tass--2020-08-19--Press review: Belarus protests dying down and Big Pharma fears Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine

Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Belarus protests fizzling out , as public loses faith in opposition Tuesday became a day of silence for Belarus .
Protests on the streets of Minsk have drawn fewer crowds than the day before , and strikes at the country 's leading enterprises have weakened .
According to experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta , the demonstrations gained momentum due to police brutality , but the opposition itself has failed to offer any tangible changes .
According to them , the immediate transfer of power in the country should not be expected , and everything largely depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The majority of workers go about their business , and some small groups continue to strike , but they are lost in the big picture , '' human rights activist and political analyst Lyudmila Gryaznova told the newspaper .
According to her , something happened that no one in Belarus expected at the start of the unrest : the public heard Lukashenko 's appeal .
`` Another week and Lukashenko will completely dissolve the Belarusian protest , '' Head of the Belarusian Mises Research Center Yaroslav Romanchuk told the newspaper .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become so massive , had it not been for the brutality of law enforcement agencies , '' he added .
According to Romanchuk , people placed their bet on Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , but she created `` some kind of incomprehensible Coordination Council , which included unknown people for no reason . ''
`` Tikhanovskaya does not have a clear program , she is not a politician .
And the understanding that there was no one to follow and there was no need to follow brought the protests down , '' the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power in Belarus , it won ’ t happen now , Romanchuk believes .
Kommersant : Russia , US still at odds over New START deal after Vienna talks The latest round of Russian-US talks in Vienna ended with new demands from Washington .
Now , as a precondition for the extension of the New START Treaty , the United States insists on signing an additional politically binding framework agreement by both presidents .
This document should cover both the strategic and tactical nuclear arsenals of both parties , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this document , the US hopes to build a multilateral arms control system for the future .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Kommersant that Moscow `` took into consideration '' Washington 's proposals , but stressed that Russia was not interested in extending START `` at any cost . ''
The new US-proposed framework agreement should first seek to bring under control `` all types of warheads and nuclear weapons , '' `` both strategic and tactical . ''
US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea told Kommersant that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered by any agreements and the number of which is constantly growing , should be included in future agreements .
Second , Washington insists on expanding verification and transparency measures .
If Moscow agrees , then , according to Billingslea , his team will be ready to invite Donald Trump `` to consider '' extending the treaty .
A multilateral arms control arrangement with China ’ s participation could also be established in the future .
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Kommersant that the Russian delegation `` took all the US ideas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not predict its outcome .
`` We can not immediately react to such serious aspects of our discussions , let alone conduct a public discussion on this topic . ''
The Russian senior diplomat noted that Moscow supports extending the New START Treaty , but `` not at any cost . ''
In general , he called the consultations `` very useful '' and `` professional . ''
Ryabkov noted that the Russian delegation also had `` a long list of questions for the United States . ''
`` Some of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive .
But there are many more instances , where we do not see any response , '' he told the newspaper .
Izvestia : Recovery of demand for oil expected only by late 2021 Oil demand will only fully recover by the end of 2021 , unless the world faces a second wave of coronavirus and a new quarantine , experts told Izvestia following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin .
Meanwhile , according to them , the decline in investment in the Russian sector was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil producing countries .
According to Sechin , Rosneft is working on its strategic development goals , providing an average of about 6 % of global production , while stimulating the Russian economy by generating about 8 % of Russia ’ s GDP .
He added that the company is working to minimize the negative consequences of the compulsory decline in production .
Rosneft is also ready to return to the construction of the Eastern Petrochemical Company , if fiscal conditions improve .
Deputy General Director at the Institute of National Energy Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Far East are very important as anchor projects supporting the development of the region 's fields .
First , they will be located close to the fastest growing markets .
Second , the petrochemical industry produces high-margin products that bring in more profit than crude oil .
Meanwhile , oil demand will fully recover only by the end of 2021 , if there is no second wave of Covid-19 , a new quarantine , and a recession , Head of the Analytics Department at Alpari Alexander Razuvaev told Izvestia .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia in general and Rosneft in particular will reach the pre-crisis level of production , '' the expert said .
He also added that the decline in investment in the Russian sector is not as severe as in many other producing countries .
According to Frolov , the prospects for sustainable production growth both in Russia and throughout the world will not emerge before mid-autumn , and given the current dynamics , perhaps by the end of the year .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Big Pharma up in arms over Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The announcement that Russia was the first to complete the development of a vaccine against coronavirus , could please only those afraid of contracting COVID-19 , but for the global pharmaceutical industry it was unpleasant news , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
According to the newspaper , Big Pharma immediately began to criticize the Russian vaccine abroad out of fear of losing colossal profits .
The Association of Clinical Research Organizations , which united a number of large biopharmaceutical companies , including Bayer , AstraZeneca , Novartis and others criticized the Russian vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health Mikhail Murashko , expressing concerns about the plans to use the Russian drug .
For example , the appeal noted that less than 100 people participated in the vaccine ’ s tests .
Russia 's Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , the vaccine ’ s developers , disagreed with the criticism and said that the technical platform used to create the vaccine is well understood .
The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare also castigated Big Pharma ’ s claims against the Russian vaccine based on lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The vaccine has passed a serious preclinical stage of testing on animals and has shown the ability to develop cellular immunity and humoral specific immunity , '' Head of the Center for Clinical Study of Medicines at Sechenov University Elena Smolyarchuk said .
`` If certain people , or specific companies lose billions of dollars from the Russian vaccine , what kind of reaction do you expect ?
It seems to me that the reaction is completely normal , '' Director of the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become more attractive than Cyprus After signing a deal on raising taxes on money transfers to international quasi-offshore zones ( Cyprus , Malta , Luxembourg ) , Russia ’ s government intends to drastically soften the tax regime for residents of Russian `` domestic offshores '' that is , special administrative regions .
According to Vedomosti , the Finance Ministry has prepared amendments to the Tax Code , according to which international holdings registered in these regions will be exempt from income tax transferred by their foreign divisions , and the tax on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % .
According to Vedomosti , virtually , a tax regime is being introduced for special administrative regions , which was previously in effect in Cyprus .
In addition , the new amendments to the Tax Code specifically stipulate that international companies with divisions that are involved in mineral extraction will get these benefits .
Independent experts agree that after the implementation of the tax initiatives of the Ministry of Finance , the attractiveness of `` Russian offshores '' will increase .
`` The amendments to the Tax Code regarding taxes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attractive for those companies and groups that would like to maintain the current level of taxation , '' partner at Deloitte Natalya Kuznetsova told the newspaper .
The amendments primarily boost the attractiveness of such regions for holding companies and companies with foreign mining branches , EY partner Marina Belyakova believes .
`` In the future , this type of arrangement may interest a wider range of companies , for example , design and trading companies with branches abroad , '' Senior Manager for Tax & Legal Services at KPMG Russia Ivan Nasonov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Belarus protests fizzling out, as public loses faith in opposition
Tuesday became a day of silence for Belarus. Protests on the streets of Minsk have drawn fewer crowds than the day before, and strikes at the country's leading enterprises have weakened. According to experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta, the demonstrations gained momentum due to police brutality, but the opposition itself has failed to offer any tangible changes. According to them, the immediate transfer of power in the country should not be expected, and everything largely depends on what Lukashenko will do next. "The majority of workers go about their business, and some small groups continue to strike, but they are lost in the big picture," human rights activist and political analyst Lyudmila Gryaznova told the newspaper. According to her, something happened that no one in Belarus expected at the start of the unrest: the public heard Lukashenko's appeal. "Another week and Lukashenko will completely dissolve the Belarusian protest," Head of the Belarusian Mises Research Center Yaroslav Romanchuk told the newspaper. "The fact is that the changes would not have become so massive, had it not been for the brutality of law enforcement agencies," he added. According to Romanchuk, people placed their bet on Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, but she created "some kind of incomprehensible Coordination Council, which included unknown people for no reason." "Tikhanovskaya does not have a clear program, she is not a politician. And the understanding that there was no one to follow and there was no need to follow brought the protests down," the expert added. If there is a transfer of power in Belarus, it won’t happen now, Romanchuk believes. Kommersant: Russia, US still at odds over New START deal after Vienna talks
The latest round of Russian-US talks in Vienna ended with new demands from Washington. Now, as a precondition for the extension of the New START Treaty, the United States insists on signing an additional politically binding framework agreement by both presidents. This document should cover both the strategic and tactical nuclear arsenals of both parties, as well as provide new control measures. Based on this document, the US hopes to build a multilateral arms control system for the future. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Kommersant that Moscow "took into consideration" Washington's proposals, but stressed that Russia was not interested in extending START "at any cost." The new US-proposed framework agreement should first seek to bring under control "all types of warheads and nuclear weapons," "both strategic and tactical." US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea told Kommersant that Russian warheads, which are currently not covered by any agreements and the number of which is constantly growing, should be included in future agreements. Second, Washington insists on expanding verification and transparency measures. If Moscow agrees, then, according to Billingslea, his team will be ready to invite Donald Trump "to consider" extending the treaty. A multilateral arms control arrangement with China’s participation could also be established in the future. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Kommersant that the Russian delegation "took all the US ideas into consideration." Yet, he did not predict its outcome. "We cannot immediately react to such serious aspects of our discussions, let alone conduct a public discussion on this topic." The Russian senior diplomat noted that Moscow supports extending the New START Treaty, but "not at any cost." In general, he called the consultations "very useful" and "professional." Ryabkov noted that the Russian delegation also had "a long list of questions for the United States." "Some of them were cleared up, and this is a positive. But there are many more instances, where we do not see any response," he told the newspaper. Izvestia: Recovery of demand for oil expected only by late 2021
Read also OPEC countries fulfill their obligations under oil production cut deal by 97% in July
Oil demand will only fully recover by the end of 2021, unless the world faces a second wave of coronavirus and a new quarantine, experts told Izvestia following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. Meanwhile, according to them, the decline in investment in the Russian sector was not as severe as in many other oil producing countries. According to Sechin, Rosneft is working on its strategic development goals, providing an average of about 6% of global production, while stimulating the Russian economy by generating about 8% of Russia’s GDP. He added that the company is working to minimize the negative consequences of the compulsory decline in production. Rosneft is also ready to return to the construction of the Eastern Petrochemical Company, if fiscal conditions improve. Deputy General Director at the Institute of National Energy Alexander Frolov told the newspaper that petrochemical complexes in the Far East are very important as anchor projects supporting the development of the region's fields. First, they will be located close to the fastest growing markets. Second, the petrochemical industry produces high-margin products that bring in more profit than crude oil. Meanwhile, oil demand will fully recover only by the end of 2021, if there is no second wave of Covid-19, a new quarantine, and a recession, Head of the Analytics Department at Alpari Alexander Razuvaev told Izvestia. "I think that by about this time, Russia in general and Rosneft in particular will reach the pre-crisis level of production," the expert said. He also added that the decline in investment in the Russian sector is not as severe as in many other producing countries. According to Frolov, the prospects for sustainable production growth both in Russia and throughout the world will not emerge before mid-autumn, and given the current dynamics, perhaps by the end of the year. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Big Pharma up in arms over Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine, fears huge monetary losses
The announcement that Russia was the first to complete the development of a vaccine against coronavirus, could please only those afraid of contracting COVID-19, but for the global pharmaceutical industry it was unpleasant news, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. According to the newspaper, Big Pharma immediately began to criticize the Russian vaccine abroad out of fear of losing colossal profits. The Association of Clinical Research Organizations, which united a number of large biopharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, AstraZeneca, Novartis and others criticized the Russian vaccine. The association sent a letter to Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, expressing concerns about the plans to use the Russian drug. For example, the appeal noted that less than 100 people participated in the vaccine’s tests. Russia's Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, the vaccine’s developers, disagreed with the criticism and said that the technical platform used to create the vaccine is well understood. The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare also castigated Big Pharma’s claims against the Russian vaccine based on lack of knowledge of the research results. "The vaccine has passed a serious preclinical stage of testing on animals and has shown the ability to develop cellular immunity and humoral specific immunity," Head of the Center for Clinical Study of Medicines at Sechenov University Elena Smolyarchuk said. "If certain people, or specific companies lose billions of dollars from the Russian vaccine, what kind of reaction do you expect? It seems to me that the reaction is completely normal," Director of the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said. Vedomosti: Russian 'offshores' become more attractive than Cyprus
Read also Russia halts denunciation of tax agreement with Cyprus


tass--2020-08-19--Russia to launch Soyuz MS-17 crewed spacecraft to orbital outpost on October 14

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of a Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft with three crewmembers to the International Space Station ( ISS ) is scheduled for October 14 , Russia ’ s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center announced on Wednesday .
A source in the space industry told TASS in mid-May that the second manned launch in 2020 was scheduled for October 14 .
`` The cosmonauts of the basic and back-up teams of ISS Expedition 64 will undergo a cycle of training sessions in the standard and back-up modes as part of preparations for a flight under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s rendezvous with the ISS scheduled for October 14 , 2020 , '' the Center said in a statement .
The spacecraft is set to arrive at the orbital outpost in three hours and 20 minutes after making two orbits of the Earth .
Basic crew instructor Aidar Bikmuchev said that this flight scheme would cut the number of operations performed by the spaceship ’ s crew and therefore would `` lower the probability of mistakes for the commander and the flight engineers . ''
The forecast of the Soyuz MS-17 ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjusted using both measurements of the Kurs-NA radio-technical docking system and the data of Glonass and GPS navigation satellites .
Head of Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft with three crewmembers onboard scheduled to lift off towards the International Space Station in October might travel under a two-orbit pattern .
A source in the domestic space industry told TASS in August that specialists of Russia ’ s Energia Space Rocket Corporation had started training cosmonauts for a record fast flight to the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crewed spacecraft expected to reach the orbital outpost in three hours .
Roscosmos later confirmed this information .
In late May , the inter-agency commission approved the basic and back-up crews for a flight to the International Space Station in October .
Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins were approved as the basic crew for the October flight aboard the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft .
The back-up crew consists of Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov and US astronaut Mark Vande Hei .
The inter-agency commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic .
It will comprise Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Andrei Babkin .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The launch of a Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft with three crewmembers to the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled for October 14, Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center announced on Wednesday.
A source in the space industry told TASS in mid-May that the second manned launch in 2020 was scheduled for October 14.
"The cosmonauts of the basic and back-up teams of ISS Expedition 64 will undergo a cycle of training sessions in the standard and back-up modes as part of preparations for a flight under a short scheme of the Soyuz MS-17’s rendezvous with the ISS scheduled for October 14, 2020," the Center said in a statement.
The spacecraft is set to arrive at the orbital outpost in three hours and 20 minutes after making two orbits of the Earth. Basic crew instructor Aidar Bikmuchev said that this flight scheme would cut the number of operations performed by the spaceship’s crew and therefore would "lower the probability of mistakes for the commander and the flight engineers."
The forecast of the Soyuz MS-17’s rendezvous with the orbital outpost may be adjusted using both measurements of the Kurs-NA radio-technical docking system and the data of Glonass and GPS navigation satellites.
Autumn flight
Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft with three crewmembers onboard scheduled to lift off towards the International Space Station in October might travel under a two-orbit pattern.
A source in the domestic space industry told TASS in August that specialists of Russia’s Energia Space Rocket Corporation had started training cosmonauts for a record fast flight to the International Space Station under an ultra-short scheme with the crewed spacecraft expected to reach the orbital outpost in three hours. Roscosmos later confirmed this information.
In late May, the inter-agency commission approved the basic and back-up crews for a flight to the International Space Station in October.
Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins were approved as the basic crew for the October flight aboard the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft.
The back-up crew consists of Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov and US astronaut Mark Vande Hei. The inter-agency commission also approved a specially formed reserve crew due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will comprise Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Andrei Babkin.


tass--2020-08-19--Detentions reported during unauthorized rally near Minsk tractor plant

`` This morning , on August 19 , an unauthorized mass event was held near the entrance to the Minsk Tractor Works .
Its participants were preventing the plant workers from entering their workplace .
< ... > In order to intercept the illegal actions , the police pushed back the crowd and detained the two most active participants of the event , '' the statement reads .
It is also noted that one of the detainees is an unemployed resident of Volkovysk ( a town in the Grodno Region of Belarus ) .
The administrative procedure has been started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the order of organization or conduct of mass events .
Earlier on Wednesday one of the strike coordinators Sergei Dylevsky told TASS that several workers who earlier took an unpaid leave of absence were detained near the front gate of the enterprise where they came to support their colleagues on strike .
According to eyewitnesses , among those who came to support the strike were not only the workers on leave but also Minsk residents , some of whom were also detained .
The plant ’ s press service reported that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the events beyond its gate .
In Belarus , where the presidential election was held on August 9 , mass protests of those disagreeing with the election results have been continuing for over a week .
In the early days the rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .
According to the republic ’ s Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people were detained while dozens of policemen and protesters were injured .
According to the final results of the Central Election Commission , incumbent president of Belarus Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent , came second with 10.12 % and later refused to recognize the election results .
To date , a number of large enterprises have been holding rallies demanding a new election and a probe into the actions of the security forces , as incited by the opposition .

"This morning, on August 19, an unauthorized mass event was held near the entrance to the Minsk Tractor Works. Its participants were preventing the plant workers from entering their workplace. <...> In order to intercept the illegal actions, the police pushed back the crowd and detained the two most active participants of the event," the statement reads.
It is also noted that one of the detainees is an unemployed resident of Volkovysk (a town in the Grodno Region of Belarus). The administrative procedure has been started against the detainees due to the violations of the order of organization or conduct of mass events.
Earlier on Wednesday one of the strike coordinators Sergei Dylevsky told TASS that several workers who earlier took an unpaid leave of absence were detained near the front gate of the enterprise where they came to support their colleagues on strike. According to eyewitnesses, among those who came to support the strike were not only the workers on leave but also Minsk residents, some of whom were also detained. The plant’s press service reported that the enterprise is functioning and refused to comment on the events beyond its gate.
In Belarus, where the presidential election was held on August 9, mass protests of those disagreeing with the election results have been continuing for over a week. In the early days the rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. According to the republic’s Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people were detained while dozens of policemen and protesters were injured. According to the final results of the Central Election Commission, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, came second with 10.12% and later refused to recognize the election results. To date, a number of large enterprises have been holding rallies demanding a new election and a probe into the actions of the security forces, as incited by the opposition.


tass--2020-08-19--Ukraine registers record daily high of 1,967 COVID-19 infections

KIEV , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian healthcare workers over the past 24 hours registered a record number of the coronavirus infections - 1,967 , which surpasses the tally of the previous day of 1,616 by almost 22 % , Ukraine ’ s National Security and Defense Council reported on Wednesday .
According to its data , over the past 24 hours due to the complications caused by the novel coronavirus `` 28 people died and 812 patients have recovered . ''
As Ukraine ’ s Health Minister Maxim Stepanov reported at a briefing on Wednesday , over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19,591 PCR tests , 10 % of which were positive .
The majority of new infections were recorded in the Kharkov Region - 247 , Kiev - 215 , the Lvov Region - 188 , the Ivano-Frankovsk Region - 163 and the Chernovtsy Region - 154 .
According to the minister , a daily record high of 463 hospitalized patients has also been set in Ukraine .
`` You see that the coronavirus gains momentum .
We have seen this trend for the past month .
We have crossed very quickly the divide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now we are already approaching two thousand , '' the minister said , reiterating the necessity to follow the quarantine rules .
Since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine the number of confirmed coronavirus infections reached 96,403 , with 2,144 fatalities and 49,737 recoveries .
Over this time the healthcare workers conducted 1,335,000 PCR tests with 7.2 % of them detecting the presence of the virus .
Ukraine confirmed its first COVID-19 case on March 3 in the Chernovtsy Region .
The government imposed a lockdown on March 17 .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine were introduced : the country ’ s regions are divided into four zones with different restrictions depending on the epidemiological situation .
On August 12 , the government updated the criteria for introducing or cancelling quarantine restrictions in each of the regions of Ukraine .
Their number was reduced from four to three , and the requirements were clarified .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 22,324,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 784,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 15,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 937,321 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 749,423 patients having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s latest data indicates 15,989 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

KIEV, August 19. /TASS/. Ukrainian healthcare workers over the past 24 hours registered a record number of the coronavirus infections - 1,967, which surpasses the tally of the previous day of 1,616 by almost 22%, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council reported on Wednesday.
According to its data, over the past 24 hours due to the complications caused by the novel coronavirus "28 people died and 812 patients have recovered."
As Ukraine’s Health Minister Maxim Stepanov reported at a briefing on Wednesday, over the past 24 hours the healthcare workers conducted 19,591 PCR tests, 10% of which were positive. The majority of new infections were recorded in the Kharkov Region - 247, Kiev - 215, the Lvov Region - 188, the Ivano-Frankovsk Region - 163 and the Chernovtsy Region - 154.
According to the minister, a daily record high of 463 hospitalized patients has also been set in Ukraine. "You see that the coronavirus gains momentum. We have seen this trend for the past month. We have crossed very quickly the divide of a thousand new cases per day and now we are already approaching two thousand," the minister said, reiterating the necessity to follow the quarantine rules.
Since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine the number of confirmed coronavirus infections reached 96,403, with 2,144 fatalities and 49,737 recoveries. Over this time the healthcare workers conducted 1,335,000 PCR tests with 7.2% of them detecting the presence of the virus.
Ukraine confirmed its first COVID-19 case on March 3 in the Chernovtsy Region. The government imposed a lockdown on March 17. Since August 1, new rules of adaptive quarantine were introduced: the country’s regions are divided into four zones with different restrictions depending on the epidemiological situation. On August 12, the government updated the criteria for introducing or cancelling quarantine restrictions in each of the regions of Ukraine. Their number was reduced from four to three, and the requirements were clarified.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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 22,324,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 784,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 15,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 937,321 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 749,423 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 15,989 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-19--China's Ministry of Commerce plans to introduce new liberalization policy on Hainan

HAIKOU , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
China 's Ministry of Commerce intends to test a number of economic liberalization measures in some experimental areas of the Island of Hainan , reported the Hainan Daily with reference to the complex program for the innovative development of pilot zones .
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce proposes to quit some formalities of doing business on Hainan to create a more open economy on the island .
For example , the country 's authorities are considering the possibility of canceling the registration of foreign trade participants involved in the export and import of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans , this measure should help revitalize the economic activity of these market players .
In addition , the authorities plan to cancel the registration procedures for franchising on Hainan .
Franchisors ( those who provide a franchise ) will only need to disclose information about those who purchase a franchise on the website of the Ministry of Commerce at least 30 days before an agreement between them is reached .
This will not apply to franchise businesses between regions .
Also , the Chinese authorities are going to allow foreign institutions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the island .
At the same time , the title of events should not include the words `` China '' , `` Chinese '' and other similar wording .
These events must be coordinated with the Hainan administration , regardless of whether they are held exclusively by foreign organizers or jointly with the Chinese partners .
In addition , the authorities intends to liberalize policies in Hainan 's Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone .
They will simplify the procedure for obtaining visas for foreign patients , payments for treatment and diagnostics , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 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 .

HAIKOU, August 19. /TASS/. China's Ministry of Commerce intends to test a number of economic liberalization measures in some experimental areas of the Island of Hainan, reported the Hainan Daily with reference to the complex program for the innovative development of pilot zones.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce proposes to quit some formalities of doing business on Hainan to create a more open economy on the island. For example, the country's authorities are considering the possibility of canceling the registration of foreign trade participants involved in the export and import of technologies. According to the government's plans, this measure should help revitalize the economic activity of these market players.
In addition, the authorities plan to cancel the registration procedures for franchising on Hainan. Franchisors (those who provide a franchise) will only need to disclose information about those who purchase a franchise on the website of the Ministry of Commerce at least 30 days before an agreement between them is reached. This will not apply to franchise businesses between regions.
Also, the Chinese authorities are going to allow foreign institutions to independently hold economic and technological exhibitions on the island. At the same time, the title of events should not include the words "China", "Chinese" and other similar wording. These events must be coordinated with the Hainan administration, regardless of whether they are held exclusively by foreign organizers or jointly with the Chinese partners.
In addition, the authorities intends to liberalize policies in Hainan's Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone. They will simplify the procedure for obtaining visas for foreign patients, payments for treatment and diagnostics, as well as calculating health insurance.
In June 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.


tass--2020-08-19--Belarusian potash producer to continue strikes, ore mining halted

`` A decision was made to continue the strike until our demands are fulfilled .
Meanwhile , we believe it is early now to declare a hunger strike , '' Bokun said .
SOLIGORSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Strikes at Belaruskali , one of the world ’ s biggest producers and exporters of potash fertilizers , will continue , while no decision on a hunger strike has been made , co-chairman of the strike committee at the Belarusian enterprise Anatoly Bokun told a rally on Wednesday .
The plant is not mining ore as the strike continues at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative of the strike committee informed .
`` As far as I know , until recently , they have not brought ore to grass .
The sylvinite concentrating factories of the 1st , 2nd and 3rd mining department are standing still .
Only the factory of the 4th mining administration is operating . ''
However , he voiced concerns that `` after pressure is exerted on the workers , production at some facilities could be launched . ''
`` They [ the company ’ s management ] are talking to every worker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their contracts , as well to hold accountable for expressing their opinion , '' the representative of the strike committee said .
According to him , `` people 's moods are different , people are being bullied . ''
`` People are scared , but I am firmly convinced that there are brave and courageous miners in our team who must defend not only the honor of the team , the city , but also the republic , '' Bokun said .
He recalled that the workers of Belaruskali demand declaring `` [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` The developments around the elections led to the situation when a person comes to their workplace but can not perform the work with high quality and safety , '' the co-chairman of the Belaruskali strike committee said .
Bokun admitted that `` with a decrease in the number of strikers , the strike goes beyond the legal framework of the strike . ''
`` We are losing our quorum , '' he said .
In the near future , the strike committee will develop new approaches to holding strikes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other cities are heading to Soligorsk .
Our hospitable city will be happy to have this support , '' he said .
`` We are waiting for and are expecting people ’ s support , '' he added .
More than 1,000 staff of Belaruskali took part in the rally .
Citizens , including local teachers , came to support the miners .
They asked the miners to unite and stand to the end .
`` Unless this happens , our children won ’ t have the future , '' one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s participants decided to gather on the central square of Soligorsk late on Wednesday .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into clashes with police .
The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people were detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

"A decision was made to continue the strike until our demands are fulfilled. Meanwhile, we believe it is early now to declare a hunger strike," Bokun said.
SOLIGORSK, August 19. /TASS/. Strikes at Belaruskali , one of the world’s biggest producers and exporters of potash fertilizers, will continue, while no decision on a hunger strike has been made, co-chairman of the strike committee at the Belarusian enterprise Anatoly Bokun told a rally on Wednesday.
The plant is not mining ore as the strike continues at most of its production facilities, the representative of the strike committee informed. "As far as I know, until recently, they have not brought ore to grass. The sylvinite concentrating factories of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd mining department are standing still. Only the factory of the 4th mining administration is operating."
However, he voiced concerns that "after pressure is exerted on the workers, production at some facilities could be launched." "They [the company’s management] are talking to every worker, intimidating them by threatening not to renew their contracts, as well to hold accountable for expressing their opinion," the representative of the strike committee said.
According to him, "people's moods are different, people are being bullied."
"People are scared, but I am firmly convinced that there are brave and courageous miners in our team who must defend not only the honor of the team, the city, but also the republic," Bokun said.
He recalled that the workers of Belaruskali demand declaring "[the president's] elections as invalid."
"The developments around the elections led to the situation when a person comes to their workplace but cannot perform the work safely and with high quality," the co-chairman of the Belaruskali strike committee said.
Bokun admitted that "with a decrease in the number of strikers, the strike goes beyond the legal framework of the strike." "We are losing our quorum," he said.
In the near future, the strike committee will develop new approaches to holding strikes. "There is unconfirmed data that workers from other cities are heading to Soligorsk. Our hospitable city will be happy to have this support," he said. "We are waiting for and are expecting people’s support," he added.
More than 1,000 staff of Belaruskali took part in the rally. Citizens, including local teachers, came to support the miners. They asked the miners to unite and stand to the end. "Unless this happens, our children won’t have the future," one of the teachers said.
The rally’s participants decided to gather on the central square of Soligorsk late on Wednesday.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people were detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-19--Russia reports over 4,800 new coronavirus cases in past day

According to its data , the daily growth rate did not exceed 0.5 % for the fourth day in a row .
MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 4,828 in the past day , taking the total case tally in the country to 937,321 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
Ten more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center The lowest daily growth rates were registered in the Moscow Region ( 0.2 % ) , the Smolensk Region ( 0.2 % ) , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % ) , Moscow ( 0.3 % ) , the Kaluga Region ( 0.3 % ) , the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic ( 0.3 % ) , the Tambov Region ( 0.3 % ) , the Tula Region ( 0.3 % ) , the Trans-Baikal Region ( 0.3 % ) , the Bryansk Region ( 0.3 % ) , North Ossetia ( 0.3 % ) and the Kaliningrad Region ( 0.3 % ) .
Some 691 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Moscow , 162 - in St. Petersburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 147 - in the Sverdlovsk Region and 138 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
Currently , some 171,909 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection in Russia .
The number of coronavirus patients discharged over the past 24 hours in Russia has increased by 6,795 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
According to the crisis center , in all , 749,423 patients have recovered .
The share of recoveries to date makes up 80 % of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia .
Having recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 320 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 289 - in the Rostov Region , 259 - in the Chuvash Republic and 178 - in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region in one day .
The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Russia over the past 24 hours increased by 117 , compared to 132 the day before .
Over 24 hours , 17 fatalities were registered in St. Petersburg , 10 - in Moscow and six - in the Sverdlovsk , Omsk , and Krasnoyarsk regions each .
To date fatalities account for 1.71 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia .

According to its data, the daily growth rate did not exceed 0.5% for the fourth day in a row.
MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 4,828 in the past day, taking the total case tally in the country to 937,321, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
Ten more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center
The lowest daily growth rates were registered in the Moscow Region (0.2%), the Smolensk Region (0.2%), the Jewish Autonomous Region (0.2%), the Chechen Republic (0.2%), Moscow (0.3%), the Kaluga Region (0.3%), the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (0.3%), the Tambov Region (0.3%), the Tula Region (0.3%), the Trans-Baikal Region (0.3%), the Bryansk Region (0.3%), North Ossetia (0.3%) and the Kaliningrad Region (0.3%).
Some 691 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Moscow, 162 - in St. Petersburg, 151 - in the Moscow Region, 147 - in the Sverdlovsk Region and 138 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
Currently, some 171,909 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection in Russia.
Recoveries
The number of coronavirus patients discharged over the past 24 hours in Russia has increased by 6,795, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
According to the crisis center, in all, 749,423 patients have recovered. The share of recoveries to date makes up 80% of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia.
Having recovered, 1,242 patients were discharged in Moscow, 320 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 289 - in the Rostov Region, 259 - in the Chuvash Republic and 178 - in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region in one day.
Fatalities
The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Russia over the past 24 hours increased by 117, compared to 132 the day before.
Over 24 hours, 17 fatalities were registered in St. Petersburg, 10 - in Moscow and six - in the Sverdlovsk, Omsk, and Krasnoyarsk regions each.
To date fatalities account for 1.71% of the total number of infections in Russia.


tass--2020-08-19--Russia conducts over 33 mln COVID-19 tests, sanitary watchdog says

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists have carried out more than 33 mln tests for the novel @ @ @ @ @ said on Wednesday .
`` More than 33.2 mln tests for the coronavirus have been @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
Over @ @ @ @ @ were carried out .
According to the watchdog , some 222,601 people remain under medical @ @ @ @ @ suspected coronavirus infection .
To date , 932,493 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 15,872 fatalities nationwide .
@ @ @ @ @ set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Russian specialists have carried out more than 33 mln tests for the novel coronavirus, the sanitary watchdog said on Wednesday.
"More than 33.2 mln tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported. Over the past day 248,000 tests were carried out.
According to the watchdog, some 222,601 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection.
To date, 932,493 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 742,628 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 15,872 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-19--Hainan issues program for the island's smart development

HAIKOU , Aigust 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities have unveiled an innovative development program for the island dubbed `` Smart Hainan 2020-2025 '' .
The text of the document was published on the provincial government 's website .
The program 's main goal is to promote the construction of Hainan 's free trade port , the innovative development of the island , the introduction of an effective social management system , the development of a world-class service sector , the modernization of industry , and the development of the province 's export-oriented digital economy .
The program provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure projects aimed at the development of 5G communication networks , the Internet of things , information and communication services .
The implementation of the program is planned in three stages .
By the end of 2021 , the authorities intend to lay the foundation for `` Smart Hainan '' , in particular , to ensure the creation of key infrastructure , the development of 5G networks and the Internet of Things .
During 2022-2023 , it is planned to improve the quality of services provided on the island , ensure the widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of industry , improve processes , including in the field of customs control .
By the end of 2025 , it is planned to complete the implementation of the `` Smart Hainan '' program , to turn the province into an example of an international `` smart '' free trade port with high quality business conditions , services provided , a developed digital economy , etc .
In June the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

HAIKOU, Aigust 19. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities have unveiled an innovative development program for the island dubbed "Smart Hainan 2020-2025". The text of the document was published on the provincial government's website.
The program's main goal is to promote the construction of Hainan's free trade port, the innovative development of the island, the introduction of an effective social management system, the development of a world-class service sector, the modernization of industry, and the development of the province's export-oriented digital economy.
The program provides for the implementation of more than 30 infrastructure projects aimed at the development of 5G communication networks, the Internet of things, information and communication services.
The implementation of the program is planned in three stages. By the end of 2021, the authorities intend to lay the foundation for "Smart Hainan", in particular, to ensure the creation of key infrastructure, the development of 5G networks and the Internet of Things. During 2022-2023, it is planned to improve the quality of services provided on the island, ensure the widespread introduction of IT, promote digital modernization of industry, improve processes, including in the field of customs control. By the end of 2025, it is planned to complete the implementation of the "Smart Hainan" program, to turn the province into an example of an international "smart" free trade port with high quality business conditions, services provided, a developed digital economy, etc.
In June 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.


tass--2020-08-19--FACTBOX: History of state coups in Mali

FACTBOX: History of state coups in Mali

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
A military coup took place in Mali on August 18 as mutinous servicemen detained President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse .
This is the fourth state coup in the country ’ s history .
The Republic of Mali was proclaimed on September 22 , 1960 .
Its first president was Modibo Keita , the secretary general of the Sudanese Union-African Democratic Rally ( US-RDA ) .
A military coup in November 1968 brought to power the Military Committee for National Liberation ( CMLN ) , led by Moussa Traore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ party - the Democratic Union of the Malian People ( UDPM ) - was established and later became the only one in the country .
Presidential and parliamentary elections were held in June 1979 .
Traore , who chaired UDPM , was elected president .
After that , CMLN was disbanded and the transition to a civilian government began .
Another state coup took place in the country on March 25 , 1991 , overthrowing Traore ’ s authoritarian rule and bringing to power the Transitional Committee for the Salvation of the People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toure .
The committee comprised both military delegates and civilian opposition members .
A new constitution was adopted during a referendum in 1992 , establishing a multi-party system in the country .
Presidential and parliamentary elections took place in March and April 1992 .
The majority of seats in the parliament were won by the Alliance for Democracy in Mali ( Alliance pour la Democratie au Mali , ADEMA ) , while its leader Alpha Oumar Konare was elected president and re-elected for the second term in 1997 .
In 2002 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toumani Toure , who headed the country during the transition period .
He was re-elected to the post in 2007 .
In 2012 , the political situation in Mali was destabilized by the insurgency of the Tuareg separatists in the north of the country , who were supported by radical Islamist groups .
As a result of another coup , President Toure was ousted on March 22 , 2012 .
Facing pressure from the international community , coup leader Amadou Haya Sanogo signed an agreement to transfer the power to Dioncounda Traore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and formed a transitional government .
By April 2012 , almost the entire northern section of Mali was under the control of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad ( MNLA ) .
However , by July , the Tuareg separatists were pushed out by their former allies , Islamic radicals who declared the creation of a state governed by the Sharia law .
In January 2013 , they started to march toward the capital of Bamako , threatening the total overthrow of the republican system of government in Mali .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president Traore , military forces from African countries and France intervened to help the Malian army .
As a result of joint military operations , the government of Mali regained control over the northern territories by March .
On August 11 , 2013 , a presidential election was held in the country and Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was elected as president .
As a result of the government ’ s negotiations with Tuareg leaders , agreements were signed on May 15 and June 20 , 2015 .
They envisaged a political reform on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the republican system of government would be preserved .
However , Islamist groups that were left aside the negotiations managed to consolidate their forces and increase their influence in rural areas of central Mali .
The most prominent of them were the Islamic State West Africa Province ( ISWAP ) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara .
Both are affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist organization , outlawed in Russia .
Besides , groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda ( outlawed in Russia ) have become active along the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is made worse by ethnic tensions in Central Mali , where Fulani herdsmen on one side and Dogon and Bambara farmers on the other are competing for land and pastures .
In 2019 , the country was gripped by a wave of rallies , demanding to enhance security in central regions , hit by ethnic clashes .
Protestors also demanded the government ’ s resignation .
On April 18 , the government of Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga resigned .
In May , following an agreement reached by new Prime Minister Boubou Cisse with 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formed with the participation of the opposition .
However , Cisse ’ s government failed to bring stability to the country .
The protest movement in Mali gained momentum this spring .
Protesters demanded that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resign .
They also called for enhanced security measures as numerous terrorist groups intensified their attacks in the country .
The protests were led by prominent religious scholar Imam Mahmoud Dicko .
The first rally that he organized in Bamako on June 5 gathered dozens of thousands of people .
Later , two more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Dicko ’ s June 5 Movement - Rally of Patriotic Forces ( M5-RFP ) on June 19 and July 10 .
Participants called for the president ’ s resignation , a national unity government and the dissolution of parliament .
The June 10 rally turned violent , with activists setting fire to the parliament building , breaking into the office of the national TV and radio broadcaster and blocking roads and bridges .
Clashes continued until late July 12 , leaving 14 people dead and 154 injured .
The government and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 , mediated by the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) .
On July 27 , the organization came up with a plan of stabilization in Mali , suggesting a national unity government with the participation of all leading political forces in the country .
On August 18 , a mutiny broke out at an army base in Kati , outside the capital city of Bamako .
The insurgency was led by Colonel Sadio Camara , former director of a military school at the Kati military base .
Apart from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Camara ’ s forces arrested a number of ministers , including foreign and finance ministers and the parliament speaker .
The Malian General Staff is also reportedly controlled by the insurgents , with a number of senior officers being arrested .
All governmental bodies and banks in Bamako are closed .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. A military coup took place in Mali on August 18 as mutinous servicemen detained President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse. This is the fourth state coup in the country’s history.
The Republic of Mali was proclaimed on September 22, 1960. Its first president was Modibo Keita, the secretary general of the Sudanese Union-African Democratic Rally (US-RDA).
A military coup in November 1968 brought to power the Military Committee for National Liberation (CMLN), led by Moussa Traore. In March 1979, a new political party - the Democratic Union of the Malian People (UDPM) - was established and later became the only one in the country. Presidential and parliamentary elections were held in June 1979. Traore, who chaired UDPM, was elected president. After that, CMLN was disbanded and the transition to a civilian government began.
Another state coup took place in the country on March 25, 1991, overthrowing Traore’s authoritarian rule and bringing to power the Transitional Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) led by Amadou Toumani Toure. The committee comprised both military delegates and civilian opposition members.
A new constitution was adopted during a referendum in 1992, establishing a multi-party system in the country. Presidential and parliamentary elections took place in March and April 1992. The majority of seats in the parliament were won by the Alliance for Democracy in Mali (Alliance pour la Democratie au Mali, ADEMA), while its leader Alpha Oumar Konare was elected president and re-elected for the second term in 1997.
In 2002, the presidential elections were won by General Amadou Toumani Toure, who headed the country during the transition period. He was re-elected to the post in 2007.
In 2012, the political situation in Mali was destabilized by the insurgency of the Tuareg separatists in the north of the country, who were supported by radical Islamist groups. As a result of another coup, President Toure was ousted on March 22, 2012. Facing pressure from the international community, coup leader Amadou Haya Sanogo signed an agreement to transfer the power to Dioncounda Traore. Traore was sworn in as an interim president and formed a transitional government.
By April 2012, almost the entire northern section of Mali was under the control of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA). However, by July, the Tuareg separatists were pushed out by their former allies, Islamic radicals who declared the creation of a state governed by the Sharia law. In January 2013, they started to march toward the capital of Bamako, threatening the total overthrow of the republican system of government in Mali. In response to a call by interim president Traore, military forces from African countries and France intervened to help the Malian army. As a result of joint military operations, the government of Mali regained control over the northern territories by March.
On August 11, 2013, a presidential election was held in the country and Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was elected as president. As a result of the government’s negotiations with Tuareg leaders, agreements were signed on May 15 and June 20, 2015. They envisaged a political reform on the condition that Mali’s territorial integrity and the republican system of government would be preserved.
Situation in 2015-2019
However, Islamist groups that were left aside the negotiations managed to consolidate their forces and increase their influence in rural areas of central Mali. The most prominent of them were the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. Both are affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist organization, outlawed in Russia. Besides, groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (outlawed in Russia) have become active along the country’s border with Burkina Faso. The situation is made worse by ethnic tensions in Central Mali, where Fulani herdsmen on one side and Dogon and Bambara farmers on the other are competing for land and pastures.
In 2019, the country was gripped by a wave of rallies, demanding to enhance security in central regions, hit by ethnic clashes. Protestors also demanded the government’s resignation. On April 18, the government of Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga resigned.
In May, following an agreement reached by new Prime Minister Boubou Cisse with 15 political groups, a new government was formed with the participation of the opposition. However, Cisse’s government failed to bring stability to the country.
Events of 2020
The protest movement in Mali gained momentum this spring. Protesters demanded that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resign. They also called for enhanced security measures as numerous terrorist groups intensified their attacks in the country.
The protests were led by prominent religious scholar Imam Mahmoud Dicko. The first rally that he organized in Bamako on June 5 gathered dozens of thousands of people. Later, two more massive protests were organized in the capital by Dicko’s June 5 Movement - Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP) on June 19 and July 10. Participants called for the president’s resignation, a national unity government and the dissolution of parliament. The June 10 rally turned violent, with activists setting fire to the parliament building, breaking into the office of the national TV and radio broadcaster and blocking roads and bridges. Clashes continued until late July 12, leaving 14 people dead and 154 injured.
The government and the opposition launched negotiations on July 20 and 23, mediated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). On July 27, the organization came up with a plan of stabilization in Mali, suggesting a national unity government with the participation of all leading political forces in the country.
On August 18, a mutiny broke out at an army base in Kati, outside the capital city of Bamako. The insurgency was led by Colonel Sadio Camara, former director of a military school at the Kati military base. Apart from the president and the prime minister, Camara’s forces arrested a number of ministers, including foreign and finance ministers and the parliament speaker. The Malian General Staff is also reportedly controlled by the insurgents, with a number of senior officers being arrested. All governmental bodies and banks in Bamako are closed.


tass--2020-08-19--Opposition leader Tikhanovskaya calls on Europe not to recognize Belarusian election

MINSK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Ex-Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called on European leaders not to recognize the outcome of the country ’ s August 9 presidential election .
`` I call on you not to recognize these fraudulent elections , '' Tikhanovskaya said in her address to the European Council in English posted on YouTube .
`` In order to facilitate a peaceful transition of power in my country , I have initiated the National Coordination Council of Belarus .
It will lead the process of peaceful transition of power via dialogue , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will immediately call for new fair and democratic presidential elections with international supervision . ''
She also called on European leaders to respect the principles of international law , the sovereignty of Belarus and the choice of Belarusian people .
Tikhanovskaya is currently in Lithuania .
Her address was posted ahead of the European Union ’ s emergency summit on the situation in Belarus , which is due to be held in the format of a video conference on Wednesday .
The National Coordination Council was established on Tuesday .
It brings together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to facilitate peaceful transition of power in the republic .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the creation of the Coordination Council by the opposition as an attempt to seize power .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
She did not recognize the outcome of the polls .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with the police .
The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry , several thousand people were detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 19. /TASS/. Ex-Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called on European leaders not to recognize the outcome of the country’s August 9 presidential election.
"I call on you not to recognize these fraudulent elections," Tikhanovskaya said in her address to the European Council in English posted on YouTube.
"In order to facilitate a peaceful transition of power in my country, I have initiated the National Coordination Council of Belarus. It will lead the process of peaceful transition of power via dialogue," she said.
According to Tikhanovskaya, "it will immediately call for new fair and democratic presidential elections with international supervision." She also called on European leaders to respect the principles of international law, the sovereignty of Belarus and the choice of Belarusian people.
Tikhanovskaya is currently in Lithuania. Her address was posted ahead of the European Union’s emergency summit on the situation in Belarus, which is due to be held in the format of a video conference on Wednesday.
The National Coordination Council was established on Tuesday. It brings together 70 opposition figures. Its major goal is to facilitate peaceful transition of power in the republic. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the creation of the Coordination Council by the opposition as an attempt to seize power.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the vote. She did not recognize the outcome of the polls.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with the police. The protests continued for several days and according to the Interior Ministry, several thousand people were detained while dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-19--Hainan's first smart cars regulation to come into force on October 1 — media

HAIKOU , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan ’ s office for industry and IT together with regional departments of transport and public security drafted the first document in the history of the island regulating the use of smart cars .
According to Haikou Daily , the new standards will come into force starting October 1 .
As the news outlet writes , the first stage of the new measures ensuring control over roads designated for self-driving vehicles , will begin to work in a pilot mode .
The authorities intend to draw as many companies able to boost the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and also development of a number of sectors for smart cars on Hainan to become a common concept for everyone .
According to the Hainan administration , if a self-driving vehicle will have been used for a year with no accidents , its owner ( organization ) will get the right to use the vehicle on the highways .
Moreover , the smart vehicle must have an overall distance of at least 10,000 km .
The Chinese government plans to gradually expand the scope of the territory where one can use self-driving vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all possible risks .
There are mandatory insurance packages in case of accidents , available upon buying the vehicle .
According to official plans , Hainan by 2030 intends to stop selling cars running on gas or diesel .
The authorities assume that within 10 years they will ensure the creation of 940,000 charging stations , and the number of cars running on alternative energy sources will exceed a million win ten years .

HAIKOU, August 18. /TASS/. Hainan’s office for industry and IT together with regional departments of transport and public security drafted the first document in the history of the island regulating the use of smart cars. According to Haikou Daily, the new standards will come into force starting October 1.
As the news outlet writes, the first stage of the new measures ensuring control over roads designated for self-driving vehicles, will begin to work in a pilot mode. The authorities intend to draw as many companies able to boost the creation of specific infrastructure as possible, and also development of a number of sectors for smart cars on Hainan to become a common concept for everyone.
According to the Hainan administration, if a self-driving vehicle will have been used for a year with no accidents, its owner (organization) will get the right to use the vehicle on the highways. Moreover, the smart vehicle must have an overall distance of at least 10,000 km.
The Chinese government plans to gradually expand the scope of the territory where one can use self-driving vehicles taking into account the city landscape and all possible risks. There are mandatory insurance packages in case of accidents, available upon buying the vehicle.
According to official plans, Hainan by 2030 intends to stop selling cars running on gas or diesel. The authorities assume that within 10 years they will ensure the creation of 940,000 charging stations, and the number of cars running on alternative energy sources will exceed a million win ten years.


tass--2020-08-19--The tourist city of Shandong has launched the program " Friendly Shandong"

JINAN , China , Aug. 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sake of disseminating cultural tourism resources of Shandong to the world , Shandong provincial department of culture and tourism launched `` Friendly Shandong , Hospitable Shandong '' activity of your favorite Shandong cultural tourism products selection .
Welcome everyone to participate .
Way of Participation : Visit the website ( https : //travelshandong.com/ ) or English facebook homepage ( www.facebook.com/visitshandong ) from Aug. 15th to Sept. 13th , and click the event picture or the website link to enter the selection page .
For this event , gifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky draw .
Award Contents : 1st Prize ( 2 terms ) : Shandong Five-Day Tour ( with Airfare ) , 2nd Prize ( 6 terms ) : Glaze Mount .
Tai , 3rd Prize ( 12 terms ) : Porcelain Tea Set , Memorial Prize ( 70 terms ) : Purple Sandalwood Luban Lock .
Shandong is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization .
Mount .
Tai rises here , the Yellow River empties into the sea here , Confucius was born here .
Adequate resources and massive connotation express the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
May all friends find that Shandong is a hospitable place with profound culture and beautiful scenery .

JINAN, China, Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sake of disseminating cultural tourism resources of Shandong to the world, Shandong provincial department of culture and tourism launched "Friendly Shandong, Hospitable Shandong" activity of your favorite Shandong cultural tourism products selection. Welcome everyone to participate.
Way of Participation: Visit the website (https://travelshandong.com/) or English facebook homepage (www.facebook.com/visitshandong) from Aug. 15th to Sept. 13th, and click the event picture or the website link to enter the selection page.
For this event, gifts are prepared and will be given by lucky draw. Award Contents: 1st Prize (2 terms): Shandong Five-Day Tour (with Airfare), 2nd Prize (6 terms): Glaze Mount. Tai, 3rd Prize (12 terms): Porcelain Tea Set, Memorial Prize (70 terms): Purple Sandalwood Luban Lock.
Shandong is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Mount. Tai rises here, the Yellow River empties into the sea here, Confucius was born here. Adequate resources and massive connotation express the beauty of ecological and life in Shandong. May all friends find that Shandong is a hospitable place with profound culture and beautiful scenery.


tass--2020-08-19--G7 to put forward its plan for WHO reform

TOKYO , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Member states of the Group of Seven ( G7 ) will soon come forward with a plan of reforming the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , Japan ’ s Yomiuri newspaper reported on Wednesday .
US breaks all ties with WHO , will no longer finance it — Trump According to the paper , the discussion of the plan with WHO members is to begin in September .
The main goal of the reform would be to increase the organization ’ s operational efficiency and ensure full transparency of information about disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its member states .
G7 hopes to gain broad support for its plan during the November session of the World Health Assembly - the supreme governing body of the international organization .
US President Donald Trump said on May 29 that Washington was terminating its relations with the World Health Organization `` because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms . ''
The US leader claimed the WHO was being controlled by China and accused China and the WHO of not taking due measures to curb the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States notified the United Nations about its withdrawal from the World Health Organization ( WHO ) from July 6 , 2021 , Stephane Dujarric , spokesperson for the UN secretary-general , said .

TOKYO, August 19. /TASS/. Member states of the Group of Seven (G7) will soon come forward with a plan of reforming the World Health Organization (WHO), Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper reported on Wednesday.
US breaks all ties with WHO, will no longer finance it — Trump
According to the paper, the discussion of the plan with WHO members is to begin in September.
The main goal of the reform would be to increase the organization’s operational efficiency and ensure full transparency of information about disease outbreaks both on behalf of the WHO and its member states.
G7 hopes to gain broad support for its plan during the November session of the World Health Assembly - the supreme governing body of the international organization.
US President Donald Trump said on May 29 that Washington was terminating its relations with the World Health Organization "because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms." The US leader claimed the WHO was being controlled by China and accused China and the WHO of not taking due measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.
The United States notified the United Nations about its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) from July 6, 2021, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said.


tass--2020-08-19--Police patrols enhanced near Russian consulate in New York — Department of State

WASHINGTON , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The US law enforcement stepped up patrols near the Russian Consulate-General in New York after an unknown man threw stones at the diplomatic mission ’ s building , a US Department of State spokesperson told TASS .
`` Our US law enforcement partners in New York have increased security patrols around the locations of the diplomatic facilities impacted by this incident , '' the spokesperson said .
The Russian Consulate-General told TASS on Monday that since August 10 , an unknown man had been threatening Russian diplomats and throwing stones at them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Consulate-General building was damaged .
According to the diplomats , during his arrest on the first day , the perpetrator was shouting and threatening the Russians in the presence of police .
Yet , a day later , he returned and again threw stones at cars at the diplomatic mission ’ s parking lot .
Even though the attacker `` was allegedly detained '' earlier , the police failed to issue any citation against him , the diplomatic mission said .
`` In view of this , the question is why a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Russian staff of the Consulate-General , was freed each time , '' the diplomats said .
The New York police told TASS on Tuesday that the perpetrator was detained and charged with criminal damage to property .

WASHINGTON, August 19. /TASS/. The US law enforcement stepped up patrols near the Russian Consulate-General in New York after an unknown man threw stones at the diplomatic mission’s building, a US Department of State spokesperson told TASS.
"Our US law enforcement partners in New York have increased security patrols around the locations of the diplomatic facilities impacted by this incident," the spokesperson said.
The Russian Consulate-General told TASS on Monday that since August 10, an unknown man had been threatening Russian diplomats and throwing stones at them. As a result of the incidents, the Consulate-General building was damaged.
According to the diplomats, during his arrest on the first day, the perpetrator was shouting and threatening the Russians in the presence of police. Yet, a day later, he returned and again threw stones at cars at the diplomatic mission’s parking lot. Even though the attacker "was allegedly detained" earlier, the police failed to issue any citation against him, the diplomatic mission said. "In view of this, the question is why a person, who had repeatedly made threats against the Russian staff of the Consulate-General, was freed each time," the diplomats said.
The New York police told TASS on Tuesday that the perpetrator was detained and charged with criminal damage to property.


tass--2020-08-19--Almost 80 countries received Russian emergencies ministry's aid in past 30 years

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
During the nearly 30 years of its existence , the Russian emergencies ministry provided assistance to almost 80 countries worldwide , the ministry ’ s press service told TASS on the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day marked on Wednesday .
`` In the past 30 years , the Russian emergencies ministry rendered assistance to 76 nations .
During the period between the start of 2019 and until now , a total of 41 humanitarian missions have been carried out beyond Russia ’ s borders , '' the ministry said .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped 25 nations , sending more than 24,000 tonnes of humanitarian cargo there .
African nations , hit by natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes , were among the most frequent recipients of the Russian assistance .
Humanitarian aid deliveries are the most sought-after form of assistance .
Besides , the emergencies ministry often sends groups of rescuers and doctors to disaster-hit areas , as was after the recent devastating blast in Beirut .
Russian firefighting aviation frequently takes part in extinguishing wildfires abroad .
The World Humanitarian Day was established by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes .
It is observed on August 19 , marking the day when then Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq , S·rgio Vieira de Mello , and 21 of his colleagues were killed in the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad in 2003 .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. During the nearly 30 years of its existence, the Russian emergencies ministry provided assistance to almost 80 countries worldwide, the ministry’s press service told TASS on the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day marked on Wednesday.
"In the past 30 years, the Russian emergencies ministry rendered assistance to 76 nations. During the period between the start of 2019 and until now, a total of 41 humanitarian missions have been carried out beyond Russia’s borders," the ministry said.
In the reported period, the Russian emergencies ministry helped 25 nations, sending more than 24,000 tonnes of humanitarian cargo there.
African nations, hit by natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, were among the most frequent recipients of the Russian assistance.
Humanitarian aid deliveries are the most sought-after form of assistance. Besides, the emergencies ministry often sends groups of rescuers and doctors to disaster-hit areas, as was after the recent devastating blast in Beirut. Russian firefighting aviation frequently takes part in extinguishing wildfires abroad.
The World Humanitarian Day was established by a UN General Assembly resolution as an international day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. It is observed on August 19, marking the day when then Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, S·rgio Vieira de Mello, and 21 of his colleagues were killed in the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad in 2003.


tass--2020-08-19--Joe Biden wins Democratic nomination to battle Trump in 2020 presidential election

NEW YORK , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been nominated to run for president @ @ @ @ @ securing the needed threshold of delegates .
He now has officially become the Democratic candidate @ @ @ @ @ election .
The decision was made at the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee , Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ which delegations all states and territories took part , was held in the online format @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Biden crossed the necessary threshold of 2,374 votes when North Carolina announced @ @ @ @ @ Biden received over 3,550 votes , his opponent Bernie Sanders - over 1,150 votes .

NEW YORK, August 19. /TASS/. Former Vice President Joe Biden has been nominated to run for president from the Democratic Party after securing the needed threshold of delegates. He now has officially become the Democratic candidate in the November 2020 presidential election.
The decision was made at the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The vote, in which delegations all states and territories took part, was held in the online format due to the current novel coronavirus pandemic.
Biden crossed the necessary threshold of 2,374 votes when North Carolina announced its decision.
Overall, Biden received over 3,550 votes, his opponent Bernie Sanders - over 1,150 votes.


tass--2020-08-19--Russia to unveil its newest Hermes missile system during Army-2020 forum

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
During the Army-2020 forum , the KBP Instrument Design Bureau ( part of @ @ @ @ @ the State Corporation Rostec ) will for the first time showcase its new-generation Hermes missile @ @ @ @ @ up to 100 km , a spokesperson for the High Precision Systems told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ forthcoming Army-2020 forum , the KBP Instrument Design Bureau ’ s display will feature the @ @ @ @ @ with over-the-horizon range of up to 100 km .
This is a new-generation system that @ @ @ @ @ munitions and artillery missile systems , '' the spokesperson said .
Hermes has an autonomous @ @ @ @ @ fire-and-forget type .
`` The system features the salvo launch mode at several ( up @ @ @ @ @ and automated synchronization of laser guidance for striking targets with a high-precision projectile with misdistance @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Hermes guided missiles are capable of being fired from aerial , @ @ @ @ @ The option of launch from strike drones is also possible .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. During the Army-2020 forum, the KBP Instrument Design Bureau (part of the High Precision Systems of the State Corporation Rostec) will for the first time showcase its new-generation Hermes missile system with the range of up to 100 km, a spokesperson for the High Precision Systems told TASS on Wednesday.
"During the forthcoming Army-2020 forum, the KBP Instrument Design Bureau’s display will feature the Hermes high-precision guided missile system with over-the-horizon range of up to 100 km. This is a new-generation system that occupies the niche between precision munitions and artillery missile systems," the spokesperson said.
Hermes has an autonomous missile guidance system of the fire-and-forget type.
"The system features the salvo launch mode at several (up to six) scattered targets and automated synchronization of laser guidance for striking targets with a high-precision projectile with misdistance not exceeding 0.5 meters," he said.
Hermes guided missiles are capable of being fired from aerial, land-based and naval platforms. The option of launch from strike drones is also possible.


tass--2020-08-19--Mali president steps down after being arrested by mutinous troops

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his resignation on Wednesday after being arrested by mutinous troops on Tuesday .
`` I inform you about my decision to resign , to give up my duty from now on , '' he said in a broadcast of the Radio and Television of Mali .
The president also announced the dissolution of the country ’ s unicameral parliament and resignation of the cabinet of ministers .
Keita , who held the presidential post since 2013 , said he does not want `` any blood to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office .
A mutiny broke out at an army base in Kati , outside capital city Bamako , on Tuesday morning .
The rebels arrested a number of ministers , including foreign and finance ministers , and the parliament speaker .
According to the Malijet news website , the rebels are led by Colonel Sadio Camara , a former director of a military school at the Kati military base .
Wakat Sera reported that the Malian General Staff is also controlled by the rebels , with a number of senior officers being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media reported that the country ’ s president and the prime minister were also arrested and taken to the Kati military base .

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his resignation on Wednesday after being arrested by mutinous troops on Tuesday.
"I inform you about my decision to resign, to give up my duty from now on," he said in a broadcast of the Radio and Television of Mali.
The president also announced the dissolution of the country’s unicameral parliament and resignation of the cabinet of ministers.
Keita, who held the presidential post since 2013, said he does not want "any blood to be shed" for him to remain in the office.
A mutiny broke out at an army base in Kati, outside capital city Bamako, on Tuesday morning. The rebels arrested a number of ministers, including foreign and finance ministers, and the parliament speaker. According to the Malijet news website, the rebels are led by Colonel Sadio Camara, a former director of a military school at the Kati military base. Wakat Sera reported that the Malian General Staff is also controlled by the rebels, with a number of senior officers being arrested.
Later in the day, media reported that the country’s president and the prime minister were also arrested and taken to the Kati military base.


tass--2020-08-19--Russian investigators launch case over general's death in Syria

MOSCOW , August 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Investigative Committee said on Wednesday it had launched a criminal case into the incident in Syria , in which a Russian general was killed and two servicemen were injured .
`` The crime that left a Russian army general killed and two more servicemen injured will not be an exception : forces of the Investigative Committee who are now doing their service in Syria will establish all details of this criminal offense as part of the case .
Establishing those guilty for the death and injuries of our servicemen is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of honor , '' the statement says .
Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin expressed his condolences over the general ’ s death and wished prompted recovery to the two injured servicemen .
An improvised roadside bomb exploded 15 km from the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor when a Russian military convoy was returning to its base after a humanitarian mission on August 18 , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported .
A military adviser in the rank of a major-general was killed while two servicemen were wounded , the ministry @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 19. /TASS/. The Russian Investigative Committee said on Wednesday it had launched a criminal case into the incident in Syria, in which a Russian general was killed and two servicemen were injured.
"The crime that left a Russian army general killed and two more servicemen injured will not be an exception: forces of the Investigative Committee who are now doing their service in Syria will establish all details of this criminal offense as part of the case. Establishing those guilty for the death and injuries of our servicemen is not just our duty, it is also a matter of honor," the statement says.
Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin expressed his condolences over the general’s death and wished prompted recovery to the two injured servicemen.
An improvised roadside bomb exploded 15 km from the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor when a Russian military convoy was returning to its base after a humanitarian mission on August 18, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported. A military adviser in the rank of a major-general was killed while two servicemen were wounded, the ministry’s press office said.


tass--2020-08-18--Russia tells UNSC only Belarusians themselves can resolve their national problems

UNITED NATIONS , August 18 .
/TASS/ .
The internal situation in Belarus should not be a subject to UN Security Council discussions because only Belarusians themselves can resolve their domestic issues , Russia ’ s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy said following closed-doors UN Security Council consultations on Tuesday initiated by the US and Estonia .
`` While indicating that it ’ s an internal issue of this country and not a matter to be discussed in Security Council , Russia stressed [ at the meeting ] that only Belorussians themselves should resolve the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and meddling , '' the envoy wrote on his Twitter page .
`` We also highlighted double standards of our Western colleagues who don ’ t bring to the Council similar post-election issues and cases of police brutality in their states and other countries , '' he added .
Belarus has been engulfed in mass protests since August 9 when the country held its presidential election , as people reject the official results of the vote , showing incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection .
In the first days of unrest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrators and police officers .
According to the national interior ministry , more than 6,000 people were detained , while dozens of police officers and protesters were wounded .
Official results of the Central Election Commission show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko winning the election with 80.1 % of the votes , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12 %

UNITED NATIONS, August 18. /TASS/. The internal situation in Belarus should not be a subject to UN Security Council discussions because only Belarusians themselves can resolve their domestic issues, Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy said following closed-doors UN Security Council consultations on Tuesday initiated by the US and Estonia.
"While indicating that it’s an internal issue of this country and not a matter to be discussed in Security Council, Russia stressed [at the meeting] that only Belorussians themselves should resolve the problems of their country without any foreign interference and meddling," the envoy wrote on his Twitter page.
"We also highlighted double standards of our Western colleagues who don’t bring to the Council similar post-election issues and cases of police brutality in their states and other countries," he added.
Belarus has been engulfed in mass protests since August 9 when the country held its presidential election, as people reject the official results of the vote, showing incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection. In the first days of unrest, the rallies were coupled with clashes between demonstrators and police officers. According to the national interior ministry, more than 6,000 people were detained, while dozens of police officers and protesters were wounded.
Official results of the Central Election Commission show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko winning the election with 80.1% of the votes, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12%


tass--2020-08-20--Malian opposition to cooperate with rebels on transition process - report

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Malian opposition June 5 Movement - Rally of Patriotic Forces ( M5-RFP ) @ @ @ @ @ cooperate with the military who grabbed power in the country , AFP reported , citing @ @ @ @ @ .
The M5-RFP underscored that its will work on `` development of a plan of @ @ @ @ @ with the National Committee for the Salvation of the People [ the body , established @ @ @ @ @ all powers of the country . ''
On morning August 18 , a rebellion took @ @ @ @ @ near Mali ’ s capital city of Bamako .
The military captured the General Staff @ @ @ @ @ s top leadership , including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita .
Under pressure , Keita announced @ @ @ @ @ government and the parliament .
One of the rebels ’ first steps was liberation of @ @ @ @ @ courts for street violence and organization of unrest .

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Malian opposition June 5 Movement - Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP) announced Wednesday its intention to cooperate with the military who grabbed power in the country, AFP reported, citing the opposition’s statement.
The M5-RFP underscored that its will work on "development of a plan of action that will be negotiated with the National Committee for the Salvation of the People [the body, established by the rebels] and all powers of the country."
On morning August 18, a rebellion took place at a military base near Mali’s capital city of Bamako. The military captured the General Staff and arrested the country’s top leadership, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Under pressure, Keita announced his resignation and dismissed the government and the parliament.
One of the rebels’ first steps was liberation of M5-RFP activists, sentenced by courts for street violence and organization of unrest.