tass--2020-07-13--OSCE Minsk Group calls on Yerevan and Baku to resume talks and return monitors

`` The Co-Chairs and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-office ( PRCIO ) Andrzej Kasprzyk regret the loss of life and offer their condolences to the families of those who were killed and injured .
The Co-Chairs and PRCiO have been in direct contact with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials since the beginning of the incident , '' the document reads .
VIENNA , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Minsk Group pf the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume substantive talks and stands for re-deployment of international observers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it is possible , as follows from the press statement by the OSCE Minsk Group ’ s co-chairs released on Monday following the aggravation of the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border .
The co-chairs noted that Yerevan and Baku have exchanged accusations of provoking the current aggravation .
`` The Minsk Group Co-Chairs condemn the recent ceasefire violations and call upon the sides to take all necessary measures to prevent any further escalation , including by use of the existing direct communication channels between them , '' the statement emphasizes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides to resume substantive negotiations as soon as possible and emphasize the importance of returning OSCE monitors to the region as soon as circumstances allow . ''
Azerbaijan ’ s defense ministry said on Sunday Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with use of artillery systems .
According to the ministry , clashes continued through the night .
Four Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and four more were wounded .
Armenia ’ s defense ministry said , in turn , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attempted attack .
The Armenian defense ministry said that two Armenian policemen and three soldiers had received minor wounds in shelling by the Azerbaijani side .
The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was mainly populated by Armenians , broke out in the early 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic .
In 1991-1994 , the confrontation spilled over into large-scale military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been held since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group , comprising along with its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States - Belarus , Germany , Italy , Sweden , Finland and Turkey .
A ceasefire agreement was reached on May 12 , 1994 .
The OSCE monitors visit the conflict zone to monitor the situation .
Such missions were suspended in April amid the novel coronavirus pandemic .

"The Co-Chairs and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-office (PRCIO) Andrzej Kasprzyk regret the loss of life and offer their condolences to the families of those who were killed and injured. The Co-Chairs and PRCiO have been in direct contact with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials since the beginning of the incident," the document reads.
VIENNA, July 13. /TASS/. The Minsk Group pf the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume substantive talks and stands for re-deployment of international observers in the conflict zone in Nagorno-Karabakh as soon as it is possible, as follows from the press statement by the OSCE Minsk Group’s co-chairs released on Monday following the aggravation of the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border.
The co-chairs noted that Yerevan and Baku have exchanged accusations of provoking the current aggravation. "The Minsk Group Co-Chairs condemn the recent ceasefire violations and call upon the sides to take all necessary measures to prevent any further escalation, including by use of the existing direct communication channels between them," the statement emphasizes. "The Minsk Group Co-Chairs also call on the sides to resume substantive negotiations as soon as possible and emphasize the importance of returning OSCE monitors to the region as soon as circumstances allow."
Azerbaijan’s defense ministry said on Sunday Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with use of artillery systems. According to the ministry, clashes continued through the night. Four Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and four more were wounded.
Armenia’s defense ministry said, in turn, that the border situation had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. The Armenian defense ministry said that two Armenian policemen and three soldiers had received minor wounds in shelling by the Azerbaijani side.
The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was mainly populated by Armenians, broke out in the early 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic.
In 1991-1994, the confrontation spilled over into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and some adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been held since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group, comprising along with its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States - Belarus, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.
A ceasefire agreement was reached on May 12, 1994. The OSCE monitors visit the conflict zone to monitor the situation. Such missions were suspended in April amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-07-13--Kursk region’s district police chief charged with high treason, says source

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has brought high treason @ @ @ @ @ ’ s district police chief , a source in law enforcement agencies told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Borzenkov , born in 1981 , former chief of a district department of the @ @ @ @ @ Kursk region directorate , was detained on June 22 as part of a high treason @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Criminal Code ) and placed under arrested for two months .
`` @ @ @ @ @ a crime under article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code ( high treason ) , @ @ @ @ @ giving no further details .
After Borzenkov ’ s detention , a FSB spokesman told @ @ @ @ @ the man `` was lured into confidential cooperation by a division of the Ukrainian Security @ @ @ @ @ top-secret information in the interests of a foreign special service . ''
The man was @ @ @ @ @ period of investigation to be later dismissed from police .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has brought high treason charges against former Kursk region’s district police chief, a source in law enforcement agencies told TASS on Monday.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Dmitry Borzenkov, born in 1981, former chief of a district department of the Russian interior ministry’s Kursk region directorate, was detained on June 22 as part of a high treason criminal case (article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code) and placed under arrested for two months.
"Borzenkov has been charged with a crime under article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code (high treason)," the source said, giving no further details.
After Borzenkov’s detention, a FSB spokesman told TASS citing intelligence data that the man "was lured into confidential cooperation by a division of the Ukrainian Security Service and has been collecting top-secret information in the interests of a foreign special service."
The man was placed on leave for the period of investigation to be later dismissed from police.


tass--2020-07-13--WHO convinced coronavirus origins should be searched for in China’s Wuhan

GENEVA , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) believes that scientific methodology should be applied in studying origins of coronavirus , starting with the place where first outbreak was recorded , China ’ s Wuhan , Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva Monday .
`` When it comes to investigating human disease , we need to go to the epicenter .
The first clusters of the disease were in China , '' he noted , adding that the virus origins should be fully understood .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus from animals to humans is yet be determined , and it can be identified anywhere .
`` You have to go with the data and science leads .
We have to follow the science , '' the official underlined .
`` That should start where the first cluster were detected .
And this was in Wuhan , in China , '' Ryan concluded .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 13,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 571,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,592,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

GENEVA, July 13. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that scientific methodology should be applied in studying origins of coronavirus, starting with the place where first outbreak was recorded, China’s Wuhan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva Monday.
"When it comes to investigating human disease, we need to go to the epicenter. The first clusters of the disease were in China," he noted, adding that the virus origins should be fully understood.
According to Ryan, the intermediate host of the virus from animals to humans is yet be determined, and it can be identified anywhere. "You have to go with the data and science leads. We have to follow the science," the official underlined.
"That should start where the first cluster were detected. And this was in Wuhan, in China," Ryan concluded.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 13,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 571,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,592,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-13--France maintains military ties with Russia while being NATO partner, says General Staff

PARIS , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
France supports military dialogue with Russia , while remaining a member and a partner of NATO , French General Staff head Francois Lecointre said in an interview for Le Monde .
`` We support important direct exchanges of information on fighting terrorism and the situation in Levant [ Syria , Palestine and Lebanon ] , '' he said .
`` France has established communication channels with Russia in a bid to prevent conflict situations , in naval sphere in particular .
[ … ] But at the same time we remain a reliable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double game . ''
The general gave his interview ahead of the Bastille Day , the national day of France that usually includes a military parade .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , it will not involve armed vehicles and will involve half as many participants this year .
The ceremony will be dedicated to the medics , involved in fighting the pandemic .
`` Army ’ s participation in the fight against the coronavirus is very important , '' the general underscored .
`` But continuation of our military missions remain our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , when other nations and international organizations suspended its operations over the sanitary crisis , President of France Emmanuel Macron made a decision to continue our missions to demonstrate our reliability as a partner , '' Lecointre said .
According to the official , `` France augmented its obligations in the areas of France ’ s direct interests in Africa , near Syrian and Libyan shores , as well as in the Levant . ''
On July 10 , Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian head of General Staff Valery Gerasimov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussing pressing issues of the international security , the situation in various crisis regions of the world , as well as bilateral cooperation .
Previous talks between Gerasimov and Lecointre took place during the French general ’ s visit to Moscow in February .

PARIS, July 13. /TASS/. France supports military dialogue with Russia, while remaining a member and a partner of NATO, French General Staff head Francois Lecointre said in an interview for Le Monde.
"We support important direct exchanges of information on fighting terrorism and the situation in Levant [Syria, Palestine and Lebanon]," he said. "France has established communication channels with Russia in a bid to prevent conflict situations, in naval sphere in particular. […] But at the same time we remain a reliable partner of NATO countries and play no double game."
The general gave his interview ahead of the Bastille Day, the national day of France that usually includes a military parade. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will not involve armed vehicles and will involve half as many participants this year. The ceremony will be dedicated to the medics, involved in fighting the pandemic.
"Army’s participation in the fight against the coronavirus is very important," the general underscored. "But continuation of our military missions remain our primary concern."
"In a moment, when other nations and international organizations suspended its operations over the sanitary crisis, President of France Emmanuel Macron made a decision to continue our missions to demonstrate our reliability as a partner," Lecointre said. According to the official, "France augmented its obligations in the areas of France’s direct interests in Africa, near Syrian and Libyan shores, as well as in the Levant."
On July 10, Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian head of General Staff Valery Gerasimov had a phone call with Lecointre, discussing pressing issues of the international security, the situation in various crisis regions of the world, as well as bilateral cooperation. Previous talks between Gerasimov and Lecointre took place during the French general’s visit to Moscow in February.


tass--2020-07-13--Many nations ‘headed in wrong direction’ in fight against COVID-19, says WHO head

GENEVA , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Many nations move in a wrong direction on their quest to fight the @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
`` Too many countries are headed in a @ @ @ @ @ remains public enemy number one , but the actions of many governments and people do @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` Mixed messages from leaders are undermining the most critical ingredient of @ @ @ @ @ crisis ] : trust . ''

GENEVA, July 13. /TASS/. Many nations move in a wrong direction on their quest to fight the coronavirus epidemic, says World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
"Too many countries are headed in a wrong direction, the virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this," he said. "Mixed messages from leaders are undermining the most critical ingredient of any response [to the crisis]: trust."


tass--2020-07-13--Safronov’s case based on criminal intelligence, lawyer says

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
The case of Ivan Safornov , an advisor to the head of Russia ’ s Roscosmos space agency , is based on criminal intelligence , his lawyer Ivan Pavlov told TASS .
`` Few investigative activities have been carried out .
As far as I understand , the case is based on criminal intelligence , '' Pavlov said .
According to the lawyer , Safronov will soon be questioned as a defendant .
He has been charged with high treason but refused to plead guilty .
According to Russia ’ s Federal Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruited by Czech intelligence in 2012 .
Eventually , he collected information on Russia ’ s defense cooperation with African countries and the Russian military ’ s activities in the Middle East in 2017 and passed it to the Czech Office for Foreign Relations and Information .
However , the information was actually meant for US intelligence agencies .
Safronov , who used to be a reporter for the Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers , became an adviser to the Roscosmos CEO on May 18 , 2020 .
Safronov was detained on July 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 275 of the Russian Criminal Code ( high treason ) .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovsky District Court placed him in custody until September 6 .
He faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. The case of Ivan Safornov, an advisor to the head of Russia’s Roscosmos space agency, is based on criminal intelligence, his lawyer Ivan Pavlov told TASS.
"Few investigative activities have been carried out. As far as I understand, the case is based on criminal intelligence," Pavlov said.
According to the lawyer, Safronov will soon be questioned as a defendant. He has been charged with high treason but refused to plead guilty.
According to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Safronov was recruited by Czech intelligence in 2012. Eventually, he collected information on Russia’s defense cooperation with African countries and the Russian military’s activities in the Middle East in 2017 and passed it to the Czech Office for Foreign Relations and Information. However, the information was actually meant for US intelligence agencies. Safronov, who used to be a reporter for the Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers, became an adviser to the Roscosmos CEO on May 18, 2020.
Safronov was detained on July 7, a case was opened under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code (high treason). Moscow’s Lefortovsky District Court placed him in custody until September 6. He faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.


tass--2020-07-13--Russia’s top diplomat urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to immediately cease fire

`` The aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was discussed .
Sergey Lavrov urged the sides to immediately cease the fire and display restraint , considering the commitments assumed and also the proposals by representatives of Russia , the United States and France as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the personal representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office , '' the ministry said after the results of the minister ’ s two telephone talks .
MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held telephone talks with Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan Zograb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and urged the parties to the conflict to immediately cease the fire , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said on Monday .
Lavrov stressed that Russia would continue implementing its mediation mission in contacts with Baku and Yerevan `` both in its national capacity and within the framework of co-chairmanship in the OSCE Minsk Group . ''
The Russian side `` also noted the importance for all the members of the Minsk Group to show a responsible approach in assessments of the developing situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provoke further escalation of tension . ''
Azerbaijan ’ s defense ministry reported on Sunday that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery .
According to the ministry , the clashes continued throughout the night .
Four Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and four others wounded .
Armenia ’ s defense ministry said , in turn , that the border situation had aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted attack .
The Armenian defense ministry said that two Armenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Azerbaijani side .
The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh broke out in February 1988 , when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region declared its secession from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
During the armed conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabah and seven neighboring areas .
The negotiations on the peaceful settlement of the conflict under the OSCE Minsk Group headed by three co-chairs ( Russia , US and France ) have been going on since 1992 .

"The aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was discussed. Sergey Lavrov urged the sides to immediately cease the fire and display restraint, considering the commitments assumed and also the proposals by representatives of Russia, the United States and France as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the personal representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office," the ministry said after the results of the minister’s two telephone talks.
MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held telephone talks with Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan Zograb Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mamedyarov to discuss the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and urged the parties to the conflict to immediately cease the fire, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
Lavrov stressed that Russia would continue implementing its mediation mission in contacts with Baku and Yerevan "both in its national capacity and within the framework of co-chairmanship in the OSCE Minsk Group."
The Russian side "also noted the importance for all the members of the Minsk Group to show a responsible approach in assessments of the developing situation and refrain from statements and moves that can provoke further escalation of tension."
Azerbaijan’s defense ministry reported on Sunday that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery. According to the ministry, the clashes continued throughout the night. Four Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and four others wounded.
Armenia’s defense ministry said, in turn, that the border situation had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. The Armenian defense ministry said that two Armenian policemen had received minor wounds in shelling by the Azerbaijani side.
The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh broke out in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region declared its secession from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. During the armed conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabah and seven neighboring areas. The negotiations on the peaceful settlement of the conflict under the OSCE Minsk Group headed by three co-chairs (Russia, US and France) have been going on since 1992.


tass--2020-07-13--Banks restructured loans worth 4.3 trillion rubles since start of pandemic

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , Russian banks have restructured loans worth almost 4.3 trillion rubles ( $ 60.7 bln ) , head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina said speaking in the Federation Council , upper house of parliament .
`` To date , they have restructured almost 4.3 trillion rubles worth of loans , '' she said .
In January-May , portfolio of loans to small businesses grew by 6.4 % .
`` We understand that there is a part of compulsion in this growth in lending when enterprises take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Nabiullina explained .
She recalled that in the beginning of the pandemic , the government launched a concessional lending program for small and medium-sized businesses .
The loans are issued at 2.5 % per annum and the limit of the program is 500 billion rubles ( $ 7.07 bln ) .
To date 300 billion rubles ( $ 4.2bln ) of this amount have been used .
More than 90,000 enterprises were able to restructure their loans and the total amount of restructured loans amounted to almost 690 bln rubles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , banks increased the issue of retail loans by 1 % after a 0.2 % growth in May and a 0.7 % decline in April .
On the whole , over the first half of the year , retail lending grew by 1.4 % .
`` This is much lower than in the first half of last year ( growth of 9.7 % - TASS ) .
But then there was accelerated growth rate in consumer lending , we took special measures to cool this segment , '' Nabullina said .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Russian banks have restructured loans worth almost 4.3 trillion rubles ($60.7 bln), head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina said speaking in the Federation Council, upper house of parliament.
"To date, they have restructured almost 4.3 trillion rubles worth of loans," she said.
In January-May, portfolio of loans to small businesses grew by 6.4%.
"We understand that there is a part of compulsion in this growth in lending when enterprises take more loans in conditions of lower revenues," Nabiullina explained.
She recalled that in the beginning of the pandemic, the government launched a concessional lending program for small and medium-sized businesses. The loans are issued at 2.5% per annum and the limit of the program is 500 billion rubles ($7.07 bln). To date 300 billion rubles ($4.2bln) of this amount have been used. More than 90,000 enterprises were able to restructure their loans and the total amount of restructured loans amounted to almost 690 bln rubles ($9.7 bln).
In June, banks increased the issue of retail loans by 1% after a 0.2% growth in May and a 0.7% decline in April. On the whole, over the first half of the year, retail lending grew by 1.4%. "This is much lower than in the first half of last year (growth of 9.7% - TASS). But then there was accelerated growth rate in consumer lending, we took special measures to cool this segment," Nabullina said.


tass--2020-07-13--KIA recalls over 5,000 cars in Russia

KIA recalls over 5,000 cars in Russia

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/ TASS / .
The official representative of KIA in Russia - Kia Motors Russia @ @ @ @ @ issued a recall for 5,128 Kia Seltos ( SP2 ) series vehicles on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology , the recall concerns vehicles sold from December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ The reason for the recall : the steering column of cars equipped with a mechanical @ @ @ @ @ does not lock in the parked position , '' the department explained .
On vehicles @ @ @ @ @ program , the steering column shaft will be replaced .
Work will be carried out @ @ @ @ @ car owners .

MOSCOW, July 13. / TASS /. The official representative of KIA in Russia - Kia Motors Russia and the CIS LLC has issued a recall for 5,128 Kia Seltos (SP2) series vehicles on Monday. According to the Russian Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology, the recall concerns vehicles sold from December 2019 to June 2020.
"The reason for the recall: the steering column of cars equipped with a mechanical locking system (MSCL) does not lock in the parked position," the department explained.
On vehicles that fall under the recall program, the steering column shaft will be replaced. Work will be carried out free of charge for the car owners.


tass--2020-07-13--Roscosmos head advisor’s indictment has no data on Czech intelligence payment

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
The indictment of Russia ’ s Roscosmos space agency Ivan Safronov does not mention any information regarding remunerations he could have received for handing over confidential data to the foreign intelligence service , Safronov ’ s defense attorney Ivan Pavlov told TASS .
`` The text of the [ indictment ] order does not contain any data whether Safronov received remunerations from the Czech intelligence service or any data on what he handed over specifically , when it happened or any other specific facts , '' the attorney pointed out .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the defendant .
The journalist is facing indictment on the count of high treason ( Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and pleaded not guilty .
Ivan Safronov , an advisor to the Roscosmos chief , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on July 7 on suspicion of treason .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovo court placed him in custody until September 6 .
Safronov is facing up to 20 years in prison if found guilty .
The FSB says that Safronov was recruited in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence agencies with information about Russian arms supplies to the Middle East and Africa .
The information was later passed on to the US counterparts , according to the case materials .
He worked for Kommersant newspaper until May 2019 , in July 2019 he joined Vedomosti .
Safronov was employed as the Roscosmos advisor on June 18 , 2020 .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. The indictment of Russia’s Roscosmos space agency Ivan Safronov does not mention any information regarding remunerations he could have received for handing over confidential data to the foreign intelligence service, Safronov’s defense attorney Ivan Pavlov told TASS.
"The text of the [indictment] order does not contain any data whether Safronov received remunerations from the Czech intelligence service or any data on what he handed over specifically, when it happened or any other specific facts," the attorney pointed out.
According to him, Safronov will soon be interrogated as the defendant. The journalist is facing indictment on the count of high treason (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code) and pleaded not guilty.
Ivan Safronov, an advisor to the Roscosmos chief, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on July 7 on suspicion of treason. Moscow’s Lefortovo court placed him in custody until September 6. Safronov is facing up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. The FSB says that Safronov was recruited in 2012 and in 2017 he provided the Czech intelligence agencies with information about Russian arms supplies to the Middle East and Africa. The information was later passed on to the US counterparts, according to the case materials.
He worked for Kommersant newspaper until May 2019, in July 2019 he joined Vedomosti. Safronov was employed as the Roscosmos advisor on June 18, 2020.


tass--2020-07-13--Border clashes are inevitable while their causes exist, says Azerbaijani envoy

`` Last afternoon there was another escalation on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border .
Many times , being Azerbaijan ’ s ambassador to Russia , I talked about the necessity to eliminate the causes of the conflict .
While the causes are not removed , such military action will continue , '' he said .
According to the envoy , the reasons today `` are in the fact that over 20 % of Azerbaijani territory is occupied . ''
`` Both the international community and the political forces in Russia and in other countries should become perfectly aware that never will the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Azerbaijani president accept the loss of territory .
It is impossible to accept the fact that troops of another state are located on the territory of your country .
There are four resolutions of the UN Security Council on this issue that are not being upheld , there are many international documents on this issue , including [ the ones by ] the PACE , the OSCE , by other European organizations , where it is clearly delineated who is the aggressor and who is the victim , '' he stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should recognize Armenia as `` the aggressor country which occupied the territory of another state . ''
`` The very issue of Nagorno-Karabakh is , of course , surmountable .
There is a format of the Minsk group of negotiations co-chaired by Russia , the US , and France .
By the way , the presidents of the co-chairing countries repeatedly stated that the status quo is inacceptable .
But the Armenian side does everything to maintain that status quo .
While it exists , the armed conflicts are inevitable , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Defense Ministry reported on the attempt of the Armenian armed forces units to attack the position of Azerbaijan ’ s army in the Tovuz direction of the border using artillery .
According to the agency , the clashes continued overnight .
According to Baku , four Azerbaijani servicemen were killed as a result of the clashes , four were wounded .
In turn , the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that as a result of the shelling two policemen on the border with Azerbaijan sustained light wounds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , ( a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was primarily populated by Armenians ) broke out in February of 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 in the format of the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"Last afternoon there was another escalation on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. Many times, being Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Russia, I talked about the necessity to eliminate the causes of the conflict. While the causes are not removed, such military action will continue," he said.
According to the envoy, the reasons today "are in the fact that over 20% of Azerbaijani territory is occupied." "Both the international community and the political forces in Russia and in other countries should become perfectly aware that never will the Azerbaijani people, the Azerbaijani government, the Azerbaijani president accept the loss of territory. It is impossible to accept the fact that troops of another state are located on the territory of your country. There are four resolutions of the UN Security Council on this issue that are not being upheld, there are many international documents on this issue, including [the ones by] the PACE, the OSCE, by other European organizations, where it is clearly delineated who is the aggressor and who is the victim," he stressed.
The diplomat thinks that the international community should recognize Armenia as "the aggressor country which occupied the territory of another state." "The very issue of Nagorno-Karabakh is, of course, surmountable. There is a format of the Minsk group of negotiations co-chaired by Russia, the US, and France. By the way, the presidents of the co-chairing countries repeatedly stated that the status quo is inacceptable. But the Armenian side does everything to maintain that status quo. While it exists, the armed conflicts are inevitable," the envoy concluded.
Border clashes
On Sunday afternoon Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported on the attempt of the Armenian armed forces units to attack the position of Azerbaijan’s army in the Tovuz direction of the border using artillery. According to the agency, the clashes continued overnight. According to Baku, four Azerbaijani servicemen were killed as a result of the clashes, four were wounded.
In turn, the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that as a result of the shelling two policemen on the border with Azerbaijan sustained light wounds.
The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, (a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was primarily populated by Armenians) broke out in February of 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-13--Russian PM to discuss integration issues with his Belarusian counterpart on July 14

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with new Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in Moscow on July 14 , the press service of the Russian Cabinet reported .
`` The heads of government are expected to discuss a wide range of topical issues related to Russian-Belarusian relations and integration within the Union State .
Special attention will be paid to trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of major joint projects , '' the report said .
This is the first face-to-face meeting between them since Golovchenko was appointed as new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone calls since then , on June 5 and June 26 .
During the first conversation , Mishustin congratulated his Belarusian counterpart on his appointment and wished him success in his work .
He also reaffirmed readiness for joint work within the Union State and highlighted the importance of scaling up bilateral cooperation for the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union and the CIS .
On June 22 , Golovchenko discussed with Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev issues related in particular to arranging a bilateral meeting with Mishustin .
The Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus situation had affected contacts at the interstate level .
At the same time , he was confident that cooperation would intensify as the situation improved .
He earlier reaffirmed the Belarusian Cabinet ’ s willingness to continue a constructive intergovernmental dialogue with Russia in various forms .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with new Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in Moscow on July 14, the press service of the Russian Cabinet reported.
"The heads of government are expected to discuss a wide range of topical issues related to Russian-Belarusian relations and integration within the Union State. Special attention will be paid to trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of major joint projects," the report said.
This is the first face-to-face meeting between them since Golovchenko was appointed as new Belarusian Prime Minister. They had two phone calls since then, on June 5 and June 26. During the first conversation, Mishustin congratulated his Belarusian counterpart on his appointment and wished him success in his work. He also reaffirmed readiness for joint work within the Union State and highlighted the importance of scaling up bilateral cooperation for the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union and the CIS.
On June 22, Golovchenko discussed with Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev issues related in particular to arranging a bilateral meeting with Mishustin. The Belarusian prime minister said at that time that the coronavirus situation had affected contacts at the interstate level. At the same time, he was confident that cooperation would intensify as the situation improved.
He earlier reaffirmed the Belarusian Cabinet’s willingness to continue a constructive intergovernmental dialogue with Russia in various forms.


tass--2020-07-13--Artillery fire intesity at border with Azerbaijan decreases - Armenian defense ministry

`` Azerbaijan aggravates the situation at the border periodically .
As of now , the intensity of artillery shelling and attacks of unmanned aerial vehicles has decreased .
The Armenian armed forces are in control of the situation .
There are no losses on the Armenian side , '' she wrote on her Facebook account .
YEREVAN , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
The intensity of artillery fire from the Azerbaijani side has decreased but aggravations occur regularly , Armenian Defense Ministry Spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said on Monday .
Azerbaijan ’ s defense ministry said on Sunday Armenian army units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions at the Tovuz section of the border with use of artillery systems .
According to the ministry , clashes continued through the night .
Four Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and four more were wounded .
Armenia ’ s defense ministry said , in turn , that the border situation had aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted attack .
The Armenian defense ministry said that two Armenian policemen and three soldiers had received minor wounds in shelling by the Azerbaijani side .
Earlier on Monday , Russia ’ s foreign ministry expressed serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and called on the side to show restraint and stay committed to the ceasefire .
The Russian side expressed readiness to help settle the situation .
The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was mainly populated by Armenians , broke out in the early 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic .
In 1991-1994 , the confrontation spilled over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the enclave and some adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been held since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group , comprising along with its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States - Belarus , Germany , Italy , Sweden , Finland and Turkey .

"Azerbaijan aggravates the situation at the border periodically. As of now, the intensity of artillery shelling and attacks of unmanned aerial vehicles has decreased. The Armenian armed forces are in control of the situation. There are no losses on the Armenian side," she wrote on her Facebook account.
YEREVAN, July 13. /TASS/. The intensity of artillery fire from the Azerbaijani side has decreased but aggravations occur regularly, Armenian Defense Ministry Spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said on Monday.
Azerbaijan’s defense ministry said on Sunday Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with use of artillery systems. According to the ministry, clashes continued through the night. Four Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and four more were wounded.
Armenia’s defense ministry said, in turn, that the border situation had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. The Armenian defense ministry said that two Armenian policemen and three soldiers had received minor wounds in shelling by the Azerbaijani side.
Earlier on Monday, Russia’s foreign ministry expressed serious concern of the dramatic aggravation of the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and called on the side to show restraint and stay committed to the ceasefire. The Russian side expressed readiness to help settle the situation.
The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was mainly populated by Armenians, broke out in the early 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic.
In 1991-1994, the confrontation spilled over into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and some adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been held since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group, comprising along with its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States - Belarus, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.


tass--2020-07-13--Total area of wildfires in Russia is successfully reduced six times

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Emergencies Ministry has noted a 1.5-times decrease in a number @ @ @ @ @ ’ s territory and a 6-time decrease in their total area , the agency ’ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` A stabilization of the wildfire situation is noted : their total @ @ @ @ @ times , the number of outbreaks was reduced 1.5 times .
The most complicated situation @ @ @ @ @ the Volgograd Region , '' the press service said .
Over the past week , @ @ @ @ @ over 8,000 man-caused fires .
Currently , the firemen control the safety of the Tavrida @ @ @ @ @ Crimea .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry has noted a 1.5-times decrease in a number of wildfires on the country’s territory and a 6-time decrease in their total area, the agency’s press service told TASS on Monday.
"A stabilization of the wildfire situation is noted: their total area was successfully reduced six times, the number of outbreaks was reduced 1.5 times. The most complicated situation remains in the Voronezh and the Volgograd Region," the press service said.
Over the past week, on Russian territory were registered over 8,000 man-caused fires. Currently, the firemen control the safety of the Tavrida youth forum taking place in Crimea.


tass--2020-07-13--Turkish Airlines to start flying to six Russian cities on August 1

ANKARA , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Airlines plans to start flights to six Russian cities on August 1 @ @ @ @ @ released on the company ’ s official website on Monday .
`` After being away @ @ @ @ @ are back to the sky .
< ... > We are happy to offer you @ @ @ @ @ know how difficult it is to plan in this period , '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ start performing 14 flights per week to Moscow starting August 1 , five flights per @ @ @ @ @ August 2 , 3 and 4 flights per week to Kazan and Rostov-on-Don , respectively @ @ @ @ @ and three flights per week to Sochi and Krasnodar starting August 5 , according to @ @ @ @

ANKARA, July 13. /TASS/. Turkish Airlines plans to start flights to six Russian cities on August 1, according to a statement released on the company’s official website on Monday.
"After being away for a while, we are back to the sky. <...> We are happy to offer you flexible travel opportunities as we know how difficult it is to plan in this period," the statement said.
Turkish Airlines plans to start performing 14 flights per week to Moscow starting August 1, five flights per week to St. Petersburg starting August 2, 3 and 4 flights per week to Kazan and Rostov-on-Don, respectively, starting August 3, and three flights per week to Sochi and Krasnodar starting August 5, according to the provided information.


tass--2020-07-13--Putin, Erdogan deliberate over Idlib, Libya crisis

MOSCOW , July 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave high marks to the interaction between the Defense Ministries of the two countries which enabled the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib to stablize .
The Kremlin press service reports that the two heads of state held a telephone conversation during which they continued to discuss pressing issues on the international agenda .
`` The emphasis was placed , for instance , on the importance of stepping up efforts to assist the Syrian settlement , including the Astana format - backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held on July 1 , 2020 .
High marks were given to the interaction along the lines of Russia ’ s and Turkey ’ s Defense Ministries , which allowed the situation in Idlib and in the northeast of the Syrian Arab Republic to stabilize , '' the statement said .
Additionally , the Russian and Turkish leaders agreed to activate political-diplomatic efforts as soon as possible to end to the Libyan conflict and to revive the negotiation process in the North African country .
`` They have once again stressed the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without delay and promptly return to the negotiations based on the decisions of the Berlin conference that took place on January 19 , 2020 approved by Resolution 2510 of the UN Security Council .
They agreed to activate joint political-diplomatic efforts in this area , '' the Kremlin press service notes .

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave high marks to the interaction between the Defense Ministries of the two countries which enabled the situation in Syria’s Idlib to stablize. The Kremlin press service reports that the two heads of state held a telephone conversation during which they continued to discuss pressing issues on the international agenda.
"The emphasis was placed, for instance, on the importance of stepping up efforts to assist the Syrian settlement, including the Astana format - backed by the agreements of the Russian-Turkish-Iranian summit held on July 1, 2020. High marks were given to the interaction along the lines of Russia’s and Turkey’s Defense Ministries, which allowed the situation in Idlib and in the northeast of the Syrian Arab Republic to stabilize," the statement said.
Additionally, the Russian and Turkish leaders agreed to activate political-diplomatic efforts as soon as possible to end to the Libyan conflict and to revive the negotiation process in the North African country.
"They have once again stressed the need to end the armed conflict in Libya without delay and promptly return to the negotiations based on the decisions of the Berlin conference that took place on January 19, 2020 approved by Resolution 2510 of the UN Security Council. They agreed to activate joint political-diplomatic efforts in this area," the Kremlin press service notes.


tass--2020-07-14--Russian hi-tech firm develops mobile anti-drone system

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Ruselectronics Group ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) has developed @ @ @ @ @ , Rostec said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` The system can identify a @ @ @ @ @ or foe ’ principle without an operator ’ s participation and automatically prevent the unauthorized @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement says .
The system is mounted on an UAZ off-road vehicle @ @ @ @ @ five minutes , the press office specified .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Ruselectronics Group (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) has developed an Ataka-Trophy mobile anti-drone system, Rostec said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The system can identify a drone under the ‘friend or foe’ principle without an operator’s participation and automatically prevent the unauthorized penetration into the secured area," the statement says.
The system is mounted on an UAZ off-road vehicle and can be deployed within five minutes, the press office specified.


tass--2020-07-14--Armenia reports death of two officers on border with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Two Armenian military officers have been killed as a result of the attack by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the northeastern part of the border , the republic ’ s Defense Ministry informed .
`` As a result of the enemy ’ s attack on the northeastern part of the state border , Major of the Armed Forces Garush Ambartsumyan and Captain Sos Elbakyan have been mortally wounded , '' the defense ministry stated .
On July 12 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the direction of Tovuz on the border using artillery .
According to the ministry , the attacks have continued during the night .
Baku informed that four Azerbaijani troops had been killed in the fighting and four had been injured .
For its part , the Armenian Defense Ministry informed that two police officers and three military officers had been injured after an attack on the border with Afghanistan , adding that border tensions have escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Afghanistan .
On Monday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov , calling on both sides to establish a ceasefire .
On Tuesday , UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also called on both conflict sides to stop the clashes and to begin de-escalation of the conflict .
Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed border region between Armenia and Azerbaijan , sought independence from Azerbaijan at the end of the 1980s , which resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia that claimed the lives of 25,000-30,000 people between 1988 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been going on since 1992 .
Russia , the US and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) that acts as a mediator in resolving the crisis .
The group also includes Azerbaijan , Armenia , Belarus , Germany , Italy , Portugal , the Netherlands , Sweden , Finland and Turkey .

YEREVAN, July 14. /TASS/. Two Armenian military officers have been killed as a result of the attack by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the northeastern part of the border, the republic’s Defense Ministry informed.
"As a result of the enemy’s attack on the northeastern part of the state border, Major of the Armed Forces Garush Ambartsumyan and Captain Sos Elbakyan have been mortally wounded," the defense ministry stated.
On July 12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic’s positions in the direction of Tovuz on the border using artillery. According to the ministry, the attacks have continued during the night. Baku informed that four Azerbaijani troops had been killed in the fighting and four had been injured.
For its part, the Armenian Defense Ministry informed that two police officers and three military officers had been injured after an attack on the border with Azerbaijan, adding that border tensions have escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Azerbaijan.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the escalation of tensions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov, calling on both sides to establish a ceasefire.
On Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also called on both conflict sides to stop the clashes and to begin de-escalation of the conflict.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed border region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, sought independence from Azerbaijan at the end of the 1980s, which resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia that claimed the lives of 25,000-30,000 people between 1988 and 1994.
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been going on since 1992. Russia, the US and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that acts as a mediator in resolving the crisis. The group also includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.


tass--2020-07-14--Russian shipbuilders to lay down four warships, two submarines on July 16

`` On July 16 , shipbuilders will lay down upgraded Project 22350 two frigates , Project 885M ‘ Yasen-M ’ two multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines and , for the first time in the Russian Navy ’ s history , Project 23900 two multi-purpose amphibious assault ships , '' the source specified .
MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian shipyards will hold a single day of laying down new ships and submarines on July 16 , a source in the defense industry told TASS on Tuesday .
The upgraded Project 22350 frigates will be built at the Severnaya Shipyard in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shipbuilding Corporation ) .
They will be tentatively named the Admiral Yumashev and the Admiral Spiridonov .
Currently , four frigates of Project 22350 and the upgraded Project 22350 are at various stages of their construction at the Shipyard .
One of them , the Admiral Kasatonov , is preparing to enter service with the Russian Navy .
The Severnaya Shipyard press office declined to comment on the source ’ s information .
Project 885M ‘ Yasen-M ’ multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines will be laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk ( part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The contract for their construction was signed at the Army-2019 international arms show in the summer of 2019 .
Multi-purpose amphibious assault ships will be laid down at the Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch .
Initially , the keel-laying ceremony was planned for June 29 but was postponed to a later date .
As a source in the defense industry told TASS , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry had signed a contract worth 100 billion rubles ( $ 1.4 billion ) on the construction of two helicopter carriers .
Project 23900 amphibious assault ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a length of about 220 meters .
The warships of this class will be capable of carrying over 20 heavy helicopters and transporting up to 900 marines .
No warships of this class were earlier built either in the Soviet Union or Russia .
TASS has no confirmations from the Sevmash and Zaliv press offices about the upcoming keel-laying ceremonies yet .

"On July 16, shipbuilders will lay down upgraded Project 22350 two frigates, Project 885M ‘Yasen-M’ two multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines and, for the first time in the Russian Navy’s history, Project 23900 two multi-purpose amphibious assault ships," the source specified.
MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Russian shipyards will hold a single day of laying down new ships and submarines on July 16, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Tuesday.
The upgraded Project 22350 frigates will be built at the Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation). They will be tentatively named the Admiral Yumashev and the Admiral Spiridonov. Currently, four frigates of Project 22350 and the upgraded Project 22350 are at various stages of their construction at the Shipyard. One of them, the Admiral Kasatonov, is preparing to enter service with the Russian Navy. The Severnaya Shipyard press office declined to comment on the source’s information.
Project 885M ‘Yasen-M’ multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines will be laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation). The contract for their construction was signed at the Army-2019 international arms show in the summer of 2019.
Multi-purpose amphibious assault ships will be laid down at the Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch. Initially, the keel-laying ceremony was planned for June 29 but was postponed to a later date. As a source in the defense industry told TASS, Russia’s Defense Ministry had signed a contract worth 100 billion rubles ($1.4 billion) on the construction of two helicopter carriers.
Project 23900 amphibious assault ships are expected to displace 25,000 tonnes and have a length of about 220 meters. The warships of this class will be capable of carrying over 20 heavy helicopters and transporting up to 900 marines. No warships of this class were earlier built either in the Soviet Union or Russia.
TASS has no confirmations from the Sevmash and Zaliv press offices about the upcoming keel-laying ceremonies yet.


tass--2020-07-14--Bomb threats reported in five buildings in Moscow, including eye hospital, says source

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Five establishments in Moscow , including the Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases @ @ @ @ @ , an emergency source told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Anonymous bomb threats have been @ @ @ @ @ including the children ’ s department of the Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases , @ @ @ @ @ that probes were underway but none of the buildings had been evacuated .
A wave @ @ @ @ @ in November 2019 .
Since then , schools , shopping malls and courts have been @ @ @ @ @ All bomb threats have so far proved to be false alarms .
Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ) said that access to five foreign websites used for sending messages about bombs had @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Five establishments in Moscow, including the Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, have received bomb threats, an emergency source told TASS on Tuesday.
"Anonymous bomb threats have been reported in five buildings, including the children’s department of the Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases," he said, adding that probes were underway but none of the buildings had been evacuated.
A wave of bomb threats hit Russia in November 2019. Since then, schools, shopping malls and courts have been repeatedly receiving bomb threats. All bomb threats have so far proved to be false alarms. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said that access to five foreign websites used for sending messages about bombs had been blocked.


tass--2020-07-14--Kremlin concerned by clashes on Azeri-Armenian border

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Clashes on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia are deeply concerning , and @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday .
`` We are deeply concerned by @ @ @ @ @ , '' he noted .
`` We are calling on both sides to exercise restraint @ @ @ @ @ part of a ceasefire .
As we have repeatedly said on different levels , Russia @ @ @ @ @ efforts for settlement , as a co-chair of the [ OSCE ] Minsk Group .
@ @ @ @ @ , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had intensive contacts with his counterparts from Baku and @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Clashes on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia are deeply concerning, and Moscow is ready for mediation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday.
"We are deeply concerned by shootouts on the Armenian-Azeri border," he noted. "We are calling on both sides to exercise restraint and honor their obligations as part of a ceasefire. As we have repeatedly said on different levels, Russia is ready to provide mediation efforts for settlement, as a co-chair of the [OSCE] Minsk Group."
"As you know, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had intensive contacts with his counterparts from Baku and Yerevan," Peskov added.


tass--2020-07-14--Jereh Turbine Fracturing Pump Completes 1,000-Hour Field Test in North America

YANTAI , China , July 14 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently , Jereh 's turbine fracturing pump finished a 1,000-hour field trial in one of the most challenging fracturing environments in North America .
This rigorous trial validated the performance of all major components of the equipment .
It met or exceeded all key performance measures to underscore Jereh 's technology capabilities .
The turbine-powered fracturing pump provides a solution for challenging operating environments and the current low prices for oilfield services .
Configured with a 5000 HHP pump , the Jereh unit reduces costs by lowering the operating footprint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to conventional diesel fleets .
The field trial also confirmed the success of Jereh 's turbine fracturing pump in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating idling during non-operating periods and the efficiency of a turbine able to run on multiple fuel sources such as LNG , CNG and field gas .
By using in-field wellhead gas , the overall fuel costs can be reduced by over 80 % , compared to conventional diesel-fueled frac pumps .
Another key feature of the turbine powered fracturing pump is its noise suppression capabilities , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stringent noise reduction regulations across North America .
`` It was an exciting experience to work together with BJ Services for the successful 1,000-hour field trial of Jereh 's third generation turbine fracturing pump , '' said Louis Li , CEO of Jereh Group , `` Since 2013 , Jereh has started the research and development of turbine fracturing pump independently and with over seven years of effort , countless yard tests , and field trials in China shale gas fracturing operation , our engineering team never stops their paces of innovation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver these innovative , efficient and cost saving technology to the North American Oil & Gas operators .
In early July , Jereh and BJ Services initiated full scale field demonstrations of the turbine fracturing pump in the Permian Basin .
Jereh is a global group specializing in oil & gas , and environmental management , with the mission of focusing on customers ' challenges , providing competitive solutions , and creating long-term value for customers all over the world .
American Jereh was established in 2008 and provides manufacturing , assembly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its base in Houston , TX .
For more information , please visit www.jereh.com and follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn .

YANTAI, China, July 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Jereh's turbine fracturing pump finished a 1,000-hour field trial in one of the most challenging fracturing environments in North America. This rigorous trial validated the performance of all major components of the equipment. It met or exceeded all key performance measures to underscore Jereh's technology capabilities.
The turbine-powered fracturing pump provides a solution for challenging operating environments and the current low prices for oilfield services. Configured with a 5000 HHP pump, the Jereh unit reduces costs by lowering the operating footprint by 43% for a full fleet compared to conventional diesel fleets.
The field trial also confirmed the success of Jereh's turbine fracturing pump in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating idling during non-operating periods and the efficiency of a turbine able to run on multiple fuel sources such as LNG, CNG and field gas. By using in-field wellhead gas, the overall fuel costs can be reduced by over 80%, compared to conventional diesel-fueled frac pumps. Another key feature of the turbine powered fracturing pump is its noise suppression capabilities, which are lower than 85dB. This meets stringent noise reduction regulations across North America.
"It was an exciting experience to work together with BJ Services for the successful 1,000-hour field trial of Jereh's third generation turbine fracturing pump," said Louis Li, CEO of Jereh Group, "Since 2013, Jereh has started the research and development of turbine fracturing pump independently and with over seven years of effort, countless yard tests, and field trials in China shale gas fracturing operation, our engineering team never stops their paces of innovation. We are confident in being able to deliver these innovative, efficient and cost saving technology to the North American Oil & Gas operators.
In early July, Jereh and BJ Services initiated full scale field demonstrations of the turbine fracturing pump in the Permian Basin.
About Jereh
Jereh is a global group specializing in oil & gas, and environmental management, with the mission of focusing on customers' challenges, providing competitive solutions, and creating long-term value for customers all over the world. American Jereh was established in 2008 and provides manufacturing, assembly, support and maintenance services for oilfield equipment from its base in Houston, TX. For more information , please visit www.jereh.com and follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn .
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1214201/Jereh_Turbine_Fracturing_Pump_Completes_1000_Hour_Field_Test_in_North_America.jpg
CONTACT: Maya Shi, +86-177-5354-9693, pr@jereh.com


tass--2020-07-14--Over 50 countries submit purchase requests for anti-COVID-19 Avifavir

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Over 50 countries , including Brazil and Saudi Arabia , submitted requests to @ @ @ @ @ drug , Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev stated @ @ @ @ @ Newsweek magazine .
`` Avifavir has already been bought not only by Russia 's neighbours @ @ @ @ @ by Colombia , Brazil , Bulgaria , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , Peru and many @ @ @ @ @ 50 countries submitting purchase requests , '' he said .
According to him , the @ @ @ @ @ increased to 300,000 courses a month , to supply both local and international demand .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Over 50 countries, including Brazil and Saudi Arabia, submitted requests to procure the Russian-made Avifavir anti-coronavirus drug, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev stated in his column for the Newsweek magazine.
"Avifavir has already been bought not only by Russia's neighbours Belarus and Kazakhstan but also by Colombia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Peru and many other countries with more than 50 countries submitting purchase requests," he said.
According to him, the production of Avifavir has been increased to 300,000 courses a month, to supply both local and international demand.


tass--2020-07-14--Three Russian servicemen injured in explosion in Syria’s Idlib

KHMEIMIM /Syria/ , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Three Russian servicemen sustained light injuries in an explosion in Syria ’ @ @ @ @ @ patrol with Turkish counterparts , Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria announced Tuesday .
`` On @ @ @ @ @ 8:50 Moscow time , an improvised explosive device detonated near the settlement of Erikha during @ @ @ @ @ the M4 highway .
Three Russian servicemen sustained light injuries , '' the Center said @ @ @ @ @ injured among the Turkish crew as well .
`` All injured were promptly evacuated from @ @ @ @ @ were delivered to the Kmeimim base , where they received all necessary medical aid .
@ @ @ @ @ danger , '' the announcement says .
Following the incident , the joint patrolling was @ @ @ @ @ being evacuated .
`` The command of the Russian armed forces group in Syria , @ @ @ @ @ military and the Syrian national security agencies , seeks to determine whether militants operating in @ @ @ @ @ involved in attack on the convoy , '' the Center said .

KHMEIMIM /Syria/, July 14. /TASS/. Three Russian servicemen sustained light injuries in an explosion in Syria’s Idlib during a joint patrol with Turkish counterparts, Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria announced Tuesday.
"On July 14, at about 8:50 Moscow time, an improvised explosive device detonated near the settlement of Erikha during a joint Russian-Turkish patrol of the M4 highway. Three Russian servicemen sustained light injuries," the Center said, adding that there are injured among the Turkish crew as well.
"All injured were promptly evacuated from the area. Russian servicemen were delivered to the Kmeimim base, where they received all necessary medical aid. Their lives are out of danger," the announcement says.
Following the incident, the joint patrolling was stopped, damaged vehicles are being evacuated.
"The command of the Russian armed forces group in Syria, in cooperation with the Turkish military and the Syrian national security agencies, seeks to determine whether militants operating in the Idlib de-escalation area are involved in attack on the convoy," the Center said.


tass--2020-07-14--Russia records 6,248 new daily coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 6,248 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Russia in the @ @ @ @ @ lowest number since April 29 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ reached 739,947 .
According to the crisis center , the daily growth rate has been @ @ @ @ @ for eight days .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. A total of 6,248 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Russia in the past 24 hours, the lowest number since April 29, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
The total number of cases has reached 739,947.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth rate has been at or below 0.9% for eight days.


tass--2020-07-14--Azerbaijani general killed in armed clashes on border with Armenia

BAKU , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijani Army Major-General Polad Gashimov and Colonel Ilgar Mirzoyev were killed in armed @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan and Armenia , Azerbaijan ’ s APA news agency reported on Tuesday , citing @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Major-General Polad Gashimov and colonel Ilgar Mirzoyev died heroically in the morning battles @ @ @ @ @ quoted the deputy defense minister as saying .

BAKU, July 14. /TASS/. Azerbaijani Army Major-General Polad Gashimov and Colonel Ilgar Mirzoyev were killed in armed clashes on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Azerbaijan’s APA news agency reported on Tuesday, citing Deputy Defense Minister Kerim Veliyev.
"Major-General Polad Gashimov and colonel Ilgar Mirzoyev died heroically in the morning battles," the news agency quoted the deputy defense minister as saying.
Azerbaijan’s state news agency AzerTAc also confirmed this information.


tass--2020-07-14--Press review: Putin’s May decree adjusted and clashes erupt between Armenia, Azerbaijan

The targets for socio-economic development laid out in the May 2018 decrees for September 2020 will be recalibrated .
The Mishustin government will de facto receive its own medium-term plan of action until 2024 , and part of the national development goals set out by President Vladimir Putin ’ s decree will be determined until 2030 .
According to Kommersant , there are several reasons to adjust the basic documents for the state ’ s economic policy , followed by a partial revision of the National Projects , and the coronavirus pandemic is hardly the main one .
Rather , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to implement the amendments to the Russian Constitution together with the digitalization of the public sector of the economy .
Armed clashes have broken out on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan , with the two countries engaging in battles .
Both sides are blaming each other for starting the confrontation .
Baku acknowledged that five people were injured as a result , and three servicemen were killed , while Yerevan reported no casualties .
According to experts interviewed by Izvestia , the main reason for the incident due to mounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ societies .
By October 30 , 2020 , according to Kommersant ’ s source in the government , a new plan for achieving these goals is going to be laid out .
It is still unknown exactly which figures of the national goals will change .
The government and the presidential administration will hammer out a draft presidential decree in September 2020 , the newspaper wrote .
The newspaper reported that these changes were very important .
The entire system of state administration in Russia , all KPIs in the corridors of power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years have consistently been aligned with national goals .
The decline in GDP in 2020 due to COVID-19 , the plunge in oil prices and the changing conditions of foreign trade are also the reasons for these changes .
Finally , amendments to the 2020-2021 budget policy , the upcoming budget consolidation and a shift to a hefty deficit make a number of goals set for 2024 unattainable .
Therefore , according to Kommersant , some of the goals in the new decree will be planned for 2024 , and some for 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essentially the central part of the strategy of the new government .
The coronavirus pandemic caused significant damage to the economies of both countries .
Armenia estimated its damages at $ 1.5 bln .
Moreover , a state of emergency has been in effect since March , and recently it was extended until mid-August .
Azerbaijan is in a similar bind , as the country is facing an uphill battle with coronavirus .
Another factor in Armenia ’ s mix is its struggle with political opponents .
It is also important that negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impasse .
`` Both sides benefit from an armed confrontation .
This way , the authorities can alleviate tension in society , distract [ their citizens ] from internal problems , and consolidate the public , '' expert Nurlan Gasimov told Izvestia .
Experts believe that clashes are unlikely to boil over into a full-blown conflict .
`` There are still no fundamental prerequisites for war .
But the amount of shelling , and battles may increase .
International observers should actively encourage the parties to negotiate , '' Stanislav Pritchin from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the newspaper .
Chairman of the Federation Council ’ s Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev in an interview with Izvestia promised that Russia will contribute to reconciling the parties .
`` We promote rapprochement , but do not impose our own position .
It is necessary to establish how it all began , how it developed , and what it led to it .
It is necessary to return the situation to the status quo , where the use of military force is excluded , '' Kosachev said .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of schedule , but rough times are on the horizon Small and medium-sized businesses ( SMEs ) in Russia might have come out of the crisis ahead of schedule , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
However , entrepreneurs believe that collapse of businesses is yet to come , and the growth observed today is only due to a pent-up demand .
State support allowed SMEs to stay afloat , but now it needs to not only be maintained , but increased further , the business community and experts told the newspaper .
The total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of March 2020 `` even in the sectors most affected by the coronavirus , '' according to a study by Tochka bank for entrepreneurs .
The report noted that in industries affected by the pandemic to a lesser extent , revenue in the last week of June exceeded the pre-lockdown level by 23 % .
The pandemic also did not lead to the massive closure of SMEs , analysts pointed out .
However , experts warn - small and medium-sized businesses almost always operate in the sphere of services , and they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the optimistic conclusions of bankers , they are premature , experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
Member of the General Council of Delovaya Rossiya Alim Bishenov noted that SME 's revenue growth can easily be explained by the low base effect of April-May , when the vast majority of enterprises did not function at all or worked under extremely low demand .
In his opinion , without deferred demand and a low base effect , the situation will not look as impressive .
`` Exiting the crisis and reaching previous financial indicators , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the restoration of lost counterparty ties - all this will take a very long time , '' Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs ' Rights Anton Sviridenko told the newspaper .
`` If SMEs lost appropriate assistance right now , many of the companies may simply not survive , '' the expert added .
Izvestia : Finance ministry to hit oil and gas sector with tax hikes The Russian Ministry of Finance has decided to turn up the head on the oil industry .
The main point of its looming reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the poorly introduced excess-profits tax arrangement .
Previously , the ministry estimated them at 213 bln rubles ( $ 3 bln ) .
The federal agency plans to impose hikes on the mineral extraction tax on a number of fields temporarily - until the end of 2023 , Izvestia wrote with reference to the document .
Another point of the reform is updating the reserves of oil majors .
A source close to the government explained to Izvestia , the hike is being primarily imposed on those companies that , prior to transferring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraction tax relief and received additional benefits after transferring the deposits to the new regime .
Earlier , Russia ’ s Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Sazanov in an interview with Reuters excoriated the excess-profits tax as the biggest mistake during his time at the federal agency .
Due to the introduction of the tax , the federal budget in 2019 saw a shortfall of profits to the tune of 213 bln rubles ( $ 3 bln ) , which is comparable to the cost of tax breaks for a small and medium businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sazanov noted .
In turn , the Ministry of Energy considers the introduction of the tax a successful solution and advocates its expansion .
If the excess-profits tax is substantially adjusted , and oil and gas companies lose their benefits , then a number of projects may simply be closed , KPMG partner Victoria Turgeneva told Izvestia .
These are deposits that were actually launched thanks to the new tax regime .
With its zeroing , their profitability will dry up , and in that case it will not make sense to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silver has reached a ten-month high , surpassing the level of $ 19 per ounce .
The rise in prices is associated with a weakening US dollar , rising inflation expectations , as well as industrial demand , in particular from the green energy sector .
According to Kommersant , under such conditions , investors are actively pumping up investments into index funds , whose assets have soared a multi-year maximum of 25,400 tonnes .

The targets for socio-economic development laid out in the May 2018 decrees for September 2020 will be recalibrated. The Mishustin government will de facto receive its own medium-term plan of action until 2024, and part of the national development goals set out by President Vladimir Putin’s decree will be determined until 2030. According to Kommersant, there are several reasons to adjust the basic documents for the state’s economic policy, followed by a partial revision of the National Projects, and the coronavirus pandemic is hardly the main one. Rather, it is about a future attempt by the government to implement the amendments to the Russian Constitution together with the digitalization of the public sector of the economy.
Armed clashes have broken out on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the two countries engaging in battles. Both sides are blaming each other for starting the confrontation. Baku acknowledged that five people were injured as a result, and three servicemen were killed, while Yerevan reported no casualties. According to experts interviewed by Izvestia, the main reason for the incident due to mounting discord that amassed within Armenian and Azerbaijani societies.
By October 30, 2020, according to Kommersant’s source in the government, a new plan for achieving these goals is going to be laid out.
It is still unknown exactly which figures of the national goals will change. The government and the presidential administration will hammer out a draft presidential decree in September 2020, the newspaper wrote.
The newspaper reported that these changes were very important. The entire system of state administration in Russia, all KPIs in the corridors of power, and all National Projects in recent years have consistently been aligned with national goals. The decline in GDP in 2020 due to COVID-19, the plunge in oil prices and the changing conditions of foreign trade are also the reasons for these changes. Finally, amendments to the 2020-2021 budget policy, the upcoming budget consolidation and a shift to a hefty deficit make a number of goals set for 2024 unattainable. Therefore, according to Kommersant, some of the goals in the new decree will be planned for 2024, and some for 2030. Finally, the digitalization trajectory is essentially the central part of the strategy of the new government.
The coronavirus pandemic caused significant damage to the economies of both countries. Armenia estimated its damages at $1.5 bln. Moreover, a state of emergency has been in effect since March, and recently it was extended until mid-August. Azerbaijan is in a similar bind, as the country is facing an uphill battle with coronavirus. Another factor in Armenia’s mix is its struggle with political opponents. It is also important that negotiations on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh have reached an impasse.
"Both sides benefit from an armed confrontation. This way, the authorities can alleviate tension in society, distract [their citizens] from internal problems, and consolidate the public," expert Nurlan Gasimov told Izvestia.
Experts believe that clashes are unlikely to boil over into a full-blown conflict. "There are still no fundamental prerequisites for war. But the amount of shelling, and battles may increase. International observers should actively encourage the parties to negotiate," Stanislav Pritchin from the Center for post-Soviet Studies at IMEMO told the newspaper.
Chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev in an interview with Izvestia promised that Russia will contribute to reconciling the parties. "We promote rapprochement, but do not impose our own position. It is necessary to establish how it all began, how it developed, and what it led to it. It is necessary to return the situation to the status quo, where the use of military force is excluded," Kosachev said.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russian SMEs emerge from crisis ahead of schedule, but rough times are on the horizon
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Russia might have come out of the crisis ahead of schedule, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote. However, entrepreneurs believe that collapse of businesses is yet to come, and the growth observed today is only due to a pent-up demand. State support allowed SMEs to stay afloat, but now it needs to not only be maintained, but increased further, the business community and experts told the newspaper.
The total revenue of SMEs returned to the level of March 2020 "even in the sectors most affected by the coronavirus," according to a study by Tochka bank for entrepreneurs. The report noted that in industries affected by the pandemic to a lesser extent, revenue in the last week of June exceeded the pre-lockdown level by 23%. The pandemic also did not lead to the massive closure of SMEs, analysts pointed out.
However, experts warn - small and medium-sized businesses almost always operate in the sphere of services, and they are not yet being revived. As for the optimistic conclusions of bankers, they are premature, experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Member of the General Council of Delovaya Rossiya Alim Bishenov noted that SME's revenue growth can easily be explained by the low base effect of April-May, when the vast majority of enterprises did not function at all or worked under extremely low demand. In his opinion, without deferred demand and a low base effect, the situation will not look as impressive.
"Exiting the crisis and reaching previous financial indicators, the end of problems on the labor market, the restoration of lost counterparty ties - all this will take a very long time," Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs' Rights Anton Sviridenko told the newspaper. "If SMEs lost appropriate assistance right now, many of the companies may simply not survive," the expert added.
Izvestia: Finance ministry to hit oil and gas sector with tax hikes
The Russian Ministry of Finance has decided to turn up the head on the oil industry. The main point of its looming reform is to compensate for budget losses from the poorly introduced excess-profits tax arrangement. Previously, the ministry estimated them at 213 bln rubles ($3 bln). The federal agency plans to impose hikes on the mineral extraction tax on a number of fields temporarily - until the end of 2023, Izvestia wrote with reference to the document. Another point of the reform is updating the reserves of oil majors.
A source close to the government explained to Izvestia, the hike is being primarily imposed on those companies that, prior to transferring to the excess-profits tax, enjoyed mineral extraction tax relief and received additional benefits after transferring the deposits to the new regime.
Earlier, Russia’s Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Sazanov in an interview with Reuters excoriated the excess-profits tax as the biggest mistake during his time at the federal agency. Due to the introduction of the tax, the federal budget in 2019 saw a shortfall of profits to the tune of 213 bln rubles ($3 bln), which is comparable to the cost of tax breaks for a small and medium businesses affected by a pandemic for two quarters, Sazanov noted. In turn, the Ministry of Energy considers the introduction of the tax a successful solution and advocates its expansion.
If the excess-profits tax is substantially adjusted, and oil and gas companies lose their benefits, then a number of projects may simply be closed, KPMG partner Victoria Turgeneva told Izvestia. These are deposits that were actually launched thanks to the new tax regime. With its zeroing, their profitability will dry up, and in that case it will not make sense to continue their development.
Kommersant: Silver prices hit new high amid pandemic
The price of silver has reached a ten-month high, surpassing the level of $19 per ounce. The rise in prices is associated with a weakening US dollar, rising inflation expectations, as well as industrial demand, in particular from the green energy sector. According to Kommersant, under such conditions, investors are actively pumping up investments into index funds, whose assets have soared a multi-year maximum of 25,400 tonnes.


tass--2020-07-14--Infortrend's High Performance Scale-out NAS is Designed for Adobe Premiere Pro

TAIPEI , July 14 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infortrend® Technology , Inc. ( TWSE : 2495 ) , the industry-leading enterprise storage provider , designed its scale-out NAS systems EonStor CS to fully satisfy the requirements of Adobe Premiere Pro , the industry-leading software for media post-production tasks .
The CS ensures stability of high-resolution video playback without dropping frames to eliminate latency issue for media editing applications .
It allows growing post-production studios to linearly increase performance by adding new storage nodes .
EonStor CS is a scale-out shared storage solution for growing and large-scale post-production studios with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro .
The scalability through a scale-out expansion offers an easier and more cost-effective way of managing the growing media assets while reducing consequent performance bottlenecks .
EonStor CS also improves data utilization and simplifies data management by integrating data from all nodes into one cluster system .
Infortrend conducted the CS performance evaluation test by using one of the most popular non-linear editing ( NLE ) software Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 version to perform video playback .
The CS best practice configurations for multimedia environments included 4U 24-bay 8-core processor CS model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10GbE client access network , and 40GbE internal network for multimedia workloads .
According to the test results , the number of concurrent playback streams linearly increases by using the CS scale-out expansion : while three node support 290 streams , five deployed nodes increase stream count to 480 .
This guarantees stable high-resolution video playback on the post-production phase .
`` As media editing application is always on the way to pursue higher performance , the CS scale-out NAS allows large and growing media companies to get the highest and the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NLE workflow .
And with high capacity and high scalability , the CS noticeably saves costs and minimizes deployment and management efforts , '' noted Frank Lee , Senior Director of Product Planning .
Learn more about M & E shared storage solutions Infortrend ( TWSE : 2495 ) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993 .
With a strong emphasis on in-house design , testing , and manufacturing , Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards , user friendly data services , personal after-sales support , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please visit www.infortrend.com Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology , Inc. ; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

TAIPEI, July 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infortrend® Technology, Inc. (TWSE: 2495), the industry-leading enterprise storage provider, designed its scale-out NAS systems EonStor CS to fully satisfy the requirements of Adobe Premiere Pro, the industry-leading software for media post-production tasks. The CS ensures stability of high-resolution video playback without dropping frames to eliminate latency issue for media editing applications. It allows growing post-production studios to linearly increase performance by adding new storage nodes.
EonStor CS is a scale-out shared storage solution for growing and large-scale post-production studios with more than 10 workstations working with Adobe Premiere Pro. The scalability through a scale-out expansion offers an easier and more cost-effective way of managing the growing media assets while reducing consequent performance bottlenecks. EonStor CS also improves data utilization and simplifies data management by integrating data from all nodes into one cluster system.
Infortrend conducted the CS performance evaluation test by using one of the most popular non-linear editing (NLE) software Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 version to perform video playback. The CS best practice configurations for multimedia environments included 4U 24-bay 8-core processor CS model, 64GB cache memory per node, 10GbE client access network, and 40GbE internal network for multimedia workloads. According to the test results, the number of concurrent playback streams linearly increases by using the CS scale-out expansion: while three node support 290 streams, five deployed nodes increase stream count to 480. This guarantees stable high-resolution video playback on the post-production phase.
"As media editing application is always on the way to pursue higher performance, the CS scale-out NAS allows large and growing media companies to get the highest and the most stable performance for their Adobe Premiere Pro NLE workflow. And with high capacity and high scalability, the CS noticeably saves costs and minimizes deployment and management efforts," noted Frank Lee, Senior Director of Product Planning.
Learn more about M&E shared storage solutions
Learn more about EonStor CS scale-out NAS
About Infortrend
Infortrend (TWSE: 2495) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993. With a strong emphasis on in-house design, testing, and manufacturing, Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards, user friendly data services, personal after-sales support, and unrivaled value. For more information, please visit www.infortrend.com
Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology, Inc.; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Winnie Tsai, +886-2-2226-0126 #8557, winnie.tsai@infortrend.com


tass--2020-07-14--Kazakhstan extends coronavirus lockdown until August 2

NUR-SULTAN , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan ’ s authorities have decided to extend lockdown measures over the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s Prime Minister Askar Mamin announced at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ to extend restrictions for another two weeks , from July 20 to August 2 , @ @ @ @ @ Health Ministry aimed at improving the epidemiological situation , '' he said .
The prime @ @ @ @ @ s people to abide by lockdown measures .
On March 15 , Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart @ @ @ @ @ a state of emergency over the coronavirus .
Kazakhstan ’ s capital of Nur-Sultan and @ @ @ @ @ on lockdown .
Quarantine measures were also taken in other regions of the country .
@ @ @ @ @ on May 11 but restrictions remained in place in Kazakhstan ’ s regions .
On @ @ @ @ @ ’ s authorities decided to introduce a number of additional restrictive measures for 14 days @ @ @ @ @ President Tokayev said that the lockdown would last for another two weeks .

NUR-SULTAN, July 14. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s authorities have decided to extend lockdown measures over the coronavirus for another two weeks, the country’s Prime Minister Askar Mamin announced at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
"We have decided to extend restrictions for another two weeks, from July 20 to August 2, at the initiative of the Health Ministry aimed at improving the epidemiological situation," he said. The prime minister urged the country’s people to abide by lockdown measures.
On March 15, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree declaring a state of emergency over the coronavirus. Kazakhstan’s capital of Nur-Sultan and the city of Almaty went on lockdown. Quarantine measures were also taken in other regions of the country. The state of emergency ended on May 11 but restrictions remained in place in Kazakhstan’s regions. On July 5, the country’s authorities decided to introduce a number of additional restrictive measures for 14 days. On July 13, President Tokayev said that the lockdown would last for another two weeks.