tass--2020-06-04--US protests can be likened to Martin Luther King assassination riots — Time

The magazine underlined in its special edition entitled ‘ A Nation Torn ’ that the current protests have spilled into something the country has not seen since 1968 when civil right activist and icon Martin Luther King was assassinated .
`` Protesters burned a police precinct in Minneapolis , torched cop cars in Los Angeles and Atlanta , and dodged plumes of tear gas from Tulsa , Oklahoma , to Madison , Wisconsin , '' the article author wrote , adding , `` the National Guard had been activated in at least 28 states , and dozens of cities had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spasms of violence . ''
NEW YORK , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Time Magazine has decided to honor 35 African American victims of racism on the cover of their latest edition dedicated to racism issues in American society which were highlighted after the death of George Floyd , an African American man , in police custody .
`` For 2.5 months , America has been paralyzed by a plague , its streets eerily empty , '' the article reads .
`` Now pent-up energy and anxiety and rage have spilled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s broader racial inequities .
About 13 % of the U.S. population are African Americans .
But according to CDC data , 22 % of those with COVID-19 , and 23 % of those who have died from it , are black . ''
Citing the Pew Research Center , the magazine noted that around 44 % of African Americans lost their jobs or had their wages dropped , while 73 % said that they don ’ t have enough savings to cover unexpected expenses .
The magazine claims that US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Since the start of his term , the President has turned the Oval Office into an instrument of racial , ethnic and cultural division , '' the author wrote , recalling that Trump addressed the situation using the phrase `` when the looting starts , the shooting starts . ''
`` Given the tone from the top and the grassroots anger , it ’ s a surprise this confrontation didn ’ t come sooner , '' Time concludes .
Widespread unrest has engulfed many US states over the death of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him to death during his arrest .
On May 26 , all officers involved in the deadly arrest were fired .
On May 29 , the policeman in question , Derek Chauvin , was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges .
However , on June 3 , Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upped the charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder .
The three other officers involved in the fatal incident were arrested as well and are now facing charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To counter the riots , local law enforcement is often supported by the National Guard .
So far , 40 cities , including New York , have enacted a curfew .

The magazine underlined in its special edition entitled ‘A Nation Torn’ that the current protests have spilled into something the country has not seen since 1968 when civil right activist and icon Martin Luther King was assassinated. "Protesters burned a police precinct in Minneapolis, torched cop cars in Los Angeles and Atlanta, and dodged plumes of tear gas from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Madison, Wisconsin," the article author wrote, adding, "the National Guard had been activated in at least 28 states, and dozens of cities had imposed curfews to quell looting, arson and spasms of violence."
NEW YORK, June 4. /TASS/. Time Magazine has decided to honor 35 African American victims of racism on the cover of their latest edition dedicated to racism issues in American society which were highlighted after the death of George Floyd, an African American man, in police custody.
"For 2.5 months, America has been paralyzed by a plague, its streets eerily empty," the article reads. "Now pent-up energy and anxiety and rage have spilled out. COVID-19 laid bare the nation’s broader racial inequities. About 13% of the U.S. population are African Americans. But according to CDC data, 22% of those with COVID-19, and 23% of those who have died from it, are black." Citing the Pew Research Center, the magazine noted that around 44% of African Americans lost their jobs or had their wages dropped, while 73% said that they don’t have enough savings to cover unexpected expenses.
The magazine claims that US President Donald Trump only exacerbated the already tense situation. "Since the start of his term, the President has turned the Oval Office into an instrument of racial, ethnic and cultural division," the author wrote, recalling that Trump addressed the situation using the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." "Given the tone from the top and the grassroots anger, it’s a surprise this confrontation didn’t come sooner," Time concludes.
Widespread unrest has engulfed many US states over the death of an African-American Minneapolis man named George Floyd, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him to death during his arrest. On May 26, all officers involved in the deadly arrest were fired. On May 29, the policeman in question, Derek Chauvin, was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. However, on June 3, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upped the charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder. The three other officers involved in the fatal incident were arrested as well and are now facing charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
To counter the riots, local law enforcement is often supported by the National Guard. So far, 40 cities, including New York, have enacted a curfew.


tass--2020-06-04--Russian latest high-speed patrol boats enter trials on Neva River

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
The latest two Raptor high-speed patrol boats entered trials on the Neva River @ @ @ @ @ in a statement on Thursday .
`` The trials of the two latest Project 03160 @ @ @ @ @ built at the Pella Shipyard in St. Petersburg started on the Neva River , '' @ @ @ @ @ their trials , the patrol boats will enter service with Russia ’ s Baltic Fleet @ @ @ @ @ patrol boats have been built at the Pella Shipyard on order from the Russian Navy @ @ @ @ @ carry out patrols in the coastal areas of seas , straits and river estuaries in @ @ @ @ @ at a distance of 100 nautical miles from the base .
Raptor-class boats can also @ @ @ @ @ up to 20 marines , intercepting and detaining small targets and carrying out search and @ @ @ @ @ of their patrolling .
The Project 03160 patrol boat is armored and outfitted with a @ @ @ @ @ a 14.5mm machine-gun and two 7.62mm Pecheneg machine-guns on bracket mounts .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. The latest two Raptor high-speed patrol boats entered trials on the Neva River, the Russian Navy said in a statement on Thursday.
"The trials of the two latest Project 03160 ‘Raptor’ patrol boats built at the Pella Shipyard in St. Petersburg started on the Neva River," the statement says.
Following their trials, the patrol boats will enter service with Russia’s Baltic Fleet.
The Project 03160 Raptor-class patrol boats have been built at the Pella Shipyard on order from the Russian Navy. They are designated to carry out patrols in the coastal areas of seas, straits and river estuaries in the daytime and at night at a distance of 100 nautical miles from the base.
Raptor-class boats can also be used for promptly transporting up to 20 marines, intercepting and detaining small targets and carrying out search and rescue operations in the areas of their patrolling.
The Project 03160 patrol boat is armored and outfitted with a remotely operated weapon station with a 14.5mm machine-gun and two 7.62mm Pecheneg machine-guns on bracket mounts.


tass--2020-06-04--Russia is playing vital role in Vaccine Alliance — British embassy

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is playing an important role in supporting Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance @ @ @ @ @ Moscow said .
`` Russia has an important role in both supporting GAVI and new @ @ @ @ @ we welcome Russia ’ s participation in today ’ s summit ( Global Vaccine Summit @ @ @ @ @ TASS ) and hope to expand global obligations of all member states to immunize populations @ @ @ @ @ , '' the embassy said via its Telegram channel .
The embassy drew attention to @ @ @ @ @ funds for the global vaccine alliance , particularly in the framework of Gavi ’ s @ @ @ @ @ financial instrument accelerating the widespread vaccine use against diseases deathly for children .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ Summit via video conference , its key aim is to raise funds to finance the @ @ @ @ @ .
The summit is attended by 35 states and governments .
Russia is represented by @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Russia is playing an important role in supporting Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the British embassy in Moscow said.
"Russia has an important role in both supporting GAVI and new scientific research. Undeniably, we welcome Russia’s participation in today’s summit (Global Vaccine Summit held as video conference - TASS) and hope to expand global obligations of all member states to immunize populations and develop a COVID-19 vaccine," the embassy said via its Telegram channel.
The embassy drew attention to the fact that Russia allocated funds for the global vaccine alliance, particularly in the framework of Gavi’s Advance Market Commitment, a financial instrument accelerating the widespread vaccine use against diseases deathly for children.
The UK is hosting the Global Vaccine Summit via video conference, its key aim is to raise funds to finance the alliance between 2021 and 2025. The summit is attended by 35 states and governments. Russia is represented by Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.


tass--2020-06-04--Billionaire Potanin loses $1.5 bln a day after fuel spill at plant in Norilsk

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Vladimir Potanin , head and beneficiary of Norilsk Nickel , lost $ 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ 4 after the price of the company ’ s shares dropped following the accident at @ @ @ @ @ , according to Forbes Real Time .
As of 5:45 pm Moscow time , Potanin @ @ @ @ @ 25 bln .
`` With such losses , Vladimir Potanin entered the top three billionaires @ @ @ @ @ a day .
Since the beginning of the day , Chinese businessman Qin Yinlin is @ @ @ @ @ ( - $ 7.5 bln ) , while Mark Zuckerberg ranks third ( - $ @ @ @ @ @ according to Forbes .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Vladimir Potanin, head and beneficiary of Norilsk Nickel, lost $ 1.5 bln a day on June 4 after the price of the company’s shares dropped following the accident at the Norilsk Thermal Power Plant, according to Forbes Real Time.
As of 5:45 pm Moscow time, Potanin’s fortune was $25 bln.
"With such losses, Vladimir Potanin entered the top three billionaires who got most impoverished in a day. Since the beginning of the day, Chinese businessman Qin Yinlin is the one who lost most (-$ 7.5 bln), while Mark Zuckerberg ranks third (-$926 mln)," according to Forbes.


tass--2020-06-04--Sanctions for Iran oil supply to Venezuela go beyond all limits, Russian diplomat says

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Threats hurled by the United States at other governments of imposing sanctions in case they facilitate supplies of Iranian oil to Venezuela are unacceptable , spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Thursday .
`` Certain warnings voiced a few days ago by the US administration to governments around the world regarding any cooperation in Iran oil supplies to Venezuela go beyond any acceptable limits , '' she noted .
`` To add to the previously put forward threat against insurers and ship owners , Washington now threatens port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the last few days , the US Treasury expanded the sanction list by adding four more shipping companies engaged in Iran oil deliveries to Venezuela , extending the restrictions in place and other aggressive statements . ''
The diplomat emphasized that application of restrictive measures against Caracas affects Venezuela ’ s economy and social sphere .
`` From the international law viewpoint , this is one of the clearest examples of illegitimate nature of such steps which are exacerbated by the difficult epidemiological situation in the world , '' she underlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ steps ] look cynical and inhuman and simply do not allow Venezuelan authorities to fully supply population with medicine and other equipment necessary to fight the coronavirus infection . ''
`` We condemn this illegitimate practice and demand that these actions against a sovereign state be ceased , recalling that Venezuela ’ s priority now is to overcome domestic disagreements and lack of trust , '' Zakharova said .
`` We are calling on all responsible political forces of this country to [ launch ] a nationwide inclusive dialogue based on democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
According to the spokeswoman , the fight against coronavirus requires joining efforts .
`` It is high time we signed a large humanitarian agreement , '' she stressed .
`` We are ready to support such a peaceful political decision that Venezuelans themselves will come up with and provide a constructive cooperation in its implementation , fully respecting Venezuela ’ s sovereignty .
`` .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Threats hurled by the United States at other governments of imposing sanctions in case they facilitate supplies of Iranian oil to Venezuela are unacceptable, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Thursday.
"Certain warnings voiced a few days ago by the US administration to governments around the world regarding any cooperation in Iran oil supplies to Venezuela go beyond any acceptable limits," she noted. "To add to the previously put forward threat against insurers and ship owners, Washington now threatens port administrations, owners and captains of vessels. In the last few days, the US Treasury expanded the sanction list by adding four more shipping companies engaged in Iran oil deliveries to Venezuela, extending the restrictions in place and other aggressive statements."
The diplomat emphasized that application of restrictive measures against Caracas affects Venezuela’s economy and social sphere. "From the international law viewpoint, this is one of the clearest examples of illegitimate nature of such steps which are exacerbated by the difficult epidemiological situation in the world," she underlined. "In the pandemic, they [steps] look cynical and inhuman and simply do not allow Venezuelan authorities to fully supply population with medicine and other equipment necessary to fight the coronavirus infection."
"We condemn this illegitimate practice and demand that these actions against a sovereign state be ceased, recalling that Venezuela’s priority now is to overcome domestic disagreements and lack of trust," Zakharova said. "We are calling on all responsible political forces of this country to [launch] a nationwide inclusive dialogue based on democratic principles in accordance with the national legislation."
According to the spokeswoman, the fight against coronavirus requires joining efforts. "It is high time we signed a large humanitarian agreement," she stressed. "We are ready to support such a peaceful political decision that Venezuelans themselves will come up with and provide a constructive cooperation in its implementation, fully respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty.".


tass--2020-06-04--Moscow can move forward without risk of spikes in COVID-19 infection rate, says mayor

`` I don ’ t think anything bad will happen as we leave such a strict regime of restrictions .
Just like our previous measures , we are lifting the restrictions gradually , stage by stage , avoiding any major spikes .
< … > This gives us the guarantee that we can move forward without the risk of any mass spikes in infection rate in the near future , '' he said .
MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow gradually moves from one stage of lifting restrictions to another , and it can continue to move forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rate , Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
According to the mayor , the lack of spikes in infection rate shows that the measures introduced by Moscow officials are working .
`` The lethality rate from COVID-19 begins to go down , this is a very important sign , '' Sobyanin said .
The mayor stressed that the restrictions on walks around the city had been introduced to avoid an increase in novel coronavirus cases .
`` We have definitely managed to achieve this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course .
Our parks , squares and alleys were not crowded , '' Sobyanin stated .
Moscow introduced a state of high alert due to the novel coronavirus on March 29 , closing shops , cafes , gyms and other facilities , along with parks .
All residents are mandated to self-isolate at home .
Those who need to move around the city for work or personal reasons must obtain a special permit .
Recently , local officials have begun to lift restrictions gradually due to the improving epidemiological situation .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the self-isolation and permit regime in Moscow will be prolonged until June 14 .
Starting June 1 , shops not selling basic necessities have reopened in the city along with some personal services .
Moscow residents are allowed to walk around the city in accordance with the special schedule published on the Moscow government website .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 6,586,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 388,200 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,181,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 441,108 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 204,623 patients having recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 5,384 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"I don’t think anything bad will happen as we leave such a strict regime of restrictions. Just like our previous measures, we are lifting the restrictions gradually, stage by stage, avoiding any major spikes. <…> This gives us the guarantee that we can move forward without the risk of any mass spikes in infection rate in the near future," he said.
MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Moscow gradually moves from one stage of lifting restrictions to another, and it can continue to move forward without the risk of spikes in COVID-19 infection rate, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
According to the mayor, the lack of spikes in infection rate shows that the measures introduced by Moscow officials are working. "The lethality rate from COVID-19 begins to go down, this is a very important sign," Sobyanin said.
The mayor stressed that the restrictions on walks around the city had been introduced to avoid an increase in novel coronavirus cases. "We have definitely managed to achieve this, partly due to the weather, of course. Our parks, squares and alleys were not crowded," Sobyanin stated.
Moscow introduced a state of high alert due to the novel coronavirus on March 29, closing shops, cafes, gyms and other facilities, along with parks. All residents are mandated to self-isolate at home. Those who need to move around the city for work or personal reasons must obtain a special permit. Recently, local officials have begun to lift restrictions gradually due to the improving epidemiological situation. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin decreed on May 27 that the self-isolation and permit regime in Moscow will be prolonged until June 14. Starting June 1, shops not selling basic necessities have reopened in the city along with some personal services. Moscow residents are allowed to walk around the city in accordance with the special schedule published on the Moscow government website.
COVID-19 pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 6,586,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 388,200 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 3,181,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 441,108 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 204,623 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 5,384 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-04--US tries to settle score with China by bringing up Hong Kong at UNSC — Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Attempts to use the UN Security Council to discuss the situation around Hong Kong show that the US is trying to `` settle the score '' with China , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Thursday .
`` Such actions undermine China ’ s sovereignty , they are a blatant violation of the basic norms of international law stipulated within the UN Charter .
We think that they are solely dictated by the [ US ] wish to settle the score with its foreign policy opponent , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to include issues that are not within the mandate of the UN are `` counterproductive and fraught with lowering the efficiency and undermining the authority of this institution . ''
Russia sees the situation in Hong Kong as the domestic affair of China , calling on foreign players to avoid meddling in the affairs of the Chinese central government and the special administrative region of the country .
Earlier , First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said that the majority of UN Security Council members did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US to discuss China ’ s law on national security on the territory of Hong Kong .
On Thursday , the Chinese parliament has approved the resolution about the bill on national security on the territory of Hong Kong , which , according to China , would help maintain order in Hong Kong .
Local officials have expressed support for the initiative , noting that it would not encroach on human rights and freedoms .
However , some Western states and supporters of the Hong Kong opposition expressed concern over this decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the principle `` one country - two systems .
`` .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Attempts to use the UN Security Council to discuss the situation around Hong Kong show that the US is trying to "settle the score" with China, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on Thursday.
"Such actions undermine China’s sovereignty, they are a blatant violation of the basic norms of international law stipulated within the UN Charter. We think that they are solely dictated by the [US] wish to settle the score with its foreign policy opponent," she said.
The diplomat added that attempts to include issues that are not within the mandate of the UN are "counterproductive and fraught with lowering the efficiency and undermining the authority of this institution."
Russia sees the situation in Hong Kong as the domestic affair of China, calling on foreign players to avoid meddling in the affairs of the Chinese central government and the special administrative region of the country.
Earlier, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said that the majority of UN Security Council members did not support the idea of the UK and the US to discuss China’s law on national security on the territory of Hong Kong.
On Thursday, the Chinese parliament has approved the resolution about the bill on national security on the territory of Hong Kong, which, according to China, would help maintain order in Hong Kong.
Local officials have expressed support for the initiative, noting that it would not encroach on human rights and freedoms. However, some Western states and supporters of the Hong Kong opposition expressed concern over this decision, seeing it as a violation of the principle "one country - two systems.".


tass--2020-06-04--Moscow will lift most COVID-19 restrictions by July 1, mayor says

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow officials can lift the highest amount of restrictions introduced to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic by July 1 , Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
He noted that Moscow can continue lifting restrictions without the threat of new spikes in the infection rate .
Starting Monday June 1 , 55 % of all shops closed due to the coronavirus have been opened .
The rest is set to open next week , Sobyanin said .
Besides , two thirds of the service industry enterprises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it is `` a little bit too early '' to open some facilities like gyms and fitness centers , he stated .
The Moscow mayor added that it is too early to allow mass events in the city , however , weekend fairs will reopen soon .
On June 6-8 , a book festival will be held on the Red Square that will be attended by up to 18,000 people .
The cost of the fight against the novel coronavirus in Moscow comes up to 750 bln rubles ( about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that all social obligations are met , the city will cut down expenditures on renovation works , the mayor said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the latest statistics , over 6,586,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 388,200 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,181,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 441,108 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 204,623 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 5,384 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Moscow officials can lift the highest amount of restrictions introduced to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic by July 1, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel. He noted that Moscow can continue lifting restrictions without the threat of new spikes in the infection rate.
Starting Monday June 1, 55% of all shops closed due to the coronavirus have been opened. The rest is set to open next week, Sobyanin said. Besides, two thirds of the service industry enterprises have reopened after receiving the corresponding permit.
However, it is "a little bit too early" to open some facilities like gyms and fitness centers, he stated.
The Moscow mayor added that it is too early to allow mass events in the city, however, weekend fairs will reopen soon. On June 6-8, a book festival will be held on the Red Square that will be attended by up to 18,000 people.
The cost of the fight against the novel coronavirus in Moscow comes up to 750 bln rubles (about $10.8 bln). In order to ensure that all social obligations are met, the city will cut down expenditures on renovation works, the mayor said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 6,586,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 388,200 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 3,181,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 441,108 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 204,623 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 5,384 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-04--Attack on New York police officers may have terror links, officials say, reports say

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
The recent attack on New York police officers that took place in Brooklyn in the early hours of Thursday may have terrorist links , local officials say , cited by the NBC TV company .
The attack took place after the curfew introduced due to the protests caused by the death of George Floyd , an African American man who died in custody of the Minneapolis police .
The perpetrator attacked the policemen patrolling the streets with a knife , injuring one of them in the neck .
The attack was followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers were injured .
The attacker was injured , he is currently in hospital in a serious condition .
Widespread unrest has engulfed many US states over the death of an African-American Minneapolis man named George Floyd , who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him to death during his arrest .
On May 26 , all officers involved in the deadly arrest were fired .
On May 29 , the policeman in question , Derek Chauvin , was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upped the charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder .
The three other officers involved in the fatal incident were arrested as well and are now facing charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder .
To counter the riots , local law enforcement is often supported by the National Guard .
So far , 40 cities , including New York , have enacted a curfew .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. The recent attack on New York police officers that took place in Brooklyn in the early hours of Thursday may have terrorist links, local officials say, cited by the NBC TV company. The attack took place after the curfew introduced due to the protests caused by the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died in custody of the Minneapolis police.
The perpetrator attacked the policemen patrolling the streets with a knife, injuring one of them in the neck. The attack was followed by a shootout, during which two more police officers were injured. The attacker was injured, he is currently in hospital in a serious condition.
Widespread unrest has engulfed many US states over the death of an African-American Minneapolis man named George Floyd, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him to death during his arrest. On May 26, all officers involved in the deadly arrest were fired. On May 29, the policeman in question, Derek Chauvin, was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. However, on June 3, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upped the charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder. The three other officers involved in the fatal incident were arrested as well and are now facing charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
To counter the riots, local law enforcement is often supported by the National Guard. So far, 40 cities, including New York, have enacted a curfew.


tass--2020-06-04--Russia supports experts’ call in support of nuclear tests ban

She recalled that in the wake of media reports senior US officials were discussing the possibility of a demonstration nuclear test explosion the Group of Eminent Persons on May 29 urged all countries aware of their responsibility to reaffirm resolute support for the treaty and take specific action to ensure the treaty ’ s coming into effect .
MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia supports the statement by the CTBTO Preparatory Commission ’ s Group of Eminent Persons on the need for achieving the comprehensive Test Ban Treaty ’ s coming into effect and maintaining the moratorium on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday .
`` We express our full support for his statement and hope that Washington will turn an attentive ear to the opinion of people who made a tangible personal contribution to the emergence of nuclear non-proliferation and with their actions promoted the strengthening of world peace and security , '' Zakharova said .
The experts stressed that the CTBT coming into force would lift concerns over the risk of possible nuclear tests , because the agreement envisages urgent inspections for investigating suspicious activity .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratified by another eight countries .
The United States is one of the countries that have not ratified the treaty yet , '' she recalled .
The Group of Eminent Persons stresses that the nuclear test explosion in question , if it is eventually made , will upset the world moratorium on explosions and deal a hard blow on the treaty .
`` The United States must have decided this is the right moment for this , '' Zakharova remarked .
She called on Washington to heed the opinion of people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization was created under a resolution the CTBT signatories adopted in New York in 1996 .
The commission ’ s main task is to carry out the necessary activities to promote the CTBT coming into force and creating a verification mechanism .
The CTBT outlaws the explosions of nuclear warheads and nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes .
The ban applies to testing in all media ( atmospheric , outer space , underwater and underground tests ) and is absolute and comprehensive .
By now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Russia , but has not taken effect because the United States and some countries have not ratified it to this day .

She recalled that in the wake of media reports senior US officials were discussing the possibility of a demonstration nuclear test explosion the Group of Eminent Persons on May 29 urged all countries aware of their responsibility to reaffirm resolute support for the treaty and take specific action to ensure the treaty’s coming into effect.
MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Russia supports the statement by the CTBTO Preparatory Commission’s Group of Eminent Persons on the need for achieving the comprehensive Test Ban Treaty’s coming into effect and maintaining the moratorium on nuclear explosions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
"We express our full support for his statement and hope that Washington will turn an attentive ear to the opinion of people who made a tangible personal contribution to the emergence of nuclear non-proliferation and with their actions promoted the strengthening of world peace and security," Zakharova said.
The experts stressed that the CTBT coming into force would lift concerns over the risk of possible nuclear tests, because the agreement envisages urgent inspections for investigating suspicious activity. "For this the treaty is to be ratified by another eight countries. The United States is one of the countries that have not ratified the treaty yet," she recalled.
The Group of Eminent Persons stresses that the nuclear test explosion in question, if it is eventually made, will upset the world moratorium on explosions and deal a hard blow on the treaty. "The United States must have decided this is the right moment for this," Zakharova remarked. She called on Washington to heed the opinion of people who are experts on the issue.
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization was created under a resolution the CTBT signatories adopted in New York in 1996. The commission’s main task is to carry out the necessary activities to promote the CTBT coming into force and creating a verification mechanism.
The CTBT outlaws the explosions of nuclear warheads and nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes. The ban applies to testing in all media (atmospheric, outer space, underwater and underground tests) and is absolute and comprehensive. By now the agreement has been signed by 183 countries, including Russia, but has not taken effect because the United States and some countries have not ratified it to this day.


tass--2020-06-04--Kiev’s idea of consultations without Russia is aimed at ruining Minsk Accords — diplomat

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s proposal for beginning consultations over Donbass with the United States and Britain without Russia torpedoes the conflict ’ s settlement , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the initiative voiced by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Reznikov , who leads his country ’ s delegation at negotiations on the Minsk platform .
`` I would like to say a few words about Ukraine ’ s latest attempts to upset the settlement of the conflict in Donbass .
Kiev keeps shirking compliance with the Minsk Accords , Zakharova said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as yet another attempt to shirk efforts to settle the conflict in accordance with the Minsk package of measures , upset the Minsk and Normandy platforms for negotiations and create an alternative for them without Donetsk and Lugansk .
`` It would be of interest to hear the opinions of Germany and France on this score , as long as they are parties to the Normandy talks , '' Zakharova said .
The diplomat stressed it was not the first time that Ukrainian officials suggested using the Budapest Memorandum for discussing the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past all such initiatives were put forward not by official politicians .
`` Unlike people who are not participants in the negotiating process Reznikov is well aware that the Budapest Memorandum has no bearing on the internal Ukrainian conflict in Donbass whatsoever , '' she said .
`` Once again we are urging Ukraine to put an end to the sabotage of the Minsk Accords and redirect its energy and creativity to implementing its obligations under the comprehensive package of measures as well as the decisions adopted at the Normandy summit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Russian Foreign Ministry has not received as of yet an official proposal to hold a Normandy Four foreign ministerial meeting , Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated .
`` We saw media reports concerning a suggestion from the Ukrainian side to convene a Normandy Four meeting at the level of the foreign ministers , but officially no one has referred to us over this issue , '' she said .
The diplomat reiterated that the foreign ministers had a video conference on April 30 , which `` practically stated the absence of progress in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting of the Normandy format leaders in Paris on December 9 '' .
`` Regretfully , we don ’ t see any progress at the moment either .
A constant dialogue continues within the framework of the Minsk Contact Group .
We hope that our partners will make every effort towards compliance with the decisions of the Paris summit , '' the diplomat added .
The participants of the Normandy Four ( Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) summit held in Paris on December 9 highlighted the need for achieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of 2019 .
Moreover , on April 30 , the Normandy Four foreign ministers held a video conference to call on the parties to the conflict to take additional measures to prop up the ceasefire .
In an article uploaded to the website of the Atlantic Council — a thinktank operating under NATO ’ s auspices — Reznikov addressed Britain and the United States , which in 1994 put signatures to the Budapest Memorandum , with a proposal for entering into consultations on the situation in Donbass .
The first phase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclude Russia .
After the breakup of the Soviet Union Ukraine inherited a nuclear potential that was the third largest after the United States ’ and Russia ’ s .
In December 1994 , Ukraine , Russia , the United States and Britain signed the Budapest Memorandum .
Under its arrangements Kiev joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty and gave up its nuclear potential , while Russia , the United States and Britain guaranteed Ukraine ’ s security .
In July 2019 , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin with a proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signatories to the Budapest Memorandum and the Normandy Quartet partners in Minsk , where the Contact Group holds its sessions .
Putin replied that Russia was prepared for talks on Ukraine on any platform on the condition of proper preparations .
The leader of Ukraine ’ s party Batkivshchina , Yulia Timoshenko , last year called for abandoning the Normandy Quartet talks ( by Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) in favor of consultations with the countries that put their signatures to the Budapest Memorandum .
The then special representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine Kurt Volker was skeptical about that idea .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. Ukraine’s proposal for beginning consultations over Donbass with the United States and Britain without Russia torpedoes the conflict’s settlement, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the initiative voiced by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Reznikov, who leads his country’s delegation at negotiations on the Minsk platform.
"I would like to say a few words about Ukraine’s latest attempts to upset the settlement of the conflict in Donbass. Kiev keeps shirking compliance with the Minsk accords, Zakharova said.
Moscow sees Reznikov’s statement as yet another attempt to shirk efforts to settle the conflict in accordance with the Minsk package of measures, upset the Minsk and Normandy platforms for negotiations and create an alternative for them without Donetsk and Lugansk. "It would be of interest to hear the opinions of Germany and France on this score, as long as they are parties to the Normandy talks," Zakharova said.
The diplomat stressed it was not the first time that Ukrainian officials suggested using the Budapest Memorandum for discussing the situation in the east of Ukraine, but in the past all such initiatives were put forward not by official politicians.
"Unlike people who are not participants in the negotiating process Reznikov is well aware that the Budapest Memorandum has no bearing on the internal Ukrainian conflict in Donbass whatsoever," she said.
"Once again we are urging Ukraine to put an end to the sabotage of the Minsk accords and redirect its energy and creativity to implementing its obligations under the comprehensive package of measures as well as the decisions adopted at the Normandy summit in Paris," Zakharova stated.
Normandy Four meeting
The Russian Foreign Ministry has not received as of yet an official proposal to hold a Normandy Four foreign ministerial meeting, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated.
"We saw media reports concerning a suggestion from the Ukrainian side to convene a Normandy Four meeting at the level of the foreign ministers, but officially no one has referred to us over this issue," she said.
The diplomat reiterated that the foreign ministers had a video conference on April 30, which "practically stated the absence of progress in the implementation of the decisions achieved at a meeting of the Normandy format leaders in Paris on December 9". "Regretfully, we don’t see any progress at the moment either. A constant dialogue continues within the framework of the Minsk Contact Group. We hope that our partners will make every effort towards compliance with the decisions of the Paris summit," the diplomat added.
The participants of the Normandy Four (Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France) summit held in Paris on December 9 highlighted the need for achieving a full-fledged truce in Donbass by the end of 2019. Moreover, on April 30, the Normandy Four foreign ministers held a video conference to call on the parties to the conflict to take additional measures to prop up the ceasefire.
Background
In an article uploaded to the website of the Atlantic Council — a thinktank operating under NATO’s auspices — Reznikov addressed Britain and the United States, which in 1994 put signatures to the Budapest Memorandum, with a proposal for entering into consultations on the situation in Donbass. The first phase of such talks, he argued, should exclude Russia.
After the breakup of the Soviet Union Ukraine inherited a nuclear potential that was the third largest after the United States’ and Russia’s. In December 1994, Ukraine, Russia, the United States and Britain signed the Budapest Memorandum. Under its arrangements Kiev joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty and gave up its nuclear potential, while Russia, the United States and Britain guaranteed Ukraine’s security.
In July 2019, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin with a proposal for holding talks with the leaders of the signatories to the Budapest Memorandum and the Normandy Quartet partners in Minsk, where the Contact Group holds its sessions. Putin replied that Russia was prepared for talks on Ukraine on any platform on the condition of proper preparations.
The leader of Ukraine’s party Batkivshchina, Yulia Timoshenko, last year called for abandoning the Normandy Quartet talks (by Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France) in favor of consultations with the countries that put their signatures to the Budapest Memorandum. The then special representative of the US Department of State for Ukraine Kurt Volker was skeptical about that idea.


tass--2020-06-04--COVID-19 pandemic disrupts vaccination against cholera and other diseases, says WHO chief

`` The COVID-19 pandemic is unraveling many of the gains we have made .
Vaccination campaigns for polio , cholera , measles , meningitis and HPV have been disrupted , putting hundreds of millions of people at risk , '' the WHO chief stated .
`` A vaccine will be essential for controlling COVID-19 .
But vaccines only realise their true power when they are deployed to protect the poorest and most vulnerable . ''
GENEVA , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted vaccination against cholera , polio and other dangerous diseases , the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on Thursday during the third Global Vaccine Summit held by the UK in the format of a video conference .
The speech was transmitted on the WHO ’ s Twitter .
`` Our shared duty is to ensure that once a vaccine is available , it is available to everyone , '' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said .
`` That ’ s why WHO and our partners have established the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator and the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool . ''
`` COVID-19 is a devastating reminder that life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village , our individual health depends on our collective health , '' he pointed out .
`` Now is the moment for the world to come together in solidarity to realise the power of vaccines for everyone . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 6,586,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 388,200 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,181,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 441,108 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 204,623 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 5,384 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"The COVID-19 pandemic is unraveling many of the gains we have made. Vaccination campaigns for polio, cholera, measles, meningitis and HPV have been disrupted, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk," the WHO chief stated. "A vaccine will be essential for controlling COVID-19. But vaccines only realise their true power when they are deployed to protect the poorest and most vulnerable."
GENEVA, June 4. /TASS/. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted vaccination against cholera, polio and other dangerous diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on Thursday during the third Global Vaccine Summit held by the UK in the format of a video conference. The speech was transmitted on the WHO’s Twitter .
"Our shared duty is to ensure that once a vaccine is available, it is available to everyone," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "That’s why WHO and our partners have established the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator and the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool."
"COVID-19 is a devastating reminder that life is fragile & that in our global village, our individual health depends on our collective health," he pointed out. "Now is the moment for the world to come together in solidarity to realise the power of vaccines for everyone."
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 6,586,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 388,200 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 3,181,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 441,108 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 204,623 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 5,384 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-04--Lukashenko accuses presidential elections rivals of illegal campaign funding

`` He [ presidential candidate Valery Tsepkalo ] sold his house to some company , the money was paid , but he still lives there .
What is this ?
This is campaign funding .
And he , the cheeky one , runs , all clean and fluffy , '' Lukashenko noted , according to BelTA news agency .
MINSK , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused some of his rivals in the upcoming presidential elections of illegal funding of their presidential campaign Thursday .
The head of state called on his opponent to speak out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position of the head of the High Tech Park of Belarus .
`` I asked him to tell why he was fired , the famous one .
He still does not talk .
We wait .
When the time comes , we will tell ourselves , '' Lukashenko said .
He recalled Tsepkalo ’ s recent comments that his grandmother liked Lukashenko back in the day because of the president ’ s knowledge of agriculture .
`` He tells a story that his grandmother like me because I knew how many piglets a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , why did you like me back then ?
Why did you come to me on your knees begging from [ Stanislav Shushkevich , the chairman of the Supreme Council in the 1990s . ]
We have not forgotten that , '' Lukashenko said .
`` And then again , he [ Tsepkalo ] simply does not understand that the numbers of piglets and their quality does not depend only on the sow .
It also depends on the boar .
And if there is such boar as this man , then the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lukashenko claimed .
Without addressing another potential candidate by name , Lukashenko called on the voters to ask him about the origins of the funds he got back at the day .
`` You ask him , ask one question : what is the ‘ PrivatLeasing ’ company ?
The second question : where he keeps the money he fraudulently earned in Belarus ? ''
Lukashenko asked .
`` I do not criticize them [ potential candidates ] yet .
I am simply wondering , when my press secretary delivers an overview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my God , but this is elementary , just stay silent , try to somehow pack something , so that people don ’ t vote against you ! ''
the Belarusian president said .

"He [presidential candidate Valery Tsepkalo] sold his house to some company, the money was paid, but he still lives there. What is this? This is campaign funding. And he, the cheeky one, runs, all clean and fluffy," Lukashenko noted, according to BelTA news agency.
MINSK, June 4. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused some of his rivals in the upcoming presidential elections of illegal funding of their presidential campaign Thursday.
The head of state called on his opponent to speak out about why he was fired from the position of the head of the High Tech Park of Belarus.
"I asked him to tell why he was fired, the famous one. He still does not talk. We wait. When the time comes, we will tell ourselves," Lukashenko said.
He recalled Tsepkalo’s recent comments that his grandmother liked Lukashenko back in the day because of the president’s knowledge of agriculture.
"He tells a story that his grandmother like me because I knew how many piglets a pig can produce. A question arises, why did you like me back then? Why did you come to me on your knees begging from [Stanislav Shushkevich, the chairman of the Supreme Council in the 1990s.] We have not forgotten that," Lukashenko said.
"And then again, he [Tsepkalo] simply does not understand that the numbers of piglets and their quality does not depend only on the sow. It also depends on the boar. And if there is such boar as this man, then the piglets are going to be stillborn," Lukashenko claimed.
Without addressing another potential candidate by name, Lukashenko called on the voters to ask him about the origins of the funds he got back at the day.
"You ask him, ask one question: what is the ‘PrivatLeasing’ company? The second question: where he keeps the money he fraudulently earned in Belarus?" Lukashenko asked.
"I do not criticize them [potential candidates] yet. I am simply wondering, when my press secretary delivers an overview of their statement. I think: my God, but this is elementary, just stay silent, try to somehow pack something, so that people don’t vote against you!" the Belarusian president said.


tass--2020-06-04--Rosa Khutor plans to build up its presence in Arctic

TASS , June 4 .
The Rosa Khutor company eyes new projects in Russia ’ s Arctic regions , the company ’ s Deputy Director General for Strategy and Development Olga Lyakhova told the online conference Arctic Tourism : New Challenges for Business .
`` Rosa Khutor has been studying the potentials of a few Arctic regions .
We have organized a few expeditions .
Our specialists went to see everything with their own eyes , and I hope soon we shall take a decision to develop certain projects , '' she said without specifying the regions .
Rosa Khutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company invests in the Three Volcanoes tourism park and plans to begin the construction in 2021 .
Rosa Khutor is the 100th resident of Kamchatka ’ s advanced development territory .
In the Murmansk Region , Rosa Khutor participates as an expert in work on a tourism cluster on the Kola Peninsula .
The Norilsk Nickel Company ( Nornickel ) plans to organize a world-class resort similar to Sochi 's Rosa Khutor there , which could receive cruise vessels at the Liinakhamari port .
Investments in the project will make more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
`` We see a big potential of the Liinakhamari Bay , it is a bay with good navigation conditions , with good transport logistics .
Thus it could be a good universal port , kind of gates into the Arctic , '' the company ’ s representative said .
`` Russia presently does not have a port , from where cruise vessels could depart , and this is why we lag behind in the development of cruise tourism . ''
The Three Volcanoes Park company was established by Vladimir Potanin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s entities to develop a new tourism cluster in Kamchatka .
Sergei Bachin is Rosa Khutor ’ s director 's board chairman .

TASS, June 4. The Rosa Khutor company eyes new projects in Russia’s Arctic regions, the company’s Deputy Director General for Strategy and Development Olga Lyakhova told the online conference Arctic Tourism: New Challenges for Business.
"Rosa Khutor has been studying the potentials of a few Arctic regions. We have organized a few expeditions. Our specialists went to see everything with their own eyes, and I hope soon we shall take a decision to develop certain projects," she said without specifying the regions.
Rosa Khutor has presented its project for Kamchatka. The company invests in the Three Volcanoes tourism park and plans to begin the construction in 2021. Rosa Khutor is the 100th resident of Kamchatka’s advanced development territory.
In the Murmansk Region, Rosa Khutor participates as an expert in work on a tourism cluster on the Kola Peninsula. The Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) plans to organize a world-class resort similar to Sochi's Rosa Khutor there, which could receive cruise vessels at the Liinakhamari port. Investments in the project will make more than 14 billion rubles ($202 million).
"We see a big potential of the Liinakhamari Bay, it is a bay with good navigation conditions, with good transport logistics. Thus it could be a good universal port, kind of gates into the Arctic," the company’s representative said. "Russia presently does not have a port, from where cruise vessels could depart, and this is why we lag behind in the development of cruise tourism."
The Three Volcanoes Park company was established by Vladimir Potanin’s Interros Group and Sergei Bachin’s entities to develop a new tourism cluster in Kamchatka. Sergei Bachin is Rosa Khutor’s director's board chairman.


tass--2020-06-04--Defense Ministry deploys field hospital to Transbaikal Region on Putin’s orders

The multi-purpose mobile field 100-bed hospital is being moved from Buryatia to the Transbaikal Region on instructions from President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in order to increase the bed capacity of local medical facilities and provide assistance to patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis .
MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Eastern Military District has begun to redeploy a 100-bed field hospital to the Transbaikal Region to help fight against the coronavirus infection , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday .
The field hospital ’ s personnel - 133 army doctors and nurses and 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 700 kilometers from Kyakhta .
The mobile field hospital ’ s pneumatic hangars are capable of accommodating COVID-19 patients in conditions identical to stationary ones .
The hospital is equipped with lung ventilators , intensive care patient monitors , X-ray machines , ultrasound scanners , blood test equipment and polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) laboratories , as well as anesthesiology and intensive care units .
At a meeting with permanent members of Russia ’ s Security Council Putin pointed to the complicated coronavirus situation in the Transbaikal Region and instructed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military hospital there .
According to the latest statistics , there have been 1,321 cases of the infection in the region , with 708 recoveries and 24 deaths .
In view of the quick infection rate growth restriction measures have been introduced in Transbaikalia till June 8 .
Earlier , a group of doctors from Moscow were dispatched to Chita .

The multi-purpose mobile field 100-bed hospital is being moved from Buryatia to the Transbaikal Region on instructions from President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in order to increase the bed capacity of local medical facilities and provide assistance to patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. The Eastern Military District has begun to redeploy a 100-bed field hospital to the Transbaikal Region to help fight against the coronavirus infection, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
The field hospital’s personnel - 133 army doctors and nurses and 31 special vehicles - are to be redeployed more than 700 kilometers from Kyakhta.
The mobile field hospital’s pneumatic hangars are capable of accommodating COVID-19 patients in conditions identical to stationary ones. The hospital is equipped with lung ventilators, intensive care patient monitors, X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, blood test equipment and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratories, as well as anesthesiology and intensive care units.
At a meeting with permanent members of Russia’s Security Council Putin pointed to the complicated coronavirus situation in the Transbaikal Region and instructed the Defense Ministry to deploy a field military hospital there. According to the latest statistics, there have been 1,321 cases of the infection in the region, with 708 recoveries and 24 deaths. In view of the quick infection rate growth restriction measures have been introduced in Transbaikalia till June 8. Earlier, a group of doctors from Moscow were dispatched to Chita.


tass--2020-06-04--Belarus’s Lukashenko says no new protest movement emerged ahead of elections

`` There is no new protest movement ; there are just some displeased ones .
They will always be there .
But what is a new protest movement ?
It takes years .
It ’ s not there , '' the president said during his meeting with the newly appointed Cabinet , according to the BelTA news agency .
According to Lukashenko , the people that stay in lines to put their signatures to nominate his rivals for presidency albeit being displeased with the government do not want to associate themselves with the radical opposition .
`` They do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition who are always fighting us on the plazas , '' Lukashenko said .
He believes that the long lines to his rivals ’ pickets are just a `` Belarusian carousel . ''
`` The lesser [ carousel ] is about [ people ] putting their signature , and then going back to the end of the line and then signing again , '' Lukashenko said .
The bigger carousel is about people coming to the pickets and leaving their signatures numerous times .
`` They understand that when the [ electoral ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will notice this immediately .
They said it from the start : we do not seek to take part in the elections , our main goal is to rock the country and pave the way for someone .
You know who , '' Lukashenko said .
Presidential elections in Belarus will take place on August 9 .
On May 21 , collection of signatures in support of candidates began that will end on June 19 .
The longest lines were in favor of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , former head of the Belarusian High-Tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and former board chairman of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko .

"There is no new protest movement; there are just some displeased ones. They will always be there. But what is a new protest movement? It takes years. It’s not there," the president said during his meeting with the newly appointed Cabinet, according to the BelTA news agency.
According to Lukashenko, the people that stay in lines to put their signatures to nominate his rivals for presidency albeit being displeased with the government do not want to associate themselves with the radical opposition. "They do not want to attach themselves to the radical opposition who are always fighting us on the plazas," Lukashenko said.
He believes that the long lines to his rivals’ pickets are just a "Belarusian carousel."
"The lesser [carousel] is about [people] putting their signature, and then going back to the end of the line and then signing again," Lukashenko said.
The bigger carousel is about people coming to the pickets and leaving their signatures numerous times. "They understand that when the [electoral] commission will look at these signatures, it will notice this immediately. They said it from the start: we do not seek to take part in the elections, our main goal is to rock the country and pave the way for someone. You know who," Lukashenko said.
Presidential elections in Belarus will take place on August 9. On May 21, collection of signatures in support of candidates began that will end on June 19. The longest lines were in favor of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, former head of the Belarusian High-Tech Park; former presidential aide Valery Tsepkalo; and former board chairman of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko.


tass--2020-06-04--Cleanup effort underway to mop up massive Arctic oil spill

No need in universal vaccination against novel coronavirus , researcher says According to him , compulsory vaccination is needed when @ @ @ @ @ exposed to an infection and there is no efficient medicine against it

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


tass--2020-06-04--FBI brands Brooklyn ambush leaving two NYPD officers shot, one stabbed ‘cowardly attack’

The agency ’ s tweet slammed the armed assault as a ‘ cowardly attack ’ on the NYPD .
`` The FBI New York office is fully engaged , '' FBI New York said on Twitter .
NEW YORK , June 4./TASS/ .
Unidentified individuals attacked three police officers in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn , New York overnight to Thursday , shooting two of them and stabbing another , the official Twitter account for the FBI ’ s New York office stated on its page Thursday .
Protests in New York were mainly peaceful last night .
Thousands took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of the turmoil .
Widespread unrest has engulfed many US states over the death of an African-American Minneapolis man named George Floyd , who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him to death during his arrest .
On May 26 , all officers involved in the deadly arrest were fired .
On May 29 , the policeman in question , Derek Chauvin , was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges .
However , on June 3 , Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upped the charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three other officers involved in the fatal incident were arrested as well and are now facing charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder .
To counter the riots , local law enforcement is often supported by the National Guard .
So far , 40 cities , including New York , have enacted a curfew .

The agency’s tweet slammed the armed assault as a ‘cowardly attack’ on the NYPD. "The FBI New York office is fully engaged," FBI New York said on Twitter.
NEW YORK, June 4./TASS/. Unidentified individuals attacked three police officers in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York overnight to Thursday, shooting two of them and stabbing another, the official Twitter account for the FBI’s New York office stated on its page Thursday.
Protests in New York were mainly peaceful last night. Thousands took part despite a curfew enacted in the wake of the turmoil.
Widespread unrest has engulfed many US states over the death of an African-American Minneapolis man named George Floyd, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him to death during his arrest. On May 26, all officers involved in the deadly arrest were fired. On May 29, the policeman in question, Derek Chauvin, was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. However, on June 3, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison upped the charge against Chauvin to second-degree murder. The three other officers involved in the fatal incident were arrested as well and are now facing charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
To counter the riots, local law enforcement is often supported by the National Guard. So far, 40 cities, including New York, have enacted a curfew.


tass--2020-06-04--US donation of ventilators to Russia great example of partnership, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
The donation of ventilators to Russia by the United States is a great @ @ @ @ @ two countries in a difficult situation , spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova @ @ @ @ @ on the arrival of 150 US ventilators in Moscow on Thursday .
`` It seems @ @ @ @ @ example of countries establishing cooperation and partnership in a very complicated situation , '' she @ @ @ @ @ , ventilators were delivered to Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center whose specialists will make @ @ @ @ @ to Russian medical facilities considering the epidemiological situation .

MOSCOW, June 4. /TASS/. The donation of ventilators to Russia by the United States is a great example of partnership between the two countries in a difficult situation, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing, commenting on the arrival of 150 US ventilators in Moscow on Thursday.
"It seems to me like a great example of countries establishing cooperation and partnership in a very complicated situation," she noted.
According to Zakharova, ventilators were delivered to Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center whose specialists will make decisions about distributing the machines to Russian medical facilities considering the epidemiological situation.


tass--2020-06-04--Russia rejects claims it was behind cyberattack on Bundestag in 2015 — diplomat

MOSCOW , June 4./TASS/ .
Russia flatly rejects accusations hurled at it for an alleged involvement in a hacker attack on Germany ’ s Bundestag in 2015 , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` We strongly reject Germany ’ s proofless allegations about the involvement of Russian government entities in a hacker attack on the German Bundestag in 2015 , '' she said .
According to the diplomat , Russia is ready to look into the data obtained by Germany from the US regarding a cyberattack on the Bundestag in 2015 , if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the German side has not only failed to furnish any proof of Russia ’ s guilt , but it has also failed to explain even once what the accusations hurled at our country are based on , '' Zakharova said .
`` Now , the German authorities are referring to certain ‘ reliable evidence ’ obtained by Berlin , according to German media , from — and here ’ s the thing — the US , '' she went on to say .
`` If the German side indeed has documented proof of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received from Washington , the Russian side is ready to consider it .
Special mechanisms exist for exchanging such data , '' she added .
If this information is not furnished , Moscow will regard this as `` unfounded accusations against Russia , '' Zakharova stressed .
There have been no official inquiries from Germany as of yet , either through the diplomatic channels , or through the Russian national coordinating center for computer incidents .
`` We strongly reject Germany ’ s proofless accusations concerning the involvement of Russian government entities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 , '' she said .
In early May , German Federal Public Prosecutor ’ s Office issued an international arrest warrant for Russian national Dmitry Badin , suspected of complicity in the cyberattack on Bundestag networks in 2015 .
The German law enforcement officers believe that Badin is a member of the Fancy Bear hacker group .
The cyberattack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30 , 2015 .
Many German lawmakers received similar emails sent from @ un.org addresses , making them look as if they were sent by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hyperlink , clicking on which downloaded a spy program to the system .
In a bid to stop its spread , German cyber security operators had to temporarily shut off the entire Bundestag IT system .
At least 16 Gigabytes of data , including the lawmakers ’ emails , were stolen in the attack .
Russia repeatedly denied allegations of involvement in the attack .
No German security agency has ever provided any evidence in support of media reports about cybercriminals ’ alleged links with Moscow .

MOSCOW, June 4./TASS/. Russia flatly rejects accusations hurled at it for an alleged involvement in a hacker attack on Germany’s Bundestag in 2015, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"We strongly reject Germany’s proofless allegations about the involvement of Russian government entities in a hacker attack on the German Bundestag in 2015," she said.
According to the diplomat, Russia is ready to look into the data obtained by Germany from the US regarding a cyberattack on the Bundestag in 2015, if it does exist.
"Since 2015, the German side has not only failed to furnish any proof of Russia’s guilt, but it has also failed to explain even once what the accusations hurled at our country are based on," Zakharova said. "Now, the German authorities are referring to certain ‘reliable evidence’ obtained by Berlin, according to German media, from — and here’s the thing — the US," she went on to say.
"If the German side indeed has documented proof of anybody’s guilt, which it received from Washington, the Russian side is ready to consider it. Special mechanisms exist for exchanging such data," she added.
If this information is not furnished, Moscow will regard this as "unfounded accusations against Russia," Zakharova stressed. There have been no official inquiries from Germany as of yet, either through the diplomatic channels, or through the Russian national coordinating center for computer incidents.
"We strongly reject Germany’s proofless accusations concerning the involvement of Russian government entities in a hacker attack on the German Bundestag in 2015," she said.
Situation around the cyberattack
In early May, German Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office issued an international arrest warrant for Russian national Dmitry Badin, suspected of complicity in the cyberattack on Bundestag networks in 2015. The German law enforcement officers believe that Badin is a member of the Fancy Bear hacker group.
The cyberattack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30, 2015. Many German lawmakers received similar emails sent from @un.org addresses, making them look as if they were sent by the United Nations. The emails contained a hyperlink, clicking on which downloaded a spy program to the system. In a bid to stop its spread, German cyber security operators had to temporarily shut off the entire Bundestag IT system. At least 16 Gigabytes of data, including the lawmakers’ emails, were stolen in the attack.
Russia repeatedly denied allegations of involvement in the attack. No German security agency has ever provided any evidence in support of media reports about cybercriminals’ alleged links with Moscow.


tass--2020-06-04--Russia was and will remain Serbia’s friend, says Vucic

`` Russia has its own independent government , own president who has immense influence and authority , they care after their interests and act in accordance with them .
We do not oppose anyone or anything , it is their decision , whether [ Primakov will become Rossotrudnichestvo ’ s head ] or not I do not know .
I saw the reaction of the Russian ambassador and thank him for his propriety .
Russia is a friendly country for us , this is how it has been and will be , no irresponsible politician in Serbia or anybody else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answered a reporter ’ s question .
BELGRADE , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has been and will remain Serbia ’ s friend , these ties will not be damaged , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday , answering a question about the change of leadership of Russia ’ s Rossotrudnichestvo , federal agency overseeing promotion of the Russian culture overseas .
Earlier , Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko demanded apologies from Serbia ’ s Blic daily for publishing an article entitled ‘ Putin appoints Primakov to drive a wedge between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Rossotrudnichestvo .
The Russian diplomat slammed the number of claims made in the article as not fitting the principles of fair journalism and slanderous .
Botsan-Kharchenko reminded the newspaper ’ s editor-in-chief about Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s remarks that Russia respects the Serbian leadership ’ s chosen policy of joining the EU and pointed out that the two presidents had a phone call on May 14 to announce further development of strategic partnership between Russia and Serbia .
The Russian envoy blasted the article as casting a shadow on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologies .
Earlier , Rossotrudnichestvo head Eleonora Mitrofanova announced her transfer to the Russian foreign ministry to work as ambassador at large .
Talking to TASS , she noted that member of parliament Evgeny Primakov is likely to be appointed as new head of the agency .
Primakov is heading the Russian Humanitarian Mission non-profit organization that has long operated in Serbia .
The mission is established for humanitarian , human rights and charity purposes and has been transferring Russian doctors to Serbia ’ s mountainous villages in the past few years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads in small villages , donating medical vehicles to village hospitals and other vital charity activities .

"Russia has its own independent government, own president who has immense influence and authority, they care after their interests and act in accordance with them. We do not oppose anyone or anything, it is their decision, whether [Primakov will become Rossotrudnichestvo’s head] or not I do not know. I saw the reaction of the Russian ambassador and thank him for his propriety. Russia is a friendly country for us, this is how it has been and will be, no irresponsible politician in Serbia or anybody else will change that," the president answered a reporter’s question.
BELGRADE, June 4. /TASS/. Russia has been and will remain Serbia’s friend, these ties will not be damaged, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday, answering a question about the change of leadership of Russia’s Rossotrudnichestvo, federal agency overseeing promotion of the Russian culture overseas.
Earlier, Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko demanded apologies from Serbia’s Blic daily for publishing an article entitled ‘Putin appoints Primakov to drive a wedge between Serbia and the EU’ containing accusations against Rossotrudnichestvo. The Russian diplomat slammed the number of claims made in the article as not fitting the principles of fair journalism and slanderous. Botsan-Kharchenko reminded the newspaper’s editor-in-chief about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks that Russia respects the Serbian leadership’s chosen policy of joining the EU and pointed out that the two presidents had a phone call on May 14 to announce further development of strategic partnership between Russia and Serbia.
The Russian envoy blasted the article as casting a shadow on the bilateral ties and demanded a rebuttal with apologies.
Earlier, Rossotrudnichestvo head Eleonora Mitrofanova announced her transfer to the Russian foreign ministry to work as ambassador at large. Talking to TASS, she noted that member of parliament Evgeny Primakov is likely to be appointed as new head of the agency.
Primakov is heading the Russian Humanitarian Mission non-profit organization that has long operated in Serbia. The mission is established for humanitarian, human rights and charity purposes and has been transferring Russian doctors to Serbia’s mountainous villages in the past few years to provide medical care to locals, building roads in small villages, donating medical vehicles to village hospitals and other vital charity activities.


tass--2020-06-04--Russia supplies 1.58 bcm of gas to China via ‘eastern route’ in six months, says agency

BEIJING , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia delivered 1.58 bln cubic meters of natural gas to the People ’ @ @ @ @ @ the Power of Siberia gas pipeline ( ‘ eastern route ’ ) over the past @ @ @ @ @ News Agency reported on Thursday with reference to the customs service of China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ The Russian gas supplies are mainly meant for Beijing and the adjacent economic region ( @ @ @ @ @ the city of Tianjin ) , according to the authorities .
The Russian gas is @ @ @ @ @ , to the regions along the Yangtze River .
The pipeline runs through nine out @ @ @ @ @ the continental part of China .
Import of hydrocarbons to the People ’ s Republic @ @ @ @ @ eastern route ’ started in December 2019 .
A respective agreement was signed by Gazprom @ @ @ @ @ ( CNPC ) back in 2014 .
The 30-year agreement provides for supply of up @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 and 38 bln cubic meters per year starting 2024 .

BEIJING, June 4. /TASS/. Russia delivered 1.58 bln cubic meters of natural gas to the People’s Republic of China via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline (‘eastern route’) over the past six months, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday with reference to the customs service of China’s border city of Heihe.
The Russian gas supplies are mainly meant for Beijing and the adjacent economic region (the province of Hebei and the city of Tianjin), according to the authorities. The Russian gas is also delivered to the south, to the regions along the Yangtze River. The pipeline runs through nine out of 31 administrative units of the continental part of China.
Import of hydrocarbons to the People’s Republic of China via the ‘eastern route’ started in December 2019. A respective agreement was signed by Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) back in 2014. The 30-year agreement provides for supply of up to 5 bln cubic meters in 2020 and 38 bln cubic meters per year starting 2024.


tass--2020-06-04--Diplomat spotlights economic edge of restarting talks on Russia-Belarus integration

MINSK , June 4./TASS/ .
Jumpstarting negotiations on Russia-Belarus integration will play a major role in stabilizing both countries ’ economies , Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev told a video session devoted to discussing the future of Russia and Belarus after the pandemic .
`` I am fully confident that returning to the negotiating table on the integration agenda is one of the most important factors in enhancing mutual competitiveness , the sustainability of economies and shaping joint work on those priorities , including in advanced sectors of the national economies that we can not do without , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , `` integration tasks are more relevant today than they were yesterday , '' the diplomat stressed .
Mezentsev noted that there were expectations that from January 2020 the negotiations would continue `` on shaping a common market within the framework of a very close , and in the future single legal framework of the Union State . ''
However , the countries `` were not always able or ready to dovetail national interests with the interests of the Union State ’ s common market , '' he noted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to act in favor of the future given their current economic tasks , which impeded the talks , he added .
In December 2019 , Belarus and Russia marked 20 years since the signing of the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State .
Minsk and Moscow had planned to adopt a program to deepen integration by that milestone date .
However , given the problematic talks on supplies of Russian oil to Belarus , Minsk said that talks on the roadmaps could be continued only when the energy problems had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus are working on the coordination of a package of 31 roadmaps for deeper integration .
Some disagreements over oil prices had cropped up in recent months .
Furthermore , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko criticized Russia ’ s decision to close its border amid the pandemic .

MINSK, June 4./TASS/. Jumpstarting negotiations on Russia-Belarus integration will play a major role in stabilizing both countries’ economies, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev told a video session devoted to discussing the future of Russia and Belarus after the pandemic.
"I am fully confident that returning to the negotiating table on the integration agenda is one of the most important factors in enhancing mutual competitiveness, the sustainability of economies and shaping joint work on those priorities, including in advanced sectors of the national economies that we cannot do without," Mezentsev said.
Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, "integration tasks are more relevant today than they were yesterday," the diplomat stressed. Mezentsev noted that there were expectations that from January 2020 the negotiations would continue "on shaping a common market within the framework of a very close, and in the future single legal framework of the Union State."
However, the countries "were not always able or ready to dovetail national interests with the interests of the Union State’s common market," he noted, pointing out that they were not always ready to act in favor of the future given their current economic tasks, which impeded the talks, he added.
In December 2019, Belarus and Russia marked 20 years since the signing of the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State. Minsk and Moscow had planned to adopt a program to deepen integration by that milestone date. However, given the problematic talks on supplies of Russian oil to Belarus, Minsk said that talks on the roadmaps could be continued only when the energy problems had been solved.
Currently, Russia and Belarus are working on the coordination of a package of 31 roadmaps for deeper integration. Some disagreements over oil prices had cropped up in recent months. Furthermore, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko criticized Russia’s decision to close its border amid the pandemic.


tass--2020-06-04--Germany’s Heiko Maas says has evidence of Russian involvement in cyberattack on Bundestag

BERLIN , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
German Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas claimed that the investigators are in possession of proof that a Russian national , in cooperation with other people , had conducted a hacker attack on the Bundestag in the interests of the Russian intelligence .
He claimed this in an interview for Italy ’ s La Repubblica newspaper , published by the German Federal Foreign Office Thursday .
`` There is concrete and indisputable evidence that a Russian national , together with other people , conducted a hacker attack on the Germany ’ s Bundestag in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the minister claimed .
According to Maas , the evidence was used to issue an arrest warrant against the Russian national .
`` This is categorically not about political condemnation , which the Russian media keep talking about , '' Maas believes .
He stressed that Germany intends to launch a procedure of imposition of sanctions against people and organizations responsible for the attack within the European Union .
`` It is simultaneously clear that we still seek to preserve the constructive-critical dialogue with Moscow on such foreign policy issues as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or Syria , '' the foreign minister said .
Speaking about US President Donald Trump ’ s plans to invite Russia to a G7 summit this year , Maas repeated that Washington ’ s partners expect more information on what format the US wants to conduct the summit in , recalling that Crimea ’ s accession to Russia has become the reason the G7 format was reinstated .
`` Up until today , nothing changed , '' Maas noted .
In early May , German Federal Public Prosecutor ’ s Office issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Badin over suspicion of participation in the cyberattack on Bundestag networks in 2015 .
The German law enforcement officers believe that Badin is a member of the Fancy Bear hacker group .
The cyberattack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30 , 2015 .
Many German lawmakers received similar emails sent from @ un.org addresses , making them appear as if they were sent by the United Nations .
The emails contained a hyperlink , clicking on which downloaded a spy program to the system .
In a bid to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to temporarily shut off the entire Bundestag IT system .
At least 16 Gigabytes of data , including the lawmakers ’ emails , were stolen in the attack .
Russia repeatedly denied allegations of involvement in the attack .
No German security agency ever provided any evidence to support the media ’ s version of the cybercriminals ’ ties to Moscow .

BERLIN, June 4. /TASS/. German Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas claimed that the investigators are in possession of proof that a Russian national, in cooperation with other people, had conducted a hacker attack on the Bundestag in the interests of the Russian intelligence. He claimed this in an interview for Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper, published by the German Federal Foreign Office Thursday.
"There is concrete and indisputable evidence that a Russian national, together with other people, conducted a hacker attack on the Germany’s Bundestag in spring 2015 for the Russian intelligence," the minister claimed. According to Maas, the evidence was used to issue an arrest warrant against the Russian national.
"This is categorically not about political condemnation, which the Russian media keep talking about," Maas believes. He stressed that Germany intends to launch a procedure of imposition of sanctions against people and organizations responsible for the attack within the European Union.
"It is simultaneously clear that we still seek to preserve the constructive-critical dialogue with Moscow on such foreign policy issues as the conflict in East Ukraine, or Libya, or Syria," the foreign minister said.
Speaking about US President Donald Trump’s plans to invite Russia to a G7 summit this year, Maas repeated that Washington’s partners expect more information on what format the US wants to conduct the summit in, recalling that Crimea’s accession to Russia has become the reason the G7 format was reinstated.
"Up until today, nothing changed," Maas noted.
Accusations
In early May, German Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office issued an international arrest warrant against Russian national Dmitry Badin over suspicion of participation in the cyberattack on Bundestag networks in 2015. The German law enforcement officers believe that Badin is a member of the Fancy Bear hacker group.
The cyberattack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30, 2015. Many German lawmakers received similar emails sent from @un.org addresses, making them appear as if they were sent by the United Nations. The emails contained a hyperlink, clicking on which downloaded a spy program to the system. In a bid to stop its spread, German cyber security operators had to temporarily shut off the entire Bundestag IT system. At least 16 Gigabytes of data, including the lawmakers’ emails, were stolen in the attack.
Russia repeatedly denied allegations of involvement in the attack. No German security agency ever provided any evidence to support the media’s version of the cybercriminals’ ties to Moscow.


tass--2020-06-04--Black Sea Fleet’s tank troops to hold gunnery exercise in Crimea

SEVASTOPOL , June 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s tank troops will hold a gunnery exercise on the Crimean Peninsula , using upgraded T-72B3 tanks , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` As part of scheduled combat training measures for coastal defense units of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s army corps , the crews of T-72B3 tanks have started to accomplish assignments within tank companies while the crews of BTR-82 armored personnel carriers continue practicing individual operations in conducting a battle , '' the press office said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drills , the crews of T-72B3 tanks and BTR-82 armored personnel carriers will deliver fire from organic weapons against the targets that simulate a potential enemy ’ s armor , artillery and anti-tank squads , the statement says .
The crews of the tanks and armored personnel carriers are also practicing offensive and defensive operations on different terrain , negotiating various natural and artificial obstacles , the press office said .
`` These measures are a mandatory element of training combat vehicles ’ crews and are running at different time of day and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of the Crimean Peninsula , '' the Fleet ’ s press office added .

SEVASTOPOL, June 4. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s tank troops will hold a gunnery exercise on the Crimean Peninsula, using upgraded T-72B3 tanks, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"As part of scheduled combat training measures for coastal defense units of the Black Sea Fleet’s army corps, the crews of T-72B3 tanks have started to accomplish assignments within tank companies while the crews of BTR-82 armored personnel carriers continue practicing individual operations in conducting a battle," the press office said in a statement.
At the final stage of the drills, the crews of T-72B3 tanks and BTR-82 armored personnel carriers will deliver fire from organic weapons against the targets that simulate a potential enemy’s armor, artillery and anti-tank squads, the statement says.
The crews of the tanks and armored personnel carriers are also practicing offensive and defensive operations on different terrain, negotiating various natural and artificial obstacles, the press office said.
"These measures are a mandatory element of training combat vehicles’ crews and are running at different time of day and night at combat training ranges on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula," the Fleet’s press office added.