tass--2020-07-21--Inflated ‘cyber attack’ hysteria won’t hurt Russian economy, finance minister vows

NEW YORK , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s authorities don ’ t use the services of hackers and the allegations of this sort won ’ t harm the country ’ s economy , Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview with CNBC .
Earlier , the United Kingdom ’ s National Cyber Security Center claimed that hackers allegedly linked to Russian special services had tried to steal data on the research of COVID-19 vaccine in the UK , Canada and the US .
In comment on this claim , the Russian minister stressed : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian government , so our government does not consider any actions by hackers , nor does it coordinate them . ''
Siluanov stressed that Russia was not related to any cyber attacks , including the alleged attempts to obtain data on the coronavirus vaccine ’ s research .
The minister emphasized that Russia was developing its own vaccine .
`` Therefore I do not really see any point for hackers to be involved in these activities , '' Siluanov added .
The finance minister did not voice any concerns over speculation that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attractive for investors and harm the economy .
`` How could it impact the economy ?
I really do not think that it would have any impact on the economy .
We are following our own course of anti-crisis measures , we shall be putting them in place .
These negative stories do appear from time to time , unfortunately , '' he said .
`` The main point is the type of policies we pursue .
They are balanced .
I spoke about our fiscal policy at the G20 ( Group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have no problems with plugging the budget deficit , we are finding our own domestic investors .
Should we borrow money outside Russia , or shouldn ’ t we ?
We shall see , all depends on market conditions .
I am sure , however , that we shall be able to borrow externally at excellent rates , '' Siluanov noted .
Siluanov also stressed the importance of attracting investments .
`` There has been a recovery in domestic investors ’ activity in our economy , and we always welcome foreign investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s image has suffered from hackers ’ attacks or other negative news , it has not .
The most important thing is the balanced macro-economic policy that we pursue , '' he said .

NEW YORK, July 21. /TASS/. Russia’s authorities don’t use the services of hackers and the allegations of this sort won’t harm the country’s economy, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview with CNBC.
Earlier, the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Center claimed that hackers allegedly linked to Russian special services had tried to steal data on the research of COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, Canada and the US. In comment on this claim, the Russian minister stressed: "There are no hackers working for the Russian government, so our government does not consider any actions by hackers, nor does it coordinate them."
Siluanov stressed that Russia was not related to any cyber attacks, including the alleged attempts to obtain data on the coronavirus vaccine’s research. The minister emphasized that Russia was developing its own vaccine. "Therefore I do not really see any point for hackers to be involved in these activities," Siluanov added.
The finance minister did not voice any concerns over speculation that the hackers’ activity could make Russia less attractive for investors and harm the economy. "How could it impact the economy? I really do not think that it would have any impact on the economy. We are following our own course of anti-crisis measures, we shall be putting them in place. These negative stories do appear from time to time, unfortunately," he said.
"The main point is the type of policies we pursue. They are balanced. I spoke about our fiscal policy at the G20 (Group of 20) finance ministers’ meeting. We have no problems with plugging the budget deficit, we are finding our own domestic investors. Should we borrow money outside Russia, or shouldn’t we? We shall see, all depends on market conditions. I am sure, however, that we shall be able to borrow externally at excellent rates," Siluanov noted.
Siluanov also stressed the importance of attracting investments. "There has been a recovery in domestic investors’ activity in our economy, and we always welcome foreign investors, too. I would disagree that Russia’s image has suffered from hackers’ attacks or other negative news, it has not. The most important thing is the balanced macro-economic policy that we pursue," he said.


tass--2020-07-20--Russian MP says US slapped sanctions on Chechnya head Kadyrov due to his patriotic stance

`` The imposition of personal US sanctions against Chechnya head Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members is yet another unfriendly step of the American administration .
The reasons to blacklist him are unfounded , '' Slutsky noted .
MOSCOW , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
US authorities should prove their human right violation accusations against head of the Russian region of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov in court of law , otherwise they are nothing but slander , Chair of the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told reporters Monday , linking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patriotic position .
The member of parliament underlined that `` Kadyrov has been and remains a patriot of Russia . ''
`` Evidently , this very fact is the initial reason that prompted this restriction .
The accusation of being complicit in violating human rights are rather serious and should only be proven in court , '' he emphasized .
Otherwise , the politician continued , `` these claims are slanderous against one of the most reputable heads of Russian regions . ''
`` I don ’ t think that US sanctions can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of Chechnya .
Meanwhile , reciprocity is still very much a thing .
Russia will find a way to respond to this another unlawful decision of the [ US ] State Department , '' Slutsky concluded .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing visa sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights .
The restrictions are applied in accordance with the US law that bans entry into the country for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights violations by US authorities .

"The imposition of personal US sanctions against Chechnya head Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members is yet another unfriendly step of the American administration. The reasons to blacklist him are unfounded," Slutsky noted.
MOSCOW, July 20. /TASS/. US authorities should prove their human right violation accusations against head of the Russian region of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov in court of law, otherwise they are nothing but slander, Chair of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told reporters Monday, linking the recent sanctions introduced against Kadyrov to his patriotic position.
The member of parliament underlined that "Kadyrov has been and remains a patriot of Russia." "Evidently, this very fact is the initial reason that prompted this restriction. The accusation of being complicit in violating human rights are rather serious and should only be proven in court," he emphasized. Otherwise, the politician continued, "these claims are slanderous against one of the most reputable heads of Russian regions."
"I don’t think that US sanctions can affect Kadyrov’s efficiency as the head of Chechnya. Meanwhile, reciprocity is still very much a thing. Russia will find a way to respond to this another unlawful decision of the [US] State Department," Slutsky concluded.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said earlier on Monday that the United States was imposing visa sanctions on head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov and his family members for gross violations of human rights. The restrictions are applied in accordance with the US law that bans entry into the country for people seen as accomplices to corruption and human rights violations by US authorities.


tass--2020-07-20--UK to publish report on 'Russian interference' in British politics on July 21

LONDON , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The report on Russia ’ s alleged interference into UK politics will see the light of day July 21 , the British Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee that prepared the report last year said Monday .
`` The Committee 's Report on Russia , prepared by its predecessor , will be laid before Parliament at 10:30am on Tuesday 21 July , '' the committee announced via its website .
The report was prepared by the committee ’ s previous convocation in March 2019 and was later submitted for approval in the UK prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the government greenlighted its publication , however , the general election held that December as well required that the committee be elected in its new composition before the publication , which only happened recently .
In late October , former Attorney General for England and Wales Dominic Grieve who had been earlier expelled from the ruling Conservative Party accused the government of opposing the publication of a report on Russia ’ s alleged threat to democracy in Britain .
The report was prepared by the parliament ’ s Intelligence and Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sent to Downing Street on October 17 .
Grieve drew attention to the fact that this process usually takes 10 days .

LONDON, July 20. /TASS/. The report on Russia’s alleged interference into UK politics will see the light of day July 21, the British Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee that prepared the report last year said Monday.
"The Committee's Report on Russia, prepared by its predecessor, will be laid before Parliament at 10:30am on Tuesday 21 July," the committee announced via its website.
The report was prepared by the committee’s previous convocation in March 2019 and was later submitted for approval in the UK prime minister’s office. In December 2019, the government greenlighted its publication, however, the general election held that December as well required that the committee be elected in its new composition before the publication, which only happened recently.
In late October, former Attorney General for England and Wales Dominic Grieve who had been earlier expelled from the ruling Conservative Party accused the government of opposing the publication of a report on Russia’s alleged threat to democracy in Britain. The report was prepared by the parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee headed by the former attorney general and sent to Downing Street on October 17. Grieve drew attention to the fact that this process usually takes 10 days.


tass--2020-07-20--More than 180 take part in Hainan free trade port's potential presentation

HAIKOU , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
Representatives of more than 180 Chinese and foreign companies took part in the presentation of Hainan free trade port 's potential , organized by the Office for International Economic Development of the region , reported the Hainan Daily .
The main goal of the event , the newspaper writes , was to demonstrate the advantages of Hainan 's free trade port and its investment opportunities .
The staff of the department , the newspaper notes , presented the key points of the program for the construction of Hainan 's port , spoke about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism , high-tech industry and finance .
According to the newspaper , the event included representatives of the Chinese Internet giant Baidu , the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency ( KOTRA ) , the China National Offshore Oil Corporation ( CNOOC ) , the British luxury apparel and accessories company Burberry , a group of companies producing and trading in luxury LVMH ( Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy ) , Sony , Chanel , Shell and other Chinese and foreign firms .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan , ” according to which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, July 20. /TASS/. Representatives of more than 180 Chinese and foreign companies took part in the presentation of Hainan free trade port's potential, organized by the Office for International Economic Development of the region, reported the Hainan Daily.
The main goal of the event, the newspaper writes, was to demonstrate the advantages of Hainan's free trade port and its investment opportunities. The staff of the department, the newspaper notes, presented the key points of the program for the construction of Hainan's port, spoke about the key industries for investment, including tourism, high-tech industry and finance.
According to the newspaper, the event included representatives of the Chinese Internet giant Baidu, the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the British luxury apparel and accessories company Burberry, a group of companies producing and trading in luxury LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy), Sony, Chanel, Shell and other Chinese and foreign firms.
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-07-20--Hainan reports $319 mln in actually used foreign investment in the first half of 2020

HAIKOU , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of actually used foreign investments in the southern Chinese province of Hainan in January - June 2020 amounted to $ 319 million , which is almost twice as much as last year , reported www.hinews.cn citing relevant data from the provincial office of commerce .
In the first half of 2020 , 203 new enterprises with foreign capital were set up on Hainan , which is by 24.54 % more than in the same period in 2019 .
The authorities said that companies from 30 countries have invested in the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 , the local authorities have stepped up efforts to draw foreign capital to the province .
The growth in foreign investment on Hainan is seen amid the authorities ' project to build a free trade port in the province .
On June 1 , the Chinese government published a program for its development , according to which Hainan will be turned into a special customs zone .
The country 's authorities plan to complete the creation of a free port in the province by 2025 .
By this time , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be established on the Island of Hainan .
By 2035 , Hainan plans to ensure freedom of trade and investment , cross-border movement of capital , entry and exit of people , freight traffic .

HAIKOU, July 20. /TASS/. The volume of actually used foreign investments in the southern Chinese province of Hainan in January - June 2020 amounted to $ 319 million, which is almost twice as much as last year, reported www.hinews.cn citing relevant data from the provincial office of commerce.
In the first half of 2020, 203 new enterprises with foreign capital were set up on Hainan, which is by 24.54% more than in the same period in 2019. The authorities said that companies from 30 countries have invested in the new enterprises. Also, since the beginning of 2020, the local authorities have stepped up efforts to draw foreign capital to the province.
The growth in foreign investment on Hainan is seen amid the authorities' project to build a free trade port in the province. On June 1, the Chinese government published a program for its development, according to which Hainan will be turned into a special customs zone. The country's authorities plan to complete the creation of a free port in the province by 2025. By this time, a system for ensuring free trade and investment should be established on the Island of Hainan.
By 2035, Hainan plans to ensure freedom of trade and investment, cross-border movement of capital, entry and exit of people, freight traffic.


tass--2020-07-20--US slaps sanctions on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov

WASHINGTON , July 20 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is imposing sanctions on Ramzan Kadyrov , head of Russia @ @ @ @ @ of Chechnya , whom it thinks to be involved in human rights violations , as @ @ @ @ @ State Michael Pompeo ’ s press statement released on Monday .
`` Today , the @ @ @ @ @ designating Ramzan Kadyrov , head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation , under @ @ @ @ @ of the Department of State , Foreign Operations , and Related Programs Appropriations Act , @ @ @ @ @ due to Kadyrov ’ s involvement in gross violations of human rights in the Chechen @ @ @ @ @ reads .

WASHINGTON, July 20. /TASS/. The United States is imposing sanctions on Ramzan Kadyrov, head of Russia’s North Caucasian Republic of Chechnya, whom it thinks to be involved in human rights violations, as follows from US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s press statement released on Monday.
"Today, the Department of State is publicly designating Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020. This designation is due to Kadyrov’s involvement in gross violations of human rights in the Chechen Republic," the statement reads.


tass--2020-07-22--Russia not interested in European states falling apart — ambassador

LONDON , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is not interested in disintegration of any European country , including in Scotland ’ s possible secession from the United Kingdom , Russian Ambassador to UK Anrei Kelin said in an interview with Sky News .
Commenting on the report , published by the British Parliament ’ s Intelligence and Security Committee on Tuesday , Kelin said the document mentions Russia ’ s alleged attempt to meddle with the 2014 Scottish independence referendum , but `` don ’ t provide any facts . ''
`` It does not make any sense to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of Scottish independence belongs to the people of Scotland and to the United Kingdom .
Independence of any country - we have dealt with these processes , we know how difficult they are and we are not favourable towards disintegration processes in Europe , '' reads the full transcript of the interview , posted on the embassy ’ s website .
The Russian diplomat added that it would be hard for Scotland , which has a population of about 5.5 million people , to function as a small independent state .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of depopulation in Baltic states , in particular Lithuania which has already lost 20 % of its population .
`` We do not wish that Scotland leaves the United Kingdom .
It is not in our interest at all , '' Kelin added .
The report published by the British Parliament ’ s Intelligence and Security Committee on Tuesday notes that Russian-UK relations can not be improved under the current Russian leadership .
The report stressed the need to communicate with Russia through closed restricted channels .
The committee stressed that Russia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking `` to employ organized crime groups to supplement its cyber skills . ''
The report also claims that Moscow had tried to interfere in the 2014 referendum on Scotland ’ s independence .
UK lawmakers also believe that improvement of relations between Moscow and London is impossible at this point , and bilateral communication should be carried out via closed and restricted channels .

LONDON, July 22. /TASS/. Russia is not interested in disintegration of any European country, including in Scotland’s possible secession from the United Kingdom, Russian Ambassador to UK Anrei Kelin said in an interview with Sky News.
Commenting on the report, published by the British Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee on Tuesday, Kelin said the document mentions Russia’s alleged attempt to meddle with the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, but "don’t provide any facts."
"It does not make any sense to do this kind of operation. The issue of Scottish independence belongs to the people of Scotland and to the United Kingdom. Independence of any country - we have dealt with these processes, we know how difficult they are and we are not favourable towards disintegration processes in Europe," reads the full transcript of the interview, posted on the embassy’s website.
The Russian diplomat added that it would be hard for Scotland, which has a population of about 5.5 million people, to function as a small independent state. As an example, he cited the problem of depopulation in Baltic states, in particular Lithuania which has already lost 20% of its population.
"We do not wish that Scotland leaves the United Kingdom. It is not in our interest at all," Kelin added.
The report published by the British Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee on Tuesday notes that Russian-UK relations cannot be improved under the current Russian leadership. The report stressed the need to communicate with Russia through closed restricted channels. The committee stressed that Russia is carrying out "malicious cyber activity" seeking "to employ organized crime groups to supplement its cyber skills." The report also claims that Moscow had tried to interfere in the 2014 referendum on Scotland’s independence.
UK lawmakers also believe that improvement of relations between Moscow and London is impossible at this point, and bilateral communication should be carried out via closed and restricted channels.


tass--2020-07-22--German businesses working on response to US Nord Stream 2 sanctions — association

BERLIN , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The German Eastern Business Association ( OAOEV ) calls for retaliatory measures in connection with the US plans to toughen sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia , OAOEV chief Michael Harms said in an interview with Funke Mediengruppe published on Wednesday .
`` Up until now , we warned against harsh retaliatory measures regarding the United States , because we don ’ t want to find ourselves embroiled into the spiral of sanctions .
Now we have a different opinion about that , '' he said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They may vary from clear diplomatic statements and compensation for local firms to protective retaliatory sanctions , '' the OAOEV chief said .
At the same time , Harms said that the US plans make no specific mention of any company at the moment .
The US embassy in Berlin has started to invite companies for discussions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia , according to the German Eastern Business Association ( OAOEV ) ’ s data .
`` The US embassy in Berlin has already been imperatively proposing dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harms said '' We view such actions as not suitable for partners , '' he added .
`` In this regard , we closely coordinate our actions with the German government . ''
`` We view threats of sanctions on behalf of the United States as a dangerous precedent , '' the OAOEV chief continued .
According to Harms , German businesses still view Nord Stream 2 as an `` extremely important '' project .
`` It will help to ensure gas supplies , maintain low prices and help in protecting the climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , the House of Representatives of the US Congress adopted the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year , which obliges the administration to toughen sanctions against Russia ’ s Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipeline projects .
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates construction of two gas pipeline strings with the total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea .
The gas pipeline is 93 % complete to date .
The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to US sanctions .
The German Eastern Business Association ( OAOEV ) is the major regional initiative of the German economy for 29 countries in Central Europe , Eastern and Southeastern Europe , in the South Caucasus and in Central Asia .
The OAOEV supports its members in their projects , arranges contacts and answers questions about market entry .
The OAOEV was founded in May 2018 through the merging of the Eastern Committee ( founded in 1952 ) and the Eastern Europe Business Association of Germany ( founded in 1989 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associations of German business and has around 350 member companies .

BERLIN, July 22. /TASS/. The German Eastern Business Association (OAOEV) calls for retaliatory measures in connection with the US plans to toughen sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia, OAOEV chief Michael Harms said in an interview with Funke Mediengruppe published on Wednesday.
"Up until now, we warned against harsh retaliatory measures regarding the United States, because we don’t want to find ourselves embroiled into the spiral of sanctions. Now we have a different opinion about that," he said.
"We are actively working on practical proposals. They may vary from clear diplomatic statements and compensation for local firms to protective retaliatory sanctions," the OAOEV chief said.
At the same time, Harms said that the US plans make no specific mention of any company at the moment.
The US embassy in Berlin has started to invite companies for discussions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia, according to the German Eastern Business Association (OAOEV)’s data.
"The US embassy in Berlin has already been imperatively proposing dates for negotiations to certain companies," Harms said
"We view such actions as not suitable for partners," he added. "In this regard, we closely coordinate our actions with the German government."
"We view threats of sanctions on behalf of the United States as a dangerous precedent," the OAOEV chief continued.
According to Harms, German businesses still view Nord Stream 2 as an "extremely important" project.
"It will help to ensure gas supplies, maintain low prices and help in protecting the climate," the German expert said.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives of the US Congress adopted the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, which obliges the administration to toughen sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipeline projects.
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates construction of two gas pipeline strings with the total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea. The gas pipeline is 93% complete to date. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.
The German Eastern Business Association (OAOEV) is the major regional initiative of the German economy for 29 countries in Central Europe, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, in the South Caucasus and in Central Asia. The OAOEV supports its members in their projects, arranges contacts and answers questions about market entry. The OAOEV was founded in May 2018 through the merging of the Eastern Committee (founded in 1952) and the Eastern Europe Business Association of Germany (founded in 1989). It is supported by six central associations of German business and has around 350 member companies.


tass--2020-07-22--Lutsk terrorist’s suspected accomplices detained in Kharkov - ministry

KIEV , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian law enforcement officers on Tuesday detained suspected accomplices of the man who took 13 people hostage in the city of Lutsk , Ukrainian interior ministry ’ s chief spokesman Artyom Shevchenko said .
`` Individuals with certain links to him [ the main suspect ] were detained in Kharkov , '' the spokesman said , without providing any further information .
Meanwhile , a Kharkov-based media outlet NewsRoom reported citing own police sources that a 43-year-old suspected accomplice was detained in a joint operation by police and the Security Service of Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who seized the bus in Lutsk earlier sent a parcel to his suspected accomplice in Kharkov .
During the search at his place , law enforcement officers seized several F-1 and RGD grenades , TT pistols with a silencer and cartridges .
The Kharkov region ’ s police confirmed that `` a man who might be an accomplice to the person who took hostages in Lutsk was detained . ''
`` At the moment , police and the Security Service of Ukraine are searching the place where this individual lived .
Investigators are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said after the hostages were released that `` one person linked [ to the hijacker ] was detained a couple of hours ago .
Firearms , cartridges , explosives and so on were seized , '' he said .
At the same time , the minister did not elaborate on the number of the detained accomplices , citing investigation purposes .
Avakov said the terrorist was armed with an assault rifle , a pistol and a grenade when he hijacked a bus in Lutsk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an assault rifle .
He indeed had one combat grenade .
Therefore , there was a threat .
But it ’ s a thing of the past already , '' the minister said .
A bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard was hijacked earlier on Tuesday .
The police said the terrorist was armed with grenades and an automatic weapon .
The man himself informed the police about seizing the bus and noted that he had `` planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had a previous criminal record .
Since taking the people hostage , the terrorist opened fire at law enforcement officers twice , hurled a grenade that did not explode and tried to shoot down a police quadcopter .
People living in nearby buildings next to the scene were evacuated .
The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism .

KIEV, July 22. /TASS/. Ukrainian law enforcement officers on Tuesday detained suspected accomplices of the man who took 13 people hostage in the city of Lutsk, Ukrainian interior ministry’s chief spokesman Artyom Shevchenko said.
"Individuals with certain links to him [the main suspect] were detained in Kharkov," the spokesman said, without providing any further information.
Meanwhile, a Kharkov-based media outlet NewsRoom reported citing own police sources that a 43-year-old suspected accomplice was detained in a joint operation by police and the Security Service of Ukraine. Preliminary information suggests that the man who seized the bus in Lutsk earlier sent a parcel to his suspected accomplice in Kharkov. During the search at his place, law enforcement officers seized several F-1 and RGD grenades, TT pistols with a silencer and cartridges.
The Kharkov region’s police confirmed that "a man who might be an accomplice to the person who took hostages in Lutsk was detained." "At the moment, police and the Security Service of Ukraine are searching the place where this individual lived. Investigators are currently working with the detainee," police said.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said after the hostages were released that "one person linked [to the hijacker] was detained a couple of hours ago. Firearms, cartridges, explosives and so on were seized," he said.
At the same time, the minister did not elaborate on the number of the detained accomplices, citing investigation purposes.
Avakov said the terrorist was armed with an assault rifle, a pistol and a grenade when he hijacked a bus in Lutsk.
"He indeed had a pistol and an assault rifle. He indeed had one combat grenade. Therefore, there was a threat. But it’s a thing of the past already," the minister said.
A bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard was hijacked earlier on Tuesday. The police said the terrorist was armed with grenades and an automatic weapon. The man himself informed the police about seizing the bus and noted that he had "planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate." Ukraine’s media outlets reported that he had a previous criminal record.
Since taking the people hostage, the terrorist opened fire at law enforcement officers twice, hurled a grenade that did not explode and tried to shoot down a police quadcopter. People living in nearby buildings next to the scene were evacuated. The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism.


tass--2020-07-22--US lawmakers approve annual defense bill envisaging sanctions against Nord Stream 2

WASHINGTON , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The House of Representatives of the US Congress has adopted the National Defense @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year , which obliges the administration to toughen sanctions against Russia ’ s Nord @ @ @ @ @ projects .
The vote was broadcast live by the website of the lower chamber of @ @ @ @ @ next fiscal year in the United States begins on October 1 .
The document is @ @ @ @ @ process of approval .
The White House has already vowed to veto the document in @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, July 22. /TASS/. The House of Representatives of the US Congress has adopted the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, which obliges the administration to toughen sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipeline projects.
The vote was broadcast live by the website of the lower chamber of the US Congress. A total of 295 congressmen supported the $740.5-billion bill, while 125 voted against it.
The next fiscal year in the United States begins on October 1.
The White House has already vowed to veto the document in its present form due to some of its provisions. The US administration is particularly concerned by section 2829, which would require renaming of certain military installations named for figures from the Confederacy.
"It also has serious concerns about provisions of the bill that seek to micromanage aspects of the executive branch’s authority, impose highly prescriptive limitations on the use of funds for Afghanistan, and otherwise constrain the President’s authority to protect national security interests," the White House said in a statement.
The document is yet to undergo a complicated process of approval. This week, the Senate is yet to approve its own version of the bill. After that, a commission will be convoked to negotiate on details of the two versions.
Once the amended version is ready, it will be put to a vote in both chambers of the US parliament. After that, the document will be submitted to the US president for signing. This process normally continues until fall or early winter.


tass--2020-07-22--Russian armed forces complete snap combat readiness check

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Events held as part of the snap combat readiness check of the Russian armed forces , ordered by Russia ’ s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin , have been completed , the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday .
`` The armed forces of the Russian Federation completed the events of the snap combat readiness check , held between July 17 and 21 , in line with the decision of the commander-in-chief of the Russian Federation ’ s armed forces , '' the statement says .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern Military District and other military units involved in the drills are returning to their home bases .
The surprise combat readiness check of the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts , marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets , some units of central subordination and the Airborne Force began on July 17 on order of Russia ’ s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin .
It involved about 150,000 troops , around 400 aircraft , over 26,000 items of armament , military and special hardware and over 100 warships and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate exercises of various levels and scale were held at 52 training ranges as part of the combat preparedness check .
The troops ’ surprise inspection aimed to assess the military command centers ’ ability to ensure military security in the country ’ s southwest where terrorist-related threats persist and the preparedness of troops and forces for the Kavkaz-2020 ( Caucasus-2020 ) strategic command and staff exercise , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry said .
Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said at a briefing on July 20 that `` the troops ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure and is not aimed against other countries . ''
There is no relationship between measures ongoing as part of the troops ’ combat readiness check and the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border , Fomin added .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Events held as part of the snap combat readiness check of the Russian armed forces, ordered by Russia’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin, have been completed, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation completed the events of the snap combat readiness check, held between July 17 and 21, in line with the decision of the commander-in-chief of the Russian Federation’s armed forces," the statement says.
According to the ministry, troops and forces of the Southern Military District and other military units involved in the drills are returning to their home bases.
The surprise combat readiness check of the troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets, some units of central subordination and the Airborne Force began on July 17 on order of Russia’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief President Vladimir Putin.
It involved about 150,000 troops, around 400 aircraft, over 26,000 items of armament, military and special hardware and over 100 warships and support vessels.
A total of 56 separate exercises of various levels and scale were held at 52 training ranges as part of the combat preparedness check.
The troops’ surprise inspection aimed to assess the military command centers’ ability to ensure military security in the country’s southwest where terrorist-related threats persist and the preparedness of troops and forces for the Kavkaz-2020 (Caucasus-2020) strategic command and staff exercise, Russia’s Defense Ministry said.
Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said at a briefing on July 20 that "the troops’ surprise combat readiness check is a training measure and is not aimed against other countries." There is no relationship between measures ongoing as part of the troops’ combat readiness check and the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Fomin added.


tass--2020-07-22--Kaliningrad court arrests Russian national on charges of financing terrorism

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
A court in Russia ’ s westernmost Kaliningrad region has arrested a Russian @ @ @ @ @ individuals involved in financing the Islamic State terrorist organization ( outlawed in Russia ) , @ @ @ @ @ Kaliningrad region department of Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said on @ @ @ @ @ department of the FSB ’ s territorial directorate opened a criminal case against a Russian @ @ @ @ @ terrorist activities ( part 1 , article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) .
@ @ @ @ @ the suspect made numerous money transfers to bank cards of individuals involved in financing the @ @ @ @ @ , which is outlawed in Russia , '' it said .
Kaliningrad ’ s Central @ @ @ @ @ under arrest .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. A court in Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad region has arrested a Russian national who transferred money to individuals involved in financing the Islamic State terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia), the press service of the Kaliningrad region department of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Tuesday.
"The investigative department of the FSB’s territorial directorate opened a criminal case against a Russian national on charges of promoting terrorist activities (part 1, article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). It has been established that the suspect made numerous money transfers to bank cards of individuals involved in financing the Islamic State international terrorist organization, which is outlawed in Russia," it said.
Kaliningrad’s Central district court placed the man under arrest.
Investigation is underway.


tass--2020-07-22--Syrian chief election official estimates parliamentary vote turnout at 33%

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The turnout in Syria ’ s parliamentary elections was 33 % , the @ @ @ @ @ Committee for the Elections , Judge Samer Zumriq , was quoted as saying by the @ @ @ @ @ The turnout was 33 % , over 6 million citizens took part , '' the @ @ @ @ @ Syria ’ s People ’ s Council , or national parliament , were held on @ @ @ @ @ system on the basis of the constitution that was approved at the February 26 , @ @ @ @ @ as 1,656 candidates , including 200 women , vied for 250 seats in the parliament @ @ @ @ @ , headed by President Bashar Assad ’ s Arab Socialist Ba·ath Party , received the @ @ @ @ @ parliament .
The announcement of the results was postponed pending a re-vote at polling stations @ @ @ @ @ , where extra ballots were discovered in several ballot boxes .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The turnout in Syria’s parliamentary elections was 33%, the head of the Higher Judicial Committee for the Elections, Judge Samer Zumriq, was quoted as saying by the Al-Ekhbariya TV channel.
"The turnout was 33%, over 6 million citizens took part," the official said.
Elections to Syria’s People’s Council, or national parliament, were held on July 19 under the multiparty system on the basis of the constitution that was approved at the February 26, 2012 referendum. As many as 1,656 candidates, including 200 women, vied for 250 seats in the parliament.
The National Unity bloc, headed by President Bashar Assad’s Arab Socialist Ba·ath Party, received the majority of seats in the parliament.
The announcement of the results was postponed pending a re-vote at polling stations in Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor, where extra ballots were discovered in several ballot boxes.


tass--2020-07-22--Lutsk terrorist surrenders after president’s video address - deputy chief of staff

KIEV , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The man who hijacked a passenger bus in the Ukrainian city of Lutsk surrendered after watching a video address by president Vladimir Zelensky , the deputy chief of the president ’ s staff , Kirill Tymoshenko , said on Tuesday .
`` The president himself decided to communicate with the miscreant , a phone conversation has taken place .
The president talked to him for quite a while , for 15 minutes or maybe a bit less , and persuaded the miscreant to release three people , '' he said .
`` Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to publish the video that you all saw , in order to ensure the release of the remaining hostages .
That was the deal , '' he said .
As demanded by the hijacker , Zelensky posted a short video on his Facebook page earlier on Tuesday .
During the six-second clip , Zelensky says `` Everyone must watch a 2005 documentary , ‘ Earthlings.
’ '' The video was deleted from the president ’ s account immediately after the hostages were released .
A bus in Lutsk with around 20 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The police said the terrorist was armed with grenades and an automatic weapon .
The man himself informed the police about seizing the bus and noted that he had `` planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate . ''
Ukraine ’ s media outlets reported that he had a previous criminal record .
Since taking the people hostage , the terrorist opened fire at law enforcement officers twice , hurled a grenade that did not explode and tried to shoot down a police quadcopter .
People living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were evacuated .
The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism .
The man published his demands in a Twitter post .
He insisted that certain senior judges , ministers , prosecutors , lawmakers and clerics - 24 people in total - recorded and posted on YouTube statements that they were ‘ terrorists in law.
’ He also demanded that President Vladimir Zelensky recorded and posted online an appeal to watch ‘ Earthlings.
’ ‘ Earthlings , ’ the 2005 US documentary film directed by animal rights activist Shaun Monson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of animals for food , clothing , entertainment , and for scientific research .

KIEV, July 21. /TASS/. The man who hijacked a passenger bus in the Ukrainian city of Lutsk surrendered after watching a video address by president Vladimir Zelensky, the deputy chief of the president’s staff, Kirill Tymoshenko, said on Tuesday.
"The president himself decided to communicate with the miscreant, a phone conversation has taken place. The president talked to him for quite a while, for 15 minutes or maybe a bit less, and persuaded the miscreant to release three people," he said. "Only after that, the president made the decision to publish the video that you all saw, in order to ensure the release of the remaining hostages. That was the deal," he said.
As demanded by the hijacker, Zelensky posted a short video on his Facebook page earlier on Tuesday. During the six-second clip, Zelensky says "Everyone must watch a 2005 documentary, ‘Earthlings.’"
The video was deleted from the president’s account immediately after the hostages were released.
A bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard was hijacked earlier on Tuesday. The police said the terrorist was armed with grenades and an automatic weapon. The man himself informed the police about seizing the bus and noted that he had "planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate." Ukraine’s media outlets reported that he had a previous criminal record.
Since taking the people hostage, the terrorist opened fire at law enforcement officers twice, hurled a grenade that did not explode and tried to shoot down a police quadcopter. People living in nearby buildings next to the scene were evacuated. The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism.
The man published his demands in a Twitter post. He insisted that certain senior judges, ministers, prosecutors, lawmakers and clerics - 24 people in total - recorded and posted on YouTube statements that they were ‘terrorists in law.’ He also demanded that President Vladimir Zelensky recorded and posted online an appeal to watch ‘Earthlings.’
‘Earthlings,’ the 2005 US documentary film directed by animal rights activist Shaun Monson, looks into the humanity's exploitation of animals for food, clothing, entertainment, and for scientific research.


tass--2020-07-22--19 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Nineteen more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 4,350 the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
`` Nineteen @ @ @ @ @ have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ 4,350 .
By now , Moscow has reported more than 235,000 coronavirus cases .
Nearly @ @ @ @ @ To date , 783,328 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 562,384 patients @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 12,580 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Nineteen more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 4,350 the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
"Nineteen coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,350.
By now, Moscow has reported more than 235,000 coronavirus cases. Nearly 172,000 patients have recovered.
To date, 783,328 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 562,384 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 12,580 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-22--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 213,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
More than 213,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 21 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 14.56 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 21 , as many as 14,562,550 novel coronavirus cases and 607,781 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 213,637 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,083 .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,702,075 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 117,400 and the number of deaths - by 2,260 and reached 311,569 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,103,674 and the number of fatalities is 207,958 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 24,401 and the number of deaths - by 416 .
Southeast Asia has 1,478,141 cases and 35,121 fatalities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of cases grew by 42,000 and the number of deaths - by 733 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 3,748,248 ) , Brazil ( 2,098,389 ) , India ( 1,155,191 ) , Russia ( 783,328 ) , South Africa ( 373,628 ) , Peru ( 353,590 ) , Mexico ( 344,224 ) , Chile ( 333,029 ) , the United Kingdom ( 295,376 ) , and Iran ( 276,202 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, July 21. /TASS/. More than 213,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 21, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 14.56 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 21, as many as 14,562,550 novel coronavirus cases and 607,781 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 213,637 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,083.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,702,075. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 117,400 and the number of deaths - by 2,260 and reached 311,569.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,103,674 and the number of fatalities is 207,958. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 24,401 and the number of deaths - by 416.
Southeast Asia has 1,478,141 cases and 35,121 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 42,000 and the number of deaths - by 733.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (3,748,248), Brazil (2,098,389), India (1,155,191), Russia (783,328), South Africa (373,628), Peru (353,590), Mexico (344,224), Chile (333,029), the United Kingdom (295,376), and Iran (276,202).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-21--Russia, Iranian top diplomats deny Bolton’s allegations about Syria

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin could have never said that Moscow doesn ’ t need Iran in Syria because he is not in the habit of discussing such matters behind his partners ’ back , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday commenting of allegations voiced by former US presidential national security adviser ( 2018-2019 ) John Botlon in his book The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir .
`` [ Bolton ] had no grounds to quote President Putin ( that Russia allegedly doesn ’ t want Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Putin has never said anything of the kind , '' Lavrov told a news conference after talks with his visiting Iranian counterpart , Mohammad Javad Zarif .
`` It is against our traditions and principles , the more so it is against President Putin ’ s principles , to discuss such things behind the back of our partners , We are tightly cooperating with Turkey and Iran in Syria . ''
`` I ’ s refrain from commenting on the habit of American retired officials to write memoirs in such a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he noted .
`` Probably , it is part of what can be called a specific political culture had it not been a quite different thing than what we typically call culture . ''
Zarif , in turn , stressed that Teheran doesn ’ t believe Bolton either .
`` We think it has nothing to do with the real state of things and the level of cooperation Iran maintains with Russia and Turkey in the interests of peace , stability and accord in Syria , '' he said , adding that such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the book .
`` But no one would ever believe these words either in Moscow or in Teheran , '' he stressed .
Bolton ’ s book came out last months .
Among other revelations , Bolton alleges that Putin told him during their meeting in the Kremlin in June 2018 that Moscow was not interested in Iran ’ s presence in Syria .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin could have never said that Moscow doesn’t need Iran in Syria because he is not in the habit of discussing such matters behind his partners’ back, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday commenting of allegations voiced by former US presidential national security adviser (2018-2019) John Botlon in his book The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir.
"[Bolton] had no grounds to quote President Putin (that Russia allegedly doesn’t want Iran’s presence in Syria - TASS) because Putin has never said anything of the kind," Lavrov told a news conference after talks with his visiting Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif. "It is against our traditions and principles, the more so it is against President Putin’s principles, to discuss such things behind the back of our partners, We are tightly cooperating with Turkey and Iran in Syria."
"I’s refrain from commenting on the habit of American retired officials to write memoirs in such a way that entails litigations and lawsuits," he noted. "Probably, it is part of what can be called a specific political culture had it not been a quite different thing than what we typically call culture."
Zarif, in turn, stressed that Teheran doesn’t believe Bolton either. "We think it has nothing to do with the real state of things and the level of cooperation Iran maintains with Russia and Turkey in the interests of peace, stability and accord in Syria," he said, adding that such stories were obviously meant to heighten interest to the book.
"But no one would ever believe these words either in Moscow or in Teheran," he stressed.
Bolton’s book came out last months. Among other revelations, Bolton alleges that Putin told him during their meeting in the Kremlin in June 2018 that Moscow was not interested in Iran’s presence in Syria.


tass--2020-07-21--Lutsk terrorist detained, all hostages alive and free

KIEV , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian law enforcement officers captured the terrorist , who hijacked a passenger bus in the city of Lutsk more than 12 hours ago , according to a live broadcast of the special operation aired by the 112 Ukraine TV channel .
The operation began with an explosion , the hostages then left the bus .
The vehicle was then surrounded and stormed .
Shortly after , Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov confirmed that all hostages had been released .
`` All of them are unharmed , '' he wrote on Twitter .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avakov confirmed the information .
`` No one was wounded .
No other explosive device was found in the city , '' he told reporters .
Speaking about the assailant , the minister described him as a `` mentally unstable person . ''
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky later confirmed that the operation had been successful .
`` My greetings to everyone who fought for the release of the people in Lutsk - practically for their lives - all day long .
There were no casualties , '' the Ukrainian leader wrote in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried and followed the events as they unfolded , we made plans and changed them according to the situation .
Human life is of utmost value .
There is no place for terrorism in any country , '' Zelensky said .
Ukrainian law enforcement officers on Tuesday detained suspected accomplices of the man who took 13 people hostage in the city of Lutsk , Ukrainian interior ministry ’ s chief spokesman Artyom Shevchenko said .
`` Individuals to whom he had certain links were detained in Kharkov , '' the spokesman said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard was hijacked earlier on Tuesday .
The police said the terrorist was armed with grenades and an automatic weapon .
The man himself informed the police about seizing the bus and noted that he had `` planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate . ''
Ukraine ’ s media outlets reported that he had a previous criminal record .
Since taking the people hostage , the terrorist opened fire at law enforcement officers twice , hurled a grenade that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a police quadcopter .
People living in nearby buildings next to the scene were evacuated .
The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism .

KIEV, July 21. /TASS/. Ukrainian law enforcement officers captured the terrorist, who hijacked a passenger bus in the city of Lutsk more than 12 hours ago, according to a live broadcast of the special operation aired by the 112 Ukraine TV channel.
The operation began with an explosion, the hostages then left the bus. The vehicle was then surrounded and stormed.
Shortly after, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov confirmed that all hostages had been released. "All of them are unharmed," he wrote on Twitter.
During a media briefing after the operation, Avakov confirmed the information.
"No one was wounded. No other explosive device was found in the city," he told reporters.
Speaking about the assailant, the minister described him as a "mentally unstable person."
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky later confirmed that the operation had been successful.
"My greetings to everyone who fought for the release of the people in Lutsk - practically for their lives - all day long. There were no casualties," the Ukrainian leader wrote in his Telegram channel.
"We all were worried and followed the events as they unfolded, we made plans and changed them according to the situation. Human life is of utmost value. There is no place for terrorism in any country," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers on Tuesday detained suspected accomplices of the man who took 13 people hostage in the city of Lutsk, Ukrainian interior ministry’s chief spokesman Artyom Shevchenko said.
"Individuals to whom he had certain links were detained in Kharkov," the spokesman said, without providing any further information.
A bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard was hijacked earlier on Tuesday. The police said the terrorist was armed with grenades and an automatic weapon. The man himself informed the police about seizing the bus and noted that he had "planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate." Ukraine’s media outlets reported that he had a previous criminal record.
Since taking the people hostage, the terrorist opened fire at law enforcement officers twice, hurled a grenade that did not explode and tried to shoot down a police quadcopter. People living in nearby buildings next to the scene were evacuated. The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism.


tass--2020-07-21--Ukraine’s Lutsk terrorist frees three hostages

KIEV , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The terrorist who hijacked a bus with passengers onboard in Ukraine ’ s Lutsk has released three hostages , Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Tuesday .
At the same time , he published a video shoring a man dressed in the police uniform moves away from the bus accompanied by two women and one child .
According to Ukrainian media outlets , the terrorist freed a pregnant woman and a senior woman .
Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko told 112 Ukraine TV that the injured person who is still in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wound was bandaged . ''
He also informed that around 10 people are still in the bus .
Approximately ten hours ago , the man hijacked a bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard .
The police say the terrorist is armed with grenades and an automatic weapon .
The man himself informed the police about the bus capture and noted that he had `` planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate . ''
Ukraine ’ s media outlets specify that he had a previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostage , the terrorist twice opened fire at law enforcement officers , and also hurled a grenade that did not explode and also tried to bring down a police quadcopter with gunfire .
People living in nearby buildings next to the scene are evacuated .
The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism .

KIEV, July 21. /TASS/. The terrorist who hijacked a bus with passengers onboard in Ukraine’s Lutsk has released three hostages, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Tuesday.
At the same time, he published a video shoring a man dressed in the police uniform moves away from the bus accompanied by two women and one child. According to Ukrainian media outlets, the terrorist freed a pregnant woman and a senior woman.
Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko told 112 Ukraine TV that the injured person who is still in the bus "received help <…> the wound was bandaged." He also informed that around 10 people are still in the bus.
Approximately ten hours ago, the man hijacked a bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard. The police say the terrorist is armed with grenades and an automatic weapon. The man himself informed the police about the bus capture and noted that he had "planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate." Ukraine’s media outlets specify that he had a previous criminal record.
Since taking the people hostage, the terrorist twice opened fire at law enforcement officers, and also hurled a grenade that did not explode and also tried to bring down a police quadcopter with gunfire. People living in nearby buildings next to the scene are evacuated. The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism.


tass--2020-07-21--Ukraine’s Zelensky had phone call with Lutsk terrorist

KIEV , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko has confirmed that President Vladimir Zelensky personally @ @ @ @ @ the terrorist who hijacked a bus in Ukraine ’ s Lutsk and took hostages .
@ @ @ @ @ , '' he told 112 Ukraine TV when asked if such a call really took @ @ @ @ @ also confirmed the terrorist ’ s claim that one of the hostages is wounded on @ @ @ @ @ was helped by those who were on the bus , the wound was bandaged , @ @ @ @

KIEV, July 21. /TASS/. Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko has confirmed that President Vladimir Zelensky personally spoke on the phone with the terrorist who hijacked a bus in Ukraine’s Lutsk and took hostages.
"I suppose, yes," he told 112 Ukraine TV when asked if such a call really took place.
The deputy minister also confirmed the terrorist’s claim that one of the hostages is wounded on the bus. "He was helped by those who were on the bus, the wound was bandaged," he said.


tass--2020-07-21--Terrorist in Ukraine rejects his relatives’ plea to release hostages

`` His wife was found , we contacted her and people he knows well .
They are all persuading him to lay down his weapon , but he won ’ t budge .
He has yet to put forward any new demands , '' he told 112 Ukraine TV .
KIEV , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Ukrainian law enforcement has appealed to relatives of the armed terrorist who seized control of a bus with passengers in the city of Lutsk to negotiate with him , however , the man is yet to make any significant concessions , Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , First Deputy Chief of Ukraine ’ s National Police Yevgeny Koval approached the bus to hand over food and water for the hostages .
Approximately ten hours ago , the man hijacked a bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard .
The police say the terrorist is armed with grenades and an automatic weapon .
The man himself informed the police about the bus capture and noted that he had `` planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate . ''
Ukraine ’ s media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal record .
Since taking the people hostage , the terrorist twice opened fire at law enforcement officers , and also hurled a grenade that did not explode and also tried to bring down a police quadcopter with gunfire .
People living in nearby buildings next to the scene are evacuated .
The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism .

"His wife was found, we contacted her and people he knows well. They are all persuading him to lay down his weapon, but he won’t budge. He has yet to put forward any new demands," he told 112 Ukraine TV.
KIEV, July 21. /TASS/. The Ukrainian law enforcement has appealed to relatives of the armed terrorist who seized control of a bus with passengers in the city of Lutsk to negotiate with him, however, the man is yet to make any significant concessions, Ukrainian Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said.
Earlier, First Deputy Chief of Ukraine’s National Police Yevgeny Koval approached the bus to hand over food and water for the hostages.
Approximately ten hours ago, the man hijacked a bus in Lutsk with around 20 people onboard. The police say the terrorist is armed with grenades and an automatic weapon. The man himself informed the police about the bus capture and noted that he had "planted another landmine in a crowded place in the city which can detonate." Ukraine’s media outlets specify that he had a previous criminal record.
Since taking the people hostage, the terrorist twice opened fire at law enforcement officers, and also hurled a grenade that did not explode and also tried to bring down a police quadcopter with gunfire. People living in nearby buildings next to the scene are evacuated. The Ukrainian security service launched criminal proceedings on charges of terrorism.


tass--2020-07-21--Health watchdog registers mortality rise in Russia in 1st half of 2020

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Health watchdog ( Roszdravnadzor ) registered a rise in mortality in the country in the first six months of 2020 , in particular due to the coronavirus infection , head of the watchdog Alla Samoylova said on Tuesday .
`` Unfortunately , < ... > operational data from the first half of the year show that we are observing an increase in mortality .
Of course , this is mainly due to a new coronavirus infection , but at the same time , < ... > alas , the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are regions where we see a significant increase in mortality - it is more than 1,000 people in a region , '' she said at a meeting of the working group of the State Duma Committee on legislative support and monitoring of the Implementation of the Healthcare national project .
In May , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said that mortality in Russia in January-April 2020 decreased by 19,500 in comparison with the same period last year .
`` In January-April 2020 , mortality in Russia decreased by 19,500 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said , adding that these are not final data .
To date , a total of 344,481 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 113,299 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,541 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .
The main tasks of the Healthcare national project include reduction of mortality from cardiovascular and oncological diseases , introduction of lean technologies , large-scale prevention and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of the infrastructure of children 's hospitals .
The national project includes eight federal projects , in particular `` Development of the primary healthcare system '' , `` Combating cardiovascular diseases '' , `` Combating oncological diseases '' , `` Development of children 's healthcare '' and others .
To date , 783,328 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 562,384 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 12,580 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Russia’s Health watchdog (Roszdravnadzor) registered a rise in mortality in the country in the first six months of 2020, in particular due to the coronavirus infection, head of the watchdog Alla Samoylova said on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, <...> operational data from the first half of the year show that we are observing an increase in mortality. Of course, this is mainly due to a new coronavirus infection, but at the same time, <...> alas, the situation is not the same in all regions. There are regions where we see a significant increase in mortality - it is more than 1,000 people in a region," she said at a meeting of the working group of the State Duma Committee on legislative support and monitoring of the Implementation of the Healthcare national project.
In May, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said that mortality in Russia in January-April 2020 decreased by 19,500 in comparison with the same period last year.
"In January-April 2020, mortality in Russia decreased by 19,500, and by 6,700 in April 2020 alone," she said, adding that these are not final data.
To date, a total of 344,481 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 113,299 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,541 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.
The main tasks of the Healthcare national project include reduction of mortality from cardiovascular and oncological diseases, introduction of lean technologies, large-scale prevention and screening, elimination of personnel shortages, the development of the infrastructure of children's hospitals.
The national project includes eight federal projects, in particular "Development of the primary healthcare system", "Combating cardiovascular diseases", "Combating oncological diseases", "Development of children's healthcare" and others.
To date, 783,328 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 562,384 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 12,580 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-21--Iraq may play key role in ensuring security in Persian Gulf, says Iranian top diplomat

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Iraq may play a key role in ensuring security in the area of the Persian Gulf , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters on Tuesday on the outcomes of the talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
`` During my visit to Iraq , our Iraqi friends have expressed an interest in the Hormuz peace initiative , saying that they are ready to take part in it , '' he said .
`` Some countries needed time to begin cooperation with the Iraqi government , but today , when all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality , Iraq can play a very important role in ensuring security in the region . ''
The minister noted that Iran had always welcomed cooperation and dialogue with all its neighbors in order for the Persian Gulf states to have a higher level of trust among themselves .
`` One of the priorities of Iran ’ s foreign policy is to build good relations with all its neighbors .
Unfortunately , Saudi Arabia does not wish to build such relations with us , '' Zarif pointed out .
According to him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia and the UAE based on mutual understanding , respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in domestic affairs . ''
`` Saudi Arabia knows our stance and our offers on security in the region .
We are also glad that Russia has welcomed our peace initiative , '' the Iranian top diplomat said .
On September 23 , 2019 , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on all the Gulf nations to support his country ’ s initiative on safe navigation in the region .
The draft Hormuz Peace Initiative was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nations General Assembly on September 25 .
According to the Iranian president , the initiative called for establishing a coalition on the basis of the UN principles and tasks on condition of dialogue , respect to other countries ’ sovereignty , recognition of international law , non-use of aggression , and non-interference into domestic affairs of other countries .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Iraq may play a key role in ensuring security in the area of the Persian Gulf, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters on Tuesday on the outcomes of the talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"During my visit to Iraq, our Iraqi friends have expressed an interest in the Hormuz peace initiative, saying that they are ready to take part in it," he said. "Some countries needed time to begin cooperation with the Iraqi government, but today, when all countries in the region have accepted this reality, Iraq can play a very important role in ensuring security in the region."
The minister noted that Iran had always welcomed cooperation and dialogue with all its neighbors in order for the Persian Gulf states to have a higher level of trust among themselves. "One of the priorities of Iran’s foreign policy is to build good relations with all its neighbors. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia does not wish to build such relations with us," Zarif pointed out.
According to him, Iran "is ready for relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE based on mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in domestic affairs." "Saudi Arabia knows our stance and our offers on security in the region. We are also glad that Russia has welcomed our peace initiative," the Iranian top diplomat said.
On September 23, 2019, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on all the Gulf nations to support his country’s initiative on safe navigation in the region. The draft Hormuz Peace Initiative was presented at a session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25. According to the Iranian president, the initiative called for establishing a coalition on the basis of the UN principles and tasks on condition of dialogue, respect to other countries’ sovereignty, recognition of international law, non-use of aggression, and non-interference into domestic affairs of other countries.


tass--2020-07-21--Iranian top diplomat hands over President Rouhani’s message to Putin

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has handed over a message from his country ’ s President Hassan Rouhani to Russian leader Vladimir Putin , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after talks with Zarif .
`` Before our talks , Mr. Minister handed over a message from Iranian President Mr. Rouhani to Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The message was conveyed during a telephone conversation and after that we held talks , '' he said .
`` `` We noted with satisfaction the substantive nature of bilateral political dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , adding that the two countries ’ presidents had a telephone conversation on July 16 .
Apart from that , in his words , the two countries ’ ministries and agencies are also maintaining close contacts .
As an example , he cited cooperation between the health ministries `` which exchange experience in combating the COVID-19 infection . ''
The Russia top diplomat said that during talks with Zarif they exchanged views on key global and regional problems .
`` Our positions are either identical or very close , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed various aspects of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program and agreed to spare no effort to keep it place on the basis of equal and constructive cooperation among its participants .
Other topics included the current situation in Syria following the July 1 videoconference of the heads of state of the Astana process guarantor nations - Russia , Iran and Turkey .
`` We agreed to continue to coordinate our actions in order to reach lasting peace and improve the humanitarian situation in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We think the results of the talks are quite satisfactory and agreed to keep in contact on these matters .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has handed over a message from his country’s President Hassan Rouhani to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after talks with Zarif.
"Before our talks, Mr. Minister handed over a message from Iranian President Mr. Rouhani to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The message was conveyed during a telephone conversation and after that we held talks," he said.
""We noted with satisfaction the substantive nature of bilateral political dialogue, including at the top level," he said, adding that the two countries’ presidents had a telephone conversation on July 16. Apart from that, in his words, the two countries’ ministries and agencies are also maintaining close contacts. As an example, he cited cooperation between the health ministries "which exchange experience in combating the COVID-19 infection."
The Russia top diplomat said that during talks with Zarif they exchanged views on key global and regional problems. "Our positions are either identical or very close," Lavrov said.
He also said they discussed various aspects of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program and agreed to spare no effort to keep it place on the basis of equal and constructive cooperation among its participants.
Other topics included the current situation in Syria following the July 1 videoconference of the heads of state of the Astana process guarantor nations - Russia, Iran and Turkey. "We agreed to continue to coordinate our actions in order to reach lasting peace and improve the humanitarian situation in that long-suffering country," he said "We think the results of the talks are quite satisfactory and agreed to keep in contact on these matters.".


tass--2020-07-21--Safronov’s defense says unaware of LOM Praha company mentioned by media reports

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
The defense of Roscosmos CEO advisor Ivan Safronov is unaware about the Czech @ @ @ @ @ which the media tie to Safronov ’ s case , says attorney Ivan Pavlov .
@ @ @ @ @ the company and I am unaware about any statements made by its representatives on this @ @ @ @ @ mentioned in the case materials that we were provided with , '' the attorney said @ @ @ @ @ The Moscow Times speculated that the Safronov case is tied to the information leak on @ @ @ @ @ on maintenance of Russian-made helicopters across the world .
LOM Praha , a Rostec competitor @ @ @ @ @ recipient of the leaked data .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. The defense of Roscosmos CEO advisor Ivan Safronov is unaware about the Czech Republic-based LOM Praha company, which the media tie to Safronov’s case, says attorney Ivan Pavlov.
"I am unaware about the company and I am unaware about any statements made by its representatives on this case. It is not mentioned in the case materials that we were provided with," the attorney said.
In early July, The Moscow Times speculated that the Safronov case is tied to the information leak on Russia’s Rostec contracts on maintenance of Russian-made helicopters across the world. LOM Praha, a Rostec competitor was named as a possible recipient of the leaked data.


tass--2020-07-21--Over 40 aircraft take part in rehearsal of Russia’s Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Over 40 aircraft and helicopters took part in the rehearsal of the air component of Russia ’ s Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg , the press office of the Western Military District reported on Tuesday .
`` Over 40 naval aviation combat planes and helicopters that took off from four operational airfields of the Western Military District made a flyover in a single formation of tactical groups distinguished by aircraft of various classes in accordance with their assigned missions over the central part of St. Petersburg in the area of Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route of the flight , keeping the distance , the speed and the altitude .
A Be-200 ‘ Alexander Mamkin ’ amphibious aircraft flew over the Neva River for the first time , '' the press office said in a statement .
An Ilyushin Il-2 WWII ground attack plane took part in the rehearsal of the naval parade ’ s air component and led the flyover over St. Petersburg .
Following the results of the plane ’ s flyover , the naval aviation command made a decision on the Il-2 ’ s participation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , the statement says .
During the Soviet Union ’ s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany , the crew of Valentin Skopintsev and air gunner Vladimir Gumenny fought on this plane within the Northern Fleet ’ s 46th assault air regiment .
In November 1943 , they took off on a mission to attack the enemy ’ s Luostari aerodrome .
During the attack , their plane was severely damaged by the enemy ’ s anti-aircraft guns and fighter planes and they had to land it on the lake ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wounded air gunner to the base while the plane shortly sank .
The plane was found in 2012 and raised from the lake ’ s bottom .
After it was restored in 2017 , the plane took to the skies again .
Today this is the world ’ s sole flying Il-2 plane with its unique combat history and the best by its authenticity .
The rehearsal also involved Su-24M , Su-25 , Su-30SM , Su-33 , MiG-29K and Su-27 aircraft , an A-50 long-range radar surveillance plane , an Il-78 aerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft , and also Mi-8 , Ka-27M , Ka-28 , Ka-29 and Ka-31 helicopters .
The Main Naval Parade will take place in St. Petersburg and Kronshtadt on Russia ’ s Navy Day that will be celebrated on July 26 this year .
The Russian Navy is set to involve 46 warships , boats and submarines , naval aviation aircraft and helicopters and over 4,000 personnel in the Main Naval Parade .
Apart from St. Petersburg , the naval parades will be held at the bases of all the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Severomorsk , Baltiysk , Sevastopol , Kaspiysk , Vladivostok and at Russia ’ s Tartus naval facility on the Mediterranean coast in Syria .

ST. PETERSBURG, July 21. /TASS/. Over 40 aircraft and helicopters took part in the rehearsal of the air component of Russia’s Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg, the press office of the Western Military District reported on Tuesday.
"Over 40 naval aviation combat planes and helicopters that took off from four operational airfields of the Western Military District made a flyover in a single formation of tactical groups distinguished by aircraft of various classes in accordance with their assigned missions over the central part of St. Petersburg in the area of Senate Square. The crews practiced accomplishing the route of the flight, keeping the distance, the speed and the altitude. A Be-200 ‘Alexander Mamkin’ amphibious aircraft flew over the Neva River for the first time," the press office said in a statement.
An Ilyushin Il-2 WWII ground attack plane took part in the rehearsal of the naval parade’s air component and led the flyover over St. Petersburg. Following the results of the plane’s flyover, the naval aviation command made a decision on the Il-2’s participation in the Main Naval Parade on July 26, the statement says.
During the Soviet Union’s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany, the crew of Valentin Skopintsev and air gunner Vladimir Gumenny fought on this plane within the Northern Fleet’s 46th assault air regiment. In November 1943, they took off on a mission to attack the enemy’s Luostari aerodrome.
During the attack, their plane was severely damaged by the enemy’s anti-aircraft guns and fighter planes and they had to land it on the lake’s ice. Skopintsev managed to bring the wounded air gunner to the base while the plane shortly sank. The plane was found in 2012 and raised from the lake’s bottom. After it was restored in 2017, the plane took to the skies again.
Today this is the world’s sole flying Il-2 plane with its unique combat history and the best by its authenticity.
The rehearsal also involved Su-24M, Su-25, Su-30SM, Su-33, MiG-29K and Su-27 aircraft, an A-50 long-range radar surveillance plane, an Il-78 aerial refueling tanker, a Tu-142MK plane, an Il-38 anti-submarine aircraft, and also Mi-8, Ka-27M, Ka-28, Ka-29 and Ka-31 helicopters.
The Main Naval Parade will take place in St. Petersburg and Kronshtadt on Russia’s Navy Day that will be celebrated on July 26 this year. The Russian Navy is set to involve 46 warships, boats and submarines, naval aviation aircraft and helicopters and over 4,000 personnel in the Main Naval Parade.
Apart from St. Petersburg, the naval parades will be held at the bases of all the Russian Navy’s fleets and flotillas in Severomorsk, Baltiysk, Sevastopol, Kaspiysk, Vladivostok and at Russia’s Tartus naval facility on the Mediterranean coast in Syria.


tass--2020-07-21--Number of coronavirus cases in Africa exceeds 736,000, says WHO

The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 736,214 , with 15,027 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 15,1426 , with 260 fatalities registered during the day .
As many as 392,000 patients have recovered .
PRETORIA , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
More than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 736,000 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday .
South Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 373,628 and 5,173 , respectively .
Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 4,352 and 88,402 , respectively .
As many as 1,087 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases ( 37,225 cases and 801 fatalities ) .
Next is Ghana ( 28,430 cases and 153 deaths ) .
WHO specialists have voiced concern over the coronavirus morbidity rates in African countries .
Thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 69 % in Namibia , by 57 % in Zambia , by 50 % in Madagascar , by 31 % in Kenya , and by 30 % in South Africa over the past week .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 14,874,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 613,600 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,929,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 736,214, with 15,027 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 15,1426, with 260 fatalities registered during the day. As many as 392,000 patients have recovered.
PRETORIA, July 21. /TASS/. More than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 736,000, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 373,628 and 5,173, respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 4,352 and 88,402, respectively. As many as 1,087 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (37,225 cases and 801 fatalities). Next is Ghana (28,430 cases and 153 deaths).
WHO specialists have voiced concern over the coronavirus morbidity rates in African countries. Thus, the number of COVID cases increased by 69% in Namibia, by 57% in Zambia, by 50% in Madagascar, by 31% in Kenya, and by 30% in South Africa over the past week.
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 14,874,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 613,600 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,929,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-21--Greece sentences 2 Russian sailors to 253 years in prison for migrant smuggling

MOSCOW , July 21 .
/TASS/ .
Two Russian sailors have been sentenced to 253 years behind bars each for transporting illegal migrants and human trafficking , Vice President for Russia ’ s United Nations Human Rights Committee office Ivan Melnikov told TASS .
`` Konstantin Semenov and Ivan Voznikovtsev were sentenced to 253 years in prison for facilitating illegal migration , human trafficking and illegal crossing of the Greek border , '' he said , adding that this sentence equals around 20 years behind bars according to the Russian Criminal Code .
Melnikov emphasized that this harsh punishment arises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentenced the sailors to between 7 and 12 years in prison for each migrant , while punishment for other crimes was added on top of that .
The human rights official noted that the Russians pleaded not guilty .
According to the sailors , they arrived in Turkey previously to work , as they were promised 2,000 euros each a month and paid meals for working on a cruise yacht to sail with tourists .
`` After completing training , the Russians sailed into the sea , but their yacht repeatedly broke down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
However , instead of a boat with spare parts , illegal migrants showed up on flotation devices in the specified point .
The employer threatened the sailors , while the migrants climbed aboard , '' Melnikov stressed .
As a result , Semenov and Voznikovtsev had to let the people in , moving slowly along the coastline , trying to draw attention f coast guards in every way possible .
When officers finally approached the yacht , Russians were detained and later accused of migrant smuggling .

MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Two Russian sailors have been sentenced to 253 years behind bars each for transporting illegal migrants and human trafficking, Vice President for Russia’s United Nations Human Rights Committee office Ivan Melnikov told TASS.
"Konstantin Semenov and Ivan Voznikovtsev were sentenced to 253 years in prison for facilitating illegal migration, human trafficking and illegal crossing of the Greek border," he said, adding that this sentence equals around 20 years behind bars according to the Russian Criminal Code. Melnikov emphasized that this harsh punishment arises from the fact that the justice system sentenced the sailors to between 7 and 12 years in prison for each migrant, while punishment for other crimes was added on top of that.
The human rights official noted that the Russians pleaded not guilty. According to the sailors, they arrived in Turkey previously to work, as they were promised 2,000 euros each a month and paid meals for working on a cruise yacht to sail with tourists. "After completing training, the Russians sailed into the sea, but their yacht repeatedly broke down, and they notified the employer about it. However, instead of a boat with spare parts, illegal migrants showed up on flotation devices in the specified point. The employer threatened the sailors, while the migrants climbed aboard," Melnikov stressed. As a result, Semenov and Voznikovtsev had to let the people in, moving slowly along the coastline, trying to draw attention f coast guards in every way possible. When officers finally approached the yacht, Russians were detained and later accused of migrant smuggling.