tass--2020-06-17--Coronavirus cases in Armenia surpass 18,000

`` In the past twenty-four hours , 544 new coronavirus cases were identified and 243 patients recovered from the illness .
To date , 6,814 patients have recovered from the disease while the total number of the infected stands at 18,003 , '' the ministry said in a statement .
YEREVAN , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in Armenia grew by 544 in the past twenty-four hours to 18,003 , the republic ’ s Health Ministry reported on Wednesday .
Nine coronavirus patients died at Armenian hospitals in the past twenty-four hours ( six women and three men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republic to 302 , the ministry said .
The situation with the coronavirus spread in Armenia remains tense .
In the past week , the republic registered from 200 to 600 new coronavirus cases daily .
Armenia registered the first coronavirus case on March 1 .
On March 16 , the Armenian authorities introduced a state of emergency and a strict lockdown .
These restrictions were subsequently extended to July 13 .
On May 18 , the Armenian government lifted all economic restrictions and public transport , the subway , restaurants and shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions were lifted , the number of coronavirus cases grew significantly .
On May 25 , the Armenian authorities introduced the mandatory regime of wearing face masks .
In early June , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the scope of violations of epidemiological safety standards was disastrous and the country was on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe .
Amid these statements , he dismissed on June 8 the heads of the country ’ s law enforcement agencies , saying that they had failed to keep the situation under control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his family members had contracted the coronavirus .
A week later , it was reported that all of them had recovered from the illness .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the latest statistics , over 8,266,480 people have been infected worldwide and more than 446,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 4,323,350 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"In the past twenty-four hours, 544 new coronavirus cases were identified and 243 patients recovered from the illness. To date, 6,814 patients have recovered from the disease while the total number of the infected stands at 18,003," the ministry said in a statement.
YEREVAN, June 17. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in Armenia grew by 544 in the past twenty-four hours to 18,003, the republic’s Health Ministry reported on Wednesday.
Nine coronavirus patients died at Armenian hospitals in the past twenty-four hours (six women and three men), bringing total fatalities in the republic to 302, the ministry said.
The situation with the coronavirus spread in Armenia remains tense. In the past week, the republic registered from 200 to 600 new coronavirus cases daily.
Armenia registered the first coronavirus case on March 1. On March 16, the Armenian authorities introduced a state of emergency and a strict lockdown. These restrictions were subsequently extended to July 13. On May 18, the Armenian government lifted all economic restrictions and public transport, the subway, restaurants and shopping centers resumed their operation. After the restrictions were lifted, the number of coronavirus cases grew significantly. On May 25, the Armenian authorities introduced the mandatory regime of wearing face masks.
In early June, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the scope of violations of epidemiological safety standards was disastrous and the country was on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Amid these statements, he dismissed on June 8 the heads of the country’s law enforcement agencies, saying that they had failed to keep the situation under control.
In early June, Pashinyan announced that he and his family members had contracted the coronavirus. A week later, it was reported that all of them had recovered from the illness.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 8,266,480 people have been infected worldwide and more than 446,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 4,323,350 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-17--Turkey launches ground operation against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey has deployed troops to the border areas in northern Iraq to fight @ @ @ @ @ Workers ' Party ( PKK ) , which Ankara deems as a terror organization , @ @ @ @ @ tweeted on Wednesday .
`` Our commandos have been deployed to the region [ of @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ministry said , noting that the new military operation dubbed Claw-Tiger is @ @ @ @ @ , ATAK helicopters , unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) and unmanned combat aerial vehicles @ @ @ @ @ to the ministry , lately the PKK and other terrorists have increased attacks on the @ @ @ @ @ is carried out as part of `` legitimate defense rights arising from international law , @ @ @ @ @ June 15 , Turkey launched its air operation Pence - Kartal , eliminating 81 PKK @ @ @ @ @ delivered in the northern Iraqi regions .
The ground operation was codenamed Pence-Kaplan .
Currently @ @ @ @ @ operating in the region of Haftanin .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Turkey has deployed troops to the border areas in northern Iraq to fight against members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Ankara deems as a terror organization, the Ministry of National Defense tweeted on Wednesday.
"Our commandos have been deployed to the region [of Haftanin, northern Iraq]," the ministry said, noting that the new military operation dubbed Claw-Tiger is supported by the Air Force, ATAK helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
According to the ministry, lately the PKK and other terrorists have increased attacks on the Turkish bases. The operation is carried out as part of "legitimate defense rights arising from international law," it stated.
On June 15, Turkey launched its air operation Pence - Kartal, eliminating 81 PKK targets. The strikes were delivered in the northern Iraqi regions. The ground operation was codenamed Pence-Kaplan. Currently, the task force is operating in the region of Haftanin.


tass--2020-06-17--OPEC+ countries fulfill oil cuts deal by 87% in May, says source

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
OPEC+ countries participating in the agreement to reduce oil production by 9.7 mln bpd fulfilled the agreements by 87 % of the plan in May , a source in OPEC told TASS .
Thus , the agreement countries reduced oil production by 8.4 mln barrels per day .
At the same time , the ten OPEC countries fulfilled their quota for reducing production by 84 % , and non-OPEC countries participating in the agreement by 92 % , the source specified .
The transaction compliance data prepared for today 's meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IEA assessment .
The agency ’ s report on Tuesday provided its own estimates of compliance with the OPEC+ agreement .
According to it , total implementation of the agreement in May for OPEC+ countries was 89 % , for OPEC countries — 86 % , and for non-OPEC countries — 94 % .
Earlier , OPEC+ ministers already discussed the topic of insufficient oil cuts within the alliance .
According to IEA estimates , in May , such countries as Iraq , Nigeria , Angola , Kazakhstan and others were unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quota .
At a meeting on June 6 , the alliance countries agreed that the gap would be offset in July-September .
On Thursday , the current results will be discussed at a meeting of the ministerial monitoring committee , which includes eight states — Russia , Saudi Arabia , the UAE , Kuwait , Algeria , Venezuela , Iraq , and Kazakhstan .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. OPEC+ countries participating in the agreement to reduce oil production by 9.7 mln bpd fulfilled the agreements by 87% of the plan in May, a source in OPEC told TASS.
Thus, the agreement countries reduced oil production by 8.4 mln barrels per day.
At the same time, the ten OPEC countries fulfilled their quota for reducing production by 84%, and non-OPEC countries participating in the agreement by 92%, the source specified.
The transaction compliance data prepared for today's meeting of the OPEC+ technical committee is close to the IEA assessment. The agency’s report on Tuesday provided its own estimates of compliance with the OPEC+ agreement. According to it, total implementation of the agreement in May for OPEC+ countries was 89%, for OPEC countries — 86%, and for non-OPEC countries — 94%.
Earlier, OPEC+ ministers already discussed the topic of insufficient oil cuts within the alliance. According to IEA estimates, in May, such countries as Iraq, Nigeria, Angola, Kazakhstan and others were unable to reduce oil production in accordance with the quota. At a meeting on June 6, the alliance countries agreed that the gap would be offset in July-September.
On Thursday, the current results will be discussed at a meeting of the ministerial monitoring committee, which includes eight states — Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Algeria, Venezuela, Iraq, and Kazakhstan.


tass--2020-06-17--Conference on Treaty on Open Skies due on July 6

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
A conference of signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies devoted to the @ @ @ @ @ this treaty will take place on July 6 , the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ told TASS on Wednesday .
Georgia says has no plans to return to Open Skies @ @ @ @ @ due on July 6 , '' the department said .
US President Donald Trump on @ @ @ @ @ s intention to quit the Treaty on Open Skies , which enables the signatories to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s territory to monitor military activity .
In a written statement US Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ this decision would take effect in six months ’ time after May 22 .
The @ @ @ @ @ s alleged violations of the agreement were the reason .
Moscow dismisses these charges .
@ @ @ @ @ treaty and puts forward counterclaims .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. A conference of signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies devoted to the United States’ pullout from this treaty will take place on July 6, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department told TASS on Wednesday.
Georgia says has no plans to return to Open Skies Treaty
"The conference is due on July 6," the department said.
US President Donald Trump on May 21 declared Washington’s intention to quit the Treaty on Open Skies, which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other’s territory to monitor military activity. In a written statement US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo explained that this decision would take effect in six months’ time after May 22. The US claimed that Russia’s alleged violations of the agreement were the reason.
Moscow dismisses these charges. It vows commitment to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims.


tass--2020-06-17--Four Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers perform flight over neutral waters of northern seas

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Four Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force performed a planned flight over the neutral waters of the Chukchi , Bering and Okhotsk Seas and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean , the Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday .
`` Four Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of the Russian Aerospace Force ’ s long-range aviation performed a planned flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Chukchi , Bering and Okhotsk Seas , and also the northern part of the Pacific Ocean .
The aircraft took off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area and the Amur Region , '' the ministry said .
At some sections of the route , the Russian aircraft were escorted by US Air Force F-22 fifth-generation fighters , the ministry said .
The Russian bombers ’ scheduled flight lasted about 11 hours , the ministry specified .
`` The aircraft of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force perform all flights in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace , '' the Defense Ministry stressed .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on June 10 that four Tu-95MS strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the neutral waters of the Chukchi , Bering and Okhotsk Seas and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean .
At some sections of the route , the Russian aircraft were escorted by US Air Force F-22 fighters , it said .
Tu-95MS aircraft are the air component of Russia ’ s nuclear triad .
Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers are designated to deliver strikes against vital targets in remote areas and deep in the rear of continental theaters of military operations .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Four Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of Russia’s Aerospace Force performed a planned flight over the neutral waters of the Chukchi, Bering and Okhotsk Seas and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean, the Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.
"Four Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of the Russian Aerospace Force’s long-range aviation performed a planned flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Chukchi, Bering and Okhotsk Seas, and also the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft took off from the airfields in the Chukotka Autonomous Area and the Amur Region," the ministry said.
At some sections of the route, the Russian aircraft were escorted by US Air Force F-22 fifth-generation fighters, the ministry said.
The Russian bombers’ scheduled flight lasted about 11 hours, the ministry specified.
"The aircraft of Russia’s Aerospace Force perform all flights in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace," the Defense Ministry stressed.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on June 10 that four Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers performed a patrol flight over the neutral waters of the Chukchi, Bering and Okhotsk Seas and the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. At some sections of the route, the Russian aircraft were escorted by US Air Force F-22 fighters, it said.
Tu-95MS aircraft are the air component of Russia’s nuclear triad. Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers are designated to deliver strikes against vital targets in remote areas and deep in the rear of continental theaters of military operations.


tass--2020-06-17--Global trade restrictions imposed amid pandemic should be temporary, says Medvedev

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Restrictive measures in global trade imposed amid the pandemic should be proportionate and temporary , Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his article published in the magazine ‘ Russia in Global Affairs ’ on Wednesday .
`` The introduction of restrictive measures in trade in goods and services by a number of countries has undermined the international trading system and value chains .
However , in accordance with the G20 and APEC agreements , the WTO and the WHO recommendations , the restrictive trade measures adopted in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be proportionate and temporary , '' he said .
According to Medvedev , `` competition does not eliminate the need for international economic cooperation , the importance of which is increasing significantly . ''
`` Many countries are facing the problem of funding their social obligations and debt payments .
The developed economies should be willing to provide support in order to ensure global social , financial and economic stability , '' he noted .
`` The past months have shown that various countries and international organizations are ready to cooperate and interact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come up with significant financial commitments to combat the pandemic .
Thus , for example , the G20 representatives promised to allocate a total of $ 5 trillion to support the member countries ’ economies , '' Medvedev said .
The pandemic impacted trade agreements as well , he said , adding that the implementation of the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area has been postponed , and the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and UK have been suspended .
Moreover , the implementation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and China is in jeopardy .
`` Given the circumstances , Russia should adhere to free trade principles while taking into account objective requirements for protecting life and health and ensuring our national interests .
It should encourage digital commerce based on information security and protection of personal data , '' Medvedev wrote .
In the EAEU , modern challenges will facilitate cooperation in healthcare and the development of a mechanism for a joint response to epidemiological challenges in a single mobile labor market , he said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between medical institutions in Russia and its EAEU partners and to expand the presence of Russian education in the EAEU countries by way of connecting their universities to distance learning programs or individual events held by Russian universities , '' Deputy Chairman of the Security Council added .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Restrictive measures in global trade imposed amid the pandemic should be proportionate and temporary, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his article published in the magazine ‘ Russia in Global Affairs ’ on Wednesday.
"The introduction of restrictive measures in trade in goods and services by a number of countries has undermined the international trading system and value chains. However, in accordance with the G20 and APEC agreements, the WTO and the WHO recommendations, the restrictive trade measures adopted in order to provide relief to the pandemic should be proportionate and temporary," he said.
According to Medvedev, "competition does not eliminate the need for international economic cooperation, the importance of which is increasing significantly." "Many countries are facing the problem of funding their social obligations and debt payments. The developed economies should be willing to provide support in order to ensure global social, financial and economic stability," he noted. "The past months have shown that various countries and international organizations are ready to cooperate and interact as they confront challenges. International organizations have come up with significant financial commitments to combat the pandemic. Thus, for example, the G20 representatives promised to allocate a total of $5 trillion to support the member countries’ economies," Medvedev said.
The pandemic impacted trade agreements as well, he said, adding that the implementation of the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area has been postponed, and the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and UK have been suspended. Moreover, the implementation of the first phase of a trade deal between the United States and China is in jeopardy.
"Given the circumstances, Russia should adhere to free trade principles while taking into account objective requirements for protecting life and health and ensuring our national interests. It should encourage digital commerce based on information security and protection of personal data," Medvedev wrote.
In the EAEU, modern challenges will facilitate cooperation in healthcare and the development of a mechanism for a joint response to epidemiological challenges in a single mobile labor market, he said. "The time is right to promote distance interaction between medical institutions in Russia and its EAEU partners and to expand the presence of Russian education in the EAEU countries by way of connecting their universities to distance learning programs or individual events held by Russian universities," Deputy Chairman of the Security Council added.


tass--2020-06-17--Russia reports over 7,840 new COVID-19 cases, lowest growth since April 30

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia confirmed 7,843 new COVID-19 daily cases , the lowest growth since April @ @ @ @ @ center reported on Wednesday .
According to the crisis center , the number of new @ @ @ @ @ 8,000 for the first time since May 1 .
The daily growth reached 1.4 % @ @ @ @ @ earlier .
A total of 553,301 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Russia .
New @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region , 238 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 237 in the Khanty-Mansi @ @ @ @ @ St. Petersburg and 227 in the Sverdlovsk Region .
Currently , some 241,481 people are @ @ @ @ @ 2,494 new patients ( 31.8 % ) have not shown any symptoms .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. Russia confirmed 7,843 new COVID-19 daily cases, the lowest growth since April 30, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.
According to the crisis center, the number of new coronavirus cases was lower than 8,000 for the first time since May 1. The daily growth reached 1.4% versus 1.5% a day earlier. A total of 553,301 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Russia.
New 680 cases were recorded in the Moscow Region, 238 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 237 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, 228 in St. Petersburg and 227 in the Sverdlovsk Region.
Currently, some 241,481 people are ill in Russia. Some 2,494 new patients (31.8%) have not shown any symptoms.


tass--2020-06-17--South Korea out of patience with North Korea, administration says

SEOUL , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
South Korean presidential administration is not going to put up with Pyongyang ’ s insults at Moon Jae-in as well as steps aimed at escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula , Yoon Do-han , a senior communications secretary of Moon , told a briefing on Wednesday .
`` We solemnly warn that we will not tolerate the North 's nonsense words anymore , '' Yoon told reporters , stressing that these words dealt a heavy blow to trustworthy relations between the two leaders .
The official slammed as senseless and rude a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kim Yo-jong , who is First Vice Director of the United Front Department of the Workers ' Party of Korea ( WPK ) .
In her statement , she criticized the speech of the South Korean president at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the first-ever summit of leaders of two Koreas and the signing of a declaration , calling it `` shameless sophism . ''
Yoon Do-han also criticized Pyongyang for releasing classified information that this week Seoul sought to send special envoys to North Korea for easing tensions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented violation of basic etiquette , '' accusing the North of distorting information about the goals of the anticipated trip .
On Tuesday , North Korea blew up its joint liaison office with Seoul in Kaesong .
It was opened in September 2018 to help the two Koreas communicate .
Initially , representatives from South Korea and North Korea agreed to meet in Kaesong twice a day , but after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic , they switched over to telephone communications .
Earlier , Pyongyang excoriated Seoul for sending propaganda leaflets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , going even as far as sending troops to the regions along the demilitarized zone .
The South Korean Defense Ministry vowed to retaliate against Pyongyang ’ s provocations .

SEOUL, June 17. /TASS/. South Korean presidential administration is not going to put up with Pyongyang’s insults at Moon Jae-in as well as steps aimed at escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Yoon Do-han, a senior communications secretary of Moon, told a briefing on Wednesday.
"We solemnly warn that we will not tolerate the North's nonsense words anymore," Yoon told reporters, stressing that these words dealt a heavy blow to trustworthy relations between the two leaders.
The official slammed as senseless and rude a statement by the younger sister of Kim Jong-un, Kim Yo-jong, who is First Vice Director of the United Front Department of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). In her statement, she criticized the speech of the South Korean president at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the first-ever summit of leaders of two Koreas and the signing of a declaration, calling it "shameless sophism."
Yoon Do-han also criticized Pyongyang for releasing classified information that this week Seoul sought to send special envoys to North Korea for easing tensions. The official dismissed this step as "unprecedented violation of basic etiquette," accusing the North of distorting information about the goals of the anticipated trip.
On Tuesday, North Korea blew up its joint liaison office with Seoul in Kaesong. It was opened in September 2018 to help the two Koreas communicate. Initially, representatives from South Korea and North Korea agreed to meet in Kaesong twice a day, but after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, they switched over to telephone communications.
Earlier, Pyongyang excoriated Seoul for sending propaganda leaflets across the border and pledged to retaliate, going even as far as sending troops to the regions along the demilitarized zone. The South Korean Defense Ministry vowed to retaliate against Pyongyang’s provocations.


tass--2020-06-17--Some questions about coronavirus will remain unanswered, Medvedev says

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The mankind will never be able to find answers to the issues about the crisis triggered by the novel coronavirus , Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said in his article published in the magazine `` Russia in Global Affairs . ''
`` Truly , the crisis has taken on an existential dimension for everyone , '' Medvedev wrote in his article titled `` Security Cooperation During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic . ''
Medvedev outlined a range of questions , which this crisis posed , stressing : `` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of them , I ’ m almost sure , will remain unanswered , '' he stressed .
Among these questions are `` Is the virus man-made or natural , meaning it has primary biological carriers ?
Who is to blame for the rapid spread of the pandemic ?
Most importantly , what is to be done ? ''
`` There will be need for vast amounts of money to revive the economy .
Equally important is the question of how long this pandemic will last .
Will the second wave hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Will people around the world develop herd immunity in the near future ? ''
the former Russian prime minister wrote .
According to Medvedev , the consequences of the coronavirus spread are large-scale , including leaving `` national economies in a freefall . ''
`` The crisis did more than endanger the lives of millions of people .
It exposed risks that the most advanced and technically developed nations were not prepared for .
It dealt a severe blow to globalization , which was considered the mainstay of international cooperation in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of `` a coordinated all-out effort to overcome the largest ever - and truly global - crisis that is unprecedented in recent history . ''
`` That is why we need global security cooperation in the broadest sense of the word , '' he said .
The deputy Security Council chairman recalled that major epidemics in the past had forced the mankind to unite in ironing out these problems .
`` Healthcare conferences became possible only thanks to international cooperation and brought together doctors , epidemiologists and demographers who worked out effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it possible to establish the World Health Organization ( WHO ) in 1948 , and to create a line of medicines that we know as antibiotics . ''
Today the world is has become `` much more interconnected , and digital technologies offer humanity almost limitless opportunities for interaction without wasting time , which , as we have seen once again , is too precious , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The mankind will never be able to find answers to the issues about the crisis triggered by the novel coronavirus, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said in his article published in the magazine "Russia in Global Affairs."
"Truly, the crisis has taken on an existential dimension for everyone," Medvedev wrote in his article titled "Security Cooperation During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic." Medvedev outlined a range of questions, which this crisis posed, stressing: "There are no easy answers to these questions. Some of them, I’m almost sure, will remain unanswered," he stressed.
Among these questions are "Is the virus man-made or natural, meaning it has primary biological carriers? Who is to blame for the rapid spread of the pandemic? Most importantly, what is to be done?"
"There will be need for vast amounts of money to revive the economy. Equally important is the question of how long this pandemic will last. Will the second wave hit the world and, if so, when? Will people around the world develop herd immunity in the near future?" the former Russian prime minister wrote.
According to Medvedev, the consequences of the coronavirus spread are large-scale, including leaving "national economies in a freefall." "The crisis did more than endanger the lives of millions of people. It exposed risks that the most advanced and technically developed nations were not prepared for. It dealt a severe blow to globalization, which was considered the mainstay of international cooperation in the 21st century."
Medvedev highlighted the importance of "a coordinated all-out effort to overcome the largest ever - and truly global - crisis that is unprecedented in recent history." "That is why we need global security cooperation in the broadest sense of the word," he said. The deputy Security Council chairman recalled that major epidemics in the past had forced the mankind to unite in ironing out these problems. "Healthcare conferences became possible only thanks to international cooperation and brought together doctors, epidemiologists and demographers who worked out effective responses to diseases. Their joint work made it possible to establish the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, and to create a line of medicines that we know as antibiotics."
Today the world is has become "much more interconnected, and digital technologies offer humanity almost limitless opportunities for interaction without wasting time, which, as we have seen once again, is too precious," he noted.


tass--2020-06-17--NCCN Works to Improve Global Cancer Care for kids with Newly Translated Recommendations

PLYMOUTH MEETING , Pennsylvania , June 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® ( NCCN® ) —an alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States—is announcing the publication of translated versions of the NCCN Guidelines® for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ( ALL ) into Chinese , French , Japanese , Portuguese , and Spanish .
Pediatric ALL is the most common type of cancer in children , but is highly curable when treated with contemporary and evidence-based approaches.1 NCCN Guidelines are written and updated by leading authorities across various health disciplines .
They include the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including children , with cancer outside of a clinical trial setting .
`` More young lives could be saved through the application of widely-available , evidence-based treatments , '' said Robert W. Carlson , MD , Chief Executive Officer , NCCN .
`` Advances in the fight against pediatric ALL have been remarkable in recent years .
We can improve the cure rate even further by making sure best practices are reaching every corner of the earth .
We get closer to achieving this goal by making evidence-based , expert consensus-driven NCCN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The English-language version of NCCN Guidelines for Pediatric ALL was first published in May of 2019 .
The recommendations cover typical treatment algorithms , such as multi-agent chemotherapy regimens , as well as emerging innovations in targeted therapy and chimeric antigen receptor ( CAR ) T-cell therapy , a type of immunotherapy .
The guidelines are intended for the management of patients from birth through adolescence and into young adulthood .
`` These NCCN Guidelines include a strong focus on supportive care in order to reduce potentially dangerous side-effects for children undergoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They also help identify vulnerable populations , such as infants or patients with Down syndrome , and provide specific recommendations for keeping them as safe as possible , both short- and long-term . ''
The translated guidelines are available free-of-charge for non-commercial use at NCCN.org/global or via the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines® App .
The NCCN Global Department constantly updates and expands adaptations and translations of NCCN Guidelines for all major cancer types plus supportive care and prevention .
More than 40 new translations have published this year alone , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also provides NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification of NCCN Guidelines ( NCCN Framework™ ) and NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ with optimal recommendations alongside pragmatic approaches for adapting treatment in resource-constrained settings , such as low- and middle-income countries .
Visit AlliedAgainstCancer.org to learn about NCCN 's ongoing work in Sub-Saharan Africa with the African Cancer Coalition , American Cancer Society , Clinton Health Access Initiative , and IBM .
Free recommendations for self-care and stress management for cancer patients , caregivers , and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic are now available in English , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visit NCCN.org/global for more on everything the organization is doing to improve cancer care worldwide , and join the conversation online with the hashtag # NCCNGlobal .
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® ( NCCN® ) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care , research , and education .
NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality , effective , efficient , and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives .
The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology ( NCCN Guidelines® ) provide transparent , evidence-based , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevention , and supportive services ; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine .
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers , through support from the NCCN Foundation® .
NCCN also advances continuing education , global initiatives , policy , and researchcollaboration and publication in oncology .
Visit NCCN.org for more information and follow NCCN on Facebook @ NCCNorg , Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 Esparza SD , Sakamoto KM , Topics in pediatric leukemia-acute lymphoblastic leukemia .
MedGenMed 2005 ; 7:23 .
Available at : https : //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16369328 .
Ma H , Sun H Sun X .
Survival improvement by decade of patients aged 0-14 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia : a SEER analysis .
Sci Rep 2014 ; 4:4227 .
Available at : https : //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24572378 .

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pennsylvania, June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)—an alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States—is announcing the publication of translated versions of the NCCN Guidelines® for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) into Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Pediatric ALL is the most common type of cancer in children, but is highly curable when treated with contemporary and evidence-based approaches.1 NCCN Guidelines are written and updated by leading authorities across various health disciplines. They include the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for treating patients, including children, with cancer outside of a clinical trial setting.
"More young lives could be saved through the application of widely-available, evidence-based treatments," said Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. "Advances in the fight against pediatric ALL have been remarkable in recent years. We can improve the cure rate even further by making sure best practices are reaching every corner of the earth. We get closer to achieving this goal by making evidence-based, expert consensus-driven NCCN Guidelines more accessible to non-English speakers."
The English-language version of NCCN Guidelines for Pediatric ALL was first published in May of 2019. The recommendations cover typical treatment algorithms, such as multi-agent chemotherapy regimens, as well as emerging innovations in targeted therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy. The guidelines are intended for the management of patients from birth through adolescence and into young adulthood.
"These NCCN Guidelines include a strong focus on supportive care in order to reduce potentially dangerous side-effects for children undergoing treatment," explained Dr. Carlson. "They also help identify vulnerable populations, such as infants or patients with Down syndrome, and provide specific recommendations for keeping them as safe as possible, both short- and long-term."
The translated guidelines are available free-of-charge for non-commercial use at NCCN.org/global or via the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines® App.
The NCCN Global Department constantly updates and expands adaptations and translations of NCCN Guidelines for all major cancer types plus supportive care and prevention. More than 40 new translations have published this year alone, including clinical guidelines and patient-friendly versions. NCCN also provides NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification of NCCN Guidelines (NCCN Framework™) and NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ with optimal recommendations alongside pragmatic approaches for adapting treatment in resource-constrained settings, such as low- and middle-income countries. Visit AlliedAgainstCancer.org to learn about NCCN's ongoing work in Sub-Saharan Africa with the African Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and IBM.
Free recommendations for self-care and stress management for cancer patients, caregivers, and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic are now available in English, Chinese, and Spanish at NCCN.org/covid-19.
Visit NCCN.org/global for more on everything the organization is doing to improve cancer care worldwide, and join the conversation online with the hashtag #NCCNGlobal.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient, and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation®. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and researchcollaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information and follow NCCN on Facebook @NCCNorg, Instagram @NCCNorg, and Twitter @NCCN.
1 Esparza SD, Sakamoto KM, Topics in pediatric leukemia-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MedGenMed 2005;7:23. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16369328. Ma H, Sun H Sun X. Survival improvement by decade of patients aged 0-14 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a SEER analysis. Sci Rep 2014;4:4227. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24572378.
Media Contact:
Rachel Darwin
267-622-6624
darwin@nccn.org
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tass--2020-06-17--A Solar Supplies High-Efficiency PERC Modules for Thailand's Floating Solar Power Plant

BEIJING , June 18 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar ( `` the Company '' ) , a leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products , announced that the Thailand 's 12.5MW floating power plant , which utilized its high-efficiency PERC modules , was successfully connected to the grid .
As the first large-scale floating photovoltaic power plant in Thailand , the completion of the project is of great significance to the development of local renewable energy .
The plant is constructed on an industrial reservoir , and its generated electricity is delivered to customer 's manufacturing base via underground cables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park opening to the general public and visitors with a focus on promoting the development of local renewable energy after entering operation .
Compared with traditional PV power plants , the floating PV power plants are capable to effectively increase power generation efficiency and prevent degradation by decreasing the usage of land , boosting the unobstructed sunlight exposure , and lowering module and cable temperatures .
JA Solar 's high-efficiency PERC bifacial double-glass modules have passed rigorous long-term reliability and environmental adaptability tests by proving its excellent resistance to PID attenuation , salt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these modules are able to maintain high-efficiency performance and stable power output , providing a strong guarantee for optimizing the power generation capacity of the system .
Jin Baofang , Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of JA Solar , commented , `` JA Solar will continue to focus on technological innovation and product quality while meeting the diverse needs of our global customers and promoting the development of renewable energy on a global scale . ''

BEIJING, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar ("the Company"), a leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products, announced that the Thailand's 12.5MW floating power plant, which utilized its high-efficiency PERC modules, was successfully connected to the grid. As the first large-scale floating photovoltaic power plant in Thailand, the completion of the project is of great significance to the development of local renewable energy.
The plant is constructed on an industrial reservoir, and its generated electricity is delivered to customer's manufacturing base via underground cables. The plant will become a solar park opening to the general public and visitors with a focus on promoting the development of local renewable energy after entering operation.
Compared with traditional PV power plants, the floating PV power plants are capable to effectively increase power generation efficiency and prevent degradation by decreasing the usage of land, boosting the unobstructed sunlight exposure, and lowering module and cable temperatures. JA Solar's high-efficiency PERC bifacial double-glass modules have passed rigorous long-term reliability and environmental adaptability tests by proving its excellent resistance to PID attenuation, salt corrosion, and wind load. Additionally, these modules are able to maintain high-efficiency performance and stable power output, providing a strong guarantee for optimizing the power generation capacity of the system.
Jin Baofang, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of JA Solar, commented, "JA Solar will continue to focus on technological innovation and product quality while meeting the diverse needs of our global customers and promoting the development of renewable energy on a global scale."
CONTACT: Xiaorui Sun, +86-10-63611888-1698, bj.sunxr@jasolar.com


tass--2020-06-17--How does China's people-centric approach work?

BEIJING , June 16 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A report by CGTN .
China has pledged to eliminate poverty and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society this year , according to a government work report submitted to the third session of the 13th National People 's Congress ( NPC ) in May , despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic .
To complete the mission , 5.51 million people must be lifted out of poverty across 52 counties within a little over six months .
China 's efforts have brought impoverished people opportunities for a better life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China shook off poverty from 2013 to 2019 , and for seven consecutive years more than 10 million people in the country exited poverty annually .
President Xi Jinping , speaking during an inspection to northwest China 's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from June 8 to 10 , said the success represents the fine tradition of the Chinese nation and the great strength of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics to enable people of all ethnic groups to walk hand in hand into a moderately prosperous society in all respects .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political philosophy .
It is part of the country 's agenda , alongside tackling corruption , alleviating poverty and improving people 's standards of living , as well as COVID-19 prevention and control effort .
Since he became general secretary of the Communist Party of China ( CPC ) Central Committee in 2012 , Xi has said on different occasions that `` the people 's desire for a better life is the goal we strive to realize . ''
`` No single ethnic minority group should be left behind in the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all respects , '' Xi said during the visit to Ningxia in June , when addressing the poverty alleviation issue .
He told local officials and Party members to uphold a people-centered philosophy of development , putting the interests of farmers first in developing modern agriculture and cultural tourism projects to increase their income .
People , lives come first during COVID-19 pandemic The people-centric philosophy has been fundamental to China 's COVID-19 prevention and control efforts .
After the COVID-19 outbreak began , the CPC Central Committee , led by Xi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's life and health at all costs .
The central government mobilized medical workers as well as the most advanced equipment and the most-needed resources from around the nation to Hubei , the hardest-hit province .
`` What is people first ? ''
Xi rhetorically asked when talking to deputies from Inner Mongolia on the first day of this year 's NPC annual gathering on May 22 .
`` About 10 medical workers meticulously took care of the patient for dozens of days , and finally saved the patient 's life .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single patient .
This , in essence , embodies doing whatever it takes ( to save lives ) , '' Xi said , referring to the case of a 87-year-old COVID-19 patient shared by Dr. Luo Jie , also a deputy from Hubei Province to the 13th NPC .
`` We are willing to save lives at all costs .
No matter how old the patients are and how serious their conditions have become , we never give up , '' Xi said .
During the COVID-19 pandemic , health workers around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to treat and require the most sophisticated medical resources .
China has given every patient equal treatment irrespective of their age or wealth .
This year 's government work report said China 's economy posted negative growth in the first quarter of this year , but it was `` a price worth paying '' to contain COVID-19 and save lives .

BEIJING, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A report by CGTN. China has pledged to eliminate poverty and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society this year, according to a government work report submitted to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in May, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To complete the mission, 5.51 million people must be lifted out of poverty across 52 counties within a little over six months.
China's efforts have brought impoverished people opportunities for a better life. More than 93 million rural people in China shook off poverty from 2013 to 2019, and for seven consecutive years more than 10 million people in the country exited poverty annually.
President Xi Jinping, speaking during an inspection to northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from June 8 to 10, said the success represents the fine tradition of the Chinese nation and the great strength of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics to enable people of all ethnic groups to walk hand in hand into a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
People-centered philosophy and poverty alleviation
A people-centric approach is central to Xi's political philosophy. It is part of the country's agenda, alongside tackling corruption, alleviating poverty and improving people's standards of living, as well as COVID-19 prevention and control effort.
Since he became general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in 2012, Xi has said on different occasions that "the people's desire for a better life is the goal we strive to realize."
"No single ethnic minority group should be left behind in the country's building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects," Xi said during the visit to Ningxia in June, when addressing the poverty alleviation issue.
He told local officials and Party members to uphold a people-centered philosophy of development, putting the interests of farmers first in developing modern agriculture and cultural tourism projects to increase their income.
People, lives come first during COVID-19 pandemic
The people-centric philosophy has been fundamental to China's COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. After the COVID-19 outbreak began, the CPC Central Committee, led by Xi, responded quickly and vowed to protect people's life and health at all costs.
The central government mobilized medical workers as well as the most advanced equipment and the most-needed resources from around the nation to Hubei, the hardest-hit province.
"What is people first?" Xi rhetorically asked when talking to deputies from Inner Mongolia on the first day of this year's NPC annual gathering on May 22.
"About 10 medical workers meticulously took care of the patient for dozens of days, and finally saved the patient's life. So many people worked together to save a single patient. This, in essence, embodies doing whatever it takes (to save lives)," Xi said, referring to the case of a 87-year-old COVID-19 patient shared by Dr. Luo Jie, also a deputy from Hubei Province to the 13th NPC.
"We are willing to save lives at all costs. No matter how old the patients are and how serious their conditions have become, we never give up," Xi said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers around the world learnt the elderly are the most difficult to treat and require the most sophisticated medical resources. China has given every patient equal treatment irrespective of their age or wealth.
This year's government work report said China's economy posted negative growth in the first quarter of this year, but it was "a price worth paying" to contain COVID-19 and save lives.
Original article please click HERE .
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4_Px0PE3-c
CONTACT: Jiang Simin, +86-188-2655-3286, jiang.simin@cgtn.com


tass--2020-06-17--Almost 35,000 coronavirus cases confirmed in Brazil in past day

RIO DE JANEIRO , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The all-time high of 34,918 novel coronavirus cases were registered in Brazil in the past 24 hours , according to the country ’ s latest official update published late on Tuesday .
According to the latest bulletin , the overall number of confirmed cases grew to 923,189 .
A total of 1,218 deaths were registered in the past 24 hours , bringing the overall death toll to 45,241 .
A total of 441,729 novel coronavirus patients have already recovered .
The state of Sao Paulo remains the epicenter of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital , home to more than 21 million people .
The region has 190,285 infection cases and 11,132 fatalities .
Massive outbreaks were also reported in the neighboring Rio de Janeiro ( 83,343 cases and 7,967 deaths ) and the northeastern region of Seara ( 81,289 cases and 5,070 deaths ) .
Other worst-affected regions are the northeastern states of Pernambuco ( 46,427 cases and 3,959 deaths ) and Maranhao ( 62,711 cases and 1,537 deaths ) , as well as Amazonas ( 58,018 cases and 2,549 deaths ) and Para ( 71,243 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s north .
In several regions , however , the authorities have begun to ease quarantine restrictions .
Brazil , where the first coronavirus case was confirmed on February 26 , is ranked second after the United States for the number of COVID-19 cases .
The South American country is in the fourth place after the United States , the United Kingdom and Italy for the number of fatalities from the coronavirus .
The Health Ministry predicts that the situation would stabilize by July and in August the infection spread would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would decline in September .

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 17. /TASS/. The all-time high of 34,918 novel coronavirus cases were registered in Brazil in the past 24 hours, according to the country’s latest official update published late on Tuesday.
According to the latest bulletin, the overall number of confirmed cases grew to 923,189. A total of 1,218 deaths were registered in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 45,241.
A total of 441,729 novel coronavirus patients have already recovered.
The state of Sao Paulo remains the epicenter of the outbreak in the country, including its eponymous capital, home to more than 21 million people. The region has 190,285 infection cases and 11,132 fatalities. Massive outbreaks were also reported in the neighboring Rio de Janeiro (83,343 cases and 7,967 deaths) and the northeastern region of Seara (81,289 cases and 5,070 deaths).
Other worst-affected regions are the northeastern states of Pernambuco (46,427 cases and 3,959 deaths) and Maranhao (62,711 cases and 1,537 deaths), as well as Amazonas (58,018 cases and 2,549 deaths) and Para (71,243 cases and 4,291 deaths) in the country’s north. In several regions, however, the authorities have begun to ease quarantine restrictions.
Brazil, where the first coronavirus case was confirmed on February 26, is ranked second after the United States for the number of COVID-19 cases. The South American country is in the fourth place after the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy for the number of fatalities from the coronavirus. The Health Ministry predicts that the situation would stabilize by July and in August the infection spread would begin to slow, and the cases would decline in September.


tass--2020-06-17--WHO welcomes ‘breakthrough’ UK study on treatment of severe COVID-19

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) welcomes 'breakthrough ' results of initial clinical trials in the United Kingdom ( UK ) , showing that dexamethasone , a corticosteroid , can save lives of patients who are critically ill with COVID-19 , WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib said in a statement .
`` This is the first treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilator support , '' the statement quotd WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying .
`` This is great news and I congratulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Oxford , and the many hospitals and patients in the UK who have contributed to this lifesaving scientific breakthrough . ''
According to preliminary findings shared with WHO , for patients on ventilators , the treatment was shown to reduce mortality by about one third , and for patients requiring only oxygen , mortality was cut by about one fifth .
The benefit was only seen in patients seriously ill with COVID-19 , and was not observed in patients with milder disease .
Prof Peter Horby , who leads the research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine that demonstrated the ability to reduce COVID-19 mortality .
In his opinion , the medicine should be immediately included into novel coronavirus treatment protocols worldwide .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes 'breakthrough' results of initial clinical trials in the United Kingdom (UK), showing that dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can save lives of patients who are critically ill with COVID-19, WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib said in a statement.
"This is the first treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilator support," the statement quotd WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying. "This is great news and I congratulate the Government of the UK, the University of Oxford, and the many hospitals and patients in the UK who have contributed to this lifesaving scientific breakthrough."
According to preliminary findings shared with WHO, for patients on ventilators, the treatment was shown to reduce mortality by about one third, and for patients requiring only oxygen, mortality was cut by about one fifth.
The benefit was only seen in patients seriously ill with COVID-19, and was not observed in patients with milder disease.
Prof Peter Horby, who leads the research, said dexamethasone had become the first medicine that demonstrated the ability to reduce COVID-19 mortality. In his opinion, the medicine should be immediately included into novel coronavirus treatment protocols worldwide.


tass--2020-06-17--US continues to hamper Iranian nuclear deal — Tehran’s IAEA envoy

VIENNA , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on Iran ’ s nuclear program is hampered by incessant hostile moves by the United States , which run counter to the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) charter , Iran ’ s envoy to IAEA said .
During the online conference of the IAEA Board of Governors , Iranian Resident Representative to IAEA Kazem Gharib Abadi said the implementation of JCPOA was seriously affected by US plans to impose unilateral sanctions against all the remaining nuclear projects in Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deliveries of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor , and the export of Iran ’ s research reactor fuel .
`` These sanctions and malign policies have prevented the implementation of relevant nuclear-related provisions of Security Council resolution 2231 ( 2015 ) by Member States , including the Islamic Republic of Iran , '' he said .
`` In fact , with the persistent United States ’ irresponsible conduct , the situation around this agreement is gloomier than before . ''
In his words , Iran is entitled to take remedial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duly informed of them at any stage of its development .
`` The United States shall bear full responsibility for the consequences of its wrongful acts , which are in clear contradiction with the objectives of the Statute of the Agency , principles of the Non-proliferation Treaty and the provisions of the Security Council Resolution 2231 ( 2015 ) , '' he said .
The Iranian diplomat also called upon IAEA members to honor their commitments and `` react proportionately to the unlawful conduct of the United States that is endangering international cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology . ''
`` It is crucial that the United States violations of its relevant obligations and unilateral actions should not have any negative impact on the work of the Agency in pursuing its mandate in the fields of peaceful nuclear uses in accordance with its Statute and other relevant documents .
Also , the Director General is requested to duly reflect such violations by the US in his reports on the implementation of the relevant instruments of the Agency , '' Gharib Abadi said .
In 2015 , Iran and six major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations Security Council - Russia , the United States , France , the United Kingdom and China - and Germany ) agreed on the final Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , which particularly stipulated the removal of sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program .
On May 8 , 2018 , US President Donald Trump announced Washington ’ s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal .
He said that old sanctions on Iran would be restored and new ones would be introduced in case Tehran attempted to pursue its nuclear ambitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Germany and France called on other participants in the deal to continue fulfilling it .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow would seek to maintain the agreement .
However , Tehran believes that other signatories , primarily EU countries , failed to fulfill their economic obligations under the deal , making it irrelevant .
In this regard , Iran began to reduce its commitments under the agreement .

VIENNA, June 17. /TASS/. The implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program is hampered by incessant hostile moves by the United States, which run counter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) charter, Iran’s envoy to IAEA said.
During the online conference of the IAEA Board of Governors, Iranian Resident Representative to IAEA Kazem Gharib Abadi said the implementation of JCPOA was seriously affected by US plans to impose unilateral sanctions against all the remaining nuclear projects in Iran, namely the Arak reactor conversion, the deliveries of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the export of Iran’s research reactor fuel.
"These sanctions and malign policies have prevented the implementation of relevant nuclear-related provisions of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) by Member States, including the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said. "In fact, with the persistent United States’ irresponsible conduct, the situation around this agreement is gloomier than before."
In his words, Iran is entitled to take remedial measures, and the IAEA will be duly informed of them at any stage of its development.
"The United States shall bear full responsibility for the consequences of its wrongful acts, which are in clear contradiction with the objectives of the Statute of the Agency, principles of the Non-proliferation Treaty and the provisions of the Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015)," he said.
The Iranian diplomat also called upon IAEA members to honor their commitments and "react proportionately to the unlawful conduct of the United States that is endangering international cooperation in the field of nuclear energy and technology."
"It is crucial that the United States violations of its relevant obligations and unilateral actions should not have any negative impact on the work of the Agency in pursuing its mandate in the fields of peaceful nuclear uses in accordance with its Statute and other relevant documents. Also, the Director General is requested to duly reflect such violations by the US in his reports on the implementation of the relevant instruments of the Agency," Gharib Abadi said.
In 2015, Iran and six major powers (five member states of the United Nations Security Council - Russia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom and China - and Germany) agreed on the final Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which particularly stipulated the removal of sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program.
On May 8, 2018, US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. He said that old sanctions on Iran would be restored and new ones would be introduced in case Tehran attempted to pursue its nuclear ambitions. In contrast, the United Kingdom, Germany and France called on other participants in the deal to continue fulfilling it. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow would seek to maintain the agreement.
However, Tehran believes that other signatories, primarily EU countries, failed to fulfill their economic obligations under the deal, making it irrelevant. In this regard, Iran began to reduce its commitments under the agreement.


tass--2020-06-17--Nord Stream 2 project to be completed if EU countries defend their interests — senator

MOSCOW , June 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project will be implemented if European Union countries , who benefit from it , start acting according to their own economic interests and defend them from US influence , Chairman of the Russian Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev said .
`` If the Germans , the Dutch , the people of Denmark and other countries who are interested in receiving Russian gas are allowed to act according to their interests , we will definitely succeed in everything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` If those countries < ... > manage to separate economy from politics < … > and start acting according to their economic interests , protecting them from US political infringements , the project will succeed . ''
At the same time , Kosachev sees the possibility of Brussels imposing new retroactive restrictions against the pipeline project .
The Nord Stream 2 project involves construction of two lines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s European partners in the project are German Uniper and Wintershall , Austrian OMV , French Engie and Anglo-Dutch Shell .
The pipeline bypasses transit states - Ukraine , Belarus , Poland , and other East European and Baltic countries - through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany .
Gazprom expects the pipeline to be launched at the end of 2020 .
The project is 93 % completed to date .
The Switzerland-based Allseas , which laid pipes for the Nord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities and withdrew vessels involved in the project due to the threat of the US ’ sanctions in late December 2019 .

MOSCOW, June 16. /TASS/. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project will be implemented if European Union countries, who benefit from it, start acting according to their own economic interests and defend them from US influence, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev said.
"If the Germans, the Dutch, the people of Denmark and other countries who are interested in receiving Russian gas are allowed to act according to their interests, we will definitely succeed in everything," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel. "If those countries <...> manage to separate economy from politics <…> and start acting according to their economic interests, protecting them from US political infringements, the project will succeed."
At the same time, Kosachev sees the possibility of Brussels imposing new retroactive restrictions against the pipeline project.
The Nord Stream 2 project involves construction of two lines with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. Gazprom’s European partners in the project are German Uniper and Wintershall, Austrian OMV, French Engie and Anglo-Dutch Shell. The pipeline bypasses transit states - Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and other East European and Baltic countries - through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
Gazprom expects the pipeline to be launched at the end of 2020. The project is 93% completed to date.
The Switzerland-based Allseas, which laid pipes for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, suspended its pipelay activities and withdrew vessels involved in the project due to the threat of the US’ sanctions in late December 2019.


tass--2020-06-17--Special Moscow-bound flight takes off from New York

NEW YORK , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
A special Moscow-bound flight took off from New York with Russian citizens on board , the Russian Consulate General in New York said on its Facebook page on Wednesday .
`` On June 16 , the Russian Consulate General in New York rendered the necessary assistance for the departure of a yet another ‘ repatriation ’ flight , '' the Russian diplomatic mission said .
`` Despite the complicated epidemiological situation in New York , diplomats of the consulate were present at JFK Airport , just like before . ''
Russian Ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight has 343 Russian citizens on board , `` including one school student and eight babies . ''
He also confirmed that Russian citizen Stanislav Lisov , sentenced by a US court to four years in prison on cyber fraud charges , was on board the plane .
`` At present , S.V .
Lisov is on board the plane and is returning to his motherland , '' Antonov added .
Consul-Adviser of Russia ’ s Consulate General in New York Artyom Tevanyan earlier told TASS that Lisov was expected to board the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport earlier in the day for subsequent deportation to Russia .
According to JFK Airport ’ s website , flight SU103 departed at 19:20 local time ( 02:20 Moscow time ) .
It is scheduled to land at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:26 Moscow time .
Lisov was arrested by Spain in January 2017 and extradited to the United States in January 2018 .
In February of this year , he pleaded guilty on one of two counts .
The US authorities accused Lisov of creating the NeverQuest ( Never Quest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal information .
Initially , he could have face imprisonment of up to 35 years .
On June 10 , Lisov was transferred to a deportation center from a prison in Pennsylvania .

NEW YORK, June 17. /TASS/. A special Moscow-bound flight took off from New York with Russian citizens on board, the Russian Consulate General in New York said on its Facebook page on Wednesday.
"On June 16, the Russian Consulate General in New York rendered the necessary assistance for the departure of a yet another ‘repatriation’ flight," the Russian diplomatic mission said. "Despite the complicated epidemiological situation in New York, diplomats of the consulate were present at JFK Airport, just like before."
Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said the flight has 343 Russian citizens on board, "including one school student and eight babies."
He also confirmed that Russian citizen Stanislav Lisov, sentenced by a US court to four years in prison on cyber fraud charges, was on board the plane.
"At present, S.V. Lisov is on board the plane and is returning to his motherland," Antonov added.
Consul-Adviser of Russia’s Consulate General in New York Artyom Tevanyan earlier told TASS that Lisov was expected to board the plane.
He was taken to the airport earlier in the day for subsequent deportation to Russia.
According to JFK Airport’s website, flight SU103 departed at 19:20 local time (02:20 Moscow time). It is scheduled to land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:26 Moscow time.
Lisov was arrested by Spain in January 2017 and extradited to the United States in January 2018. In February of this year, he pleaded guilty on one of two counts. The US authorities accused Lisov of creating the NeverQuest (Never Quest) malware to steal bank data and personal information. Initially, he could have face imprisonment of up to 35 years.
On June 10, Lisov was transferred to a deportation center from a prison in Pennsylvania.


tass--2020-06-17--Remaining coronavirus restrictions in Moscow to stay until mid-July — mayor

MOSCOW , June 17 .
/TASS/ .
The remaining restrictions , earlier imposed in Moscow amid the novel coronavirus pandemic , will be lifted no earlier than in mid-July , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday .
`` I think that the remaining restrictions will definitely not be lifted before mid-July .
This is a two-months transition period , and we don ’ t want any setbacks , '' he said .
On March 5 , Moscow was put on the increased alert regime , with subsequent additional restrictions imposed over the coronavirus pandemic , but began lifting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
Gradually , many industrial enterprises and construction sites were reopened , as well as multiple state service centers , retail and services industry businesses Since June 9 , Moscow cancelled the self-isolation regime , outdoors schedule and passes for public transport .
Beauty parlors and veterinary clinics are open again , restrictions on carsharing , visiting cemeteries are removed , movie studios and research institutes work as usual .
Since June 16 , restrictions on general dentistry , libraries , museums , the Zoo will be removed , attending sports events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer cafes will reopen , followed by stationary catering businesses .
Since June 23 , Moscow will reopen fitness clubs and will remove restrictions from kindergartens and social protection offices .
Masks and gloves in public places will remain obligatory .

MOSCOW, June 17. /TASS/. The remaining restrictions, earlier imposed in Moscow amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, will be lifted no earlier than in mid-July, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday.
"I think that the remaining restrictions will definitely not be lifted before mid-July. This is a two-months transition period, and we don’t want any setbacks," he said.
On March 5, Moscow was put on the increased alert regime, with subsequent additional restrictions imposed over the coronavirus pandemic, but began lifting them since mid-May due to improvement of the situation. Gradually, many industrial enterprises and construction sites were reopened, as well as multiple state service centers, retail and services industry businesses
Since June 9, Moscow cancelled the self-isolation regime, outdoors schedule and passes for public transport. Beauty parlors and veterinary clinics are open again, restrictions on carsharing, visiting cemeteries are removed, movie studios and research institutes work as usual.
Since June 16, restrictions on general dentistry, libraries, museums, the Zoo will be removed, attending sports events will be allowed again. Besides, summer cafes will reopen, followed by stationary catering businesses. Since June 23, Moscow will reopen fitness clubs and will remove restrictions from kindergartens and social protection offices. Masks and gloves in public places will remain obligatory.


tass--2020-06-16--Sinopec intends to expand oil refinery infrastructure on Hainan

HAIKOU , June 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese company Hainan Refining and Chemical , a subsidiary of Sinopec oil and gas corporation , intends to expand its refining infrastructure in southern Hainan.
, according to the China Daily .
As part of the Chinese government free trade port project , Hainan Refining and Chemical plans to increase ethylene production capacity to meet domestic and international demand for this refined product .
After the creation of the new infrastructure and modernization of the old one , the company expects to increase ethylene production to 1 million tonnes per year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new facilities will bring the refining sector more than 100 billion yuan ( over $ 14.1 billion ) .
Hainan Refining and Chemical 's 30 petrochemical production plants with storage and transportation infrastructure are located in the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in the northwest of the Hainan province .
With an already existing base , the company plans to build ten new chemical production units , and also three oil refineries .
Hainan is one of the Chinese regions where hydrocarbon production is most actively carried out in the offshore area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gas companies are also engaged in industrial processing of primary raw materials on the island , cleaning and transportation of energy , as well as their storage .
According to statistics , in the first quarter of 2020 , Hainan exported petroleum products worth 4.56 billion yuan ( $ 642 million ) , an increase of 17.7 % compared to January-March 2019 .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .

HAIKOU, June 16. /TASS/. The Chinese company Hainan Refining and Chemical, a subsidiary of Sinopec oil and gas corporation, intends to expand its refining infrastructure in southern Hainan., according to the China Daily.
As part of the Chinese government free trade port project, Hainan Refining and Chemical plans to increase ethylene production capacity to meet domestic and international demand for this refined product. After the creation of the new infrastructure and modernization of the old one, the company expects to increase ethylene production to 1 million tonnes per year. According tothe Sinopec subsidiary's forecast, the new facilities will bring the refining sector more than 100 billion yuan (over $ 14.1 billion).
Hainan Refining and Chemical's 30 petrochemical production plants with storage and transportation infrastructure are located in the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in the northwest of the Hainan province. With an already existing base, the company plans to build ten new chemical production units, and also three oil refineries.
Hainan is one of the Chinese regions where hydrocarbon production is most actively carried out in the offshore area. At the same time, Chinese oil and gas companies are also engaged in industrial processing of primary raw materials on the island, cleaning and transportation of energy, as well as their storage. According to statistics, in the first quarter of 2020, Hainan exported petroleum products worth 4.56 billion yuan ($ 642 million), an increase of 17.7% compared to January-March 2019.
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-06-18--Russia, Finland have no territorial claims to each other - Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Finland have no disputed territories and have never raised the issue of border transfer after World War II , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday commenting on reports about alleged talks between the two countries on ceding part of the former Soviet Union ’ s territory to Finland .
`` The territorial issue is not on the agenda of the Russian-Finnish relations .
Such topics as the revision of the borderline after World War II have never been discussed in dialogue with the Finnish partners , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Finland was fixed by the effective international law acts , first of all , by the Peace Treaty with Finland that was signed in Paris on February 10 , 1947 . ''
According to Zakharova , this is the two countries ’ common position reiterated at the top level .
`` The absence of disputes is proved by the fact that in 2017 the Russian and Finnish governments signed a protocol on the Russian-Finnish state borderline , '' she added .
According to Finland ’ s Iltalehti newspaper , Jukka Seppinen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his new book that in the late 1980s-early 1990s Moscow was allegedly ready to discuss possible transfer of Karelia to Finland but the ten Finnish President Mauno Koivisto refused to discuss this matter .

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. Russia and Finland have no disputed territories and have never raised the issue of border transfer after World War II, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday commenting on reports about alleged talks between the two countries on ceding part of the former Soviet Union’s territory to Finland.
"The territorial issue is not on the agenda of the Russian-Finnish relations. Such topics as the revision of the borderline after World War II have never been discussed in dialogue with the Finnish partners," she said. "The existing border between Russia and Finland was fixed by the effective international law acts, first of all, by the Peace Treaty with Finland that was signed in Paris on February 10, 1947."
According to Zakharova, this is the two countries’ common position reiterated at the top level. "The absence of disputes is proved by the fact that in 2017 the Russian and Finnish governments signed a protocol on the Russian-Finnish state borderline," she added.
According to Finland’s Iltalehti newspaper, Jukka Seppinen, a former Finnish diplomat, wrote in his new book that in the late 1980s-early 1990s Moscow was allegedly ready to discuss possible transfer of Karelia to Finland but the ten Finnish President Mauno Koivisto refused to discuss this matter.


tass--2020-06-18--India, Ireland, Mexico, Norway elected UNSC non-permanent members for 2021-2022

UNITED NATIONS , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
India , Ireland , Mexico , and Norway will be non-permanent members @ @ @ @ @ Council in 2021-2022 , as follows from the results of Wednesday ’ s voting at @ @ @ @ @ .
Africa ’ s delegate will be elected in the runoff voting as neither Kenya @ @ @ @ @ number of votes .
Along with the five permanent members , namely Russia , the @ @ @ @ @ the United States , and France , the United Nations Security Council has ten non-permanent @ @ @ @ @ them being rotated every year .
Unlike the five permanent members , they have no @ @ @ @ @ newly elected members will replace Belgium , Germany , the Dominican Republic , Indonesia , @ @ @ @ @ Vietnam , Niger , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Tunisia , and Estonia will @ @ @ @ @ .

UNITED NATIONS, June 18. /TASS/. India, Ireland, Mexico, and Norway will be non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in 2021-2022, as follows from the results of Wednesday’s voting at the United Nations General Assembly.
Ireland scored 128 votes, Norway - 130 votes, Mexico - 187 votes, and India - 184 votes.
Africa’s delegate will be elected in the runoff voting as neither Kenya nor Djibouti won the necessary number of votes.
Along with the five permanent members, namely Russia, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, and France, the United Nations Security Council has ten non-permanent members, with five of them being rotated every year. Unlike the five permanent members, they have no right to veto.
The newly elected members will replace Belgium, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and South Africa, while Vietnam, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, and Estonia will continue for the second year.


tass--2020-06-18--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by nearly 120,000 in past day - WHO

GENEVA , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 120,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 17 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 8.06 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 17 , as many as 8,061,550 novel coronavirus cases and 440,290 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 119,759 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,494 .
The WHO statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 3,899,859 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 58,250 and the number of deaths - by 1,981 and reached 205,555 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,452,247 and the number of fatalities is 189,582 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 18,063 and the number of deaths - by 803 .
The East Mediterranean region has 817,458 cases and 18,057 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 20,699 and the number of deaths - by 499 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 2,098,106 ) , Brazil ( 888,271 ) , Russia ( 553,301 ) , India ( 354,065 ) , the United Kingdom ( 298,140 ) , Spain ( 244,328 ) , Italy ( 237,500 ) , Peru ( 232,992 ) , Iran ( 192,439 ) , and Germany ( 187,184 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, June 18. /TASS/. Nearly 120,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 17, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 8.06 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Thursday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 17, as many as 8,061,550 novel coronavirus cases and 440,290 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 119,759 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,494.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 3,899,859. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 58,250 and the number of deaths - by 1,981 and reached 205,555.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,452,247 and the number of fatalities is 189,582. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 18,063 and the number of deaths - by 803.
The East Mediterranean region has 817,458 cases and 18,057 fatalities as of June 17. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 20,699 and the number of deaths - by 499.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (2,098,106), Brazil (888,271), Russia (553,301), India (354,065), the United Kingdom (298,140), Spain (244,328), Italy (237,500), Peru (232,992), Iran (192,439), and Germany (187,184).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-06-18--49 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day - crisis center

MOSCOW , June 18 .
/TASS/ .
Forty-nine more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , bringing @ @ @ @ @ 3,483 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday .
`` Forty-nine @ @ @ @ @ have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding that the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , 553,301 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 304,342 @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ situation .

MOSCOW, June 18. /TASS/. Forty-nine more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, bringing the death toll up to 3,483, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday.
"Forty-nine coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached 3,483.
To date, 553,301 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 304,342 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.