tass--2020-05-08--Cuban president congratulates Putin on 75th anniversary of victory in WWII

HAVANA , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said on Friday he had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and congratulated him on the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory in the Great Patriotic War ( the Eastern Front during WWII where Russia fought against Nazi Germany ) .
`` I spoke with President Putin and congratulated him on the 75th anniversary of the heroic victory of the Red Army in the war against Nazism .
We also congratulated each other on the 60th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on his Twitter account .
Official contacts between Russian and Cuba were established in 1902 but were suspended after the Bolshevik Revolution .
The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with Cuba in October 1942 and severed them after the Fulgencio Batista coup on April 3 , 1952 .
Relations were resumed on May 8 , 1960 after the Cuban revolution .
`` The countries have been strengthening these ties , which have reached a level of strategic partnership we have managed to consolidate thanks to the active top-level political dialogue and shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international agenda , '' as follows from an article by Russian and Cuban Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla , published in Friday ’ s issue of the Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Granma dailies .
`` Russia and Cuba are looking in the future of bilateral relations with optimism and continues to work to protect their sovereignty and independence , and the right to ensure security and decide their own future .
We have all the means and resources for that and we are confident that this is the right path @ @ @ @ @ @

HAVANA, May 8. /TASS/. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said on Friday he had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and congratulated him on the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War (the Eastern Front during WWII where Russia fought against Nazi Germany).
"I spoke with President Putin and congratulated him on the 75th anniversary of the heroic victory of the Red Army in the war against Nazism. We also congratulated each other on the 60th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Russia and Cuba," he wrote on his Twitter account.
Official contacts between Russian and Cuba were established in 1902 but were suspended after the Bolshevik Revolution. The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with Cuba in October 1942 and severed them after the Fulgencio Batista coup on April 3, 1952. Relations were resumed on May 8, 1960 after the Cuban revolution.
"The countries have been strengthening these ties, which have reached a level of strategic partnership we have managed to consolidate thanks to the active top-level political dialogue and shared position on the key issues of the international agenda," as follows from an article by Russian and Cuban Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, published in Friday’s issue of the Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Granma dailies.
"Russia and Cuba are looking in the future of bilateral relations with optimism and continues to work to protect their sovereignty and independence, and the right to ensure security and decide their own future. We have all the means and resources for that and we are confident that this is the right path," the ministers emphasized.


tass--2020-05-08--Russia, Cuba agree to extend cooperation on healthcare

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed their intention @ @ @ @ @ healthcare agencies during a phone call , Kremlin press service disclosed .
`` Discussing the @ @ @ @ @ sides ] confirmed their intent to extend cooperation between healthcare agencies , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ Putin noted a significant contribution of the Cuban medics to provision of coronavirus aid to @ @ @ @ @ also agreed to continue contacts at various levels as the epidemiologic situation normalizes .
According @ @ @ @ @ , the Cuban president congratulated Putin with the 75th Victory Anniversary .
The two leaders @ @ @ @ @ 60th anniversary of restoration of Russian-Cuban diplomatic ties .
The phone call took place on @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed their intention to extend cooperation of the healthcare agencies during a phone call, Kremlin press service disclosed.
"Discussing the coronavirus situation, [the sides] confirmed their intent to extend cooperation between healthcare agencies," the press service said, adding that Putin noted a significant contribution of the Cuban medics to provision of coronavirus aid to other nations.
The presidents also agreed to continue contacts at various levels as the epidemiologic situation normalizes.
According to the Kremlin press service, the Cuban president congratulated Putin with the 75th Victory Anniversary. The two leaders have also exchanged congratulations on 60th anniversary of restoration of Russian-Cuban diplomatic ties.
The phone call took place on Cuban initiative.


tass--2020-05-08--Johnson tells Putin dialogue should be continued

LONDON , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin , called for the continuation of bilateral dialogue but admitted the existence of obstacles on this path , a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement on Friday .
`` They also discussed the bilateral relationship between our countries .
The Prime Minister was clear we should maintain dialogue but that obstacles to further progress remained , '' the statement reads .
According to the statement , the Prime Minister spoke to the Russian leader to mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They paid tribute to the collaboration between British and Russian forces during the Second World War , including through the Arctic convoys , and to the heroism and sacrifice of all those who lost their lives , '' it says .
Johnson has invited Putin to take part in the third Global Vaccine Summit the UK will organize in the online format on June 3-4 .
`` The Prime Minister invited President Putin to take part in the Global Vaccine Summit that the UK will host virtually in June , to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world ’ s poorest countries , '' the statement says .
`` The leaders spoke about the coronavirus pandemic and agreed on the importance of continuing to work together and with other countries to defeat the disease. ''
.
The Kremlin press service said earlier on Friday that Putin and Johnson has exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
Johnson , according to the Kremlin press service , expressed gratitude for the former Soviet Union ’ s decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism .
`` Both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on issues on the Russian-British agenda as well as on resolving current global challenges , '' the Kremlin said .

LONDON, May 8. /TASS/. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for the continuation of bilateral dialogue but admitted the existence of obstacles on this path, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.
"They also discussed the bilateral relationship between our countries. The Prime Minister was clear we should maintain dialogue but that obstacles to further progress remained," the statement reads.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister spoke to the Russian leader to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. "They paid tribute to the collaboration between British and Russian forces during the Second World War, including through the Arctic convoys, and to the heroism and sacrifice of all those who lost their lives," it says.
Johnson has invited Putin to take part in the third Global Vaccine Summit the UK will organize in the online format on June 3-4.
"The Prime Minister invited President Putin to take part in the Global Vaccine Summit that the UK will host virtually in June, to strengthen healthcare systems and tackle coronavirus in some of the world’s poorest countries," the statement says. "The leaders spoke about the coronavirus pandemic and agreed on the importance of continuing to work together and with other countries to defeat the disease.".
The Kremlin press service said earlier on Friday that Putin and Johnson has exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Johnson, according to the Kremlin press service, expressed gratitude for the former Soviet Union’s decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism. "Both sides expressed readiness to boost dialogue and cooperation on issues on the Russian-British agenda as well as on resolving current global challenges," the Kremlin said.


tass--2020-05-08--Russian foreign ministry begins publication of documents on major events on WWII

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s foreign ministry has begun publication of a series of archive documents on major events of World War II .
The documents will accessible on the ministry ’ s website , the ministry ’ s spokeswoman , Maria Zakharova , said on Friday .
`` The series opens with the materials of the Yalta Conference and diplomatic aspects of the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe by the Red Army , '' she said .
`` The immediate plans include publication of materials on the end of war in Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Nations and the Soviet Union ’ s contribution to Japan ’ s defeat . ''
`` Materials from our archives throw light on the Soviet Union ’ s foreign policy and diplomacy during the Great Patriotic War ( of 1941-1945 ) and World War II , '' Zakharova said .
She also noted the importance of the ministry ’ s internet project USSR and the Allies .
`` This project provides open access to 4,000 archive documents of more than 370,000 pages .
This resource is to become part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War II , '' she said .
`` An unprecedented large-scale long-term project is being implemented at the Russian president ’ s instruction .
The project provides for the compiling of a single collection of information resources about World War II .
`` .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russia’s foreign ministry has begun publication of a series of archive documents on major events of World War II. The documents will accessible on the ministry’s website, the ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Friday.
"The series opens with the materials of the Yalta Conference and diplomatic aspects of the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe by the Red Army," she said. "The immediate plans include publication of materials on the end of war in Europe, the Potsdam Conference, the establishment of the United Nations and the Soviet Union’s contribution to Japan’s defeat."
"Materials from our archives throw light on the Soviet Union’s foreign policy and diplomacy during the Great Patriotic War (of 1941-1945) and World War II," Zakharova said.
She also noted the importance of the ministry’s internet project USSR and the Allies. "This project provides open access to 4,000 archive documents of more than 370,000 pages. This resource is to become part of the presidential documentary project on the history of World War II," she said. "An unprecedented large-scale long-term project is being implemented at the Russian president’s instruction. The project provides for the compiling of a single collection of information resources about World War II.".


tass--2020-05-08--Soviet people’s road to victory was heroic, self-sacrificial, says Putin

VIENNA , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Red Army stormed Berlin in the spring of 1945 after going through the ordeal of the world ’ s most sanguinary war ever and the Soviet people ’ s road to Victory was heroic and self-sacrificial , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message on Austria ’ s ORF television channel on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and Austria ’ s liberation from Nazism .
Putin thanked Austria ’ s Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for his invitation to address the Austrian people on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the victory over Nazism .
`` In the spring of 1945 the Red Army stormed Berlin .
It had spent nearly four years on the road to this goal through the inferno of what was the bloodiest war in the history of the human race .
The Soviet soldiers did not need that war .
It was imposed on the Soviet Union .
The Nazis had attacked treacherously to ruin the peaceful and calm life of the country and its multi-ethnic people in an instant , '' Putin said .
`` The Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that of heroism and self-sacrifice .
We revere their courage , willpower and morale .
They managed to overcome inhuman suffering , defended their native land , determined the outcome of World War II , liberated Europe and won the victory the whole world had been waiting for . ''
Putin said Russia would remember the contribution to the defeat of Nazism made by `` the anti-Hitler coalition allies , all those who fought in the anti-Nazi resistance underground , the millions of old people , women and children exterminated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
On May 8 , Austria annually marks an anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe .
By tradition the Austrian side holds a special event called Holiday of Joy , organized by the Austrian committee of Mauthausen concentration camp inmates in honor of Europe ’ s liberation from Nazism in the spring of 1945 .
Nazi Germany annexed Austria in 1938 .
The restoration of Austrian statehood began after its liberation from Nazism with the creation of a provisional government on April 27 , 1945 .
Austria launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split into four zones of occupation by the forces of the anti-Hitler coalition countries .
Austria ultimately gained independence in 1955 , when Soviet , British , US , and French forces left and a state treaty was signed on the restoration of an independent and democratic country .

VIENNA, May 8. /TASS/. The Red Army stormed Berlin in the spring of 1945 after going through the ordeal of the world’s most sanguinary war ever and the Soviet people’s road to Victory was heroic and self-sacrificial, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message on Austria’s ORF television channel on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and Austria’s liberation from Nazism.
Putin thanked Austria’s Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for his invitation to address the Austrian people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism.
"In the spring of 1945 the Red Army stormed Berlin. It had spent nearly four years on the road to this goal through the inferno of what was the bloodiest war in the history of the human race. The Soviet soldiers did not need that war. It was imposed on the Soviet Union. The Nazis had attacked treacherously to ruin the peaceful and calm life of the country and its multi-ethnic people in an instant," Putin said. "The Soviet people’s road to the Victory was that of heroism and self-sacrifice. We revere their courage, willpower and morale. They managed to overcome inhuman suffering, defended their native land, determined the outcome of World War II, liberated Europe and won the victory the whole world had been waiting for."
Putin said Russia would remember the contribution to the defeat of Nazism made by "the anti-Hitler coalition allies, all those who fought in the anti-Nazi resistance underground, the millions of old people, women and children exterminated by the Nazis and the tragedy of the Holocaust."
On May 8, Austria annually marks an anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. By tradition the Austrian side holds a special event called Holiday of Joy, organized by the Austrian committee of Mauthausen concentration camp inmates in honor of Europe’s liberation from Nazism in the spring of 1945.
Nazi Germany annexed Austria in 1938. The restoration of Austrian statehood began after its liberation from Nazism with the creation of a provisional government on April 27, 1945. Austria launched a process of denazification. It was split into four zones of occupation by the forces of the anti-Hitler coalition countries. Austria ultimately gained independence in 1955, when Soviet, British, US, and French forces left and a state treaty was signed on the restoration of an independent and democratic country.


tass--2020-05-08--China believes Russia will decisively defeat coronavirus

`` The Chinese side is absolutely confident that Russia will decisively defeat the coronavirus epidemic , China will carry on providing help for Russia [ to counter the virus ] , '' China ’ s central TV quoted him as saying .
BEIJING , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
China will continue helping Russia to fight the epidemic and believes that Russia will achieve an ultimate victory over coronavirus , Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday .
`` Under your [ Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s ] personal guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent and control [ the coronavirus spread ] are gradually bearing fruit , '' the Chinese leader emphasized .
He also called on the international community to `` cooperate in fighting the pandemic , unite and help each other , win together in this fight for lives and health of people . ''
`` I am certain that joint efforts of Russia , China and the broader international community will make it possible for us to defeat any virus and achieve the ultimate victory in this war , '' he concluded .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"The Chinese side is absolutely confident that Russia will decisively defeat the coronavirus epidemic, China will carry on providing help for Russia [to counter the virus]," China’s central TV quoted him as saying.
BEIJING, May 8. /TASS/. China will continue helping Russia to fight the epidemic and believes that Russia will achieve an ultimate victory over coronavirus, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
"Under your [Russian President Vladimir Putin’s] personal guidance, the measures taken by Russia to prevent and control [the coronavirus spread] are gradually bearing fruit," the Chinese leader emphasized. He also called on the international community to "cooperate in fighting the pandemic, unite and help each other, win together in this fight for lives and health of people."
"I am certain that joint efforts of Russia, China and the broader international community will make it possible for us to defeat any virus and achieve the ultimate victory in this war," he concluded.
According to the latest statistics, over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-08--Some 15,000 Russians stranded abroad receive monetary aid — diplomat

Due to the coronavirus pandemic , Russia has shut down its regular and charter air service on March 27 , @ @ @ @ @ MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Material aid provided to Russians who can not @ @ @ @ @ measures covers about 15,000 people , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman , Maria Zakharova announced Friday @ @ @ @ @ 1 billion rubles [ $ 13,656,111 ] has been allocated for this .
We conduct @ @ @ @ @ people , '' she said .
There are issues with payments that prevent people from @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are talking about errors in filing of forms at the state services @ @ @ @ @ delay of the application ’ s review , '' she explained , adding that there @ @ @ @ @ .
The spokeswoman assured that special attention was paid to this issue and promised that @ @ @ @ @ .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , Russia has shut down its regular and charter @ @ @ @ @ , allowing only special repatriation flights .

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Russia has shut down its regular and charter air service on March 27, allowing only special repatriation flights
MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Material aid provided to Russians who cannot return home over the restrictive measures covers about 15,000 people, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova announced Friday. "A total of 1 billion rubles [$13,656,111] has been allocated for this. We conduct payments that cover over 15,000 people," she said.
There are issues with payments that prevent people from receiving them, she admitted. "We are talking about errors in filing of forms at the state services website, which led to delay of the application’s review," she explained, adding that there were technical issues as well.
Read also Embassy in Thailand flooded with repatriation requests from Russian nationals


tass--2020-05-08--Putin, Xi Jinping agree to resume exchanges of visits after pandemic

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Chinese leaders , Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping , have agreed @ @ @ @ @ as soon as the epidemic situation allows , the Kremlin press service said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ `` It was agreed to continue contacts and resume exchanges of visits as soon as @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Kremlin said .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian and Chinese leaders, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, have agreed to resume exchanges of visits as soon as the epidemic situation allows, the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"It was agreed to continue contacts and resume exchanges of visits as soon as the epidemic situation is favorable," the Kremlin said.


tass--2020-05-08--China ready to safeguard results of WWII together with Russia, says Chinese leader

BEIJING , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
China intends jointly with Russia to safeguard the results of World War II @ @ @ @ @ world , Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during his telephone talk with Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ Being the main victor powers in World War II and permanent members of the UN @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Republic of China and the Russian Federation shoulder the task of safeguarding global @ @ @ @ @ assigned a special mission of contributing to the development and progress of humankind , '' @ @ @ @ @ quoted Xi Jinping as saying .
`` China is ready to follow together with Russia @ @ @ @ @ of the victory in World War II and protect international justice , maintain and implement @ @ @ @ @ always be an advocate of peace in the whole of the world and make contribution @ @ @ @ @ the world order , '' the Chinese leader said .

BEIJING, May 8. /TASS/. China intends jointly with Russia to safeguard the results of World War II and protect justice in the world, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during his telephone talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
"Being the main victor powers in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation shoulder the task of safeguarding global peace and our countries are assigned a special mission of contributing to the development and progress of humankind," China’s central television quoted Xi Jinping as saying.
"China is ready to follow together with Russia and firmly safeguard the results of the victory in World War II and protect international justice, maintain and implement the principles of multilateralism and always be an advocate of peace in the whole of the world and make contribution to global development and protect the world order," the Chinese leader said.


tass--2020-05-08--20% Chinese companies ready to increase investment in Russia after pandemic — poll

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/ TASS / .
Twenty percent of Chinese companies operating in the Russian market plan to increase investments in their business in Russia , which is equal to the percentage of those who intend to maintain their investment level after the coronavirus pandemic , according to the results of the poll by the Russian-Chinese Friendship , Peace and Development Committee and the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs released on Friday .
The survey took place between April 20 and 26 , and involved 30 companies , which represented construction , metalworking , development and installation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other industries .
`` Despite the crisis that has gripped the entire global economy today , as well as the current state of the Russian economy , almost 100 % of the Chinese entrepreneurs surveyed do not plan to leave the Russian market .
The exception was the hygiene products company .
It plans to leave the Russian market as soon as the coronavirus pandemic ends .
At the same time , 20 % of the companies surveyed do not plan to reduce investments in their businesses in Russia , and another 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the business , '' the survey materials made available to TASS say .
Respondents noted the closure of borders among the biggest problems faced by Chinese companies in the last two months : many Chinese employees who went on vacation or on a business trip to China were unable to return to Russia to work .
Also , respondents engaged in all areas ( except for sanitary products ) record a significant drop in sales , a decrease in orders and a decrease in demand .
Representatives of Chinese companies see the risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate differences .
In addition , the problems included delaying the delivery of goods and services , commissioning or starting work at construction sites , signing contracts , making decisions in the field of investment projects , paying off loans and so on , as well as the risk of loss of trust on the part of Russian customers and partners in relation to Chinese companies , follows from the survey .
`` In general , Chinese entrepreneurs believe that this pandemic is a temporary phenomenon .
Despite all the difficulties and inconveniences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of restrictive measures , many companies plan to further develop their business in Russia , '' the materials read .

MOSCOW, May 8. / TASS /. Twenty percent of Chinese companies operating in the Russian market plan to increase investments in their business in Russia, which is equal to the percentage of those who intend to maintain their investment level after the coronavirus pandemic, according to the results of the poll by the Russian-Chinese Friendship, Peace and Development Committee and the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs released on Friday.
The survey took place between April 20 and 26, and involved 30 companies, which represented construction, metalworking, development and installation of oil and gas equipment, trade and other industries. "Despite the crisis that has gripped the entire global economy today, as well as the current state of the Russian economy, almost 100% of the Chinese entrepreneurs surveyed do not plan to leave the Russian market. The exception was the hygiene products company. It plans to leave the Russian market as soon as the coronavirus pandemic ends. At the same time, 20% of the companies surveyed do not plan to reduce investments in their businesses in Russia, and another 20% make plans for further expansion of the business," the survey materials made available to TASS say.
Respondents noted the closure of borders among the biggest problems faced by Chinese companies in the last two months: many Chinese employees who went on vacation or on a business trip to China were unable to return to Russia to work. Also, respondents engaged in all areas (except for sanitary products) record a significant drop in sales, a decrease in orders and a decrease in demand. Representatives of Chinese companies see the risks of currency losses due to the exchange rate differences.
In addition, the problems included delaying the delivery of goods and services, commissioning or starting work at construction sites, signing contracts, making decisions in the field of investment projects, paying off loans and so on, as well as the risk of loss of trust on the part of Russian customers and partners in relation to Chinese companies, follows from the survey.
"In general, Chinese entrepreneurs believe that this pandemic is a temporary phenomenon. Despite all the difficulties and inconveniences due to the introduction of various kinds of restrictive measures, many companies plan to further develop their business in Russia," the materials read.
Business support measures in Russia


tass--2020-05-08--This week in photos: Moscow quarantined, Victory Day air rehearsal, and a newborn lion cub

A mannequin in a shop window in Myasnitskaya Street , Moscow , Russia , May 2 .
The self-isolation period was extended in Moscow until May 31 © Gavriil Grigorov/TASS Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets leaving a trail in Russian national colours over Lesnaya Street in Moscow during a rehearsal of the upcoming Victory Day Parade in Moscow , Russia , May 4 .
This year Russia is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War ( part of WWII ) © Artyom Geodakyan/TASS An honour guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , Russia , May 5 © Mikhail Metzel/TASS Police officers talking to cyclists in Moskvoretskaya Embankment during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Moscow , Russia , May 3 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS A Palestinian Hamas police cadet throws a sound grenade as he demonstrates his skills with his colleagues during a graduation ceremony in Gaza City , May 7 © REUTERS/Mohammed Salem Bayern Munich 's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is seen during his team 's training session at the German Bundesliga club 's ground in Munich , Germany , May 6 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept for the resumption of play amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic © EPA-EFE/LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS People collecting fish on the beach during the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) outbreak in Da Nang , Vietnam , May 6 © REUTERS/Kham People walking by the Gulf of Finland with the Lakhta Center multifunctional business complex seen in the background during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Saint Petersburg , Russia , May 5 © Sergei Konkov/TASS People eating their Iftar meal provided by a group of volunteers in a damaged neighbourhood , amid fear for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Atarib , Aleppo countryside , Syria , May 7 © REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi Employees in protective suits are seen during the funeral of a deceased coronavirus patient at the Novoye Kolpinskoye cemetery , Saint Petersburg , Russia , May 6 © Peter Kovalev/TASS Members of the Spanish Army , Nuclear , Biological and Chemical Unit , are seen in the process of disinfection outside the Geriatric Arago retirement home in Barcelona , Spain , May 2 © Miquel Benitez/Getty Images Australian Climber Angie Scarth-Johnson climbs at Gateway Crag in the Blue Mountains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Angie is training for selection to represent Australia in Sport Climbing at the Olympics © EPA-EFE/BRENDON THORNE A double rainbow is seen above a woman holding an umbrella and selling snacks along the road in Siaya county , Kenya , May 3 © REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya A female Asiatic lion interacts with one of her two six-week-old cubs at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem , Israel , May 6 © EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN Musicians of the Main Directorate of Krasnodar Territory National Guard congratulating the WWII veteran on the upcoming Victory Day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press Service of the Main Directorate of Russian National Guard/TASS A herder watching as cows grazing on grass in the village of Gorki , Russia , May 6 © Vladimir Smirnov/TASS

A mannequin in a shop window in Myasnitskaya Street, Moscow, Russia, May 2. The self-isolation period was extended in Moscow until May 31 © Gavriil Grigorov/TASS
Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets leaving a trail in Russian national colours over Lesnaya Street in Moscow during a rehearsal of the upcoming Victory Day Parade in Moscow, Russia, May 4. This year Russia is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War (part of WWII) © Artyom Geodakyan/TASS
An honour guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin Wall amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Moscow, Russia, May 5 © Mikhail Metzel/TASS
Police officers talking to cyclists in Moskvoretskaya Embankment during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Moscow, Russia, May 3 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS
A Palestinian Hamas police cadet throws a sound grenade as he demonstrates his skills with his colleagues during a graduation ceremony in Gaza City, May 7 © REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is seen during his team's training session at the German Bundesliga club's ground in Munich, Germany, May 6. The German Football League has presented a comprehensive concept for the resumption of play amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic © EPA-EFE/LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS
People collecting fish on the beach during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Da Nang, Vietnam, May 6 © REUTERS/Kham
People walking by the Gulf of Finland with the Lakhta Center multifunctional business complex seen in the background during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 5 © Sergei Konkov/TASS
People eating their Iftar meal provided by a group of volunteers in a damaged neighbourhood, amid fear for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Atarib, Aleppo countryside, Syria, May 7 © REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi
Employees in protective suits are seen during the funeral of a deceased coronavirus patient at the Novoye Kolpinskoye cemetery, Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 6 © Peter Kovalev/TASS
Members of the Spanish Army, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Unit, are seen in the process of disinfection outside the Geriatric Arago retirement home in Barcelona, Spain, May 2 © Miquel Benitez/Getty Images
Australian Climber Angie Scarth-Johnson climbs at Gateway Crag in the Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia, May 4. Angie is training for selection to represent Australia in Sport Climbing at the Olympics © EPA-EFE/BRENDON THORNE
A double rainbow is seen above a woman holding an umbrella and selling snacks along the road in Siaya county, Kenya, May 3 © REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
A female Asiatic lion interacts with one of her two six-week-old cubs at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, Israel, May 6 © EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN
Musicians of the Main Directorate of Krasnodar Territory National Guard congratulating the WWII veteran on the upcoming Victory Day in Krasnodar, Russia, May 6 © Press Service of the Main Directorate of Russian National Guard/TASS


tass--2020-05-08--Some rules of conduct to stay in Russia until coronavirus vaccine is ready

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Certain rules of safety and conduct will stay in effect in Russia until the coronavirus vaccine is developed or until the virus `` goes away , '' Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ( Rospotrebnadzor ) head Anna Popova said .
`` Today , we understand that we have to move on and there is no escaping this virus .
We realized this a long time ago and design our strategy and tactics accordingly .
We must change our rules — together with the business — rules of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe until the end of this year , if the vaccine appears , or maybe earlier , if the virus decides it is ‘ tired and goes away ’ , '' Popova said .
`` Right now , it is unavoidable , almost every country faces this .
Rules of our daily life must be changed , '' Popova said during the United Russia faction meeting .
Popova noted that to adapt to the life with the virus special methodological recommendations for various industries are being developed based on changes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Certain rules of safety and conduct will stay in effect in Russia until the coronavirus vaccine is developed or until the virus "goes away," Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) head Anna Popova said.
"Today, we understand that we have to move on and there is no escaping this virus. We realized this a long time ago and design our strategy and tactics accordingly. We must change our rules — together with the business — rules of our daily life for a certain period, maybe until the end of this year, if the vaccine appears, or maybe earlier, if the virus decides it is ‘tired and goes away’," Popova said. "Right now, it is unavoidable, almost every country faces this. Rules of our daily life must be changed," Popova said during the United Russia faction meeting.
Popova noted that to adapt to the life with the virus special methodological recommendations for various industries are being developed based on changes in the epidemiological situation.
To date, a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-08--Russia has potential to increase sovereign debt, says Central Bank head

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/ TASS / .
Russia has the potential to build up sovereign debt , said the head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina during an online conference on Friday .
`` We really have a fairly low debt , one of the lowest .
Of course , we have the potential to increase sovereign debt in some way , '' she said .
`` A certain increase in public debt is possible , it is being discussed , but we must do it carefully .
The Central Bank does not plan to participate in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
At the same time , according to Nabiullina , a low level of sovereign debt is Russia 's competitive advantage , which creates additional stability of the economy , regardless of the external situation .
Earlier , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that the Finance Ministry plans to increase the volume of public debt by 1.5-2 % of GDP in 2020 to compensate for shortfalls in non-oil and gas revenues , as a result of which the amount of funds raised from the market can reach 4-4.5 trillion rubles @

MOSCOW, May 8. / TASS /. Russia has the potential to build up sovereign debt, said the head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina during an online conference on Friday.
"We really have a fairly low debt, one of the lowest. Of course, we have the potential to increase sovereign debt in some way," she said. "A certain increase in public debt is possible, it is being discussed, but we must do it carefully. The Central Bank does not plan to participate in the direct redemption of the sovereign debt," she said.
At the same time, according to Nabiullina , a low level of sovereign debt is Russia's competitive advantage, which creates additional stability of the economy, regardless of the external situation.
Earlier, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that the Finance Ministry plans to increase the volume of public debt by 1.5-2% of GDP in 2020 to compensate for shortfalls in non-oil and gas revenues, as a result of which the amount of funds raised from the market can reach 4-4.5 trillion rubles.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin links ploys to rewrite history of WWII to political strife in some countries

In an interview for Andrei Kondrashov ’ s documentary called War for Memory on the Rossiya 1 TV channel , the head of state agreed that there is a risk that Nazism can raise its ugly head again in today ’ s world .
MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed out that schemes to rewrite history are conducted in countries , where domestic political strife is in full swing , and some elements seek to rile up voters .
`` I believe that the risk of Nazism resurging does exist , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or rewrite history .
In general , this has nothing to do with history whatsoever .
What it has to do with is the here and now , '' Putin noted .
In his view , `` this is a tool for resolving domestic political issues for some countries , which rely on certain circles within them and whip up the problem in every possible way . ''
`` The issue of rewriting history is caused by the fact that domestic political strife is underway in some countries .
Those who do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way , '' Putin said .
The Russian president believes that some try to impose on Russia a false feeling of guilt by claiming that the Soviet Union was allegedly responsible for starting World War II .
`` The wish to blame the responsibility on someone , to put the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany on the same plane , is certainly projected to the present day and tomorrow in order to make Russia feel it is obliged to apologize for something , in order to put us in the false position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of guilt . ''
Putin stated there could be no forgiveness for those who were trying to rewrite history and to put the blame for World War II on the Soviet Union .
`` We do not have a sense of guilt and can not have one , '' he said .
`` The Soviet Union brought 27 million lives to the altar of victory .
For this reason , there can be no forgiveness for those who have been trying to rewrite history , '' the Russian leader stated .
Putin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever grateful to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War , the grandfathers , the grandmothers , the fathers and the mothers for winning that victory and providing our country and our children with a future . ''

In an interview for Andrei Kondrashov’s documentary called War for Memory on the Rossiya 1 TV channel, the head of state agreed that there is a risk that Nazism can raise its ugly head again in today’s world.
MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed out that schemes to rewrite history are conducted in countries, where domestic political strife is in full swing, and some elements seek to rile up voters.
"I believe that the risk of Nazism resurging does exist, but it is unrelated to attempts to twist, or rewrite history. In general, this has nothing to do with history whatsoever. What it has to do with is the here and now," Putin noted.
In his view, "this is a tool for resolving domestic political issues for some countries, which rely on certain circles within them and whip up the problem in every possible way."
"The issue of rewriting history is caused by the fact that domestic political strife is underway in some countries. Those who do that are ‘pepping up’ their voters this way," Putin said.
The Russian president believes that some try to impose on Russia a false feeling of guilt by claiming that the Soviet Union was allegedly responsible for starting World War II. "The wish to blame the responsibility on someone, to put the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany on the same plane, is certainly projected to the present day and tomorrow in order to make Russia feel it is obliged to apologize for something, in order to put us in the false position of people who should feel a sense of guilt."
Putin stated there could be no forgiveness for those who were trying to rewrite history and to put the blame for World War II on the Soviet Union.
"We do not have a sense of guilt and cannot have one," he said. "The Soviet Union brought 27 million lives to the altar of victory. For this reason, there can be no forgiveness for those who have been trying to rewrite history," the Russian leader stated.
Putin said the people of Russia "must be forever grateful to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, the grandfathers, the grandmothers, the fathers and the mothers for winning that victory and providing our country and our children with a future."


tass--2020-05-08--China to set up cross-border pilot e-commerce zone in Hainan's Sanya

HAIKOU , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's Sanya has become one of the cities where , according to the Chinese government 's plan , they intend to create a cross-border integrated pilot e-commerce zone , the Hainan Daily newspaper reported .
According to the news outlet , in total , the Chinese State Council approved the creation of 46 such zones all over the country .
The government pointed out that during the construction of these experimental zones it is necessary to fully use the experience of similar projects already implemented in China , as well as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry to a new level .
The country 's leadership also urged to establish the basis for promoting foreign trade and attracting foreign capital .
At the same time , the pilot zones should work in conformity with the basis of the principles of chain security and trade transactions , as well as guaranteeing the high quality of imported and exported goods .
Moreover , the government called for the creation and development of a mechanism for managing and further digitalizing the sector of e-commerce .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, May 8. /TASS/. Hainan's Sanya has become one of the cities where, according to the Chinese government's plan, they intend to create a cross-border integrated pilot e-commerce zone, the Hainan Daily newspaper reported.
According to the news outlet, in total, the Chinese State Council approved the creation of 46 such zones all over the country. The government pointed out that during the construction of these experimental zones it is necessary to fully use the experience of similar projects already implemented in China, as well as to promote the modernization and introduction of e-commerce industry to a new level.
The country's leadership also urged to establish the basis for promoting foreign trade and attracting foreign capital. At the same time, the pilot zones should work in conformity with the basis of the principles of chain security and trade transactions, as well as guaranteeing the high quality of imported and exported goods. Moreover, the government called for the creation and development of a mechanism for managing and further digitalizing the sector of e-commerce.
The province's development
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-05-08--Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier planned for sea trials in fall 2022

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Zvyozdochka shipyard plans to finish the preparation of the Admiral Kuznetsov heavy @ @ @ @ @ after repairs and upgrades by fall 2022 , the state procurement website indicates .
The @ @ @ @ @ on painting the carrier ’ s outer surface before September 1 , 2022 .
For @ @ @ @ @ allocate over 250 million rubles ( $ 3,402,500 ) and will receive applications until May @ @ @ @ @ widespread practice , after the painting is done , a ship goes to sea trials @ @ @ @ @ confirmed the plans , but noted that all works would be performed amid heightened security @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. The Zvyozdochka shipyard plans to finish the preparation of the Admiral Kuznetsov heavy aircraft carrier for sea trials after repairs and upgrades by fall 2022, the state procurement website indicates.
The shipyard has posted a contract on painting the carrier’s outer surface before September 1, 2022. For that the shipyard plans to allocate over 250 million rubles ($3,402,500) and will receive applications until May 20.
In line with widespread practice, after the painting is done, a ship goes to sea trials.
The shipyard press service confirmed the plans, but noted that all works would be performed amid heightened security measures considering the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin discusses economic situation, anti-coronavirus efforts with Russian Security Council

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The economic situation in the country and anti-coronavirus efforts were in focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s videoconference with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council , Putin ’ s press secretary , Dmitry Peskov said on Friday .
`` The topics included current issues of the socio-economic situation in the country , '' he said .
`` They also hashed over anti-coronavirus efforts . ''
`` Vladimir Putin informed the participants in the videoconference about his numerous telephone contacts with foreign leaders that took place in the past several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president congratulated those taking part in the videoconference on the Victory Day .
Participants in the videoconference included Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament — Valentina Matviyenko of the Federation Council ( upper house ) and Vyacheslav Volodin of the State Duma ( lower house ) , deputy chief of the Security Council , Dmitry Medvedev , chief of staff the presidential executive office , Anton Vaino , secretary of the Russian Security Council , Nikolai Patrushev , Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev , Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shoigu , chief of the Russian Federal Security Service , Alexander Bortnikov , chief of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service , Sergei Naryshkin , and presidential envoy for environment protection , ecology and transport issues , Sergei Ivanov .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. The economic situation in the country and anti-coronavirus efforts were in focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s videoconference with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council, Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"The topics included current issues of the socio-economic situation in the country," he said. "They also hashed over anti-coronavirus efforts."
"Vladimir Putin informed the participants in the videoconference about his numerous telephone contacts with foreign leaders that took place in the past several days," Peskov said, adding that the president congratulated those taking part in the videoconference on the Victory Day.
Participants in the videoconference included Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament — Valentina Matviyenko of the Federation Council (upper house) and Vyacheslav Volodin of the State Duma (lower house), deputy chief of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, chief of staff the presidential executive office, Anton Vaino, secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, chief of the Russian Federal Security Service, Alexander Bortnikov, chief of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, and presidential envoy for environment protection, ecology and transport issues, Sergei Ivanov.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin, Johnson ready for dialogue on bilateral agenda, global issues — Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have expressed willingness to improve dialogue on bilateral issues and global challenges , the Kremlin press service commented after the leaders had a phone call .
`` Both sides expressed readiness to boost dialogue and cooperation on issues on the Russian-British agenda as well as on resolving current global challenges , '' the Kremlin statement reads .
The Kremlin informed that Putin and Johnson `` exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism — the greatest event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unprecedented cooperation of the anti-Hitler coalition states . ''
`` Vladimir Putin particularly noted that Russia remembers the feat of British sailors of the Arctic convoys , thanks to whom the Soviet army and industry received the necessary arms and material in the wartime , '' the statement runs .
`` Boris Johnson , in turn , on behalf of the British nation expressed gratitude for the Soviet Union ’ s and its troops ’ decisive contribution to the victory over the common enemy . ''
`` It was acknowledged that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us ] of the importance of consolidating efforts to counter modern challenges and efforts , one of which is the coronavirus pandemic , '' the press service noted .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have expressed willingness to improve dialogue on bilateral issues and global challenges, the Kremlin press service commented after the leaders had a phone call.
"Both sides expressed readiness to boost dialogue and cooperation on issues on the Russian-British agenda as well as on resolving current global challenges," the Kremlin statement reads.
The Kremlin informed that Putin and Johnson "exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism — the greatest event of the 20th century and an example of unprecedented cooperation of the anti-Hitler coalition states."
"Vladimir Putin particularly noted that Russia remembers the feat of British sailors of the Arctic convoys, thanks to whom the Soviet army and industry received the necessary arms and material in the wartime," the statement runs. "Boris Johnson, in turn, on behalf of the British nation expressed gratitude for the Soviet Union’s and its troops’ decisive contribution to the victory over the common enemy." "It was acknowledged that the fighting alliance of those times reminds [us] of the importance of consolidating efforts to counter modern challenges and efforts, one of which is the coronavirus pandemic," the press service noted.


tass--2020-05-08--Ukrainian president hopes Russia will boost its delegation to Minsk talks

KIEV , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has called the decision to expand the Ukrainian delegation to the Contact Group for settlement in Donbass `` a very correct step '' and hopes that Russia will do the same .
`` I believe we have really taken a very right step [ to expand the delegation ] , we are backed here by both Germany and France .
We would also like Russia to join this format .
Why ?
Because we want everything to be very quick , so that people who are at the Contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that they have status , a state status , '' Zelensky told reporters on Friday .
Zelensky confirmed the expanded Ukrainian delegation to the Contact Group on Tuesday .
The delegation ’ s head and his first deputy will be now tasked with selecting deputies of Ukraine ’ s representatives in working subgroups and engage MPs , members of state bodies , advisers , experts and technical staff .
Former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma will remain the head of the delegation .
Under the decree , the delegation will also consist of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of uncontrolled Donbass territories , Alexei Reznikov ( first deputy head of the delegation ) , head of the Verkhovna Rada committee for foreign policy issues and inter-parliamentary cooperation , Alexander Merezhko ( deputy head of the delegation ) , deputy minister of economic development , trade and agriculture , Yulia Sviridenko ( representative in the subgroup for social and economic issues ) , head of the Rada committee for legal policy issues , Andrei Kostin ( representative in the subgroup for political issues ) , deputy defense minister , Alexander Polishchuk ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and head of the Rada committee for social policy issues , Galina Tretyakova ( representative in the humanitarian subgroup ) .

KIEV, May 8. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has called the decision to expand the Ukrainian delegation to the Contact Group for settlement in Donbass "a very correct step" and hopes that Russia will do the same.
"I believe we have really taken a very right step [to expand the delegation], we are backed here by both Germany and France. We would also like Russia to join this format. Why? Because we want everything to be very quick, so that people who are at the Contact Group’s meetings could make decisions so that they have status, a state status," Zelensky told reporters on Friday.
Zelensky confirmed the expanded Ukrainian delegation to the Contact Group on Tuesday. The delegation’s head and his first deputy will be now tasked with selecting deputies of Ukraine’s representatives in working subgroups and engage MPs, members of state bodies, advisers, experts and technical staff.
Former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma will remain the head of the delegation. Under the decree, the delegation will also consist of deputy prime minister, minister for reintegration of uncontrolled Donbass territories, Alexei Reznikov (first deputy head of the delegation), head of the Verkhovna Rada committee for foreign policy issues and inter-parliamentary cooperation, Alexander Merezhko (deputy head of the delegation), deputy minister of economic development, trade and agriculture, Yulia Sviridenko (representative in the subgroup for social and economic issues), head of the Rada committee for legal policy issues, Andrei Kostin (representative in the subgroup for political issues), deputy defense minister, Alexander Polishchuk (representative in the security subgroup), and head of the Rada committee for social policy issues, Galina Tretyakova (representative in the humanitarian subgroup).


tass--2020-05-08--Italian PM Conte thanks Putin for Russia’s assistance to Italy in combating coronavirus

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia ’ s assistance in combatting the coronavirus infection in his country , the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation .
`` The sides discussed successful cooperation between Russia and Italy in combating the coronavirus pandemic .
Giuseppe Conte thanked the Russian side for timely assistance during the difficult period of the infection spread in Italy , '' the Kremlin said .
The Italian prime minister `` noted the efficiency of Russia ’ s assistance and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medics who are completing their humanitarian mission '' in Italy , the Kremlin said , adding that the sides agreed to continue close cooperation between their ministries and agencies concerned .
The two leaders also highly assessed the current level of the friendly Russian-Italian relations and stressed the importance of their further development in the trade-and-economic and other spheres , as well as of strengthening cooperation in international affairs , including in the context of settling the Libyan and other regional crises .
Apart from that , according to the Kremlin press service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism , the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation .
`` The leaders exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism and expressed confidence that the lessons of the tragic events of World War II will help consolidate the international community in combating threats and challenges of today , '' the Kremlin said .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia’s assistance in combatting the coronavirus infection in his country, the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"The sides discussed successful cooperation between Russia and Italy in combating the coronavirus pandemic. Giuseppe Conte thanked the Russian side for timely assistance during the difficult period of the infection spread in Italy," the Kremlin said.
The Italian prime minister "noted the efficiency of Russia’s assistance and the high professionalism of Russian military specialists and medics who are completing their humanitarian mission" in Italy, the Kremlin said, adding that the sides agreed to continue close cooperation between their ministries and agencies concerned.
The two leaders also highly assessed the current level of the friendly Russian-Italian relations and stressed the importance of their further development in the trade-and-economic and other spheres, as well as of strengthening cooperation in international affairs, including in the context of settling the Libyan and other regional crises.
Apart from that, according to the Kremlin press service, Putin and Conte exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism, the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"The leaders exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism and expressed confidence that the lessons of the tragic events of World War II will help consolidate the international community in combating threats and challenges of today," the Kremlin said.


tass--2020-05-08--Coronavirus becomes avirulent when air temperature is above 30 Celsius — sanitary watchdog

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus becomes avirulent , or loses its capacity to cause the disease , when air temperatures are higher than 30 degrees Celsius above zero , Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog said on Friday .
`` The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus loses its capacity to cause the disease practically completely when air temperatures are 30 degrees or higher .
Low humidity and sunrays destroy the virus , '' it told the government ’ s portal on the coronavirus situation .
According to the watchdog , the virus dies at a temperature of 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus becomes avirulent, or loses its capacity to cause the disease, when air temperatures are higher than 30 degrees Celsius above zero, Russia’s sanitary watchdog said on Friday.
"The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus loses its capacity to cause the disease practically completely when air temperatures are 30 degrees or higher. Low humidity and sunrays destroy the virus," it told the government’s portal on the coronavirus situation.
According to the watchdog, the virus dies at a temperature of 70 degrees above zero.
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 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-08--Haier to host Facebook live stream, showcasing innovations in home products and ecosystems

MOSCOW , May 8 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Haier Smart Home Co. , Ltd. ( `` Haier '' , Shanghai : 600690 ) , the world 's leading home appliance producer and smart home ecosystem builder , announced to host a Facebook live stream campaign on May 10 to offer a fine selection of the high-quality products with exceptional discounts and gifts giveaway for the customers in Russia .
Haier 's live stream will start from 11 am Moscow Time and can be accessed via Haier Russia 's Facebook page at https : //www.facebook.com/HaierRussia/ .
Kicking off on May 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live broadcast will bring seven types of Haier 's high-end home appliances - including washing machines , refrigerators , smart TV , air conditioners and more - alongside Haier 's smart wash and care , smart living room and smart kitchen ecosystems inspired by the vision for a health life .
The online event will also offer a 40 % discount on items across seventeen products .
Viewers joining the conversation during the live stream session will get a chance to win prizes and discount codes which will get 10 % off on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The HRF-521DM6RU side-by-side refrigerator features a space-saving counter-depth design that offers more storage capacity in small floor space .
The LED display and control menu allow users to change the settings without opening the doors , keeping food fresh for longer .
• Equipped with a germicidal UV Light , the HW80-B14979 washing machine offers an energy-efficient and deep cleaning solution that eliminates any bacteria and allergens of laundry .
The steam refresh feature quickly reduces wrinkles and odors , removes persistent stains and softens cloth fabrics .
• JADE AS25JBJHRA-W air conditioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dirt , bacteria , microbes and other microorganisms from the surface of the heat exchanger .
Coupled with ( Intense Field Dielectric ) IFD Filter , the built-in air quality sensor can detect and trap the particles larger than 2.5 μm .
• LE65S8000UG Smart TV comes equipped with an edge-to-edge 65 display with an ultra-slim structure .
Powered by Android operating system , the smart voice control allows users to access Google assistance and personalize contents with voice commands .
• The BI HOB HOX-T11HGB oven boasts 11 different heating modes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver perfect baking experience and numerous cooking options with unmatched versatility .
• HHX-Y64NVB glass ceramic hob .
The induction hob features a touch panel enabling fast and precise control of cooking temperatures and instantly set or adjust the heat levels .
Cookware Recognition Technology turns off any cooking zones if hobs are left empty or the cookware is too small .
Special prizes will be offered to engaging audience including coupons , free gifts , and discount promo codes during the live event which lasts two hours from 11am ( GMT+3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit Haier Russia Facobook Page .

MOSCOW, May 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. ("Haier", Shanghai: 600690), the world's leading home appliance producer and smart home ecosystem builder, announced to host a Facebook live stream campaign on May 10 to offer a fine selection of the high-quality products with exceptional discounts and gifts giveaway for the customers in Russia. Haier's live stream will start from 11 am Moscow Time and can be accessed via Haier Russia's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HaierRussia/.
Kicking off on May 10 from Haier's smart showroom, the live broadcast will bring seven types of Haier's high-end home appliances - including washing machines, refrigerators, smart TV, air conditioners and more - alongside Haier's smart wash and care, smart living room and smart kitchen ecosystems inspired by the vision for a health life.
The online event will also offer a 40% discount on items across seventeen products. Viewers joining the conversation during the live stream session will get a chance to win prizes and discount codes which will get 10% off on top of the special offer.
Highlights of Haier products include:
The HRF-521DM6RU side-by-side refrigerator features a space-saving counter-depth design that offers more storage capacity in small floor space. The LED display and control menu allow users to change the settings without opening the doors, keeping food fresh for longer.
Equipped with a germicidal UV Light, the HW80-B14979 washing machine offers an energy-efficient and deep cleaning solution that eliminates any bacteria and allergens of laundry. The steam refresh feature quickly reduces wrinkles and odors, removes persistent stains and softens cloth fabrics.
JADE AS25JBJHRA-W air conditioner features a self-clean system that can remove dirt, bacteria, microbes and other microorganisms from the surface of the heat exchanger. Coupled with (Intense Field Dielectric) IFD Filter, the built-in air quality sensor can detect and trap the particles larger than 2.5 μm.
LE65S8000UG Smart TV comes equipped with an edge-to-edge 65 display with an ultra-slim structure. Powered by Android operating system, the smart voice control allows users to access Google assistance and personalize contents with voice commands.
The BI HOB HOX-T11HGB oven boasts 11 different heating modes and 6-level variable power settings which are designed to deliver perfect baking experience and numerous cooking options with unmatched versatility.
HHX-Y64NVB glass ceramic hob. The induction hob features a touch panel enabling fast and precise control of cooking temperatures and instantly set or adjust the heat levels. Cookware Recognition Technology turns off any cooking zones if hobs are left empty or the cookware is too small.
Special prizes will be offered to engaging audience including coupons, free gifts, and discount promo codes during the live event which lasts two hours from 11am (GMT+3).
For more information, please visit Haier Russia Facobook Page.
CONTACT: Ida Lou, louyx@haier.com, +86-532-8893-7947


tass--2020-05-08--Russian shipbuilders to flout out latest frigate armed with Kalibr cruise missiles

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 22350 third-built and second serial-produced frigate Admiral Golovko has been prepared @ @ @ @ @ source in the shipbuilding industry told TASS on Friday .
`` The Severnaya Shipyard has @ @ @ @ @ for its float-out .
A decision on the date will be made by the Defense @ @ @ @ @ the source said .
As the source specified , this may take place in May @ @ @ @ @ .
The press office of the Severnaya Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation @ @ @ @ @ the source ’ s information .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. The Project 22350 third-built and second serial-produced frigate Admiral Golovko has been prepared for its float-out, a source in the shipbuilding industry told TASS on Friday.
"The Severnaya Shipyard has prepared the frigate Admiral Golovko for its float-out. A decision on the date will be made by the Defense Ministry of Russia," the source said.
As the source specified, this may take place in May, considering the epidemiological situation.
The press office of the Severnaya Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) declined to comment on the source’s information.


tass--2020-05-08--Manipulations with history for political purposes impermissible — Italy’s lifetime senator

Liliana Segre says she sees certain threats of fascism in modern society , just like Pope Francis , who has been reiterating that statements by some politicians these days remind him of Hitler ’ s 1933 speeches ROME , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Italy ’ s lifetime senator , Liliana Segre , believes it is utterly intolerable and impermissible to use history for political aims .
She urges one and all to be aware of the extreme risks the attempts at rewriting it might entail .
Segre , a former Nazi concentration camp inmate and a renowned activist in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told TASS in an interview on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany that manipulations with history had always been an acute issue fraught with the risk of being used for political purposes .
`` Attempts at rewriting history must be quashed by all means , regardless of who might be behind them , '' Segre stated .
On January 30 , 1944 , at an age of 13 Segre and her father had been sent from Milan to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp , where her father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandmother and grandfather were put to death in a concentration camp , too .
Liliana survived the `` death march . ''
Of the 776 Italian children under fourteen years of age who had been taken to Auschwitz only 25 lived to see the day of their liberation from captivity .
Liliana was one of the fortunate ones .
On September 10 , Segre will turn 90 .
In January 2018 , Italy ’ s President Sergio Mattarella named Liliana Segre senator for life .
`` I was a witness to a remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalls .
`` The link-up of the Red Army , which had come from the East , with the allied forces , which had come from the West .
The last concentration camp where I had been kept was Malchow [ a branch of the women ’ s concentration camp Ravensbruck ] , which was taken by the Red Army [ on April 30 , 1945 ] .
I was not there at the moment , because the Nazis had begun to evacuate the camp .
At a certain point , when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guards suddenly vanished and we saw American soldiers .
Soon the allies and the Soviet troops met in Mecklenburg [ in northern Germany — TASS ] .
Segre sees certain threats of fascism in modern society , just like Pope Francis , who has said in public more than once that statements by some politicians these days remind him of Hitler ’ s 1933 speeches .
`` The Pope has an in-depth , clear vision .
Fascism has always been a threat .
Modern fascism uses other instruments and leverage , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the infringement of the basic freedoms .
Besides , fascism does not manifest itself with a Nazi salute alone .
It appears in many pious-looking disguises .
Lately , it was facelifted to be lent an ostensibly attractive look .
The pandemic is fraught with the risk of an economic slump , so politicians may yield to the temptation to use power methods again , '' Segre said .
Segre responded to the news of her appointment as a lifetime senator as a token of recognition of the memory of dark pages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Auschwitz was a `` catastrophic consequence '' of the race laws Italy adopted in 1938 .
It was those laws that forced her to leave school in her hometown Milan when she was eight .
In 1943 , her father Alberto Segre tried to escape with his daughter to Switzerland only to be expelled back to Italy .
Before the tragic train journey from Milan to Auschwitz Liliana had spent several months in jail .
`` I ’ ve spent my whole life struggling with the dark forces of society .
From the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my personal struggle has had an official status .
I ’ ve dedicated myself to the creation of a special commission for resistance to all forms of racism , antisemitism and to calls for hate and violence on the account of race or religion , '' Segre said .
She sees a big difference between racism towards migrants today and antisemitism of last century .
`` These two things are impossible to compare .
Times differ , conditions differ .
We were deported by force .
In the meantime , migration ( even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is the choice of the individual .
These are different types of racism , which , however have one common feature ( then and today ) — it ’ s indifference , '' Segre said .
Italy this year celebrated the 75th anniversary of the liberation from Nazism and fascism .
On April 25 , the nation mostly remembers the guerillas who made a contribution to the national liberation movement .
It was the victory over fascism and Nazism that laid the basis of modern Italian statehood .
The Italian Constitution rests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis of democracy and it is an indisputable good .
Our countries paid dearly for it .
As Piero Calamandrei , one of the authors of the Italian Constitution said , freedom is like air : you notice how necessary it is only when there is not enough of it .
The people of my generation were struggling for a gulp of fresh air for 20 years .
My wish is that the young never experience this feeling , '' Segre said .

Liliana Segre says she sees certain threats of fascism in modern society, just like Pope Francis, who has been reiterating that statements by some politicians these days remind him of Hitler’s 1933 speeches
ROME, May 8. /TASS/. Italy’s lifetime senator, Liliana Segre, believes it is utterly intolerable and impermissible to use history for political aims. She urges one and all to be aware of the extreme risks the attempts at rewriting it might entail. Segre, a former Nazi concentration camp inmate and a renowned activist in the struggle against antisemitism and hate crimes, told TASS in an interview on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany that manipulations with history had always been an acute issue fraught with the risk of being used for political purposes.
"Attempts at rewriting history must be quashed by all means, regardless of who might be behind them," Segre stated. On January 30, 1944, at an age of 13 Segre and her father had been sent from Milan to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where her father would die two months later. Her grandmother and grandfather were put to death in a concentration camp, too. Liliana survived the "death march." Of the 776 Italian children under fourteen years of age who had been taken to Auschwitz only 25 lived to see the day of their liberation from captivity. Liliana was one of the fortunate ones. On September 10, Segre will turn 90. In January 2018, Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella named Liliana Segre senator for life. "I was a witness to a remarkable [historical] moment," Segre recalls. "The link-up of the Red Army, which had come from the East, with the allied forces, which had come from the West. The last concentration camp where I had been kept was Malchow [a branch of the women’s concentration camp Ravensbruck], which was taken by the Red Army [on April 30, 1945]. I was not there at the moment, because the Nazis had begun to evacuate the camp. At a certain point, when we were in an open field, our guards suddenly vanished and we saw American soldiers. Soon the allies and the Soviet troops met in Mecklenburg [in northern Germany — TASS]. Nazi threat
Read also Russia to urge OSCE to sign declaration on fighting WWII revisionism
Segre sees certain threats of fascism in modern society, just like Pope Francis, who has said in public more than once that statements by some politicians these days remind him of Hitler’s 1933 speeches. "The Pope has an in-depth, clear vision. Fascism has always been a threat. Modern fascism uses other instruments and leverage, but the aim remains the same. Everything starts with the infringement of the basic freedoms. Besides, fascism does not manifest itself with a Nazi salute alone. It appears in many pious-looking disguises. Lately, it was facelifted to be lent an ostensibly attractive look. The pandemic is fraught with the risk of an economic slump, so politicians may yield to the temptation to use power methods again," Segre said. Segre responded to the news of her appointment as a lifetime senator as a token of recognition of the memory of dark pages in history. She is certain that Auschwitz was a "catastrophic consequence" of the race laws Italy adopted in 1938. It was those laws that forced her to leave school in her hometown Milan when she was eight. In 1943, her father Alberto Segre tried to escape with his daughter to Switzerland only to be expelled back to Italy. Before the tragic train journey from Milan to Auschwitz Liliana had spent several months in jail. "I’ve spent my whole life struggling with the dark forces of society. From the moment I became a member of parliament my personal struggle has had an official status. I’ve dedicated myself to the creation of a special commission for resistance to all forms of racism, antisemitism and to calls for hate and violence on the account of race or religion," Segre said. She sees a big difference between racism towards migrants today and antisemitism of last century. "These two things are impossible to compare. Times differ, conditions differ. We were deported by force. In the meantime, migration (even if it is a result of despair) is the choice of the individual. These are different types of racism, which, however have one common feature (then and today) — it’s indifference," Segre said. Message to new generations
Read also Russia vows to fight Poland’s ploy to rewrite historical truth about WWII in PACE


tass--2020-05-08--Russia’s GDP may fall 8% in second half of 2020 — Central Bank

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Data of advance indicators as of end of April correspond to the forecast @ @ @ @ @ Russian GDP decline by 8 % in the second quarter of this year , Governor @ @ @ @ @ Nabiullina said on Friday .
`` Advance indicators data as of April end generally align @ @ @ @ @ drop by 8 % year-on-year in the second quarter , '' she said .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Data of advance indicators as of end of April correspond to the forecast of the Central Bank on Russian GDP decline by 8% in the second quarter of this year, Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina said on Friday.
"Advance indicators data as of April end generally align with our outlook of GDP drop by 8% year-on-year in the second quarter," she said.


tass--2020-05-08--Moscow online sales turnover in March up by 38%

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/ TASS / .
The commodity turnover of the enterprises of the capital 's online @ @ @ @ @ 16 bln rubles , which is 38.2 % more than in February , which is @ @ @ @ @ turnover for Q1 2020 , according to the official website of the Moscow Mayor on @ @ @ @ @ online trading market is actively developing .
Since March 2019 , its volumes have grown @ @ @ @ @ make up almost a quarter of the entire Russian Internet trading market - 24 % @ @ @ @ @ , the online trade turnover of metropolitan enterprises amounted to 16 bln rubles , which @ @ @ @ @ in February .
This is almost half of the total turnover in Q1 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ Moscow Deputy Mayor Vladimir Efimov .

MOSCOW, May 8. / TASS /. The commodity turnover of the enterprises of the capital's online sales in March amounted to 16 bln rubles, which is 38.2% more than in February, which is almost half of the total turnover for Q1 2020, according to the official website of the Moscow Mayor on Friday.
"The Moscow online trading market is actively developing. Since March 2019, its volumes have grown by 6.8% and now make up almost a quarter of the entire Russian Internet trading market - 24%. And in March 2020, the online trade turnover of metropolitan enterprises amounted to 16 bln rubles, which is 38.2% more than in February. This is almost half of the total turnover in Q1 2020," the statement quoted the Moscow Deputy Mayor Vladimir Efimov.


tass--2020-05-08--Moldovan Court creates dangerous precedent by cancelling deal with Russia — Dodon

`` What if tomorrow someone [ … ] challenges the EU Association Agreement , because some of its points contradict the constitution , or the agreement to open the NATO office , or the agreement , I don ’ t know , with the CIS , doesn ’ t matter .
[ … ] For the first time during the years of independence , the Constitutional Court has created a very dangerous precedent .
This is fraught with consequences , '' the president noted .
Earlier , the Constitutional Court , responding to the demand of the opposition parties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moldova on 200 million euro loan to be contradicting the country ’ s basic law .
Besides , the judges declared illegal the decision to begin negotiations with Russia and the decision of the Moldovan Parliament to ratify the loan agreement .
This is not the first time the Constitutional Court got entangled in a major political scandal .
Earlier in 2019 , the entire judge panel resigned after it supported the Democratic Party which lost the election and refused to cede power .
The judges declared the new government illegitimate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and declared snap elections .
After reviewing all papers , the experts from the Council of Europe on constitutional law ruled that the Constitutional Court of Moldova abode neither to its own procedures not to the principle of impartiality during its proceeding .
Following this ruling , the Constitutional Court judges cancelled their award and resigned .

"What if tomorrow someone […] challenges the EU Association Agreement, because some of its points contradict the constitution, or the agreement to open the NATO office, or the agreement, I don’t know, with the CIS, doesn’t matter. […] For the first time during the years of independence, the Constitutional Court has created a very dangerous precedent. This is fraught with consequences," the president noted.
Earlier, the Constitutional Court, responding to the demand of the opposition parties, declared the April 17 agreement between Russia and Moldova on 200 million euro loan to be contradicting the country’s basic law. Besides, the judges declared illegal the decision to begin negotiations with Russia and the decision of the Moldovan Parliament to ratify the loan agreement.
This is not the first time the Constitutional Court got entangled in a major political scandal. Earlier in 2019, the entire judge panel resigned after it supported the Democratic Party which lost the election and refused to cede power. The judges declared the new government illegitimate and demanded that the president dismissed the Parliament and declared snap elections. After reviewing all papers, the experts from the Council of Europe on constitutional law ruled that the Constitutional Court of Moldova abode neither to its own procedures not to the principle of impartiality during its proceeding. Following this ruling, the Constitutional Court judges cancelled their award and resigned.


tass--2020-05-08--Hainan intends to supply 90,000 tonnes of 'volcanic' lychee fruit

HAIKOU , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
This year Hainan 's administrative center — the city of Haikou — plans to supply to the markets about 90,000 tonnes of `` volcanic '' lychee fruit , a special variety of lychee growing only on the island , according to the Hainan Daily newspaper .
The region ’ s administration emphasized that this year a rich harvest of this crop is expected to be grown in the area of small extinct volcanoes in the island 's north .
In order to popularize hard-coated fruit covered with small spikes , the mayor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promotion in which online consumers bought more than 1,500 tonnes of “ volcanic ” lychees per day .
“ Hainan is one of the places where lychee has been cultivated for centuries .
This is one of the important sectors of agriculture contributing to the well-being of local farmers and the implementation of the national program to alleviate poverty , ” the mayor emphasized .
Hainan 's variety of lychee grows on volcanic soil in the highlands of Yangshan south of Haikou and is considered the rarest in the world .
The fruits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are about 300 years old .
The area is inhabited by bees that collect honey from lychee flowers .
It is believed that this product with a sour taste helps to detox , improves digestion , increases appetite and immunity , and also helps people suffering from insomnia .
There are more than 100 extinct volcanoes on Hainan , 86 of which are quite big .
These geological formations are located in the northern part of the island — in the Haikou region , near the cities of Wenchang , Danzhou and Qionghai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dingan , Chengmai and Lingao .

HAIKOU, May 8. /TASS/. This year Hainan's administrative center — the city of Haikou — plans to supply to the markets about 90,000 tonnes of "volcanic" lychee fruit, a special variety of lychee growing only on the island, according to the Hainan Daily newspaper.
The region’s administration emphasized that this year a rich harvest of this crop is expected to be grown in the area of small extinct volcanoes in the island's north. In order to popularize hard-coated fruit covered with small spikes, the mayor of Haikou Ding Hui recently launched an online promotion in which online consumers bought more than 1,500 tonnes of “volcanic” lychees per day.
“Hainan is one of the places where lychee has been cultivated for centuries. This is one of the important sectors of agriculture contributing to the well-being of local farmers and the implementation of the national program to alleviate poverty,” the mayor emphasized.
Hainan's variety of lychee grows on volcanic soil in the highlands of Yangshan south of Haikou and is considered the rarest in the world. The fruits ripen on trees, many of which are about 300 years old. The area is inhabited by bees that collect honey from lychee flowers. It is believed that this product with a sour taste helps to detox, improves digestion, increases appetite and immunity, and also helps people suffering from insomnia.
There are more than 100 extinct volcanoes on Hainan, 86 of which are quite big. These geological formations are located in the northern part of the island — in the Haikou region, near the cities of Wenchang, Danzhou and Qionghai as well as in the districts of Dingan, Chengmai and Lingao.


tass--2020-05-09--Putin congratulates Russians on Victory Day

Russia is celebrating on May 9 the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War .
MOSCOW , May 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated all veterans of the Soviet Union ’ s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War and all Russians with Victory Day .
He laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall and addressed Russian citizens from the tribune installed near the Eternal Flame .
`` Dear veterans , dear friends !
From the whole of my heart , I congratulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is our most important and most cherished holiday .
We always celebrate it solemnly across the nation , all together .
Victory Day will always have a tremendous spiritual and moral significance and be a sacred date for us , '' the Russian leader stressed .
The head of state emphasized that `` it is our memory and pride , the history of our country and of every family .
It is a part of our souls , passed on to us by our parents and grandparents . ''
On this day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` strongly feel the magnitude of their fates as we remember those who are no longer with us and look lovingly at their photographs of different years and wish our veterans a long life , '' Putin noted .
`` They did so much for our Motherland that it is impossible to measure or repay .
They saved our country and the future generations ; they liberated Europe , protected peace , restored cities and villages and achieved enormous success , '' the Russian leader stressed .
`` We pay tribute and endlessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet people , people of different ethnicities who stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in combat and on the home front , '' Putin said .
Their courage , unity , dignity and truly unfaltering willpower are timeless , the Russian leader stressed .
This place by the Kremlin Wall is sacred to all of Russians .
The Eternal Flame burns here night and day in tribute to those who fell during the Great Patriotic War , to the heroes lying in unknown mass graves near Moscow and Smolensk , Stalingrad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kiev and Riga , Berlin and Vienna , at the Pulkovo Heights , and on the banks of the Neva , the Dnieper , the Danube , the Vistula and the Oder , the Russian leader recalled .
`` Millions of those who fell did not live to see the Victory they dreamed of , believing that they would prevail over the enemy and return home .
This is what they fought for to their last breath .
They sacrificed their lives so that we , our children and grandchildren , and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a world saved and preserved by the Soviet soldier , '' Putin said .
The Russian leader observed a minute of silence in their memory , suggesting that all Russians bow their heads `` in tribute to those who did not return from the war , commemorating our sons , daughters , fathers , mothers , grandfathers , great grandfathers , husbands , wives , brothers and sisters , comrades in arms , relatives and friends . ''

Russia is celebrating on May 9 the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.
MOSCOW, May 9. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated all veterans of the Soviet Union’s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War and all Russians on Victory Day. He laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall and addressed Russian citizens from the tribune installed near the Eternal Flame.
"Dear veterans, dear friends! From the whole of my heart, I congratulate you on Victory Day. This day is our most important and most cherished holiday. We always celebrate it solemnly across the nation, all together. Victory Day will always have a tremendous spiritual and moral significance and be a sacred date for us," the Russian leader stressed.
The head of state emphasized that "it is our memory and pride, the history of our country and of every family. It is a part of our souls, passed on to us by our parents and grandparents."
On this day, the descendants of the generation of victors "strongly feel the magnitude of their fates as we remember those who are no longer with us and look lovingly at their photographs of different years and wish our veterans a long life," Putin noted.
"They did so much for our Motherland that it is impossible to measure or repay. They saved our country and the future generations; they liberated Europe, protected peace, restored cities and villages and achieved enormous success," the Russian leader stressed.
"We pay tribute and endlessly honor the monumental and selfless heroism of the Soviet people, people of different ethnicities who stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in combat and on the home front," Putin said.
Their courage, unity, dignity and truly unfaltering willpower are timeless, the Russian leader stressed.
This place by the Kremlin Wall is sacred to all of Russians. The Eternal Flame burns here night and day in tribute to those who fell during the Great Patriotic War, to the heroes lying in unknown mass graves near Moscow and Smolensk, Stalingrad and Kursk, Sevastopol and Minsk, Kiev and Riga, Berlin and Vienna, at the Pulkovo Heights, and on the banks of the Neva, the Dnieper, the Danube, the Vistula and the Oder, the Russian leader recalled.
"Millions of those who fell did not live to see the Victory they dreamed of, believing that they would prevail over the enemy and return home. This is what they fought for to their last breath. They sacrificed their lives so that we, our children and grandchildren, and those who are yet to be born live in a world saved and preserved by the Soviet soldier," Putin said.
The Russian leader observed a minute of silence in their memory, suggesting that all Russians bow their heads "in tribute to those who did not return from the war, commemorating our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters, comrades in arms, relatives and friends."


tass--2020-05-09--Bombs reported on board two Russian planes

MOSCOW , May 9 .
/TASS/ .
Bombs have been reported on board two planes heading from Moscow ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Ufa , an aviation industry source told TASS .
`` The Domodedovo Airport ’ s @ @ @ @ @ about bombs on board two planes heading from Moscow to Sochi and Ufa , '' @ @ @ @ @ that both flights were about to depart and emergency workers would inspect the planes .
@ @ @ @ @ airport received a message claiming there was a bomb on the premises but no evacuation @ @ @ @ @ about bombs on board Russian planes started coming in on March 3 .
Nearly 200 @ @ @ @ @ far .
According to another law enforcement source , anonymous messages keep coming in , @ @ @ @ @ in court buildings , shopping malls and airports , and demanding payment in Bitcoin .

MOSCOW, May 9. /TASS/. Bombs have been reported on board two planes heading from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport to Sochi and Ufa, an aviation industry source told TASS.
"The Domodedovo Airport’s call center received an email about bombs on board two planes heading from Moscow to Sochi and Ufa," the source said, adding that both flights were about to depart and emergency workers would inspect the planes.
Earlier on Saturday, the airport received a message claiming there was a bomb on the premises but no evacuation was carried out.
Messages about bombs on board Russian planes started coming in on March 3. Nearly 200 flights have been affected so far. According to another law enforcement source, anonymous messages keep coming in, reporting bombs on planes, in court buildings, shopping malls and airports, and demanding payment in Bitcoin.