8 % of the total number of cars on the island .
In order to service eco-friendly vehicles there are more than 4.600 charging stationins in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authorities , all companies and state-owned enterprises on the island are committed to switching to `` green '' cars .
By 2030 , they plan to install about 940,000 spots for recharging electric and hybrid cars on the island .

HAIKOU, June 26. /TASS/. The total number of cars operating on alternative energy sources on the roads of Haikou city in the southern Chinese province of Hainan reached 21.5 thousand units by the end of 2019, according to the Haikou Daily.
Over the past year, this figure increased by more than 7,100 cars. At the end of 2019, passenger vehicles using alternative energy sources in Haikou accounted for 2.61% of the total number of cars.
Over the indicated period, Haikou's central authorities allocated over 2.5 million yuan (about $ 354,000) as subsidies for the purchase of cars using alternative energy sources, and the local authorities allocated more than 14.6 million yuan (over $ 2 million). Last year, over 620 vehicles fell under the government subsidy program.
In the first four months of 2020, more than 1,900 cars using alternative energy sources were seen on the city roads. By the end of 2020, the task was set to bring this indicator to 6,000. In 2019, the newspaper writes, all government departments and state-owned enterprises purchased for official use only cars running on alternative energy sources, including public transport.
At the end of April 2020, according to official figures, more than 8,300 charging stations were built in Haikou for electric vehicles. The authorities set the task in 2020 to increase their number by more than 1,300 units.
To the year 2030 with no gas
In order to combat environment pollution and protect ecology, the Hainan authorities intend to completely stop selling cars with conventional gasoline and diesel engines on the island by 2030. For these purposes, the government will encourage the residents to buy electric vehicles and hybrids, as well as develop the infrastructure necessary for them.
Starting from August 1, 2018, the authorities have already introduced a special quota for obtaining state-standard numbers for ordinary types of vehicles. Meanwhile, according to the last year's data, there were more than 23,000 "green" cars registered on Hainan, which is about 1.8% of the total number of cars on the island. In order to service eco-friendly vehicles there are more than 4.600 charging stationins in the province.
Since 2019, according to the authorities, all companies and state-owned enterprises on the island are committed to switching to "green" cars. By 2030, they plan to install about 940,000 spots for recharging electric and hybrid cars on the island.


tass--2020-06-27--Head of real estate developer found dead in Moscow - source

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Owner of the Pioneer Group real estate developer Andrei Grudin has been found @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , an informed source close to the company told TASS .
`` Information about @ @ @ @ @ According to preliminary reports , that could be a suicide , '' the source said @ @ @ @ @ , 1969 , Andrei Grudin was the head and shareholder of the Petrostroikomplekt company , @ @ @ @ @ supplying construction materials , equipment and rolled metal products in St. Petersburg and Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ 2001 .
He was the head of Pioneer Group , which he founded together with @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Owner of the Pioneer Group real estate developer Andrei Grudin has been found dead in his office in Moscow, an informed source close to the company told TASS.
"Information about his death is confirmed. According to preliminary reports, that could be a suicide," the source said.
Born on October 27, 1969, Andrei Grudin was the head and shareholder of the Petrostroikomplekt company, one of the largest enterprises supplying construction materials, equipment and rolled metal products in St. Petersburg and Russia’s northwestern region, until 2001.
He was the head of Pioneer Group, which he founded together with his partners in 2001.


tass--2020-06-27--Over 500,000 observers to monitor Russia’s constitutional amendments vote

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Civic Chamber , together with regional Civic Chambers , has @ @ @ @ @ for the nationwide vote on the law on the amendments to the Russian Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Saturday .
`` More than 500,000 observers for @ @ @ @ @ registered by now , '' she said .
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in @ @ @ @ @ The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 , but due to @ @ @ @ @ period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
Vote @ @ @ @ @ after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations close .
Along with @ @ @ @ @ from June 25 to July 1 ) , people can cast their votes outside polling @ @ @ @ @ areas , including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter @ @ @ @ @ of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region can vote online .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Russia’s Civic Chamber, together with regional Civic Chambers, has registered more than 500,000 observers for the nationwide vote on the law on the amendments to the Russian Constitution, Chairperson of Russia’s Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Saturday.
"More than 500,000 observers for the all-Russian vote have been registered by now," she said.
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1, but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting will begin in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations close. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people can cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region can vote online.


tass--2020-06-27--Macron says he plans to visit Russia soon

PARIS , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the dialogue between Paris and Moscow continues and that he plans to visit Russia soon .
`` The trust-based dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin that began at the Fort de Bregancon continues , `` he noted in a Twitter post on Saturday .
`` Security in Europe , regional conflicts , climate , including melting Arctic permafrost .
We are moving forward , and I will travel to Russia soon . ''
On Friday , the two leaders held a video call to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges , bilateral relations , the conflicts in Libya , Syria and Ukraine .
Macron noted that he was going to come to Russia at the invitation of Putin on May 9 to attend Victory Day celebrations .
However , the coronavirus pandemic prevented him from doing so .
`` If the epidemiological situation allows , at the end of the summer I would like take advantage of your offer and pay an official visit to Russia , '' the French leader said .
`` Welcome , '' Putin answered .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Fort de Bregancon on August 19 , 2019 .
The invitation of the Russian leader to the French president ’ s summer residence was believed at that time to be linked to Macron ’ s desire to see Russia reunited with Europe stretching `` from Lisbon to Vladivostok .
`` .

PARIS, June 27. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the dialogue between Paris and Moscow continues and that he plans to visit Russia soon.
"The trust-based dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin that began at the Fort de Bregancon continues, "he noted in a Twitter post on Saturday. "Security in Europe, regional conflicts, climate, including melting Arctic permafrost. We are moving forward, and I will travel to Russia soon."
On Friday, the two leaders held a video call to discuss the fight against the coronavirus and other global challenges, bilateral relations, the conflicts in Libya, Syria and Ukraine.
Macron noted that he was going to come to Russia at the invitation of Putin on May 9 to attend Victory Day celebrations. However, the coronavirus pandemic prevented him from doing so. "If the epidemiological situation allows, at the end of the summer I would like take advantage of your offer and pay an official visit to Russia," the French leader said. "Welcome," Putin answered.
The Russian and French leaders held talks in France’s Fort de Bregancon on August 19, 2019. The invitation of the Russian leader to the French president’s summer residence was believed at that time to be linked to Macron’s desire to see Russia reunited with Europe stretching "from Lisbon to Vladivostok.".


tass--2020-06-27--Over 21 mln people take part in constitutional amendments vote - election commission

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
More than 21 million people took part in the vote on the amendments @ @ @ @ @ in the past two days , the turnout stood at 19.49 % .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ 27 , 21,171,137 citizens have voted ( including online ) , the turnout was 19.49 @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Saturday .
Nationwide voting on @ @ @ @ @ on June 25 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 @ @ @ @ @ situation the voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July @ @ @ @ @ begin in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1 , when polling stations close @ @ @ @ @ voting period ( from June 25 to July 1 ) , people can cast their @ @ @ @ @ specially organized voting areas , including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home .
@ @ @ @ @ and the Nizhny Novgorod Region can vote online .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. More than 21 million people took part in the vote on the amendments to Russia’s Constitution in the past two days, the turnout stood at 19.49%.
"As of the morning of June 27, 21,171,137 citizens have voted (including online), the turnout was 19.49%," Chairperson of Russia’s Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Saturday.
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting will begin in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations close. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people can cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region can vote online.


tass--2020-06-27--Russia honors its humanitarian right commitments in Syria - diplomat

GENEVA , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has no official agreements with the UN regarding the protection of civilian facilities in Syria , but honors all its international humanitarian law obligations in the country , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geneva Office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov told TASS on Friday .
The Russian diplomat described as ‘ incorrect ’ a recent Reuters article , which said that Moscow withdrew from a UN arrangement aimed to protect hospitals and humanitarian aid deliveries in Syria from being hit by the warring parties .
Commenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I would like to stress once again that the way the information was presented by Reuters is incorrect , because there is no system to protect medical facilities in Syria . ''
`` There is - or , rather , there was - a so-called informal mechanism of notification , the so-called deconfliction , which is administered by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [ UN OCHA ] , '' Gatilov said .
`` I would like to stress that it is an informal , non-binding mechanism of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was a unilateral initiative of the above-mentioned UN office , OCHA .
There are no official documents , no signed agreements , regarding any system of protecting medical facilities in Syria . ''
`` At some point , we attempted to have a collaborative relationship with OCHA in this regard , on their initiative , but we accumulated negative experience of cooperation with UN officials in this domain , '' he said .
According to the Russian diplomat , the information that Russia used to receive from OCHA `` was constantly marred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , is no surprise , because the UN has no presence in Idlib , for example , where most of coordinates mentioned in UN lists were located . ''
`` This information was not coordinated with the Russian military .
At the same time , we were constantly accused of striking the facilities that were allegedly deconflicted , '' Gatilov said .
`` The Russian Defense Ministry was verifying the information that came from the UN .
But in the majority of cases it turned out that facilities marked as destroyed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In other words , the coordinates were wrong .
Moreover , those facilities had no relation to medical facilities or some other types of civilian objects , '' Gatilov continued .
`` Regretfully , our refutations , which we were sending to the UN on a regular basis - were left unnoticed .
Instead , they went ahead with their politicized criticism , which we will no longer tolerate , '' he said .
According to Gatilov , Russian diplomats `` have repeatedly informed UN partners , including from OCHA , that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solved directly with the government of Syria , which is a UN member state . ''
`` We keep calling upon UN humanitarian officials to engage in an open and constructive cooperation with the government of Syria , '' he said .
`` All activities of the Russian Aerospace Forces , which are present in Syria on an invitation from the Syrian government , are being carried out in strict compliance with the norms of the international humanitarian law , '' the Russian diplomat went on .
`` All Russia ’ s efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist groups - the ones which had officially been prohibited by relevant UN Security Council documents .
We , on our part , comply with all our obligations on humanitarian law , and this stance remains unchanged . ''
On Thursday , Reuters reported that Russia `` has quit a United Nations arrangement that aimed to protect hospitals and humanitarian aid deliveries in Syria from being hit by the warring parties . ''
The report cited a note from OCHA as saying that `` on Tuesday , 23 June , the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer participate in the humanitarian notification system .
`` .

GENEVA, June 27. /TASS/. Russia has no official agreements with the UN regarding the protection of civilian facilities in Syria, but honors all its international humanitarian law obligations in the country, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geneva Office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov told TASS on Friday.
The Russian diplomat described as ‘incorrect’ a recent Reuters article, which said that Moscow withdrew from a UN arrangement aimed to protect hospitals and humanitarian aid deliveries in Syria from being hit by the warring parties.
Commenting on the report, Gatilov said: "I would like to stress once again that the way the information was presented by Reuters is incorrect, because there is no system to protect medical facilities in Syria."
"There is - or, rather, there was - a so-called informal mechanism of notification, the so-called deconfliction, which is administered by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [UN OCHA]," Gatilov said. "I would like to stress that it is an informal, non-binding mechanism of data exchange, which, in fact, was a unilateral initiative of the above-mentioned UN office, OCHA. There are no official documents, no signed agreements, regarding any system of protecting medical facilities in Syria."
"At some point, we attempted to have a collaborative relationship with OCHA in this regard, on their initiative, but we accumulated negative experience of cooperation with UN officials in this domain," he said.
According to the Russian diplomat, the information that Russia used to receive from OCHA "was constantly marred by mistakes and inconsistencies, which, however, is no surprise, because the UN has no presence in Idlib, for example, where most of coordinates mentioned in UN lists were located."
"This information was not coordinated with the Russian military. At the same time, we were constantly accused of striking the facilities that were allegedly deconflicted," Gatilov said.
"The Russian Defense Ministry was verifying the information that came from the UN. But in the majority of cases it turned out that facilities marked as destroyed, were, in fact, untouched. In other words, the coordinates were wrong. Moreover, those facilities had no relation to medical facilities or some other types of civilian objects," Gatilov continued.
"Regretfully, our refutations, which we were sending to the UN on a regular basis - were left unnoticed. Instead, they went ahead with their politicized criticism, which we will no longer tolerate," he said.
According to Gatilov, Russian diplomats "have repeatedly informed UN partners, including from OCHA, that all issues related to humanitarian deconflicting must be solved directly with the government of Syria, which is a UN member state."
"We keep calling upon UN humanitarian officials to engage in an open and constructive cooperation with the government of Syria," he said.
"All activities of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which are present in Syria on an invitation from the Syrian government, are being carried out in strict compliance with the norms of the international humanitarian law," the Russian diplomat went on. "All Russia’s efforts in that regard are aimed only at terrorist groups - the ones which had officially been prohibited by relevant UN Security Council documents. We, on our part, comply with all our obligations on humanitarian law, and this stance remains unchanged."
On Thursday, Reuters reported that Russia "has quit a United Nations arrangement that aimed to protect hospitals and humanitarian aid deliveries in Syria from being hit by the warring parties." The report cited a note from OCHA as saying that "on Tuesday, 23 June, the Russian Federation informed the United Nations that it would no longer participate in the humanitarian notification system.".


tass--2020-06-27--Russia reports fewer than 7,000 COVID-19 cases for two days

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Another 6,852 coronavirus cases were recorded in Russia in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ said on Saturday .
The number of daily COVID-19 cases is thus less than 7,000 @ @ @ @ @ According to the crisis center , the total number of infected people has reached 627,646 @ @ @ @ @ does not exceed 1.1 % .
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ North Ossetia ( 0.6 % ) , the Moscow Region ( 0.7 % ) , @ @ @ @ @ % ) and Chechnya ( 0.8 % ) .
Another 750 coronavirus cases were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region , 280 in the Khanty-Mansi Region , 237 in the Irkutsk Region @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Another 6,852 coronavirus cases were recorded in Russia in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday. The number of daily COVID-19 cases is thus less than 7,000 for two days now.
According to the crisis center, the total number of infected people has reached 627,646, the daily growth rate does not exceed 1.1%.
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in Moscow (0.3%), North Ossetia (0.6%), the Moscow Region (0.7%), the Kaliningrad Region (0.8%) and Chechnya (0.8%).
Another 750 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow, 366 in the Moscow Region, 280 in the Khanty-Mansi Region, 237 in the Irkutsk Region and 224 in St. Petersburg.


tass--2020-06-27--Turnout for online constitutional amendments vote exceeds 70% in 48 hours

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
The turnout for the online vote on the amendments to Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 48 hours , more than 823,600 people have voted by now , the headquarters for @ @ @ @ @ The online vote began on Thursday , June 25 , at 10:00 Moscow time .
@ @ @ @ @ Nizhny Novgorod Region can take part in the vote .
As of 10:01 Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ turnout was 70.25 % .
According to previous reports , about 1 mln people had @ @ @ @ @ and nearly 140,000 had done the same in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
The online @ @ @ @ @ 30 .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. The turnout for the online vote on the amendments to Russia’s Constitution exceeded 70% in 48 hours, more than 823,600 people have voted by now, the headquarters for monitoring the vote reported.
The online vote began on Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 Moscow time. Residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod Region can take part in the vote. As of 10:01 Moscow time on June 27, the turnout was 70.25%.
According to previous reports, about 1 mln people had registered to vote in Moscow and nearly 140,000 had done the same in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. The online vote will end on June 30.


tass--2020-06-27--Another 1,852 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow, says deputy mayor

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus recoveries have grown by 1,852 reaching 146,043 , Deputy @ @ @ @ @ Anastasia Rakova said .
`` The number of recoveries in Moscow continues to grow .
@ @ @ @ @ treatment in the past 24 hours .
The total number of people who had recovered @ @ @ @ @ to 146,043 , '' she said .
According to Rakova , special tests are conducted @ @ @ @ @ who need to remain under medical supervision receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital @ @ @ @ @ the disease are offered to become blood plasma donors .
People aged between 18 and @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors , provided they don ’ t have chronic illnesses @ @ @ @ @ , Hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries have grown by 1,852 reaching 146,043, Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova said.
"The number of recoveries in Moscow continues to grow. Another 1,852 patients recovered after treatment in the past 24 hours. The total number of people who had recovered from the disease has climbed to 146,043," she said.
According to Rakova, special tests are conducted to confirm recovery. Patients who need to remain under medical supervision receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital. Those who recover from the disease are offered to become blood plasma donors.
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-06-27--False US reports about Russia in Afghanistan led to threats against diplomats — embassy

WASHINGTON , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
False information about Russia and Afghanistan , published by the US media , has already led to direct threats against Russian diplomats , the Russian Embassy in Washington said on Saturday .
`` Baseless and anonymous accusations [ published by nytimes ] of Moscow as mastermind behind killing of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan have already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London , '' the embassy said in a Twitter post .
New York Times reported on Friday that an unidentified unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Taliban movemen ( outlawed in Russia ) to attack servicemen of the international coalition in Afghanistan .
According to Russian diplomats , the paper has been inventing false stories in the absence of real reasons to blame Russia .
Moreover , the embassy said the authors of the article `` obviously lack information on cooperation between Russia and US on the Afghan peace process , on Syrian , North Korean , Venezuelan , Iranian agendas . ''
`` We demand the relevant US authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 , '' the embassy said .

WASHINGTON, June 27. /TASS/. False information about Russia and Afghanistan, published by the US media, has already led to direct threats against Russian diplomats, the Russian Embassy in Washington said on Saturday.
"Baseless and anonymous accusations [published by nytimes] of Moscow as mastermind behind killing of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan have already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the embassy said in a Twitter post.
New York Times reported on Friday that an unidentified unit of Russian military intelligence allegedly incited militants of the Taliban movemen (outlawed in Russia) to attack servicemen of the international coalition in Afghanistan.
According to Russian diplomats, the paper has been inventing false stories in the absence of real reasons to blame Russia. Moreover, the embassy said the authors of the article "obviously lack information on cooperation between Russia and US on the Afghan peace process, on Syrian, North Korean, Venezuelan, Iranian agendas."
"We demand the relevant US authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961," the embassy said.


tass--2020-06-27--German chancellor calls for maintaining constructive dialogue with Russia

LONDON , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Berlin needs to continue constructive dialogue with Moscow , including for reasons of @ @ @ @ @ in Syria and Libya , German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview to several @ @ @ @ @ Guardian .
`` There are good reasons to keep engaging in constructive dialogue with Russia @ @ @ @ @ and Libya , countries in Europe ’ s immediate neighbourhood , Russia ’ s strategic @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` I will therefore continue to strive for cooperation . ''
At @ @ @ @ @ chancellor accused Russia of `` hybrid warfare '' and `` methods of destabilisation '' which @ @ @ @ @ a Russian behaviour pattern . ''

LONDON, June 27. /TASS/. Berlin needs to continue constructive dialogue with Moscow, including for reasons of Russia’s strategic influence in Syria and Libya, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview to several European newspaper, including The Guardian.
"There are good reasons to keep engaging in constructive dialogue with Russia. In countries like Syria and Libya, countries in Europe’s immediate neighbourhood, Russia’s strategic influence is great," she said. "I will therefore continue to strive for cooperation."
At the same time, the chancellor accused Russia of "hybrid warfare" and "methods of destabilisation" which she claims have become "a Russian behaviour pattern."
Moscow has consistently rejected West’s accusations of destabilizing acitivities.


tass--2020-06-27--Hungary makes investment decision on building extension of TurkStream

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
The supervisory board of Hungary ’ s pipeline operator FGSZ approved on Friday a plan of investment into the construction of a gas pipeline to Serbia with an annual capacity of 6 billion cubic meters , the company said in a statement .
According to the document , the designated capacity at the pipeline ’ s southern tip - that is , on the border with Serbia - must be achieved by October 2021 .
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said this spring that Hungary had initiated talks with Russia on increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Budapest is interested `` in the opportunity of buying Russian gas via TurkStream through Turkey and Bulgaria , targeting the end of the next year , '' he said .
The TurkStream project is a pipeline consisting of two lines each capable of transmitting 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas annually .
The first line is intended for the Turkish market , while the second branch is going to supply the countries of Southern and Southeastern Europe .
Gazprom considers Greece , Italy , Bulgaria , Serbia and Hungary as potential markets @

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. The supervisory board of Hungary’s pipeline operator FGSZ approved on Friday a plan of investment into the construction of a gas pipeline to Serbia with an annual capacity of 6 billion cubic meters, the company said in a statement.
According to the document, the designated capacity at the pipeline’s southern tip - that is, on the border with Serbia - must be achieved by October 2021.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said this spring that Hungary had initiated talks with Russia on increase of gas supplies to 4.2 bln cubic meters. Budapest is interested "in the opportunity of buying Russian gas via TurkStream through Turkey and Bulgaria, targeting the end of the next year," he said.
The TurkStream project is a pipeline consisting of two lines each capable of transmitting 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas annually. The first line is intended for the Turkish market, while the second branch is going to supply the countries of Southern and Southeastern Europe. Gazprom considers Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary as potential markets.


tass--2020-06-27--Putin thanks teachers, graduates for studying despite pandemic

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
This year , teachers , lecturers and students did their best to keep the learning process uninterrupted by the novel coronavirus pandemic , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a congratulatory letter to school and university graduates , posted on the Kremlin website on Saturday .
`` The end of the academic year was difficult , '' he said .
`` But , most importantly , you , your teachers and your families worked as one team to ensure that courses , preparations for exams and final research paper defense was uninterrupted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduates and wished them to never stop dreaming and to be steadfast in pursuing their goals .
`` I would like to tell you : never stop dreaming , harboring most daring aspirations .
If you are sure of your goal - keep working to achieve it , no matter how unrealistic it might seem at the beginning , '' he said .
`` This is the only way to reach new inspiring heights in science , art , sports , technology , in any profession and in any favorite pasttime - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We believe in you and we know you will succeed .
Good luck , '' he added .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. This year, teachers, lecturers and students did their best to keep the learning process uninterrupted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a congratulatory letter to school and university graduates, posted on the Kremlin website on Saturday.
"The end of the academic year was difficult," he said. "But, most importantly, you, your teachers and your families worked as one team to ensure that courses, preparations for exams and final research paper defense was uninterrupted, against all odds."
Putin congratulated graduates and wished them to never stop dreaming and to be steadfast in pursuing their goals.
"I would like to tell you: never stop dreaming, harboring most daring aspirations. If you are sure of your goal - keep working to achieve it, no matter how unrealistic it might seem at the beginning," he said. "This is the only way to reach new inspiring heights in science, art, sports, technology, in any profession and in any favorite pasttime - and, therefore, in life."
"We believe in you and we know you will succeed. Good luck," he added.


tass--2020-06-27--EU to reopen borders with 18 nations but not Russia or US — source

BRUSSELS , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union ( COREPER ) approved on Friday a list of 18 nations , to whom the union ’ s borders will start to reopen on June 1 , a diplomatic source in Brussels told TASS , adding that Russia and the United States were not included into the list .
`` EU envoys have achieved a political agreement on a draft list of 18 countries for reopening borders .
This process will be gradual , and will begin on July 1 .
Russia and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , in line with epidemiological criteria , '' the source said .
The diplomat said the document is yet to be formally agreed by the Council of the European Union next week .
The list includes Balkan states , Canada , China , South Korea and Japan .
Another diplomatic source said , however , that consultations with China were still ongoing .
Not on the list Earlier on Friday , a source in Brussels told TASS that the European Union will not include Russia in the list of countries cleared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The fact of the matter is that the epidemiological situation in Russia does not make it possible for us to add it to the first list of countries who citizens will be allowed to cross the borders on July 1 .
This is normal because Russia needs more time , since the virus started actively spreading there later than in European states , '' the source said .
According to him , the list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will later be expanded .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , as soon as it is clear that Russia ’ s epidemiological conditions have improved , we will add it to the list .
It is in the best interests of all sides , trust me , '' the diplomat added .
Earlier , the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15 .
Moreover , it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1 .
At the same time , the EU regulations stipulate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 620,794 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 384,152 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 8,781 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BRUSSELS, June 27. /TASS/. The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) approved on Friday a list of 18 nations, to whom the union’s borders will start to reopen on June 1, a diplomatic source in Brussels told TASS, adding that Russia and the United States were not included into the list.
"EU envoys have achieved a political agreement on a draft list of 18 countries for reopening borders. This process will be gradual, and will begin on July 1. Russia and the United States were not included into the list, in line with epidemiological criteria," the source said.
The diplomat said the document is yet to be formally agreed by the Council of the European Union next week.
The list includes Balkan states, Canada, China, South Korea and Japan. Another diplomatic source said, however, that consultations with China were still ongoing.
Not on the list
Earlier on Friday, a source in Brussels told TASS that the European Union will not include Russia in the list of countries cleared to enter the area on July 1.
"The fact of the matter is that the epidemiological situation in Russia does not make it possible for us to add it to the first list of countries who citizens will be allowed to cross the borders on July 1. This is normal because Russia needs more time, since the virus started actively spreading there later than in European states," the source said.
According to him, the list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will later be expanded. "We will review this list rather regularly. Of course, as soon as it is clear that Russia’s epidemiological conditions have improved, we will add it to the list. It is in the best interests of all sides, trust me," the diplomat added.
Earlier, the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15. Moreover, it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1. At the same time, the EU regulations stipulate that it is up to national governments to make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 9,724,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 492,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 620,794 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 384,152 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 8,781 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-28--Two dead in California shooting, says newspaper

MOSCOW , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
At least two people were killed on Saturday in a shooting at a @ @ @ @ @ US city of Red Bluff ( state of California ) , The New York Time @ @ @ @ @ hospital official .
Daily News local publication said earlier that three people were injured .

NEW YORK, June 28. /TASS/. At least two people were killed and another four were injured on Saturday in a shooting at a Walmart distribution center in the US city of Red Bluff (state of California), The New York Times reported with reference to a hospital official.
An unidentified person driving a white vehicle rammed into an entrance into the distribution center, according to the newspaper. One of employees, Franklin Lister, told the paper that he had just clocked into his shift and first though it was a drill. His colleague Scott Thammakhanty said that he had heard gunshots and had seen people on the ground as he and other employees ran. As they were running, Lister said, they heard 50 to 60 gunshots
Emergency dispatchers told The Record Searchlight, a newspaper in Redding, Calif., that officials had shot the gunman in the chest around 3:45 p.m. local time (1:45 a.m. on Sunday Moscow time), less than 15 minutes after the shooting began.
Four other people injured during the shooting were in fair condition, according to the official.
Red Bluff situated about 210 kilometers north of Sacramento, is an administrative center of California, home to around 14,000 people.


tass--2020-06-28--DPR suspends movement of citizens through line of contact with Ukraine

DONETSK , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
The self-proclaimed Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) suspended on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ the only working checkpoint on the line of contact with Ukraine , according to a @ @ @ @ @ Pushilin released on his official website late on Saturday .
`` To suspend the force @ @ @ @ @ exit to Ukraine via the Yelenovka checkpoint - TASS ) and 8.3 ( on entry @ @ @ @ @ checkpoint - TASS ) of the decree number 57 dated March 14 , 2020 starting @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , '' the document said .
The reasons for such a decision are unknown @ @ @ @ @ the Yelenovka checkpoint after a three-month suspension on June 22 for exit and on June @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian side also opened the checkpoint from its side then .
There are four checkpoints @ @ @ @ @ - Gorlovka-Mayorskoye , Yelenovka-Novotroitskoye , Alexandrovka-Maryinka and Oktyabr-Gnutovo .
They were temporarily closed in March @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus infection spread .

DONETSK, June 28. /TASS/. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) suspended on Sunday the movement of citizens through the only working checkpoint on the line of contact with Ukraine, according to a decree by DPR Head Denis Pushilin released on his official website late on Saturday.
"To suspend the force of items 8.2 (on exit to Ukraine via the Yelenovka checkpoint - TASS) and 8.3 (on entry to DPR via the Yelenovka checkpoint - TASS) of the decree number 57 dated March 14, 2020 starting 00:00 on June 28, 2020," the document said.
The reasons for such a decision are unknown so far. Donetsk opened the Yelenovka checkpoint after a three-month suspension on June 22 for exit and on June 25 for entry. The Ukrainian side also opened the checkpoint from its side then.
There are four checkpoints between Ukraine and the DPR - Gorlovka-Mayorskoye, Yelenovka-Novotroitskoye, Alexandrovka-Maryinka and Oktyabr-Gnutovo. They were temporarily closed in March due to the threat of the coronavirus infection spread.


tass--2020-06-28--Moldovan, Russian governments have resumed loan talks, says republic's President

CHISINAU , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
The governments of Russia and Moldova have resumed the talks on a 200 mln euro loan to be provided by Moscow to Chisinau , the extension of which has been blocked by Moldova ’ s pro-European opposition via the Constitutional Court , the republic ’ s President Igor Dodon informed on Saturday as he published on his Facebook page the text of a letter by Russian Deputy Finance Minister Timur Maksimov addressed to Moldovan Finance Minister Serghei Puscuta .
`` Referring to the statement by Prime Minister Ion Chicu , let me confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Moldovan side on the issue of provision of a state financial loan worth 200 mln euro to the Moldovan government , '' according to the statement dated June 23 .
Dodon said earlier that he had a short exchange of views with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the dynamics of bilateral relations between Moldova and Russia during the visit to Moscow , after which he continued a more detailed discussion on relevant issues of bilateral relations with Deputy Head of Russian President ’ s Administration , Special Representative of President on development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Kozak .
Russia agreed earlier to extend a loan to Moldova at Dodon ’ s request , and a relevant agreement was approved by the republic ’ s government and ratified by the parliament , as well as included in 2020 budgets of both countries .
The funds were provided `` for the purpose of budget support '' for ten years at a rate of 2 % per annum .
However , Moldova ’ s pro-European opposition accused the government of not conducting the talks openly enough , as well as criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement .

CHISINAU, June 27. /TASS/. The governments of Russia and Moldova have resumed the talks on a 200 mln euro loan to be provided by Moscow to Chisinau, the extension of which has been blocked by Moldova’s pro-European opposition via the Constitutional Court, the republic’s President Igor Dodon informed on Saturday as he published on his Facebook page the text of a letter by Russian Deputy Finance Minister Timur Maksimov addressed to Moldovan Finance Minister Serghei Puscuta.
"Referring to the statement by Prime Minister Ion Chicu, let me confirm readiness for resumption of bilateral consultations with the Moldovan side on the issue of provision of a state financial loan worth 200 mln euro to the Moldovan government," according to the statement dated June 23.
Dodon said earlier that he had a short exchange of views with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the dynamics of bilateral relations between Moldova and Russia during the visit to Moscow, after which he continued a more detailed discussion on relevant issues of bilateral relations with Deputy Head of Russian President’s Administration, Special Representative of President on development of trade and economic relations with Moldova Dmitry Kozak.
Russia agreed earlier to extend a loan to Moldova at Dodon’s request, and a relevant agreement was approved by the republic’s government and ratified by the parliament, as well as included in 2020 budgets of both countries. The funds were provided "for the purpose of budget support" for ten years at a rate of 2% per annum. However, Moldova’s pro-European opposition accused the government of not conducting the talks openly enough, as well as criticized a number of provisions of the credit agreement.


tass--2020-06-28--Trump not briefed on Russia’s alleged proposal to Taliban, says White House

WASHINGTON , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump was not briefed on the fact that Russia had allegedly offered bounties to Afghan militants to kill American troops , White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement on Saturday .
The New York Times reported on Friday that an unidentified unit of the Russian military intelligence had secretly incited militants of the Taliban movement ( outlawed in Russia ) to attack servicemen of the international coalition in Afghanistan .
The intelligence finding was submitted to US President Donald Trump several months ago , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of intelligence reports a day , and they are subject to strict scrutiny , '' McEnany said .
`` While the White House does not routinely comment on alleged intelligence or internal deliberations , the CIA Director , National Security Advisor , and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence , '' she added .
`` This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefed on this matter , '' White House Press Secretary noted .
A representative of Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry told TASS earlier on Saturday that the New York Times publication was fabricated by the US intelligence agencies .
`` That unpretentious fake clearly demonstrates low intellectual abilities of US intelligence propagandists who have to invent such nonsense instead of devising something more credible , '' the ministry said .
It also pointed to the US intelligence agencies ’ involvement in Afghan drug trafficking .
The ministry suggested that those actions might stem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies `` do not like that our and their diplomats have teamed up to facilitate the start of peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban . ''
The Russian Embassy in Washington said on Friday that false publications by the US media about Russia and Afghanistan had already led to direct threats against Russian diplomats .

WASHINGTON, June 28. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump was not briefed on the fact that Russia had allegedly offered bounties to Afghan militants to kill American troops, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement on Saturday.
The New York Times reported on Friday that an unidentified unit of the Russian military intelligence had secretly incited militants of the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) to attack servicemen of the international coalition in Afghanistan. The intelligence finding was submitted to US President Donald Trump several months ago, according to the publication.
"The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day, and they are subject to strict scrutiny," McEnany said. "While the White House does not routinely comment on alleged intelligence or internal deliberations, the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence," she added. "This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter," White House Press Secretary noted.
A representative of Russia’s Foreign Ministry told TASS earlier on Saturday that the New York Times publication was fabricated by the US intelligence agencies. "That unpretentious fake clearly demonstrates low intellectual abilities of US intelligence propagandists who have to invent such nonsense instead of devising something more credible," the ministry said. It also pointed to the US intelligence agencies’ involvement in Afghan drug trafficking. The ministry suggested that those actions might stem from the fact that the US intelligence agencies "do not like that our and their diplomats have teamed up to facilitate the start of peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban."
The Russian Embassy in Washington said on Friday that false publications by the US media about Russia and Afghanistan had already led to direct threats against Russian diplomats.


tass--2020-06-28--Segezha Group ready for IPO after market prices recover, says Sistema CEO

MOSCOW , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
Segezha Group timber holding ( part of Sistema ) plans an IPO as @ @ @ @ @ after the crisis , Chief Executive Officer ( President ) of the corporation Vladimir Chirakhov @ @ @ @ @ shareholders meeting of Sistema on Saturday .
`` We see huge interest from the side @ @ @ @ @ .
As far as an IPO is concerned , I believe the company is absolutely @ @ @ @ @ to the unfavorable environment on the markets as they have lost 40 % , amid @ @ @ @ @ we suggest that we will not be able to receive the required IPO valuations of @ @ @ @ @ why prices recovery is the key factor influencing IPO , '' he explained .
It @ @ @ @ @ of the timber asset Segezha Group would be held or a strategic investor would be @ @ @ @ @ the first half of 2020 , Managing Partner of Sistema Ali Uzdenov told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2019 .

MOSCOW, June 28. /TASS/. Segezha Group timber holding (part of Sistema) plans an IPO as soon as the market recovers after the crisis, Chief Executive Officer (President) of the corporation Vladimir Chirakhov said during an annual general shareholders meeting of Sistema on Saturday.
"We see huge interest from the side of Segezha Group potential partners. As far as an IPO is concerned, I believe the company is absolutely ready. However, due to the unfavorable environment on the markets as they have lost 40%, amid today’s low prices we suggest that we will not be able to receive the required IPO valuations of the company, which is why prices recovery is the key factor influencing IPO," he explained.
It was expected that an IPO of the timber asset Segezha Group would be held or a strategic investor would be brought into the asset in the first half of 2020, Managing Partner of Sistema Ali Uzdenov told TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2019.


tass--2020-06-28--Sistema to increase 2020 dividend payment, says board chairman

MOSCOW , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
Sistema will revise its dividend policy in 2020 as it plans to substantially increase payments to shareholders , the main beneficiary and Chairman of the Board of the corporation Vladimir Evtushenkov said during an annual general shareholders meeting on Saturday .
`` We will fully revise our take on dividend policy from the viewpoint of a sharp increase in dividend payments , '' he said , adding that `` the increase in dividend payouts will be not even 18 % , but substantially higher . ''
Earlier on Saturday Sistema shareholders decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( or 2.6 rubles per GDR ) , or a total of 1.25 bln rubles ( $ 17.9 mln ) , for 2019 dividend payment .
The previous dividend policy of the corporation envisioned payment of 1.19 rubles per share .
Sistema ’ s representatives have repeatedly said that the company is considering the possibility of a return to the previous dividend policy or its revision .
Board chairman Vladimir Evtushenkov is the main beneficiary of Sistema holding 59.2 % of shares , 16.5 % of shares and 15.9 % of GDRs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8.4 % of shares and GDRs belong to companies of Sistema Group , board members and the corporation ’ s management .

MOSCOW, June 28. /TASS/. Sistema will revise its dividend policy in 2020 as it plans to substantially increase payments to shareholders, the main beneficiary and Chairman of the Board of the corporation Vladimir Evtushenkov said during an annual general shareholders meeting on Saturday.
"We will fully revise our take on dividend policy from the viewpoint of a sharp increase in dividend payments," he said, adding that "the increase in dividend payouts will be not even 18%, but substantially higher."
Earlier on Saturday Sistema shareholders decided to allocate 0.13 rubles per one ordinary share (or 2.6 rubles per GDR), or a total of 1.25 bln rubles ($17.9 mln), for 2019 dividend payment.
The previous dividend policy of the corporation envisioned payment of 1.19 rubles per share. Sistema’s representatives have repeatedly said that the company is considering the possibility of a return to the previous dividend policy or its revision.
Board chairman Vladimir Evtushenkov is the main beneficiary of Sistema holding 59.2% of shares, 16.5% of shares and 15.9% of GDRs are in free float, while the remaining 8.4% of shares and GDRs belong to companies of Sistema Group, board members and the corporation’s management.


tass--2020-06-28--Africa’s coronavirus death toll exceeds 9,000, says WHO

PRETORIA , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in African countries has reached 356,442 , @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours , while the death toll increased by 196 in one @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ’ s Regional Office for Africa reported on Saturday .
The number @ @ @ @ @ has reached 171,000 , according to the report .
The largest number of infected people @ @ @ @ @ recorded in South Africa , with 2,340 people dying .
Egypt accounts for the largest @ @ @ @ @ ) , whereas in Algeria the coronavirus death toll has reached 885 .
In sub-Saharan @ @ @ @ @ Africa in terms of the number of infections ( 23,298 infected and 554 deaths ) @ @ @ @ @ ( 15,834 and 103 , respectively ) .

PRETORIA, June 28. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in African countries has reached 356,442, with 11,225 new cases registered in the past 24 hours, while the death toll increased by 196 in one day to 9,156, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa reported on Saturday.
The number of recoveries on the continent has reached 171,000, according to the report. The largest number of infected people (124,590) has been recorded in South Africa, with 2,340 people dying. Egypt accounts for the largest number of fatalities (2,533), whereas in Algeria the coronavirus death toll has reached 885.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria follows South Africa in terms of the number of infections (23,298 infected and 554 deaths), as well as Ghana (15,834 and 103, respectively).


tass--2020-06-28--Russia’s travel industry to recover by next spring, says head of tourism agency

KALININGRAD , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s travel industry may recover after the coronavirus pandemic by next @ @ @ @ @ Federal Agency for Tourism Zarina Doguzova told TASS .
`` Tourism may recover earlier than @ @ @ @ @ , meaning as early as by spring of 2021 .
Moreover , we suggest that @ @ @ @ @ with regions should address extension of this resort season by the end of October 2020 @ @ @ @ @ The recovery of Russia ’ s travel industry will start from domestic tourism .
A @ @ @ @ @ start on July 1 this year .
Doguzova said earlier that 67 Russian substituent entities @ @ @ @ @ tourists from the country ’ s regions by that time .

KALININGRAD, June 28. /TASS/. Russia’s travel industry may recover after the coronavirus pandemic by next spring, Head of the Federal Agency for Tourism Zarina Doguzova told TASS.
"Tourism may recover earlier than by the end of 2021, meaning as early as by spring of 2021. Moreover, we suggest that hoteliers and travel agencies together with regions should address extension of this resort season by the end of October 2020," she said.
The recovery of Russia’s travel industry will start from domestic tourism. A full-fledged summer tourist season will start on July 1 this year. Doguzova said earlier that 67 Russian substituent entities would be ready to accept tourists from the country’s regions by that time.


tass--2020-06-28--Russia’s human rights council finds no serious violations at constitution amendments vote

MOSCOW , June 28 .
/TASS/ .
Members of Russia 's Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights have visited 80 polling stations since Thursday to find no serious violations during the vote on amendments to Russia ’ s constitution , the council ’ s Chairman Valery Fadeyev said on Saturday .
`` Colleagues from our council have already visited 80 polling stations in various regions across the country .
We do not have the resource as large ( as the Russian Civic Chamber ’ s - TASS ) .
We can not bring together 500,000 observers , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very experienced .
There are no serious remarks ( concerning violations ) , '' Fadeyev said .
Fadeyev pointed out that the council members focused their attention on epidemic safety but also failed to find any violations .
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in Russia on June 25 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week , from June 25 through July 1 .
Vote counting will begin in regions after 20:00 local time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close .
Along with the extended voting period ( from June 25 to July 1 ) , people can cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas , including outdoors , or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application .
Additionally , residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region can vote online .

MOSCOW, June 28. /TASS/. Members of Russia's Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights have visited 80 polling stations since Thursday to find no serious violations during the vote on amendments to Russia’s constitution, the council’s Chairman Valery Fadeyev said on Saturday.
"Colleagues from our council have already visited 80 polling stations in various regions across the country. We do not have the resource as large (as the Russian Civic Chamber’s - TASS). We cannot bring together 500,000 observers, but people in the Human Rights Council are very experienced. There are no serious remarks (concerning violations)," Fadeyev said.
Fadeyev pointed out that the council members focused their attention on epidemic safety but also failed to find any violations.
Nationwide voting on constitutional amendments started in Russia on June 25. The official voting day under the presidential decree is July 1 but due to the coronavirus situation the voting period was extended for a week, from June 25 through July 1. Vote counting will begin in regions after 20:00 local time on July 1, when polling stations close. Along with the extended voting period (from June 25 to July 1), people can cast their votes outside polling stations at specially organized voting areas, including outdoors, or use contactless voting at home or the Mobile Voter application. Additionally, residents of Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region can vote online.


tass--2020-06-27--Moscow's death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases rises by 24 to 3,738

MOSCOW , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
Another 24 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , died in Moscow over the past 24 hours , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
`` Twenty-four patients have passed away in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection , '' the center informed .
To date , a total of 3,738 deaths from confirmed COVID-19 have been registered in the Russian capital .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 9,795,974 people have been infected worldwide and more than 496,689 deaths have been reported .
To date , 627,646 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 8,969 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Another 24 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, died in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"Twenty-four patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the center informed.
To date, a total of 3,738 deaths from confirmed COVID-19 have been registered in the Russian capital.
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 9,795,974 people have been infected worldwide and more than 496,689 deaths have been reported.
To date, 627,646 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 393,352 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 8,969 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-27--WHO reports single-day increase in coronavirus cases by over 179,000

GENEVA , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
More than 179,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , surpassing 9.65 million , while the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by over 7,000 to near 491,000 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Saturday .
As of 11.00 Moscow time on June 27 , as many as 9,653,048 novel coronavirus cases and 491,128 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 179,316 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
The day before , the organization reported 177,012 new cases and 5,116 deaths throughout the world .
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 4,816,794 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 106,867 and the number of deaths - by 5,134 to top 238,762 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,638,903 and the number of fatalities is 196,169 .
In the past 24 hours , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths went up by 621 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,006,279 cases and 22,964 fatalities .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 18,745 and the number of deaths - by 500 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was registered in the United States ( 2,407,590 ) , followed by Brazil ( 1,228,114 ) , Russia ( 627,646 ) , India ( 508,953 ) , the United Kingdom ( 309,364 ) , Peru ( 268,602 ) , Chile ( 263,360 ) , Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and Iran ( 217,724 ) .
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 .

GENEVA, June 27. /TASS/. More than 179,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, surpassing 9.65 million, while the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by over 7,000 to near 491,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Saturday.
As of 11.00 Moscow time on June 27, as many as 9,653,048 novel coronavirus cases and 491,128 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 179,316 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,866. The WHO statistics are based on officially confirmed data from the countries. The day before, the organization reported 177,012 new cases and 5,116 deaths throughout the world.
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 4,816,794. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 106,867 and the number of deaths - by 5,134 to top 238,762. The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,638,903 and the number of fatalities is 196,169. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew, by 18,632 and the number of deaths went up by 621.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,006,279 cases and 22,964 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 18,745 and the number of deaths - by 500.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was registered in the United States (2,407,590), followed by Brazil (1,228,114), Russia (627,646), India (508,953), the United Kingdom (309,364), Peru (268,602), Chile (263,360), Spain (247,905), Italy (239,961), and Iran (217,724).
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--2020-06-27--No comment from US officials on NYT article on Russia in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON , June 27 .
/TASS/ .
The White House National Security Council ( NSC ) , the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence refused on Saturday to comment on the publication in the New York Times alleging that Russia secretly offered money to Afghan militants for killing American troops .
`` We do not comment on alleged NSC internal deliberations , '' White House National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said when asked by TASS to comment on the article and the Russian authorities ’ response to it .
`` We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter , '' the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told TASS .
The Pentagon echoed , `` We do not have anything for you on this . ''
On Friday , the New York Times published an article claiming that a Russian military intelligence unit allegedly secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition troops in Afghanistan .
( The Taliban is banned in Russia ) .
According to the daily , the intelligence finding was briefed to US President Donald Trump , and the NSC discussed the issue at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry told TASS that the New York Times publication was fabricated by the US intelligence agencies .
`` That unpretentious fake clearly demonstrates low intellectual abilities of US intelligence propagandists who have to invent such nonsense instead of devising something more credible .
Nevertheless , what else could be expected from the intelligence agency that has failed miserably in the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan , '' the foreign ministry noted .
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed to US intelligence agencies ’ involvement in Afghan drug trafficking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might stem from the fact that the US intelligence agencies `` do not like that our and their diplomats have teamed up to facilitate the start of peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban ( outlawed in Russia - TASS ) . ''
On Friday , the Russian embassy in Washington said that fake news in the American media on Russia in Afghanistan has already sparked threats against Russian diplomats .

WASHINGTON, June 27. /TASS/. The White House National Security Council (NSC), the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence refused on Saturday to comment on the publication in the New York Times alleging that Russia secretly offered money to Afghan militants for killing American troops.
"We do not comment on alleged NSC internal deliberations," White House National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said when asked by TASS to comment on the article and the Russian authorities’ response to it.
"We don’t have anything for you on this matter," the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told TASS.
The Pentagon echoed, "We do not have anything for you on this."
NYT article and Russia’s response
On Friday, the New York Times published an article claiming that a Russian military intelligence unit allegedly secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition troops in Afghanistan. (The Taliban is banned in Russia). According to the daily, the intelligence finding was briefed to US President Donald Trump, and the NSC discussed the issue at an interagency meeting in late March.
On Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry told TASS that the New York Times publication was fabricated by the US intelligence agencies.
"That unpretentious fake clearly demonstrates low intellectual abilities of US intelligence propagandists who have to invent such nonsense instead of devising something more credible. Nevertheless, what else could be expected from the intelligence agency that has failed miserably in the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan," the foreign ministry noted.
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed to US intelligence agencies’ involvement in Afghan drug trafficking.
The ministry suggested that those actions might stem from the fact that the US intelligence agencies "do not like that our and their diplomats have teamed up to facilitate the start of peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban (outlawed in Russia - TASS)."
On Friday, the Russian embassy in Washington said that fake news in the American media on Russia in Afghanistan has already sparked threats against Russian diplomats.