tass--2020-09-09--Belarus joins concluding trials of Russian COVID-19 vaccine

`` We are conducting a process of close negotiations .
The Health Ministry [ of Belarus ] got involved in the final phase of clinical trials .
I am one of the participants of these trials .
In the near future [ the phase ] will be completed and the vaccine should be registered in accordance with the Belarusian legislation , '' the prime minister noted , as quoted by his press service .
He said that he is in excellent health after being inoculated with the Russian vaccine .
`` I feel great , I am on my feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long .
I am working at full capacity .
So here is a request - don ’ t worry about my health , '' the prime minister stated .
That the Belarusian prime minister decided to test the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus personally , his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin reported on September 3 at his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko .
Earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko agreed that Belarus would become one of the first countries supplied with the vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection , developed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry together with the Russian Direct Investment Fund .
Additionally , the republic will join the concluding stage of the additional testing of the Russian vaccine - the country ’ s citizens can voluntarily participate in the third phase of trials .
On August 11 , Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation passed clinical trials in June - July .
It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines .
On August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production launch of the preparation .
Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev stated earlier that Russia had already received requests from 20 countries to supply 1 bln doses of the vaccine .

"We are conducting a process of close negotiations. The Health Ministry [of Belarus] got involved in the final phase of clinical trials. I am one of the participants of these trials. In the near future [the phase] will be completed and the vaccine should be registered in accordance with the Belarusian legislation," the prime minister noted, as quoted by his press service.
He said that he is in excellent health after being inoculated with the Russian vaccine. "I feel great, I am on my feet, as you see, all day long. I am working at full capacity. So here is a request - don’t worry about my health," the prime minister stated.
That the Belarusian prime minister decided to test the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus personally, his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin reported on September 3 at his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko agreed that Belarus would become one of the first countries supplied with the vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry together with the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Additionally, the republic will join the concluding stage of the additional testing of the Russian vaccine - the country’s citizens can voluntarily participate in the third phase of trials.
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation passed clinical trials in June - July. It is based on a known platform previously used for other vaccines. On August 15, the Healthcare Ministry announced the production launch of the preparation. Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev stated earlier that Russia had already received requests from 20 countries to supply 1 bln doses of the vaccine.


tass--2020-09-09--Gazprom supplies 2.3 bln cubic meters of gas to China in January-August

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom supplied 2.3 bln cubic meters of gas to China via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline in January-August period of 2020 , Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Tomsk Vladislav Borodin told a corporate magazine .
`` Gazprom Transgaz Tomsk transported over 15 bln cubic meters of gas in eight months of this year , including 2.3 bln cubic meters - to the People ’ s Republic of China , '' he said .
Russian gas supplies to China via the Power of Siberia started in December 2019 .
A total of 1.57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China in the first half of 2020 .
After the Power of Siberia 's commissioning the length of main gas and oil pipelines operated by Gazprom Transgaz Tomsk increased by 2,200 kilometers to over 11,500 kilometers , according to Borodin .
`` The volume of gas delivered to the People ’ s Republic of China will rise each year , due to which the annual volume of gas supplies is planned to be increased from 21 bln cubic meters in 2019 to 24-25 bln cubic meters by the end of 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s department director Andrei Zotov said in late 2019 that the volume of Gazprom ’ s contract supplies to China via the Power of Siberia would total 5 bln cubic meters in 2020 , 10 bln cubic meters in 2021 , and 15 bln cubic meters in 2022 .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Gazprom supplied 2.3 bln cubic meters of gas to China via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline in January-August period of 2020, Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Tomsk Vladislav Borodin told a corporate magazine.
"Gazprom Transgaz Tomsk transported over 15 bln cubic meters of gas in eight months of this year, including 2.3 bln cubic meters - to the People’s Republic of China," he said.
Russian gas supplies to China via the Power of Siberia started in December 2019. A total of 1.57 bln cubic meters of gas were delivered to China in the first half of 2020.
After the Power of Siberia's commissioning the length of main gas and oil pipelines operated by Gazprom Transgaz Tomsk increased by 2,200 kilometers to over 11,500 kilometers, according to Borodin.
"The volume of gas delivered to the People’s Republic of China will rise each year, due to which the annual volume of gas supplies is planned to be increased from 21 bln cubic meters in 2019 to 24-25 bln cubic meters by the end of 2020," he said.
Gazprom Export’s department director Andrei Zotov said in late 2019 that the volume of Gazprom’s contract supplies to China via the Power of Siberia would total 5 bln cubic meters in 2020, 10 bln cubic meters in 2021, and 15 bln cubic meters in 2022.


tass--2020-09-09--SCO became stronger despite canceled events due to pandemic, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) has become stronger despite the changes made to the event schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic , Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a video conference with the SCO foreign ministers on Wednesday .
The Russian leader noted that as SCO chair in 2019-2020 , Russia has done everything necessary for the organization to work effectively in the conditions of a pandemic .
`` Of course , we had to make changes to the event schedules , not all 90 events have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key goals have been met , and SCO cooperation has become stronger in the main areas , '' Putin stated .
The Russian leader pointed out that the SCO plays an important role in ensuring peace , security and sustainable development in the Eurasian region .
`` Acting based on the principles of equality and taking into account our mutual interests , we aim to search for solutions of current global issues together , implement close foreign policy coordination , namely within the UN and other international formats , '' Putin stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministers is taking place in Moscow on September 9-10 .
The Russian leader noted that the participants of the event plan to discuss a wide set of issues related to further cooperation in the political , economic and social spheres and to exchange opinions on key international and regional matters .
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a regional international association , which includes Russia , India , China , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Pakistan , Tajikistan and Uzbekistan .
Mongolia , Iran , Afghanistan and Belarus act as observers within the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nepal , Turkey and Sri Lanka have SCO partner status .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, September 9. /TASS/. The cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has become stronger despite the changes made to the event schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a video conference with the SCO foreign ministers on Wednesday.
The Russian leader noted that as SCO chair in 2019-2020, Russia has done everything necessary for the organization to work effectively in the conditions of a pandemic. "Of course, we had to make changes to the event schedules, not all 90 events have been organized. Nevertheless, I believe that the key goals have been met, and SCO cooperation has become stronger in the main areas," Putin stated.
The Russian leader pointed out that the SCO plays an important role in ensuring peace, security and sustainable development in the Eurasian region. "Acting based on the principles of equality and taking into account our mutual interests, we aim to search for solutions of current global issues together, implement close foreign policy coordination, namely within the UN and other international formats," Putin stated.
A session of SCO Council of Foreign Ministers is taking place in Moscow on September 9-10. The Russian leader noted that the participants of the event plan to discuss a wide set of issues related to further cooperation in the political, economic and social spheres and to exchange opinions on key international and regional matters.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a regional international association, which includes Russia, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan and Belarus act as observers within the organization. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka have SCO partner status.


tass--2020-09-09--Moscow to host second Caspian Economic Forum in 2021

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The 2nd Caspian Economic Forum will be held in Moscow in 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ said after talks with his Kazakh counterpart Mukhtar Tleuberdi on Wednesday .
`` We paid @ @ @ @ @ the Caspian region .
Next year , Moscow will host the second Caspian economic forum @ @ @ @ @ for the sixth Caspian summit .
A very solid package of documents is taking shape @ @ @ @ @ this summit , '' he said .
Lavrov stressed that Russia and Kazakhstan are united @ @ @ @ @ strengthen cooperation within the Caspian Five ( Russia , Azerbaijan , Iran , Kazakhstan and @ @ @ @ @ has the main responsibility for ensuring security and transport connectivity in the Caspian region , @ @ @ @ @ , scientific relations . ''
The First Caspian Economic Forum was held on August 12 @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. The 2nd Caspian Economic Forum will be held in Moscow in 2021, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after talks with his Kazakh counterpart Mukhtar Tleuberdi on Wednesday.
"We paid much attention to cooperation in the Caspian region. Next year, Moscow will host the second Caspian economic forum. Simultaneously we are preparing for the sixth Caspian summit. A very solid package of documents is taking shape for this event, for this summit," he said.
Lavrov stressed that Russia and Kazakhstan are united when it comes to further strengthen cooperation within the Caspian Five (Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan), which "has the main responsibility for ensuring security and transport connectivity in the Caspian region, environmental protection, tourism development, scientific relations."
The First Caspian Economic Forum was held on August 12, 2019 in Turkmenistan.


tass--2020-09-09--Fight against COVID-19 within SCO is more effective than in other regions, says SCO chief

`` One can state with confidence that the positive dynamics observed today in many SCO states compared to certain countries and world regions indicate the effectiveness of the work of our governments in the fight against the coronavirus , '' he noted .
`` The SCO from the very beginning of the pandemic implemented close cooperation with the World Health Organization and its recommendations were very timely used in order to take under control the spread of the infection , '' he added .
MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting the spread of the coronavirus than in other countries and regions , said Secretary-General of the organization Vladimir Norov in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday .
The Secretary-General noted the fact that as a result of the pandemic one had to choose between the economic growth and human lives .
`` Realizing the inevitability of economic hardships , all SCO member states still made a choice in favor of human lives , and the scale of the epidemic in China in January and February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advance the degree of danger of the approaching threat and introduce preventive measures , '' he continued .
`` In our countries it is well understood that not a single state is capable of ensuring its own security by suppressing the coronavirus only in its own territory while the spread of the disease continues in neighboring countries , '' the official stressed .
`` To this end the work was conducted on coordination of measures , information exchange , and mutual support which led to a positive cumulative effect .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries exchanged moral and political support , there was an exchange of epidemiologic and organizational expertise , and financial , economic , and humanitarian aid was provided to the SCO members affected by the virus the most , '' he concluded .

"One can state with confidence that the positive dynamics observed today in many SCO states compared to certain countries and world regions indicate the effectiveness of the work of our governments in the fight against the coronavirus," he noted. "The SCO from the very beginning of the pandemic implemented close cooperation with the World Health Organization and its recommendations were very timely used in order to take under control the spread of the infection," he added.
MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have managed to implement more effective measures fighting the spread of the coronavirus than in other countries and regions, said Secretary-General of the organization Vladimir Norov in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday.
The Secretary-General noted the fact that as a result of the pandemic one had to choose between the economic growth and human lives. "Realizing the inevitability of economic hardships, all SCO member states still made a choice in favor of human lives, and the scale of the epidemic in China in January and February of this year allowed us to understand in advance the degree of danger of the approaching threat and introduce preventive measures," he continued.
"In our countries it is well understood that not a single state is capable of ensuring its own security by suppressing the coronavirus only in its own territory while the spread of the disease continues in neighboring countries," the official stressed. "To this end the work was conducted on coordination of measures, information exchange, and mutual support which led to a positive cumulative effect. During the acute period of the pandemic the SCO countries exchanged moral and political support, there was an exchange of epidemiologic and organizational expertise, and financial, economic, and humanitarian aid was provided to the SCO members affected by the virus the most," he concluded.


tass--2020-09-09--Emirates announced resumption of flights from Dubai to Domodedovo from September 11

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Emirates Airlines will resume flights twice a week from Dubai ( UAE ) to Moscow Domodedovo Airport starting September 11 , the carrier reported on Wednesday .
`` Emirates will re-start passenger services to Moscow Domodedovo Airport ( DME ) with two flights a week , starting 11 September .
The resumption of flights to Moscow will take the airline ’ s expanding network in Europe to 26 cities - offering Emirates ’ global customers with more travel options to Europe , and customers in Russia with renewed connections to the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the company said .
According to the report , `` The flights will operate with the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and can be booked on emirates.com or via travel agents .
Travelers can also enjoy enhanced connectivity via Emirates ’ codeshare partner in Russia , S7 Airlines - providing greater access to a range of regional destinations . ''
It was noted that COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai ( and the UAE ) , including UAE citizens , residents and tourists , irrespective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Emirates Airlines will resume flights twice a week from Dubai (UAE) to Moscow Domodedovo Airport starting September 11, the carrier reported on Wednesday.
"Emirates will re-start passenger services to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) with two flights a week, starting 11 September. The resumption of flights to Moscow will take the airline’s expanding network in Europe to 26 cities - offering Emirates’ global customers with more travel options to Europe, and customers in Russia with renewed connections to the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa via Dubai," the company said.
According to the report, "The flights will operate with the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and can be booked on emirates.com or via travel agents. Travelers can also enjoy enhanced connectivity via Emirates’ codeshare partner in Russia, S7 Airlines - providing greater access to a range of regional destinations."
It was noted that COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.


tass--2020-09-09--Russia’s Sukhoi-27 fighter intercepted US spy plane over Black Sea Wed

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
A Sukhoi-27 fighter jet of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force intercepted a US spy plane over the Black Sea on Wednesday , the National Defense Command Center told the media .
Air space monitoring means identified an air target over the international waters of the Black Sea .
`` For the identification of the air target and prevention of a violation of the state border a Sukhoi-27 fighter was dispatched .
The crew identified the air target as the strategic reconnaissance plane RC-135 of the US Air Force and escorted it over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that no violation of Russia ’ s state border took place .
After the US spy plane left the area the fighter jet returned to base .
On September 5 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that that the intensity of NATO ’ s reconnaissance flights near Russia ’ s borders had grown more than 30 % in contrast to last year - from 87 in August 2019 to 120 in August 2020 .
On August 23 - September 2 Russia ’ s Aerospace Force planes flew no less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Baltic , Barents and Black Seas .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. A Sukhoi-27 fighter jet of Russia’s Aerospace Force intercepted a US spy plane over the Black Sea on Wednesday, the National Defense Command Center told the media.
Air space monitoring means identified an air target over the international waters of the Black Sea.
"For the identification of the air target and prevention of a violation of the state border a Sukhoi-27 fighter was dispatched. The crew identified the air target as the strategic reconnaissance plane RC-135 of the US Air Force and escorted it over the Black Sea," the center said, adding that no violation of Russia’s state border took place.
After the US spy plane left the area the fighter jet returned to base.
On September 5, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that that the intensity of NATO’s reconnaissance flights near Russia’s borders had grown more than 30% in contrast to last year - from 87 in August 2019 to 120 in August 2020. On August 23 - September 2 Russia’s Aerospace Force planes flew no less than ten sorties to intercept spy planes over the Baltic, Barents and Black Seas.


tass--2020-09-09--More and more countries seek to join SCO, says Secretary General

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
More and more countries want to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) each year , SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday .
`` The SCO authority grows every year , as more and more countries are willing to join cooperation within the organization in a variety of statuses , ranging from dialogue partners to permanent memberships , '' he said .
`` Unconditionally , we appreciate this and are engaged in dialogue , but I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the SCO family is not a goal in itself , since the organization ’ s current cumulative potential needs to be effectively implemented . ''
The Secretary General pointed out that the dialogue with observers is among priorities in SCO activity .
`` We think cooperation with them is promising , including counterterrorism efforts , implementation of the anti-drugs strategy and the program of commercial and economic cooperation , '' Norov said .
`` A decision of joining the SCO from a dialogue partner to a member of the organization is taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considered separately .
Showing activity increases the chances of joining , '' he added .
Currently , eight states are the SCO permanent members , namely Russia , India , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , China , Pakistan , Tajikistan and Uzbekistan .
Four more nations ( Afghanistan , Belarus , Iran and Mongolia ) have an observer status .
SCO ’ s dialogue partners are six states ( Azerbaijan , Armenia , Cambodia , Nepal , Turkey , Sri Lanka ) .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. More and more countries want to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) each year, SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday.
"The SCO authority grows every year, as more and more countries are willing to join cooperation within the organization in a variety of statuses, ranging from dialogue partners to permanent memberships," he said. "Unconditionally, we appreciate this and are engaged in dialogue, but I want to emphasize that along with that, extension of the SCO family is not a goal in itself, since the organization’s current cumulative potential needs to be effectively implemented."
The Secretary General pointed out that the dialogue with observers is among priorities in SCO activity.
"We think cooperation with them is promising, including counterterrorism efforts, implementation of the anti-drugs strategy and the program of commercial and economic cooperation," Norov said.
"A decision of joining the SCO from a dialogue partner to a member of the organization is taken based on consensus, and each country is considered separately. Showing activity increases the chances of joining," he added.
Currently, eight states are the SCO permanent members, namely Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Four more nations (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia) have an observer status. SCO’s dialogue partners are six states (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, Sri Lanka).


tass--2020-09-09--Belarus has not received Serbia’s refusal to participate in exercise

MINSK , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus has not received any official notifications from Serbia yet about its refusal @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Belarusian-Serbian exercise Slavic Brotherhood-2020 beginning on Thursday .
`` We have received no official documents @ @ @ @ @ to take part in the joint exercise , '' Belarusian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Gremeshkevich @ @ @ @ @ Serbia ’ s Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said the European Union had demanded Belgrade should @ @ @ @ @ exercise in Belarus .
As a result , the Serbian government made a decision to @ @ @ @ @ .
The Slavic Brotherhood exercise traditionally brings together troop contingents from Russia , Serbia and @ @ @ @ @ time it took place in Russia in 2015 .
Since then it has been held @ @ @ @ @ three countries .
This time it is due at the Brestsky proving ground of the @ @ @ @ @ The Belarusian Defense Ministry earlier said the participants would practice joint operations in the struggle @ @ @

MINSK, September 9. /TASS/. Belarus has not received any official notifications from Serbia yet about its refusal to participate in the joint Russian-Belarusian-Serbian exercise Slavic Brotherhood-2020 beginning on Thursday.
"We have received no official documents concerning Serbia’s refusal to take part in the joint exercise," Belarusian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Gremeshkevich told TASS.
Earlier, Serbia’s Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said the European Union had demanded Belgrade should refuse to participate in the exercise in Belarus. As a result, the Serbian government made a decision to freeze all joint military exercises.
The Slavic Brotherhood exercise traditionally brings together troop contingents from Russia, Serbia and Belarus. For the first time it took place in Russia in 2015. Since then it has been held alternatively in each of the three countries. This time it is due at the Brestsky proving ground of the 38th airborne assault brigade. The Belarusian Defense Ministry earlier said the participants would practice joint operations in the struggle against terrorism.


tass--2020-09-09--Culturally destructive: Filmmaker warns Oscar’s new ‘woke’ standards will lead to ruin

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The new representation and inclusion requirements for would-be Oscar nominees in the Best @ @ @ @ @ a process that is tearing down culture , and the destructive consequences of such actions @ @ @ @ @ decades .
This opinion was voiced to TASS on Wednesday by film director Pavel Chukhray @ @ @ @ @ for the motion picture `` The Thief '' in the Best Foreign Film category .
@ @ @ @ @ the Academy ’ s new standards-TASS ) negatively .
There are developments underway in the @ @ @ @ @ .
A large number of uneducated , uncivilized people have emerged who are politically motivated @ @ @ @ @ at forcing what I believe are some alien and incomprehensible things on society that destroy @ @ @ @ @ This is what is going on here ( at the Oscars - TASS ) at @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. The new representation and inclusion requirements for would-be Oscar nominees in the Best Picture category is part of a process that is tearing down culture, and the destructive consequences of such actions will become apparent after several decades. This opinion was voiced to TASS on Wednesday by film director Pavel Chukhray who was an Oscar nominee for the motion picture "The Thief" in the Best Foreign Film category.
"I view this (the Academy’s new standards-TASS) negatively. There are developments underway in the world that are killing democracy. A large number of uneducated, uncivilized people have emerged who are politically motivated and who have goals aimed at forcing what I believe are some alien and incomprehensible things on society that destroy culture and our civilization. This is what is going on here (at the Oscars - TASS) at present," he said.


tass--2020-09-09--Navalny’s case not a bilateral issue — German embassy

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr stated during a meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny ’ s case is not a bilateral matter , a message by the German Embassy in Moscow in possession of TASS informs .
The embassy pointed out that the German ambassador had discussed the situation around Navalny during a meeting with Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov , which was planned long beforehand .
`` During the talks with the First Deputy Foreign Minister , Ambassador von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a matter of the bilateral German-Russian agenda .
He cited statements made by the EU , NATO , the G7 , and many other states , '' the message informs .
The embassy noted that the ambassador had made the German government ’ s position on the Navalny situation clear .
`` Therefore , Russia should now provide an explanation regarding the use of a toxic nerve agent on its territory condemned by the international community in an attempt on the life of a Russian citizen and opposition politician , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed that due to the use of a prohibited toxic agent , the OPCW , which monitors adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention that Russia is a part of , has been informed and involved in the investigation process of the case . ''
On Wednesday , the German ambassador was summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry .
Russia expressed its protest to the ambassador over the accusations made by the German government regarding the situation with Navalny .
The ministry demanded that Germany provide a detailed answer to the official request of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dated August 27 , 2020 asking to provide details on Navalny ’ s treatment , diagnosis and test results , and to present a copy of the patient ’ s medical records and biological materials for comparative research .
If Berlin does not respond to Russia ’ s request , the Russian Foreign Ministry will consider it a `` blatant hostile provocation , '' which `` is fraught with consequences for Russian-German relations '' and may complicate the international situation , the ministry stated .
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin .
Last week , the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin , no toxic substances had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma , and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation .
On September 7 , the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma , and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr stated during a meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny’s case is not a bilateral matter, a message by the German Embassy in Moscow in possession of TASS informs.
The embassy pointed out that the German ambassador had discussed the situation around Navalny during a meeting with Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov, which was planned long beforehand.
"During the talks with the First Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador von Geyr stressed once again that this case is not a matter of the bilateral German-Russian agenda. He cited statements made by the EU, NATO, the G7, and many other states," the message informs.
The embassy noted that the ambassador had made the German government’s position on the Navalny situation clear. "Therefore, Russia should now provide an explanation regarding the use of a toxic nerve agent on its territory condemned by the international community in an attempt on the life of a Russian citizen and opposition politician," the embassy stated. "The ambassador informed that due to the use of a prohibited toxic agent, the OPCW, which monitors adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention that Russia is a part of, has been informed and involved in the investigation process of the case."
On Wednesday, the German ambassador was summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russia expressed its protest to the ambassador over the accusations made by the German government regarding the situation with Navalny. The ministry demanded that Germany provide a detailed answer to the official request of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office dated August 27, 2020 asking to provide details on Navalny’s treatment, diagnosis and test results, and to present a copy of the patient’s medical records and biological materials for comparative research. If Berlin does not respond to Russia’s request, the Russian Foreign Ministry will consider it a "blatant hostile provocation," which "is fraught with consequences for Russian-German relations" and may complicate the international situation, the ministry stated.
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin. Last week, the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin, no toxic substances had been found in his system.
On September 7, the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma, and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation.
On September 7, the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma, and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation.


tass--2020-09-09--Germany, NATO, EU responsible for Berlin’s policy on Navalny, Moscow says

`` The federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany and its allies within NATO and the European Union will bear full responsibility for the consequences of such policy , '' the ministry stressed .
MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Germany and its allies within NATO and the EU will bear full responsibility for Berlin ’ s actions in relation to the incident with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the outcomes of the meeting with German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr .
Russia also expressed its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by the German government regarding the situation with Navalny .
`` A strong protest was declared to the ambassador over the unfounded accusations presented by the federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany against Russia in the context of the illness and hospitalization of Russian citizen Alexei Navalny , and the obvious use of his situation by Berlin as an excuse to discredit our country on the international arena , '' the message says .
The ministry demanded that Germany provide a detailed answer to the official request of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 , 2020 asking to provide details on Navalny ’ s treatment , diagnosis and test results , and to present a copy of the patient ’ s medical records and biological materials for comparative research .
If Berlin does not respond to Russia ’ s request , the Russian Foreign Ministry will consider it a `` blatant hostile provocation , '' which `` is fraught with consequences for Russian-German relations '' and may complicate the international situation , the ministry stated .
Russian opposition figure Navalny was rushed to a local hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin .
The German government later claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , the Bundeswehr ’ s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family .
Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relation to the incident .
Russia stated that it was interested in investigating what had happened to Navalny .
Nevertheless , according to the Russian Foreign Ministry , Berlin has not presented any proof of its version of the incident yet .
On September 7 , the clinic announced that Navalny is no longer comatose and that he has been taken off the artificial ventilation machine .

"The federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany and its allies within NATO and the European Union will bear full responsibility for the consequences of such policy," the ministry stressed.
MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Germany and its allies within NATO and the EU will bear full responsibility for Berlin’s actions in relation to the incident with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the outcomes of the meeting with German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr.
Russia also expressed its protest to the ambassador over the accusations made by the German government regarding the situation with Navalny. "A strong protest was declared to the ambassador over the unfounded accusations presented by the federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany against Russia in the context of the illness and hospitalization of Russian citizen Alexei Navalny, and the obvious use of his situation by Berlin as an excuse to discredit our country on the international arena," the message says.
The ministry demanded that Germany provide a detailed answer to the official request of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office dated August 27, 2020 asking to provide details on Navalny’s treatment, diagnosis and test results, and to present a copy of the patient’s medical records and biological materials for comparative research.
If Berlin does not respond to Russia’s request, the Russian Foreign Ministry will consider it a "blatant hostile provocation," which "is fraught with consequences for Russian-German relations" and may complicate the international situation, the ministry stated.
Russian opposition figure Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin.
The German government later claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, the Bundeswehr’s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family. Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident, adding that it would consider potential sanctions in relation to the incident. Russia stated that it was interested in investigating what had happened to Navalny. Nevertheless, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Berlin has not presented any proof of its version of the incident yet.
On September 7, the clinic announced that Navalny is no longer comatose and that he has been taken off the artificial ventilation machine.


tass--2020-09-09--Germany hands over Navalny’s test results to OPCW

BERLIN , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Germany has handed over the test results of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , a representative of the German Defense Ministry stated during Wednesday ’ s briefing .
`` The test results have been handed over to the organization [ OPCW - TASS ] .
Russia is a member of this organization , '' he said .
For her part , German Government Deputy Spokesperson Martina Fitz noted that in the wake of this step , Berlin does not see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusive evidence to Russia in relation to Navalny ’ s case .
`` We maintain our position , calling on the Russian side to provide information [ on Navalny ] , '' she said .
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin , no toxic substances had been found in his system .
On September 7 , the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma , and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation .

BERLIN, September 9. /TASS/. Germany has handed over the test results of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a representative of the German Defense Ministry stated during Wednesday’s briefing.
"The test results have been handed over to the organization [OPCW - TASS]. Russia is a member of this organization," he said.
For her part, German Government Deputy Spokesperson Martina Fitz noted that in the wake of this step, Berlin does not see the conditions for Germany to hand over its conclusive evidence to Russia in relation to Navalny’s case. "We maintain our position, calling on the Russian side to provide information [on Navalny]," she said.
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin. Last week, the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin, no toxic substances had been found in his system.
On September 7, the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma, and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation.


tass--2020-09-09--Serbia freezes military exercises with other countries at EU demands over Belarus

BELGRADE , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union demanded that Belgrade should refuse to participate in the forthcoming @ @ @ @ @ In response , the Serbian government made a decision to freeze all military exercises with @ @ @ @ @ , Serbia ’ s Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said on Wednesday .
The Defense Ministry @ @ @ @ @ Vulin as saying that Serbia was under strong and undeserved pressure from the European Union @ @ @ @ @ any joint military activities with NATO , the CSTO , Russia , the United States @ @ @ @ @ Union over the coming six months .
A Serbian military contingent was to take part @ @ @ @ @ Brotherhood 2020 in Belarus on September 10-15 .
For the first time the trilateral exercise @ @ @ @ @ 2015 .
Serbia hosted it in November 2016 .
In June 2017 it was held @ @ @ @ @ 2018 in Russia again .

BELGRADE, September 9. /TASS/. The European Union demanded that Belgrade should refuse to participate in the forthcoming military exercises in Belarus. In response, the Serbian government made a decision to freeze all military exercises with all countries for six months, Serbia’s Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said on Wednesday.
The Defense Ministry’s press service quotes Vulin as saying that Serbia was under strong and undeserved pressure from the European Union and would not participate in any joint military activities with NATO, the CSTO, Russia, the United States, China or the European Union over the coming six months.
A Serbian military contingent was to take part in the military exercise Slavic Brotherhood 2020 in Belarus on September 10-15. For the first time the trilateral exercise was held in Russia in 2015. Serbia hosted it in November 2016. In June 2017 it was held in Belarus, and in 2018 in Russia again.


tass--2020-09-09--SCO chief says pandemic did not interfere with its work

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic did not affect cooperation between the member-states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , the upward trend in the development of partnership between them persists , SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov said on Wednesday in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
He recalled that the foreign ministers of the SCO member-countries would consider the current state and prospects for the organization ’ s activities at a meeting on September 9-10 , taking into account the global political and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SCO Council of Heads of State .
`` The multidisciplinary and rich nature of the documents submitted for approval by the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers indicates that , despite the epidemiological risks , cooperation within the organization did not slow down .
Moreover , it maintained an upward development trajectory in the run-up to the upcoming summit of heads of state , '' Norov said .
The secretary-general added that , thanks to Russia ’ s coordinating role , a significant package of documents had been prepared , which `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our organization and increase its role and influence not only in Eurasia , but also in the world as a whole . ''
According to Norov , more than 20 documents are expected to be approved at the upcoming meeting of the heads of state , more than half of them were proposed by Russia .
`` In difficult conditions of the pandemic , the SCO , relying on the principles of mutual trust , mutual benefit , equality , mutual consultations , respect for the diversity of cultures and commitment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial potential as a platform for responding to emerging contemporary challenges and threats as well for the development and implementation of joint measures to overcome the adverse effects of the pandemic , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic did not affect cooperation between the member-states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the upward trend in the development of partnership between them persists, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov said on Wednesday in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
He recalled that the foreign ministers of the SCO member-countries would consider the current state and prospects for the organization’s activities at a meeting on September 9-10, taking into account the global political and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, and preparations for a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State.
"The multidisciplinary and rich nature of the documents submitted for approval by the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers indicates that, despite the epidemiological risks, cooperation within the organization did not slow down. Moreover, it maintained an upward development trajectory in the run-up to the upcoming summit of heads of state," Norov said.
The secretary-general added that, thanks to Russia’s coordinating role, a significant package of documents had been prepared, which "will undoubtedly contribute to the further development of our organization and increase its role and influence not only in Eurasia, but also in the world as a whole."
According to Norov, more than 20 documents are expected to be approved at the upcoming meeting of the heads of state, more than half of them were proposed by Russia.
"In difficult conditions of the pandemic, the SCO, relying on the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, respect for the diversity of cultures and commitment to joint development, has convincingly confirmed its substantial potential as a platform for responding to emerging contemporary challenges and threats as well for the development and implementation of joint measures to overcome the adverse effects of the pandemic," he concluded.


tass--2020-09-09--Belarus to go to war in case of Western aggression against Russia — Lukashenko

MINSK , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus will go to war in case of the Western countries ’ aggression against Russia , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told Russian media in an interview aired on Wednesday .
`` Should someone try to carry out an act of aggression against Russia through Belarus or near Belarus , our 60,000-65,000-strong army will go to war , because the West is our zone of responsibility in accordance with the Collective Security Treaty and the Union State treaty , '' Lukashenko said .
`` And the Russian group , which supports us , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the West under the plan .
It is our zone of responsibility . ''
`` If something like that happens in the Western direction , north or south of us , we will hurry to defend Russia , '' he added .
Lukashenko in August instructed the Defense Ministry to closely monitor the movement of NATO forces in Poland and Lithuania and also to alert troops on the Western border amid soaring tensions in this region .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin on August 19 issued orders to reinforce the Grodno group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battalions and also an UAV unit and air defense forces .

MINSK, September 9. /TASS/. Belarus will go to war in case of the Western countries’ aggression against Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told Russian media in an interview aired on Wednesday.
"Should someone try to carry out an act of aggression against Russia through Belarus or near Belarus, our 60,000-65,000-strong army will go to war, because the West is our zone of responsibility in accordance with the Collective Security Treaty and the Union State treaty," Lukashenko said. "And the Russian group, which supports us, is to join us to repel an aggression from the West under the plan. It is our zone of responsibility."
"If something like that happens in the Western direction, north or south of us, we will hurry to defend Russia," he added.
Lukashenko in August instructed the Defense Ministry to closely monitor the movement of NATO forces in Poland and Lithuania and also to alert troops on the Western border amid soaring tensions in this region. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin on August 19 issued orders to reinforce the Grodno group with tactical missile and multiple rocket launcher battalions and also an UAV unit and air defense forces.


tass--2020-09-09--Pirates kidnap two Russians from refrigerator ship in Gulf of Guinea

`` We confirm that two Russians were kidnapped from the ship Water Phoenix as a result of an attack by pirates 30 kilometers away from Lagos on September 8 , '' the embassy said on its official portal .
`` In cooperation with Nigerian law enforcement agencies we are exerting efforts to establish the hostages ’ whereabouts and secure their release . ''
According to the Nigerian portal Nigerian Tribune , the pirates seized the ship ’ s captain and another crewmember .
Both are Russians .
The other 16 sailors managed to lock themselves in a special compartment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 Russians and 11 Filipinos .
The portal Dryad Global , devoted to maritime security matters , said that pirates had attacked the refrigerator ship Water Phoenix flying the Liberian flag on the way from the Dutch port of Ijmuiden .
At the moment of the attack it was southwest of Lagos .
According to the information available it belongs to a company registered in Germany .
The Gulf of Guinea stretching from Senegal in the north to Angola in the south is notorious as the worst piracy affected area globally .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounted for 45 % of world piracy cases .

"We confirm that two Russians were kidnapped from the ship Water Phoenix as a result of an attack by pirates 30 kilometers away from Lagos on September 8," the embassy said on its official portal . "In cooperation with Nigerian law enforcement agencies we are exerting efforts to establish the hostages’ whereabouts and secure their release."
According to the Nigerian portal Nigerian Tribune, the pirates seized the ship’s captain and another crewmember. Both are Russians. The other 16 sailors managed to lock themselves in a special compartment. The crew consists of 18 sailors - 7 Russians and 11 Filipinos.
The portal Dryad Global, devoted to maritime security matters, said that pirates had attacked the refrigerator ship Water Phoenix flying the Liberian flag on the way from the Dutch port of Ijmuiden. At the moment of the attack it was southwest of Lagos. According to the information available it belongs to a company registered in Germany.
The Gulf of Guinea stretching from Senegal in the north to Angola in the south is notorious as the worst piracy affected area globally. In the first quarter of this year it accounted for 45% of world piracy cases.


tass--2020-09-09--Russia works with Venezuela, other Latin American countries on COVID-19 vaccine - diplomat

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has been carrying on a meaningful dialogue with Venezuela and other Latin @ @ @ @ @ production of a vaccine against the coronavirus , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told @ @ @ @ @ We cooperate both on supplying and producing the Sputnik V vaccine not only with Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ American countries , '' he said .
`` Venezuela , being Russia ’ s strategic @ @ @ @ @ country that needs the supply of preparations against the coronavirus , is today at the @ @ @ @ @ diplomat added .
`` However , the presentations are still planned in other countries in @ @ @ @ @ a kind of a public-private partnership , there is a desire to render aid but @ @ @ @ @ in the product there are commercial arrangements that we will implement , '' he pointed @ @

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Russia has been carrying on a meaningful dialogue with Venezuela and other Latin American countries regarding supply and production of a vaccine against the coronavirus, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told journalists on Wednesday.
"We cooperate both on supplying and producing the Sputnik V vaccine not only with Venezuela but also with other Latin American countries," he said.
"Venezuela, being Russia’s strategic partner as well as the country that needs the supply of preparations against the coronavirus, is today at the forefront," the senior diplomat added. "However, the presentations are still planned in other countries in the region, this is a kind of a public-private partnership, there is a desire to render aid but due to the great interest in the product there are commercial arrangements that we will implement," he pointed out.


tass--2020-09-09--SCO chief highlights TASS role in covering organization’s work

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) Vladimir Norov highly assessed @ @ @ @ @ agency TASS in covering the organization ’ s activity and promoting its positive image .
@ @ @ @ @ first of all note that we highly assess the established level of cooperation between the @ @ @ @ @ TASS , which makes sizable contribution to promoting unbiased information about our organization ’ s @ @ @ @ @ image , '' Norov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General @ @ @ @ @ The Shanghai Cooperation Organization , established in 2001 , brings together China , India , @ @ @ @ @ , Russia , Tajikistan and Uzbekistan .
Afghanistan , Belarus , Iran and Mongolia are @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan , Armenia , Cambodia , Nepal , Sri Lanka and Turkey are dialogue partners @

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Vladimir Norov highly assessed the role of Russian news agency TASS in covering the organization’s activity and promoting its positive image.
"I would like to first of all note that we highly assess the established level of cooperation between the SCO and state news agency TASS, which makes sizable contribution to promoting unbiased information about our organization’s activity and promoting its positive image," Norov said in an open interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Wednesday.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 2001, brings together China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia are SCO observer states, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey are dialogue partners.


tass--2020-09-09--Kremlin vows in spite of absence, Putin’s voice will be heard at 75th UN General Assembly

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , just like other leaders , will speak at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly via video link , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Not only will President Putin not go to New York , but practically no one is now ready to go to New York , and , due to this , the presiding country has decided to come up with an initiative for the heads of state and heads of government to record their speeches , which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` Our president ’ s voice will be heard at the General Assembly this year as well , '' he assured .
On Tuesday , Putin ’ s executive order was published , according to which he will personally lead the Russian delegation to take part in the work of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly and speak via video link .
After the completion of the Russian leader ’ s participation , the delegation will be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
The High-Level Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 .
Peskov earlier told TASS that Putin ’ s speech was expected to focus on the unprecedented challenge that the coronavirus pandemic has posed to the world .
When asked whether the Russian leader will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend international events , the Kremlin spokesman said , `` He will let you know himself , when and if he deems that necessary . ''

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, just like other leaders, will speak at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly via video link, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"Not only will President Putin not go to New York, but practically no one is now ready to go to New York, and, due to this, the presiding country has decided to come up with an initiative for the heads of state and heads of government to record their speeches, which will be published at the General Assembly," he said. "Our president’s voice will be heard at the General Assembly this year as well," he assured.
On Tuesday, Putin’s executive order was published, according to which he will personally lead the Russian delegation to take part in the work of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly and speak via video link. After the completion of the Russian leader’s participation, the delegation will be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The High-Level Week will last from September 22 to September 29.
Peskov earlier told TASS that Putin’s speech was expected to focus on the unprecedented challenge that the coronavirus pandemic has posed to the world.
When asked whether the Russian leader will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend international events, the Kremlin spokesman said, "He will let you know himself, when and if he deems that necessary."


tass--2020-09-09--Volume of sales at Hainan's duty free stores reaches $816 mln in July-August

HAIKOU , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Sales of Hainan 's duty free shops in July-August amounted to 5.85 billion yuan ( about $ 816 million ) .
This figure increased by 221.9 % compared to the one was recorded in the same period in 2019 , reported www.hinews.cn , citing the Haikou customs .
Such a high growth rate of sales over the past two months was noted amid an increase in the duty free quota in the province from 30,000 to 100,000 yuan ( from $ 4,200 to $ 14,200 ) per person as well as expanding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 45 positions .
In July-August , cosmetics accounted for most of the duty-free purchases — 2.77 billion yuan , representing 49.6 % of total sales .
The second and third places went to watches and jewelry .
Customers spent 670 million yuan and 660 million yuan on these goods , respectively .
The authorities ' policy on duty free shopping in the province , the news outlet writes , not only helps to turn Hainan into an international center for tourism and consumption , but also contributes to the implementation of Hainan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are currently four duty free shops on the island : two of them are located in the provincial capital , Haikou , and the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao .
Last week , the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya .
Duty-free shops are part of the government 's plan to promote international tourism in Hainan .
By the end of this year , it is planned to open three more new duty-free shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the number of duty free shops in the province by the growing number of tourists and the high demand for duty-free goods .
All three new stores will be located in the resort town of Sanya .
One of them will open at the airport , and the other two - in the suburbs .

HAIKOU, September 9. /TASS/. Sales of Hainan's duty free shops in July-August amounted to 5.85 billion yuan (about $ 816 million). This figure increased by 221.9% compared to the one was recorded in the same period in 2019, reported www.hinews.cn, citing the Haikou customs.
Such a high growth rate of sales over the past two months was noted amid an increase in the duty free quota in the province from 30,000 to 100,000 yuan (from $ 4,200 to $ 14,200) per person as well as expanding the list of duty free goods from 38 to 45 positions.
In July-August, cosmetics accounted for most of the duty-free purchases — 2.77 billion yuan, representing 49.6% of total sales. The second and third places went to watches and jewelry. Customers spent 670 million yuan and 660 million yuan on these goods, respectively.
The authorities' policy on duty free shopping in the province, the news outlet writes, not only helps to turn Hainan into an international center for tourism and consumption, but also contributes to the implementation of Hainan's free trade port project.
There are currently four duty free shops on the island: two of them are located in the provincial capital, Haikou, and the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao. Last week, the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya.
Duty-free shops are part of the government's plan to promote international tourism in Hainan. By the end of this year, it is planned to open three more new duty-free shops. The authorities explained the need to increase the number of duty free shops in the province by the growing number of tourists and the high demand for duty-free goods. All three new stores will be located in the resort town of Sanya. One of them will open at the airport, and the other two - in the suburbs.


tass--2020-09-09--German ambassador mum on results of meeting at Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr has refused to comment on @ @ @ @ @ at the Russian Foreign Ministry , where he was summoned on Wednesday after Berlin ’ @ @ @ @ @ around Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny .
The meeting lasted for about two hours .
@ @ @ @ @ the Russian Foreign Ministry after the German government stated that Navalny had been poisoned by @ @ @ @ @ while Germany and its partners had called on Russia to provide answers to the questions @ @ @ @ @ would consider potential measures against Moscow .
Russia noted , in turn , that it @ @ @ @ @ incident , however , it has not received a response from Germany to its request @ @ @ @ @ stated that the main goal of the anti-Russian campaign in relation to Navalny ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated earlier that Berlin ’ s stance on Moscow @ @ @ @ @ requests regarding this situation is unacceptable .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr has refused to comment on the outcome of his meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he was summoned on Wednesday after Berlin’s statements on the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. The meeting lasted for about two hours.
The diplomat was summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry after the German government stated that Navalny had been poisoned by a Novichok-type poisoning agent, while Germany and its partners had called on Russia to provide answers to the questions raised and said that they would consider potential measures against Moscow.
Russia noted, in turn, that it is interested in investigating the incident, however, it has not received a response from Germany to its request. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the main goal of the anti-Russian campaign in relation to Navalny’s case is to mobilize sanctions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated earlier that Berlin’s stance on Moscow’s lawful demands and requests regarding this situation is unacceptable.


tass--2020-09-09--German government does not specify when Berlin will reply to Russia’s request on Navalny

BERLIN , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The German government has transferred Russia ’ s request on opposition figure Alexei Navalny 's case to the officials of the federal state of Berlin , so it is unable to say when the request will be answered , German Government Deputy Spokesperson Martina Fitz stated during Wednesday ’ s briefing in Berlin in response to a question by TASS .
`` On Friday , we already said that the government had done everything necessary to respond to this request , '' she noted .
`` This [ the request - TASS ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s jurisdiction , '' the deputy spokesperson added .
She recalled Berlin ’ s position according to which , `` a suitable European response '' is needed to the Navalny incident .
`` There is no new information , '' she added .
According to Fitz , the issue was not brought up during the German government session on Wednesday .
Earlier , the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office sent a request to Germany , in which it asks Germany to answer about 20 questions on Navalny ’ s treatment , diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a copy of the patient ’ s medical records and biological materials for comparative research .
On September 6 , German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the German government has no grounds not to satisfy the request .
He explained the delay by the fact that Navalny ’ s examination and treatment is still ongoing .
Besides , the minister pointed out that personal data can not be handed over unless the patient approves it .
Russian opposition figure Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin .
The German government later claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , the Bundeswehr ’ s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family .
Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident , adding that it would consider potential sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated that it was interested in investigating what had happened to Navalny .
Nevertheless , according to the Russian Foreign Ministry , Berlin has not presented any proof of its version of the incident yet .
On September 7 , the clinic announced that Navalny is no longer comatose and that he had been taken off the artificial ventilation machine .

BERLIN, September 9. /TASS/. The German government has transferred Russia’s request on opposition figure Alexei Navalny's case to the officials of the federal state of Berlin, so it is unable to say when the request will be answered, German Government Deputy Spokesperson Martina Fitz stated during Wednesday’s briefing in Berlin in response to a question by TASS.
"On Friday, we already said that the government had done everything necessary to respond to this request," she noted. "This [the request - TASS] is no longer in the government’s jurisdiction," the deputy spokesperson added.
She recalled Berlin’s position according to which, "a suitable European response" is needed to the Navalny incident. "There is no new information," she added. According to Fitz, the issue was not brought up during the German government session on Wednesday.
Earlier, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office sent a request to Germany, in which it asks Germany to answer about 20 questions on Navalny’s treatment, diagnosis and test results, and to provide a copy of the patient’s medical records and biological materials for comparative research.
On September 6, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the German government has no grounds not to satisfy the request. He explained the delay by the fact that Navalny’s examination and treatment is still ongoing. Besides, the minister pointed out that personal data cannot be handed over unless the patient approves it.
Russian opposition figure Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin.
The German government later claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, the Bundeswehr’s toxicologists had come to a conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent of the Novichok family. Berlin called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident, adding that it would consider potential sanctions in relation to the incident. Russia stated that it was interested in investigating what had happened to Navalny. Nevertheless, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Berlin has not presented any proof of its version of the incident yet.
On September 7, the clinic announced that Navalny is no longer comatose and that he had been taken off the artificial ventilation machine.


tass--2020-09-09--Number of daily coronavirus cases in Ukraine rises by 2,500

KIEV , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
Over the past day , Ukrainian doctors recorded 2,551 new cases of coronavirus , the National Security and Defense Council ( NSDC ) of Ukraine announced on Wednesday .
A day earlier , 2,411 cases were detected .
In total , since the beginning of the epidemic , 143,030 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the country .
During this period , 64,703 people ( 45.2 % ) recovered , including 1,157 per day , while 2,979 residents of the country died ( 45 over the past day ) .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) are being treated .
Minister of Health of Ukraine Maxim Stepanov said at a briefing that 389 people were hospitalized per day .
According to him , during the pandemic , 1,751,931 tests were carried out in the country .
Of these , almost 8.2 % gave a positive result .
Stepanov added that the number of deaths due to the coronavirus in the country is 2.1 % .
`` Compared to April , when the deaths accounted for about 3 % , the fatalities decreased by almost a third - to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first coronavirus case in Ukraine was detected on March 3 .
Quarantine has been in effect in the country since March 17 .
According to the government 's decision , the restrictive measures have been extended until the end of October .
On August 1 , new rules for adaptive quarantine came into force in Ukraine : the country 's regions were divided into four zones , in which , depending on the epidemic situation , different restrictions apply .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 27,761,500 people have been infected worldwide and more than 902,300 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 19,845,600 individuals have recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1,041,007 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 856,458 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 18,135 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

KIEV, September 9. /TASS/. Over the past day, Ukrainian doctors recorded 2,551 new cases of coronavirus, the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine announced on Wednesday.
A day earlier, 2,411 cases were detected. In total, since the beginning of the epidemic, 143,030 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the country. During this period, 64,703 people (45.2%) recovered, including 1,157 per day, while 2,979 residents of the country died (45 over the past day). At present, 75,348 patients (52.7%) are being treated.
Minister of Health of Ukraine Maxim Stepanov said at a briefing that 389 people were hospitalized per day. According to him, during the pandemic, 1,751,931 tests were carried out in the country. Of these, almost 8.2% gave a positive result.
Stepanov added that the number of deaths due to the coronavirus in the country is 2.1%. "Compared to April, when the deaths accounted for about 3%, the fatalities decreased by almost a third - to 2.1%," the minister said.
The first coronavirus case in Ukraine was detected on March 3. Quarantine has been in effect in the country since March 17. According to the government's decision, the restrictive measures have been extended until the end of October. On August 1, new rules for adaptive quarantine came into force in Ukraine: the country's regions were divided into four zones, in which, depending on the epidemic situation, different restrictions apply.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 27,761,500 people have been infected worldwide and more than 902,300 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 19,845,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 1,041,007 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 856,458 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 18,135 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-09--Top diplomat says Russia helped stabilize coronavirus situation in Kazakhstan

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The assistance provided by Russia has helped stabilize the coronavirus situation in Kazakhstan , Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi told reporters on Wednesday at a news conference following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov .
`` We express our gratitude to the Russian government for the humanitarian assistance provided during the epidemic , when medicines and a group of Russian doctors who provided consultative assistance were dispatched to Kazakhstan , '' he said .
`` Of course , that made a certain contribution to the stabilization of the coronavirus situation . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the results of the talks and drew attention to the high level of cooperation between the two countries in international and regional organizations , in the trade , economic , cultural and humanitarian spheres .
`` Kazakhstan is preparing to host the next interregional cooperation forum in the city of Kokshetau next month , '' he said .
`` I believe that the border regions of Kazakhstan and Russia will be able to discuss new ways and new prospects for our cooperation . ''
He also spoke in favor of continuing regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministries , in particular , on cooperation in the information space and consular issues .

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. The assistance provided by Russia has helped stabilize the coronavirus situation in Kazakhstan, Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi told reporters on Wednesday at a news conference following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
"We express our gratitude to the Russian government for the humanitarian assistance provided during the epidemic, when medicines and a group of Russian doctors who provided consultative assistance were dispatched to Kazakhstan," he said. "Of course, that made a certain contribution to the stabilization of the coronavirus situation."
Kazakhstan’s top diplomat expressed satisfaction with the results of the talks and drew attention to the high level of cooperation between the two countries in international and regional organizations, in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
"Kazakhstan is preparing to host the next interregional cooperation forum in the city of Kokshetau next month," he said. "I believe that the border regions of Kazakhstan and Russia will be able to discuss new ways and new prospects for our cooperation."
He also spoke in favor of continuing regular consultations between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries, in particular, on cooperation in the information space and consular issues.


tass--2020-09-09--Despite sparring on many issues, Lukashenko stands with Putin on security

`` We make numerous decisions but fail to implement many of them , '' he said in an interview with Russian media outlets aired on Wednesday .
`` We got to the point where we unleashed gas wars , milk wars , candy wars and oil wars .
We reached a point of absurdity .
I do hope that we have derived a proper lesson from this situation .
This concerns the presidents of both countries .
During talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about six months ago , we discussed this issue and agreed that we may spar in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but defense and security will remain sacrosanct . ''
Lukashenko said the latest events in Belarus proved this once again .
`` Remember when I said – and you laughed at it then - that perhaps we would see the day when Putin and yours truly would have to stand back to back to fight against the attackers .
You took that as a joke then !
Now you can see how reality has turned out , '' the Belarusian leader insisted .
Lukashenko is certain it is too early to relax .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I often say to my fellow citizens , '' he stated .
`` It ’ s not the Poles behind this .
It ’ s just Poland ’ s policy .
Belarus has been the first to take the blow .
Through Belarus they ’ ll hit Russia and do you know what forces are behind this ?
It ’ s wrong to trivialize anything ! ''

"We make numerous decisions but fail to implement many of them," he said in an interview with Russian media outlets aired on Wednesday. "We got to the point where we unleashed gas wars, milk wars, candy wars and oil wars. We reached a point of absurdity. I do hope that we have derived a proper lesson from this situation. This concerns the presidents of both countries. During talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about six months ago, we discussed this issue and agreed that we may spar in a manly way over any issue, but defense and security will remain sacrosanct."
Lukashenko said the latest events in Belarus proved this once again. "Remember when I said – and you laughed at it then - that perhaps we would see the day when Putin and yours truly would have to stand back to back to fight against the attackers. You took that as a joke then! Now you can see how reality has turned out," the Belarusian leader insisted.
Lukashenko is certain it is too early to relax. "This is just the beginning, as I often say to my fellow citizens," he stated. "It’s not the Poles behind this. It’s just Poland’s policy. Belarus has been the first to take the blow. Through Belarus they’ll hit Russia and do you know what forces are behind this? It’s wrong to trivialize anything!"


tass--2020-09-09--Russian Foreign Ministry expresses protest to German ambassador over Navalny accusations

MOSCOW , September 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed its protest to German Ambassador to Russia @ @ @ @ @ the accusations made by the German government regarding the situation with Russian opposition figure Alexei @ @ @ @ @ protest was declared to the ambassador over the unfounded accusations presented by the federal government @ @ @ @ @ Germany against Russia in the context of the illness and hospitalization of Russian citizen Alexei @ @ @ @ @ use of his situation by Berlin as an excuse to discredit our country on the @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry said in a message published on Wednesday .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey @ @ @ @ @ was showing a totally unacceptable attitude towards Moscow ’ s legitimate demands and requests regarding @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 9. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed its protest to German Ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr over the accusations made by the German government regarding the situation with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
"A strong protest was declared to the ambassador over the unfounded accusations presented by the federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany against Russia in the context of the illness and hospitalization of Russian citizen Alexei Navalny, and the obvious use of his situation by Berlin as an excuse to discredit our country on the international arena," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a message published on Wednesday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier said that Berlin was showing a totally unacceptable attitude towards Moscow’s legitimate demands and requests regarding the Navalny situation.


tass--2020-09-10--Lavrov to hold talks with Chinese foreign minister on September 11 in Moscow

MOSCOW , September 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on September 11 in Moscow , the Russian Foreign Ministry informed on Thursday .
`` On September 11 , on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) Foreign Ministers Council in Moscow , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks in person , '' the document reads .
The ministry added that the foreign ministers would focus `` on the current state and prospects of Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the practical issues on the bilateral agenda . ''
`` The ministers will discuss the outcomes of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council 's meeting , the preparations for the summit of UN Security Council permanent members , the cooperation within the UN , BRICS , RIC , the issues in the Asia-Pacific Region , the situation with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear deal , the process of aligning integration initiatives on the Eurasian continent and other current international topics , '' the ministry stated @

MOSCOW, September 10. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on September 11 in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed on Thursday.
"On September 11, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Council in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks in person," the document reads.
The ministry added that the foreign ministers would focus "on the current state and prospects of Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in the conditions of a difficult epidemiological situation, as well as the practical issues on the bilateral agenda."
"The ministers will discuss the outcomes of the SCO Foreign Ministers Council's meeting, the preparations for the summit of UN Security Council permanent members, the cooperation within the UN, BRICS, RIC, the issues in the Asia-Pacific Region, the situation with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear deal, the process of aligning integration initiatives on the Eurasian continent and other current international topics," the ministry stated.


tass--2020-09-10--Russia ready to discuss Navalny situation within OPCW, says envoy

THE HAGUE , September 10 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is ready to discuss the situation with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , if the issue is put forward by Germany , Russia 's Permanent Representative to the OPCW Alexander Shulgin told TASS on Thursday .
`` More peculiarities arise in the `` Navalny case , '' he noted .
`` Yesterday , German officials stated that they had handed over all the materials confirming that the Russian citizen was poisoned to the OPCW .
However , we checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untrue : Germany did not send anything to the OPCW Technical Secretariat neither yesterday nor this morning . ''
`` We expect Germany to provide a clear explanation on this issue , '' Shulgin stressed .
`` In any case , if the issue is put forward by our German partners in The Hague , we are ready to consider it strictly within the legal field of the [ Chemical Weapons ] Convention , '' he said .
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin .
Last week , the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin , no toxic substances had been found in his system .
On September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navalny had been brought out of a coma , and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation .

THE HAGUE, September 10. /TASS/. Moscow is ready to discuss the situation with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), if the issue is put forward by Germany, Russia's Permanent Representative to the OPCW Alexander Shulgin told TASS on Thursday.
"More peculiarities arise in the "Navalny case," he noted. "Yesterday, German officials stated that they had handed over all the materials confirming that the Russian citizen was poisoned to the OPCW. However, we checked these statements and found them to be untrue: Germany did not send anything to the OPCW Technical Secretariat neither yesterday nor this morning." "We expect Germany to provide a clear explanation on this issue," Shulgin stressed.
"In any case, if the issue is put forward by our German partners in The Hague, we are ready to consider it strictly within the legal field of the [Chemical Weapons] Convention," he said.
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin. Last week, the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin, no toxic substances had been found in his system.
On September 7, the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma, and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation.


tass--2020-09-10--Vucic, Putin agree to boost high-level dialogue

BELGRADE , September 10 .
/TASS/ .
Presidents Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Vladimir Putin of Russia have agreed to boost high-level dialogue in a telephone call , the Serbian presidential press service said on Thursday .
According to the press service , Vucic briefed Putin on the talks on Kosovo that had been held in Washington and Brussels .
The parties also `` exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans and pressing matters related to Serbia-Russia partnership , including the development of high-level dialogue '' and `` confirmed that Serbia and Russia are true friends whose cooperation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said that `` Serbia is a military-neutral country , and President Putin welcomed Serbia ’ s firm position . ''
`` Despite the difficulties of its geopolitical , military and economic situation , Serbia will continue to defend the principle of military neutrality and will remain Russia ’ s true and proper partner , '' Vucic pointed out .
He also thanked his Russian counterpart for the continuous support of Serbia ’ s territorial integrity , as well as for efforts to preserve peace in the region .
Vucic and Putin agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept growing stronger but there were even more opportunities for cooperation and new joint projects , the Serbian presidential press service said .
The Kremlin press service earlier issued a statement about a phone call between Putin and Vucic , which had been initiated by Serbia .
According to the statement , Putin highlighted his willingness to continue to closely cooperate with the Serbian president on the entire range bilateral , regional and international issues .
The Serbian presidential press service said earlier that Putin was expected to visit Belgrade in October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their meeting in Russia ’ s Black Sea resort of Sochi on December 4 , 2019 .
The Serbian authorities said later that they expected the Russian leader to attend the consecration ceremony of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade in October .

BELGRADE, September 10. /TASS/. Presidents Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Vladimir Putin of Russia have agreed to boost high-level dialogue in a telephone call, the Serbian presidential press service said on Thursday.
According to the press service, Vucic briefed Putin on the talks on Kosovo that had been held in Washington and Brussels. The parties also "exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans and pressing matters related to Serbia-Russia partnership, including the development of high-level dialogue" and "confirmed that Serbia and Russia are true friends whose cooperation is based on mutual trust."
Vucic also said that "Serbia is a military-neutral country, and President Putin welcomed Serbia’s firm position." "Despite the difficulties of its geopolitical, military and economic situation, Serbia will continue to defend the principle of military neutrality and will remain Russia’s true and proper partner," Vucic pointed out.
He also thanked his Russian counterpart for the continuous support of Serbia’s territorial integrity, as well as for efforts to preserve peace in the region. Vucic and Putin agreed that economic ties between the two countries kept growing stronger but there were even more opportunities for cooperation and new joint projects, the Serbian presidential press service said.
The Kremlin press service earlier issued a statement about a phone call between Putin and Vucic, which had been initiated by Serbia. According to the statement, Putin highlighted his willingness to continue to closely cooperate with the Serbian president on the entire range bilateral, regional and international issues.
The Serbian presidential press service said earlier that Putin was expected to visit Belgrade in October. Vucic invited Putin to visit Serbia at their meeting in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi on December 4, 2019. The Serbian authorities said later that they expected the Russian leader to attend the consecration ceremony of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade in October.


tass--2020-09-10--Economy on the rebound since June, though recovery of business activity uneven, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , September 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s economy started gradually emerging from the pandemic-related restrictions in June , President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting focused on economic issues on Thursday , adding though that the recovery of business activity is uneven so far .
`` Many specialists and experts say today that the most acute phase of the crisis has passed .
Indeed , economic recovery started in June in Russia , though the recovery of business activity is uneven so far , that is true , '' he said .
Consumption is on the rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` such important indicators as electricity consumption and railway cargo transportation volume are gradually returning to last year ’ s level . ''
Nevertheless , `` much is to be done to reach the sustainable growth trajectory , '' he noted .
Economic recession due to the coronavirus pandemic turned out not so deep in Russia as in other leading countries , the president stated .
Like the whole world , Russia has faced difficulties related to the coronavirus pandemic this year as whole economic areas were forcedly halted , including services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fields , he said .
`` I should note in this respect that economic recession , GDP contraction in Russia was not so deep as in other leading countries , '' Putin said .
GDP contraction in Russia amounted to 8.5 % in the second quarter of 2020 , whereas in the US and the eurozone it totaled 9.5 % and 15 % , respectively , he emphasized .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, September 10. /TASS/. Russia’s economy started gradually emerging from the pandemic-related restrictions in June, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting focused on economic issues on Thursday, adding though that the recovery of business activity is uneven so far.
"Many specialists and experts say today that the most acute phase of the crisis has passed. Indeed, economic recovery started in June in Russia, though the recovery of business activity is uneven so far, that is true," he said.
Consumption is on the rise in Russia, Putin said, adding that "such important indicators as electricity consumption and railway cargo transportation volume are gradually returning to last year’s level." Nevertheless, "much is to be done to reach the sustainable growth trajectory," he noted.
Economic recession due to the coronavirus pandemic turned out not so deep in Russia as in other leading countries, the president stated.
Like the whole world, Russia has faced difficulties related to the coronavirus pandemic this year as whole economic areas were forcedly halted, including services, trade, construction, certain manufacture fields, he said.
"I should note in this respect that economic recession, GDP contraction in Russia was not so deep as in other leading countries," Putin said. GDP contraction in Russia amounted to 8.5% in the second quarter of 2020, whereas in the US and the eurozone it totaled 9.5% and 15%, respectively, he emphasized.


tass--2020-09-10--Germany’s actions on Navalny similar to Salisbury incident, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 10 .
/TASS/ .
Germany ’ s behavior in relation to the incident with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny is similar to the Salisbury case and the crash of Flight MH17 in Ukraine , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on Thursday .
`` When the official spokesman of the German government says that the request of the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office was handed over to independent justice bodies and the German government can not do anything in this regard , yet it demands that we hold an investigation , this reminds us of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Salisbury poisoning , when everything was confidential , and we did not have any information , namely information on the whereabouts of Russian citizens , the Skripals , '' he said .
Besides , Lavrov noted , the current situation is similar to the treatment of the MH17 crash in Ukraine in 2014 .
`` The Netherlands regularly accused us of refusing to cooperate , despite numerous efforts by our official structures to provide information that we had , and despite our numerous offers to carry out a serious investigation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister added .
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight .
He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin .
Last week , the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navalny was transferred to Berlin , no toxic substances had been found in his system .
On September 7 , the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma , and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation .

MOSCOW, September 10. /TASS/. Germany’s behavior in relation to the incident with Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny is similar to the Salisbury case and the crash of Flight MH17 in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on Thursday.
"When the official spokesman of the German government says that the request of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office was handed over to independent justice bodies and the German government cannot do anything in this regard, yet it demands that we hold an investigation, this reminds us of the precedents created by our Western colleagues after the Salisbury poisoning, when everything was confidential, and we did not have any information, namely information on the whereabouts of Russian citizens, the Skripals," he said.
Besides, Lavrov noted, the current situation is similar to the treatment of the MH17 crash in Ukraine in 2014. "The Netherlands regularly accused us of refusing to cooperate, despite numerous efforts by our official structures to provide information that we had, and despite our numerous offers to carry out a serious investigation of all facts without exception," the minister added.
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on the Tomsk-Moscow flight. He fell into a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to the Charite hospital in Berlin. Last week, the German government claimed that Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok-type toxic agent.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He noted that before Navalny was transferred to Berlin, no toxic substances had been found in his system.
On September 7, the German clinic informed that Navalny had been brought out of a coma, and that he is gradually being taken off artificial ventilation.