tass--2020-06-01--Russian diplomat describes situation with protests in US as ‘American tragedy’

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has described the situation with ongoing mass protests and riots in the United States as an `` American tragedy , '' which has revealed all of Washington ’ s problems in the area of human rights .
`` It looks like a curtain has been drawn back to reveal the entire picture the United States has been seeking to hide from people , '' she said in an interview with the Vecher ( Evening ) with Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , they knew about the contradictions and gaps but spared no effort to picture the situation in a different way .
And continued to teach all others , imposing sanctions under the pretext of defending human rights . ''
This said , Moscow is not gloating over the situation in the United States , she stressed .
`` There is understanding that we are now witnessing an American tragedy of today , '' Zakharova noted .
`` But how can we speak about the United States ’ leadership in this area after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence , public opinion manipulations via the mass media , exchange of accusations .
There can be no questions to others from the United States for years after such turmoil . ''
Minnesota and a number of other states saw massive protests and rioting last week after a video showing the moment of brutal detention of African American George Floyd by a police patrol in Minneapolis on May 25 .
Floyd was suspected of using forged banknotes .
The man died in a local hospital shortly afterwards .
On May 26 , four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put under arrest and charged with unpremeditated murder .
National Guard was called to step in to help the police pacify the protesters .
A curfew has been imposed in more than 40 cities .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has described the situation with ongoing mass protests and riots in the United States as an "American tragedy," which has revealed all of Washington’s problems in the area of human rights.
"It looks like a curtain has been drawn back to reveal the entire picture the United States has been seeking to hide from people," she said in an interview with the Vecher (Evening) with Vladimir Solovyov program on the Rossiya-1 television channel. "They knew what was going on in the country, they knew about the contradictions and gaps but spared no effort to picture the situation in a different way. And continued to teach all others, imposing sanctions under the pretext of defending human rights."
This said, Moscow is not gloating over the situation in the United States, she stressed. "There is understanding that we are now witnessing an American tragedy of today," Zakharova noted. "But how can we speak about the United States’ leadership in this area after what we have seen? After police violence, public opinion manipulations via the mass media, exchange of accusations. There can be no questions to others from the United States for years after such turmoil."
Minnesota and a number of other states saw massive protests and rioting last week after a video showing the moment of brutal detention of African American George Floyd by a police patrol in Minneapolis on May 25. Floyd was suspected of using forged banknotes. The man died in a local hospital shortly afterwards. On May 26, four police were fired and one of them put under arrest and charged with unpremeditated murder.
National Guard was called to step in to help the police pacify the protesters. A curfew has been imposed in more than 40 cities.


tass--2020-06-01--Bomb threat to Russian embassy to Brazil prove to be hoax

RIO DE JANEIRO , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Bomb threats to the Russian embassy in Brazil have proved to @ @ @ @ @ explosive devices found after a check , Ivan Konovalov , a spokesman for the Russian @ @ @ @ @ TASS on Monday .
`` The embassy received an anonymous e-mail in the morning warning @ @ @ @ @ the embassy building .
All services were informed .
The building was checked by the @ @ @ @ @ dogs and the embassy ’ s security service , '' he said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ from the building during the check .
Russia ’ s embassy is located in the @ @ @ @ @ with the United States ’ , France ’ s , the Netherlands ’ , Portugal @ @ @ @ @ City ’ s embassy .
There are no residential compounds in the area .

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 1. /TASS/. Bomb threats to the Russian embassy in Brazil have proved to be hoax, with no explosive devices found after a check, Ivan Konovalov, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in that country told TASS on Monday.
"The embassy received an anonymous e-mail in the morning warning about a bomb planted in the embassy building. All services were informed. The building was checked by the military police, specialists with dogs and the embassy’s security service," he said, adding that the embassy staff was evacuated from the building during the check.
No explosive devices were found.
Russia’s embassy is located in the so-called Southern sector, along with the United States’, France’s, the Netherlands’, Portugal’s, and Vatican City’s embassy. There are no residential compounds in the area.


tass--2020-06-01--71 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-onee more coronavirus-positive patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` Seventy-one coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached 2,624 .
The center once @ @ @ @ @ that they should stay at home and call a doctor if they have symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ To date , a total of 414,878 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 4,855 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Seventy-onee more coronavirus-positive patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday.
"Seventy-one coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," the center said, adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached 2,624.
The center once again warned the city dwellers that they should stay at home and call a doctor if they have symptoms of an acute respiratory disease.
To date, a total of 414,878 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 175,877 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 4,855 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-01--Urals prices reaching record-breaking premium against Brent since 1990

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Russia ’ s Urals oil reached record-breaking premiums against the North Sea @ @ @ @ @ history since 1990 , Argus agency says in its review .
The Urals premium in @ @ @ @ @ vs. the North Sea Dated Brent and reached $ 2.3 a barrel [ CIF Rotterdam @ @ @ @ @ reports .
In absolute terms , Urals grew by $ 3.18 a barrel to $ @ @ @ @ @ Rotterdam .
The price for Urals batches with the volume of 80,000 tonnes increased to @ @ @ @ @ the Mediterranean , CIF Augusta .
The blend premium rose to $ 2.8 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ Brent .
Urals seaborne exports are expected to decline by 37,000 barrels per day or @ @ @ @ @ to 1.3 mln barrels daily or 5.44 mln tonnes in June 2020 .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The Russia’s Urals oil reached record-breaking premiums against the North Sea Brent benchmark throughout the monitoring history since 1990, Argus agency says in its review.
The Urals premium in Northwestern Europe added $1.55/barrel vs. the North Sea Dated Brent and reached $2.3 a barrel [CIF Rotterdam] last week, Argus reports. In absolute terms, Urals grew by $3.18 a barrel to $36.7 per barrel, CIF Rotterdam.
The price for Urals batches with the volume of 80,000 tonnes increased to $37.20 per barrel in the Mediterranean, CIF Augusta. The blend premium rose to $2.8 per barrel against the North Sea Dated Brent.
Urals seaborne exports are expected to decline by 37,000 barrels per day or by 340,000 tonnes against May to 1.3 mln barrels daily or 5.44 mln tonnes in June 2020.


tass--2020-06-01--Probability of fuel ingress into Lake Pyasino after spill is very high — WWF Russia

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The fuel spill as a result of the accident on the territory of the Combined Heat and Power Plant No .
3 ( CHPP-3 ) in Norilsk is likely to reach Lake Pyasino located about 20 km away from the city , press service of WWF Russia told TASS on Monday .
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29 .
A motor vehicle entered the fuel spill , causing the fire outbreak .
About 20,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already gathered , as reported by the plant owner , the Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company .
The inter-municipal level emergency was introduced .
`` There are about 12 kilometers from the leaking tank to the Ambarnaya River and fuel already penetrated the river by morning of May 31 .
There are about 20 kilometers from that point to Pyasino , so we assume that the pollution has already reached the lake today , on June 1 , '' the press service said , citing Alexei Knizhnikov , the Business Environmental Responsibility Team Leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Norilsk requires involvement of federal authorities , Knizhnikov said .
`` Diesel fuel is more toxic than crude oil and the situation has such a scale at present that the efficient cleanup can not be expected without a strong group of resources and equipment of the federal level , '' he added .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The fuel spill as a result of the accident on the territory of the Combined Heat and Power Plant No. 3 (CHPP-3) in Norilsk is likely to reach Lake Pyasino located about 20 km away from the city, press service of WWF Russia told TASS on Monday.
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29. A motor vehicle entered the fuel spill, causing the fire outbreak. About 20,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled in total, with about 100 tonnes already gathered, as reported by the plant owner, the Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company. The inter-municipal level emergency was introduced.
"There are about 12 kilometers from the leaking tank to the Ambarnaya River and fuel already penetrated the river by morning of May 31. There are about 20 kilometers from that point to Pyasino, so we assume that the pollution has already reached the lake today, on June 1," the press service said, citing Alexei Knizhnikov, the Business Environmental Responsibility Team Leader of WWF Russia.
The fuel oil spill in Norilsk requires involvement of federal authorities, Knizhnikov said. "Diesel fuel is more toxic than crude oil and the situation has such a scale at present that the efficient cleanup cannot be expected without a strong group of resources and equipment of the federal level," he added.


tass--2020-06-01--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by nearly 123,000 in past day

The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 1 , as many as 6,057,853 novel coronavirus cases and 371,166 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 122,917 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,000 .
MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 123,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 1 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding six million , the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 107,000 in past day — WHO South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases — 2,817,232 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases spiked by 73,439 and the number of deaths — by 2,812 to 160,514 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,159,791 and the number of fatalities — to 180,594 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases surged by 17,244 and the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mediterranean region has 520,137 cases and 12,627 fatalities as of June 1 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases rose by 15,136 and the number of deaths — by 274 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 1,734,040 ) , Brazil ( 498,440 ) , Russia ( 414,878 ) , the United Kingdom ( 274,766 ) , Spain ( 239,801 ) , Italy ( 233,019 ) , India ( 190,535 ) , Germany ( 181,815 ) , Turkey ( 163,942 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 over 11 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on June 1, as many as 6,057,853 novel coronavirus cases and 371,166 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 122,917 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,000.
MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Nearly 123,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on June 1, with the overall number of such cases exceeding six million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Monday.
Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 107,000 in past day — WHO
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases — 2,817,232. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases spiked by 73,439 and the number of deaths — by 2,812 to 160,514.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,159,791 and the number of fatalities — to 180,594. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases surged by 17,244 and the number of deaths — by 509.
The Eastern Mediterranean region has 520,137 cases and 12,627 fatalities as of June 1. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases rose by 15,136 and the number of deaths — by 274.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (1,734,040), Brazil (498,440), Russia (414,878), the United Kingdom (274,766), Spain (239,801), Italy (233,019), India (190,535), Germany (181,815), Turkey (163,942), and Peru (155,671).
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 over 11 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the globe. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-06-01--Russia would like to hear EU, G7 comments about US protests — diplomat

`` Considering the storm of accusations , criticism and statements that we see from such organizations as the EU , NATO , G7 and PACE < … > regarding a number of countries , whether there are grounds for it or not , as well as from other structures which are in some way sponsored or encouraged by our American partners , we would like to hear their extensive comments [ about the protests in the US ] .
We ’ ve been witnessing a whole array of events for the whole week — even one of them always earns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very European Union , from Brussels , < ... > and from NATO as well , '' Zakharova noted .
`` Where are the US partners ?
Why do we not hear from them ? ''
According to the diplomat , from this moment on , the US has lost its moral right to accuse other states of violating human rights .
`` As of today , they do not have this right anymore .
I think that it is not a coincidence that they quit the UN Human Rights Council recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , '' she added .
Commenting on the statements of former National Security Adviser for ex-US President Barack Obama ( 2009-2017 ) Susan Rice regarding Russia ’ s role in inciting protests in the US , Zakharova branded them a part of a new campaign propogating `` the Russian interference '' in Washington ’ s affairs .
`` This is definitely not a coincidence [ Rice ’ s remarks ] , it is absolutely a part of that campaign that was launched back under Obama administration .
She is put on air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think , '' the diplomat concluded .
`` The story of the Russian interference in the events [ protests ] that we ’ ve been witnessing for the last week in the US .
Possibly , this is partly her own position , but this is a professional campaign that is reaching its new stage . ''
The US plunged into a series of protests and riots happening daily across many states following the death of black man George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis , Minnesota after a police officer knelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all four police officers who took part in the arrest were fired , and one of them was taken into custody on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter .
On Sunday , Rice told CNN that there are peaceful protests focused on the inequality that needs to be dealt with and there are extremists wishing to take over the protests to transform them into something else .
Citing her expertise , she claimed that `` this is right out of the Russian playbook . ''
Rice also claimed that Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US but also pit Americans against each other .

"Considering the storm of accusations, criticism and statements that we see from such organizations as the EU, NATO, G7 and PACE <…> regarding a number of countries, whether there are grounds for it or not, as well as from other structures which are in some way sponsored or encouraged by our American partners, we would like to hear their extensive comments [about the protests in the US]. We’ve been witnessing a whole array of events for the whole week — even one of them always earns a blast [of statements] from the very European Union, from Brussels, <...> and from NATO as well," Zakharova noted. "Where are the US partners? Why do we not hear from them?"
According to the diplomat, from this moment on, the US has lost its moral right to accuse other states of violating human rights. "As of today, they do not have this right anymore. I think that it is not a coincidence that they quit the UN Human Rights Council recently, they possibly foresaw [this outcome]," she added.
New campaign
Commenting on the statements of former National Security Adviser for ex-US President Barack Obama (2009-2017) Susan Rice regarding Russia’s role in inciting protests in the US, Zakharova branded them a part of a new campaign propogating "the Russian interference" in Washington’s affairs.
"This is definitely not a coincidence [Rice’s remarks], it is absolutely a part of that campaign that was launched back under Obama administration. She is put on air to construct a new middle-term story, I think," the diplomat concluded. "The story of the Russian interference in the events [protests] that we’ve been witnessing for the last week in the US. Possibly, this is partly her own position, but this is a professional campaign that is reaching its new stage."
The US plunged into a series of protests and riots happening daily across many states following the death of black man George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a police officer knelt on his neck. On May 26, all four police officers who took part in the arrest were fired, and one of them was taken into custody on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter.
On Sunday, Rice told CNN that there are peaceful protests focused on the inequality that needs to be dealt with and there are extremists wishing to take over the protests to transform them into something else. Citing her expertise, she claimed that "this is right out of the Russian playbook." Rice also claimed that Russia’s aim is not just to shame the US but also pit Americans against each other.


tass--2020-06-01--Sweden’s coronavirus cases top 37,800

Sweden’s coronavirus cases top 37,800

Sweden reports that 2,083 patients are in ICU .
The highest numbers of infections ( 12,208 ) and fatalities ( 2,058 ) are identified in the capital region .
STOCKHOLM , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus infections in Sweden increased by 272 in the past 24 hours , bringing the total to 37,814 ( 378 infections per 100,000 people ) , while the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country climbed by eight to reach 4,403 , the national healthcare agency reported Monday .
`` It is a positive sign that we have had such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Swedish chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference .
`` In certain regions , the statistics are dropping , some are stable , while in some regions it started to go up , but these are regions with little population . ''
The Swedish government shut down national borders for foreigners not living in the EU following the union ’ s decision .
Public gatherings of more than 50 people were banned .
The authorities also recommended introducing distance learning for high schools , universities and adult courses , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
Neither the country nor its separate regions imposed any lockdown measures , while shops , cafes and restaurants remained open .
The government announced that distance learning guidelines are lifted on June 15 , therefore , high school and university students can resume studying as normal in fall .
On June 14 , sports events will also restart but only outside and without any spectators .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 6,281,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 374,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,853,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Sweden reports that 2,083 patients are in ICU. The highest numbers of infections (12,208) and fatalities (2,058) are identified in the capital region.
STOCKHOLM, June 1. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus infections in Sweden increased by 272 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 37,814 (378 infections per 100,000 people), while the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country climbed by eight to reach 4,403, the national healthcare agency reported Monday.
"It is a positive sign that we have had such low numbers for the past few days," Swedish chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference. "In certain regions, the statistics are dropping, some are stable, while in some regions it started to go up, but these are regions with little population."
The Swedish government shut down national borders for foreigners not living in the EU following the union’s decision. Public gatherings of more than 50 people were banned. The authorities also recommended introducing distance learning for high schools, universities and adult courses, while nursery, primary and secondary schools stay open. Neither the country nor its separate regions imposed any lockdown measures, while shops, cafes and restaurants remained open.
The government announced that distance learning guidelines are lifted on June 15, therefore, high school and university students can resume studying as normal in fall. On June 14, sports events will also restart but only outside and without any spectators.
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 6,281,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 374,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,853,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-01--Media: Sanya to allocate $5.7 mln to boost employment

HAIKOU , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
This year , the leading Chinese resort of Sanya will allocate 41 million yuan ( about $ 5.7 million ) to create new jobs and stimulate employment , the Sanya Daily reported .
According to the news outlet , the local authorities are actively working to ensure that the funding is as effective as possible .
“ We need to solve the existing problems step by step , identify legal difficulties halting the growth of employment in Sanya , ” said Zhang Zhenhua , chairman of the committee of the city assembly of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official , the government also pays close attention to programs for qualified personnel , the creation of stable production chains with the involvement of enterprises with a high demand for additional labor force .
According to Deputy Mayor of Sanya Tan Ping , the authorities will help reduce unemployment and increase the welfare of the local population by developing the innovation sector and promoting important key projects .
The Sanya authorities are actively contributing to the growth of employment in several sectors of the economy .
According to official statistics , in 2016- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million yuan ( more than $ 15.1 million ) for these purposes .

HAIKOU, June 1. /TASS/. This year, the leading Chinese resort of Sanya will allocate 41 million yuan (about $ 5.7 million) to create new jobs and stimulate employment, the Sanya Daily reported.
According to the news outlet, the local authorities are actively working to ensure that the funding is as effective as possible.
“We need to solve the existing problems step by step, identify legal difficulties halting the growth of employment in Sanya,” said Zhang Zhenhua, chairman of the committee of the city assembly of people's representatives. According to the official, the government also pays close attention to programs for qualified personnel, the creation of stable production chains with the involvement of enterprises with a high demand for additional labor force.
According to Deputy Mayor of Sanya Tan Ping, the authorities will help reduce unemployment and increase the welfare of the local population by developing the innovation sector and promoting important key projects.
The Sanya authorities are actively contributing to the growth of employment in several sectors of the economy. According to official statistics, in 2016- 2019 the city administration allocated about 108 million yuan (more than $ 15.1 million) for these purposes.


tass--2020-06-01--Some 200,000-250,000 tests for coronavirus antibodies conducted in Moscow

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
About 200,000-250,000 tests for coronavirus antibodies have been conducted in Moscow , Moscow @ @ @ @ @ Rakova said on Monday .
`` By today , I think , some 200,000-250,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ have been carried out , '' she said in an interview with the Dok-Tok program @ @ @ @ @ Rakova said on May 27 that more than two million PCR tests for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Moscow since the pandemic outbreak .
Since March 27 , thirty outpatient clinics in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus antibodies .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. About 200,000-250,000 tests for coronavirus antibodies have been conducted in Moscow, Moscow’s Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Monday.
"By today, I think, some 200,000-250,000 tests for [coronavirus] antibodies have been carried out," she said in an interview with the Dok-Tok program on TV Channel One.
Rakova said on May 27 that more than two million PCR tests for the coronavirus infection had been conducted in Moscow since the pandemic outbreak. Since March 27, thirty outpatient clinics in Moscow have been conducting free testing for coronavirus antibodies.


tass--2020-06-01--Lavrov discusses Syrian, Libyan settlement, anti-pandemic efforts with UN chief

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of settling conflicts in Syria and Libya and combating the novel coronavirus infection were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday .
`` Key attention was paid to the problems of the Syrian and Libyan settlement with a focus on certain aspects of the United Nations ’ activities on these tracks , as well as to issues of the work of the World Health Organization to respond to the consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The sides exchanged views on the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone and discussed the implementation of agreements that had been reached by the Russian and Turkish leaders on March 5 in Moscow .
Apart from that , Lavrov and Guterres noted the threat of increased terrorist activities in Syria amid the coronavirus pandemic and stressed the necessity `` to ensure lasting security and stability in the country on the basis of its sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' the ministry said .
According to the ministry , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed that politicization of the issue of humanitarian assistance to Syria is inadmissible .
`` Of special significance in this context is the implementation of the United Nations secretary general ’ s call for easing or lifting unilateral sanctions that hamper supplies of vital medicines and medical equipment that may cause shortages of articles of daily necessity and worsen the socio-economic situation in the country , '' it said , adding that the sides stressed that there is no alternative to political settlement in Syria on the basis of dialogue between Syrians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the work of the United Nations and its specialized institutions geared to coordinate member nations ’ efforts to combat the pandemic and its socio-economic ramifications .
The sides hashed over ways of boosting global cooperation in this sphere , expanding multilateral collaboration within this global organization , '' the ministry stressed .
The ministry added that Russia hopes for the soonest settlement of the issue of the UN mission to Libya amid the crisis in that country .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Issues of settling conflicts in Syria and Libya and combating the novel coronavirus infection were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
"Key attention was paid to the problems of the Syrian and Libyan settlement with a focus on certain aspects of the United Nations’ activities on these tracks, as well as to issues of the work of the World Health Organization to respond to the consequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic," it said.
The sides exchanged views on the situation in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone and discussed the implementation of agreements that had been reached by the Russian and Turkish leaders on March 5 in Moscow. Apart from that, Lavrov and Guterres noted the threat of increased terrorist activities in Syria amid the coronavirus pandemic and stressed the necessity "to ensure lasting security and stability in the country on the basis of its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the Russian top diplomat and the UN secretary general agreed that politicization of the issue of humanitarian assistance to Syria is inadmissible. "Of special significance in this context is the implementation of the United Nations secretary general’s call for easing or lifting unilateral sanctions that hamper supplies of vital medicines and medical equipment that may cause shortages of articles of daily necessity and worsen the socio-economic situation in the country," it said, adding that the sides stressed that there is no alternative to political settlement in Syria on the basis of dialogue between Syrians.
"Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support to the work of the United Nations and its specialized institutions geared to coordinate member nations’ efforts to combat the pandemic and its socio-economic ramifications. The sides hashed over ways of boosting global cooperation in this sphere, expanding multilateral collaboration within this global organization," the ministry stressed.
The ministry added that Russia hopes for the soonest settlement of the issue of the UN mission to Libya amid the crisis in that country.


tass--2020-06-01--Hainan to lift restrictions on foreign capital in sea and air shipping

HAIKOU , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities plan to lift restrictions on drawing foreign capital in of air and sea shipping .
This is stated in the `` General Program on the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan '' published on Monday by the Chinese State Council .
`` Measures will be taken to liberalize and simplify logistics , '' it says .
`` [ Including ] the measures to provide better and more efficient financial services in air and sea shipping by lifting restrictions on foreign capital in the relevant field . ''
The document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to ease the rules regulating transportation both in airspace and along sea routes in the region .
It is assumed that due to this step , Hainan will be able to increase the number of international flights and destinations for regular ocean traffic .
According to the program , the Chinese government is going to create an effective mechanism on Hainan for those tasks ' practical implementation , and in 10 years to decisively enhance the new free port economic system , including the shipping and logistics sector .
By 2025 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .
The program for attracting highly qualified personnel to the province is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free trade zone project .
According to official figures , by the end of 2019 , key Hainan 's companies offered jobs to over 860,000 high-level specialists from other Chinese regions and from abroad .

HAIKOU, June 1. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities plan to lift restrictions on drawing foreign capital in of air and sea shipping. This is stated in the "General Program on the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan" published on Monday by the Chinese State Council.
"Measures will be taken to liberalize and simplify logistics," it says. "[Including] the measures to provide better and more efficient financial services in air and sea shipping by lifting restrictions on foreign capital in the relevant field."
The document notes that in the future the authorities are going to ease the rules regulating transportation both in airspace and along sea routes in the region. It is assumed that due to this step, Hainan will be able to increase the number of international flights and destinations for regular ocean traffic.
According to the program, the Chinese government is going to create an effective mechanism on Hainan for those tasks' practical implementation, and in 10 years to decisively enhance the new free port economic system, including the shipping and logistics sector.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.
The program for attracting highly qualified personnel to the province is also crucial to the implementation of the free trade zone project. According to official figures, by the end of 2019, key Hainan's companies offered jobs to over 860,000 high-level specialists from other Chinese regions and from abroad.


tass--2020-06-01--Trump shares ideas to hold G7 summit with Putin — Kremlin

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about his idea to hold the upcoming G7 summit and potentially invite leaders of Russia , Australia , India and South Korea to attend it .
This topic was discussed during a phone call between the two presidents on Monday held at the US initiative , the Kremlin press service reports .
`` Donald Trump informed Vladimir Putin about his idea to hold the G7 summit with possible participation of leaders of Russia , Australia , India and South Korea , '' the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The leaders highlighted the importance of boosting the Russian-American dialogue on strategic stability and confidence-building measures in the military sphere , the Kremlin specified .
`` It was agreed to keep up contacts on various levels , '' the statement reads .
`` Among other topics , Putin and Trump touched upon the energy sphere , space cooperation and fighting coronavirus .
The presidents exchanged opinions on measures taken in the two countries to counter the spread of the virus .
Putin extended gratitude to Trump for US ventilators transported to Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the successful launch of Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30 that carried US astronauts to the International Space Station , '' the statement reads .
`` Mutual commitment to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in space was confirmed . ''
The conversation also reviewed the situation on the global oil market , taking the OPEC+ agreement into account .
The sides confirmed that this multilateral agreement reached with the active support of the Russian and US presidents is gradually reviving oil demand and stabilizing prices .
`` The status of affairs on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context of implementation of the OPEC+ agreement .
It was stated that this multilateral agreement reached with the proactive support of presidents of Russia and the US leads to the gradual recovery of the oil demand and prices stabilization , '' the Kremlin ’ s press service says .
According to arrangements reached in April 2020 , OPEC+ countries will reduce oil production by 9.7 mln barrels per day in May-June and by 7.7 mln barrels daily from July until the end of December 2020 .
The OPEC+ agreement is effective until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin said the phone call was `` constructive , business-like and substantial . ''

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about his idea to hold the upcoming G7 summit and potentially invite leaders of Russia, Australia, India and South Korea to attend it. This topic was discussed during a phone call between the two presidents on Monday held at the US initiative, the Kremlin press service reports.
"Donald Trump informed Vladimir Putin about his idea to hold the G7 summit with possible participation of leaders of Russia, Australia, India and South Korea," the Russian leader’s press service noted.
The leaders highlighted the importance of boosting the Russian-American dialogue on strategic stability and confidence-building measures in the military sphere, the Kremlin specified. "It was agreed to keep up contacts on various levels," the statement reads.
"Among other topics, Putin and Trump touched upon the energy sphere, space cooperation and fighting coronavirus. The presidents exchanged opinions on measures taken in the two countries to counter the spread of the virus. Putin extended gratitude to Trump for US ventilators transported to Russia.
"The Russian president congratulated Donald Trump on the successful launch of Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30 that carried US astronauts to the International Space Station," the statement reads. "Mutual commitment to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in space was confirmed."
The conversation also reviewed the situation on the global oil market, taking the OPEC+ agreement into account. The sides confirmed that this multilateral agreement reached with the active support of the Russian and US presidents is gradually reviving oil demand and stabilizing prices. "The status of affairs on the global oil market was reviewed in the context of implementation of the OPEC+ agreement. It was stated that this multilateral agreement reached with the proactive support of presidents of Russia and the US leads to the gradual recovery of the oil demand and prices stabilization," the Kremlin’s press service says.
According to arrangements reached in April 2020, OPEC+ countries will reduce oil production by 9.7 mln barrels per day in May-June and by 7.7 mln barrels daily from July until the end of December 2020. The OPEC+ agreement is effective until the end of April 2022.
Overall, the Kremlin said the phone call was "constructive, business-like and substantial."


tass--2020-06-01--Russia-Belarus agreement on mutual visa recognition ready to be signed by presidents

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
A draft agreement on mutual recognition of visas in Russia and Belarus is ready for signing by the presidents , Grigory Rapota , Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus , told TASS on Monday .
`` Each participant in the process has his own task .
Heads of state and government are tasked to make political and major economic decisions .
Our task is to do preparatory work , to draft a legally-correct document , to agree it with all ministries and agencies and submit it to the supreme political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are now waiting for the decisions , '' he said .
When asked whether such factors as the coronavirus pandemic could impact the signing of the agreement on mutual visa recognition , he said he would refrain from anticipating when it would be done .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April he hoped the two countries would sign this agreement in the near future and noted that Moscow was waiting for a relevant signal from the Belarusian side .
Moscow and Minsk were originally expected to sign the intergovernmental agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at a meeting of the Union State Council of Ministers in Brest .
But the document was not signed because the Belarusian side said it needed time to complete certain domestic procedures before the signing .
Under the draft agreement , foreign citizens who have Belarusian visas will be able to enter Russia and vice versa , holders of Russian visas will be allowed to enter Belarus .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. A draft agreement on mutual recognition of visas in Russia and Belarus is ready for signing by the presidents, Grigory Rapota, Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, told TASS on Monday.
"Each participant in the process has his own task. Heads of state and government are tasked to make political and major economic decisions. Our task is to do preparatory work, to draft a legally-correct document, to agree it with all ministries and agencies and submit it to the supreme political level. We have done our job and are now waiting for the decisions," he said.
When asked whether such factors as the coronavirus pandemic could impact the signing of the agreement on mutual visa recognition, he said he would refrain from anticipating when it would be done.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April he hoped the two countries would sign this agreement in the near future and noted that Moscow was waiting for a relevant signal from the Belarusian side.
Moscow and Minsk were originally expected to sign the intergovernmental agreement on mutual visa recognition in December 2018, at a meeting of the Union State Council of Ministers in Brest. But the document was not signed because the Belarusian side said it needed time to complete certain domestic procedures before the signing.
Under the draft agreement, foreign citizens who have Belarusian visas will be able to enter Russia and vice versa, holders of Russian visas will be allowed to enter Belarus.


tass--2020-06-01--Putin signs decree on holding constitutional amendments vote on July 1

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on holding the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments on July 1 , the Kremlin press office reported on Monday .
`` I decree to set July 1 , 2020 as the date for holding the all-Russia voting on the issue of approving amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation < … > , taking into account the sanitary and epidemiological situation and the need to ensure the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population in the wake of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential decree as saying .
At a meeting with the Central Election Commission and members of the working group on amendments to the Fundamental Law , Putin backed the proposal to hold the vote on July 1 .
In his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in January 2020 , Putin proposed amendments to the country ’ s Fundamental Law to bring the document more in line with present-day realities and seal the results achieved .
The State Duma ( the lower house of Russia ’ s parliament ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading on March 11 , following its discussion within the Duma ’ s working group .
The document was adopted by the Federation Council ( the upper house of Russia ’ s parliament ) on the same day , following which the document was approved by the legislatures of all the Russian regions .
Consequently , the Federation Council adopted a resolution on March 14 and sent it to the president .
After that , Putin signed a decree , scheduling the all-Russian vote on constitutional amendments for April 22 .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address to the nation on March 25 that the voting should be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
As the head of state said at the time , it was necessary to estimate how the situation would develop and make a decision on a new date of voting based on experts ’ recommendations .
The amendments will come into force only if they are approved at the all-Russian vote .
Russia ’ s Central Election Commission published a resolution on May 21 aimed at restarting preparations for the all-Russian vote on amendments @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on holding the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments on July 1, the Kremlin press office reported on Monday.
"I decree to set July 1, 2020 as the date for holding the all-Russia voting on the issue of approving amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation <…>, taking into account the sanitary and epidemiological situation and the need to ensure the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population in the wake of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection," the Kremlin press office quoted the presidential decree as saying.
At a meeting with the Central Election Commission and members of the working group on amendments to the Fundamental Law, Putin backed the proposal to hold the vote on July 1.
In his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in January 2020, Putin proposed amendments to the country’s Fundamental Law to bring the document more in line with present-day realities and seal the results achieved.
The State Duma (the lower house of Russia’s parliament) approved the presidential bill in the final reading on March 11, following its discussion within the Duma’s working group. The document was adopted by the Federation Council (the upper house of Russia’s parliament) on the same day, following which the document was approved by the legislatures of all the Russian regions.
Consequently, the Federation Council adopted a resolution on March 14 and sent it to the president.
After that, Putin signed a decree, scheduling the all-Russian vote on constitutional amendments for April 22. However, the Russian president said in a televised address to the nation on March 25 that the voting should be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As the head of state said at the time, it was necessary to estimate how the situation would develop and make a decision on a new date of voting based on experts’ recommendations. The amendments will come into force only if they are approved at the all-Russian vote.
Russia’s Central Election Commission published a resolution on May 21 aimed at restarting preparations for the all-Russian vote on amendments to the Constitution.


tass--2020-06-01--Sanya promotes online platform for food service control

SANYA , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Sanya authorities are promoting the system of online control and regulation of food service industry .
According to the Sanya Daily , at least 773 cafes and restaurants in the city have joined a special application which allows users to monitor the work of cooks in the kitchen of a cafe or a restaurant in real time .
In order to check what is going on in a restaurant 's kitchen , one has to download a mobile application , which in Chinese means `` an open , transparent public food service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the development and promotion of this online platform is aimed at creating an effective model for regulating the city 's food industry .
On the one hand , this increases the responsibility of cafes and restaurants : in case of violation of work rules and sanitary norms , they will be dealt with at once .
On the other hand , this approach boosts consumer confidence in food service industry .
Local authorities note that the system could be used in other Hainan cities as there are no restrictions , the article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

SANYA, June 1. /TASS/. The Sanya authorities are promoting the system of online control and regulation of food service industry. According to the Sanya Daily, at least 773 cafes and restaurants in the city have joined a special application which allows users to monitor the work of cooks in the kitchen of a cafe or a restaurant in real time.
In order to check what is going on in a restaurant's kitchen, one has to download a mobile application, which in Chinese means "an open, transparent public food service". As noted in the article, the development and promotion of this online platform is aimed at creating an effective model for regulating the city's food industry. On the one hand, this increases the responsibility of cafes and restaurants: in case of violation of work rules and sanitary norms, they will be dealt with at once. On the other hand, this approach boosts consumer confidence in food service industry.
Local authorities note that the system could be used in other Hainan cities as there are no restrictions, the article says.
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.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-06-01--COVID incidence rate in Russia down by 13 times

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus incidence rate in Russia has decreased by 13 times after lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ about two percent a day , Anna Popova , chief of Russia ’ s sanitary @ @ @ @ @ .
`` After restrictive measures were imposed , the incidence rate has decreased by an @ @ @ @ @ now and is around two percent .
Moreover , the coronavirus spread coefficient , an @ @ @ @ @ contract a disease from an infected person before his or her isolation , has gone @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks .
It has been less than 1 in the two recent weeks whereas @ @ @ @ @ than 3 , '' she said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The coronavirus incidence rate in Russia has decreased by 13 times after lockdowns were imposed and now is about two percent a day, Anna Popova, chief of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, said on Monday.
"After restrictive measures were imposed, the incidence rate has decreased by an average of 13 times by now and is around two percent. Moreover, the coronavirus spread coefficient, an index showing how many people contract a disease from an infected person before his or her isolation, has gone down three-fold in the several recent weeks. It has been less than 1 in the two recent weeks whereas it used to be more than 3," she said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.


tass--2020-06-01--Gazprom signs contract with Mytilineos to supply gas to Greece until 2030

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Export , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gazprom , and Greece ’ s Mytilineos S.A. concluded a long-term contract for the supply of natural gas , the Russian company said .
The contract provides for the delivery of gas to Greece from 2020 to 2030 .
The document was signed by Vice Chair of the Gazprom Management Committee , Director General of Gazprom Export , Elena Burmistrova and Chairman of the Board , General Director of Mytilineos S.A. , Evangelos Mytilineos .
`` The cooperation between Gazprom Export and Mytilineos proves the demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will further strengthen the interaction of our countries in the energy sector , '' Burmistrova said .
`` This long-term contract will strengthen Mytilineos ’ s competitiveness in the region ’ s gas market and make a significant contribution to maximizing the efficiency of our assets in industry and the electric power industry , '' Mitilineos added .
Gazprom Export and Mytilineos S.A. have been cooperating since 2017 on the basis of short-term contracts .
In 2019 , Mytilineos S.A. received 588 mln cubic meters of Russian gas .
In 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis of a long-term contract .
Founded in 1990 , Mytilineos S.A. occupies a leading position in the sectors of metallurgy , turnkey construction of electric power facilities , electricity and gas trade in Greece .
The company 's shares are traded on the Athens Exchange .
Its consolidated revenue is 2.3 billion euros .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Gazprom Export, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gazprom, and Greece’s Mytilineos S.A. concluded a long-term contract for the supply of natural gas, the Russian company said. The contract provides for the delivery of gas to Greece from 2020 to 2030.
The document was signed by Vice Chair of the Gazprom Management Committee, Director General of Gazprom Export, Elena Burmistrova and Chairman of the Board, General Director of Mytilineos S.A., Evangelos Mytilineos.
"The cooperation between Gazprom Export and Mytilineos proves the demand for Russian gas on the Greek market and will further strengthen the interaction of our countries in the energy sector," Burmistrova said.
"This long-term contract will strengthen Mytilineos’s competitiveness in the region’s gas market and make a significant contribution to maximizing the efficiency of our assets in industry and the electric power industry," Mitilineos added.
Gazprom Export and Mytilineos S.A. have been cooperating since 2017 on the basis of short-term contracts. In 2019, Mytilineos S.A. received 588 mln cubic meters of Russian gas. In 2020, the parties agreed to continue cooperation on the basis of a long-term contract.
Founded in 1990, Mytilineos S.A. occupies a leading position in the sectors of metallurgy, turnkey construction of electric power facilities, electricity and gas trade in Greece. The company's shares are traded on the Athens Exchange. Its consolidated revenue is 2.3 billion euros.


tass--2020-06-01--Constitutional amendments voting day of July 1 may become non-working — Kremlin

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The nationwide constitutional amendments vote day of July 1 might become non-working , @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the proposal to conduct the nationwide @ @ @ @ @ July 1 .
In January this year , President Putin proposed to introduce a number @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to bring the document more in line with modern circumstances and to @ @ @ @ @ Following a discussion within the working group , the State Duma ( lower house ) @ @ @ @ @ upper house ) adopted the final bill on March 11 , followed by approval of @ @ @ @ @ After that , Putin signed an order , scheduling the nationwide vote on the amendments @ @ @ @ @ was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The amendments will enter force only if @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The nationwide constitutional amendments vote day of July 1 might become non-working, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the proposal to conduct the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments on July 1.
In January this year, President Putin proposed to introduce a number of amendments to the Constitution in a bid to bring the document more in line with modern circumstances and to cement the achieved results.
Following a discussion within the working group, the State Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house) adopted the final bill on March 11, followed by approval of all regions of Russia.
After that, Putin signed an order, scheduling the nationwide vote on the amendments for April 22, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The amendments will enter force only if approved during the nationwide vote.


tass--2020-06-01--Three regions of Russia ready for third stage of restrictions withdrawal

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Three regions of Russia are ready to begin the third stage of withdrawal of restrictions , introduced over the coronavirus pandemic , Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ( Rospotrebnadzor ) head Anna Popova said during working meeting with President Vladimir Putin .
`` Today , 24 regions entered the first stage and withdraw a number of restrictions , 26 more regions achieved indicators that would allow , I am sure , to make a step further and also enter the first stage .
Three regions are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already surpassed the second stage .
This indicates a rather fast dynamic ; although these decisions were made a little over two weeks ago , we see that the dynamic is positive , '' Popova said , without naming the three regions .
According to the Rospotrebnadzor recommendations , regions with the coronavirus spread coefficient equal or less than 1 may enter the first stage of withdrawal of restrictions , if they also comply with the bed availability and testing coverage requirements .
Regions with this coefficient below 0.8 may enter the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.5 may enter the third .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Three regions of Russia are ready to begin the third stage of withdrawal of restrictions, introduced over the coronavirus pandemic, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) head Anna Popova said during working meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
"Today, 24 regions entered the first stage and withdraw a number of restrictions, 26 more regions achieved indicators that would allow, I am sure, to make a step further and also enter the first stage. Three regions are ready for the third stage, they have already surpassed the second stage. This indicates a rather fast dynamic; although these decisions were made a little over two weeks ago, we see that the dynamic is positive," Popova said, without naming the three regions.
According to the Rospotrebnadzor recommendations, regions with the coronavirus spread coefficient equal or less than 1 may enter the first stage of withdrawal of restrictions, if they also comply with the bed availability and testing coverage requirements. Regions with this coefficient below 0.8 may enter the second stage and regions with this value below 0.5 may enter the third.


tass--2020-06-01--Diplomat calls allegations of Russian involvement in US riots ‘dirty manipulation’

The Russian diplomat noted that a while ago Rice ’ s party members made a fatal mistake when they `` decided to blame absolutely everything that was not to their liking on Russia . ''
MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The statement made by the former US President Barack Obama ’ s National Security Adviser Susan Rice regarding Russia ’ s involvement in organization of riots in the US over the death of George Floyd is a dirty informational manipulation , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Monday .
`` You are repeating this mistake today together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methods of information manipulation , such as fake news and absolutely no facts to prove your allegation , '' Zakharova wrote on Facebook , addressing Rice in person .
`` Your interview with CNN is a perfect example of barefaced propaganda . ''
The Foreign Ministry called on the ex-adviser to stop playing the `` Russian card '' and return back to reality .
`` I would like to remind you that the social media , which you believe are being used by Russian agents to fuel protests in American cities , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Americans and are regulated by American laws , '' she noted .
`` Go out and face your people , look them in the eye and try telling them that they are being controlled by the Russians through YouTube and Facebook .
And I will sit back and watch 'American exceptionalism ' in action . ''
Last week , mass riots broke out in Minnesota and a number of other states , after a video of the brutal apprehension of an African American George Floyd was uploaded to social media .
Soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in one of the city hospitals .
On May 26 , all four involved police officers were fired ; one of them was taken into custody over charges of involuntary manslaughter .

The Russian diplomat noted that a while ago Rice’s party members made a fatal mistake when they "decided to blame absolutely everything that was not to their liking on Russia."
MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The statement made by the former US President Barack Obama’s National Security Adviser Susan Rice regarding Russia’s involvement in organization of riots in the US over the death of George Floyd is a dirty informational manipulation, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Monday.
"You are repeating this mistake today together with a CNN reporter, using dirty methods of information manipulation, such as fake news and absolutely no facts to prove your allegation," Zakharova wrote on Facebook, addressing Rice in person. "Your interview with CNN is a perfect example of barefaced propaganda."
The Foreign Ministry called on the ex-adviser to stop playing the "Russian card" and return back to reality.
"I would like to remind you that the social media, which you believe are being used by Russian agents to fuel protests in American cities, were registered in the United States, belong to Americans and are regulated by American laws," she noted. "Go out and face your people, look them in the eye and try telling them that they are being controlled by the Russians through YouTube and Facebook. And I will sit back and watch 'American exceptionalism' in action."
Last week, mass riots broke out in Minnesota and a number of other states, after a video of the brutal apprehension of an African American George Floyd was uploaded to social media. Soon after his apprehension, the forgery suspect died in one of the city hospitals. On May 26, all four involved police officers were fired; one of them was taken into custody over charges of involuntary manslaughter.


tass--2020-06-01--Putin approves July 1 as date for constitutional amendments vote

`` There were even ideas to hold the vote right on the day of the parade .
We should not combine it with anything , it is a separate major milestone in the life of the country .
The Victory parade is sacred , '' Putin stressed at a working meeting .
According to the president , ideas were voiced to hold the vote on the same day as the rescheduled Victory parade , June 24 , which he believes is wrong .
`` Let ’ s not mix it with anything , and I think we should not try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting ] either , because one of the motives to hold [ the vote ] on the day of the Victory parade [ June 24 — TASS ] is to save money as it is also a non-working day , '' the president underscored , adding that there would n't be any saving on the voting .
The president has called for active participation of Russians in the constitutional amendments vote .
`` Of course , I would like to address our citizens , calling for their active participation in the Russian national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main law of the country — the Constitution that forms the basis of our country ’ s life , our life , the life of our children today , and that will determine the main legal guarantees , the main judicial guarantees in the sphere of social relations , in the sphere of labor relations , as well as our principles of cooperation with foreign partners , '' the Russian leader said during a working session .
`` It is not a coincidence that the Constitution is the main law of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take a very active part in determining the parameters of the main law in the vote on constitutional amendments , '' Putin stressed .
Ideas of some amendments to the Russian Constitution are in such a high demand that they are being implemented even before corresponding amendments have entered force , Vladimir Putin noted .
`` We implement some things even before constitutional amendments are adopted .
This indicates that those amendments that were proposed , including by the working group , are in demand , in perfect demand today , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2020 , Putin suggested to introduce a number of amendments to the basic law .
Following a discussion within the working group , the State Duma ( lower house ) and the Federation Council ( upper house ) adopted the final bill on March 11 , followed by approval by all regions of Russia .
After that , Putin signed an order , scheduling the nationwide vote on the amendments for April 22 , which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The amendments will enter force only if approved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand the powers of the Russian parliament and the Russian Constitutional Court , sets a fixed number of presidential terms and states the prevalence of the Russian Constitution over international agreements .
The document also expands the government ’ s obligations in the social sphere .
The amendments to the Constitution stipulate that the Russian head of state can only serve two terms , however , one of the amendments proposes that the current president can be re-elected if the new version of the Constitution comes into force .

"There were even ideas to hold the vote right on the day of the parade. We should not combine it with anything, it is a separate major milestone in the life of the country. The Victory parade is sacred," Putin stressed at a working meeting.
According to the president, ideas were voiced to hold the vote on the same day as the rescheduled Victory parade, June 24, which he believes is wrong.
"Let’s not mix it with anything, and I think we should not try to save money on it [the voting] either, because one of the motives to hold [the vote] on the day of the Victory parade [June 24 — TASS] is to save money as it is also a non-working day," the president underscored, adding that there wouldn't be any saving on the voting.
The president has called for active participation of Russians in the constitutional amendments vote.
"Of course, I would like to address our citizens, calling for their active participation in the Russian national vote, because we are talking about the main law of the country — the Constitution that forms the basis of our country’s life, our life, the life of our children today, and that will determine the main legal guarantees, the main judicial guarantees in the sphere of social relations, in the sphere of labor relations, as well as our principles of cooperation with foreign partners," the Russian leader said during a working session.
"It is not a coincidence that the Constitution is the main law of the country. I expect that Russian citizens will take a very active part in determining the parameters of the main law in the vote on constitutional amendments," Putin stressed.
Implementation prior to enforcement
Ideas of some amendments to the Russian Constitution are in such a high demand that they are being implemented even before corresponding amendments have entered force, Vladimir Putin noted.
"We implement some things even before constitutional amendments are adopted. This indicates that those amendments that were proposed, including by the working group, are in demand, in perfect demand today," the head of state said.
In January 2020, Putin suggested to introduce a number of amendments to the basic law. Following a discussion within the working group, the State Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house) adopted the final bill on March 11, followed by approval by all regions of Russia.
After that, Putin signed an order, scheduling the nationwide vote on the amendments for April 22, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The amendments will enter force only if approved in the nationwide vote.
The document proposes to expand the powers of the Russian parliament and the Russian Constitutional Court, sets a fixed number of presidential terms and states the prevalence of the Russian Constitution over international agreements. The document also expands the government’s obligations in the social sphere. The amendments to the Constitution stipulate that the Russian head of state can only serve two terms, however, one of the amendments proposes that the current president can be re-elected if the new version of the Constitution comes into force.


tass--2020-06-01--Russian diplomat delivers demarche to Czech ambassador over delayed talks

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov has delivered a demarche to Czech Ambassador to Russia Vitezslav Pivonka over the delayed consultations on the improvement of dialogue between Russia and the Czech Republic .
The Russian diplomat expressed his confusion over the delayed consultations from the side of Prague `` on the current issues of Russian-Czech relations based on the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Russian Federation dated August 26 , 1993 , '' the statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry informs .
`` It was noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations had deteriorated significantly , with many issues accumulating that had arisen through no fault of ours .
The Russian side is ready for dialogue on this matter , however , the continuous destructive actions by the Czech officials are causing serious doubt regarding their wish to fix this situation , '' Russian diplomats said .
The document notes that the further steps in the relations with the Czech Republic will be made depending on Prague ’ s reaction to this demarche .
The relations between the two states were undermined by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ivan Konev .
The talks between Russian and Czech foreign ministries were meant to resolve the existing disagreements .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov has delivered a demarche to Czech Ambassador to Russia Vitezslav Pivonka over the delayed consultations on the improvement of dialogue between Russia and the Czech Republic.
The Russian diplomat expressed his confusion over the delayed consultations from the side of Prague "on the current issues of Russian-Czech relations based on the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Russian Federation dated August 26, 1993," the statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry informs.
"It was noted that recently, the atmosphere of bilateral relations had deteriorated significantly, with many issues accumulating that had arisen through no fault of ours. The Russian side is ready for dialogue on this matter, however, the continuous destructive actions by the Czech officials are causing serious doubt regarding their wish to fix this situation," Russian diplomats said.
The document notes that the further steps in the relations with the Czech Republic will be made depending on Prague’s reaction to this demarche.
The relations between the two states were undermined by the dismantlement of the monument to Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev. The talks between Russian and Czech foreign ministries were meant to resolve the existing disagreements.


tass--2020-06-01--Putin offers to discuss amendments to Russian Constitution further

NOVO-OGARYOVO , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin finds it necessary to discuss the amendments to the Russian Constitution further .
`` We believe that as the situation with the pandemic is improving and we are returning to normal way of life , we must , among other things , think about further discussion of constitutional amendments , '' the Russian leader said during a working session on Monday involving members of the working group on preparing amendments to the Russian Constitution .
Putin recalled that earlier , the date for the constitutional amendments vote had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote was postponed `` taking into account the main priority — maintaining the health and safety of citizens . ''
`` Nothing can be more important than this , '' the president said .
`` Some significant events have transpired since we began the fight against the pandemic , '' Putin noted .
`` On the whole , we have managed to resolve the main issue together — we have avoided an explosive development of the situation under the negative scenario , which allows us to return to our normal way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the situation `` is gradually stabilizing . ''
`` This is why we must return to our joint work on the constitutional amendments , '' the president addressed the participants of the session .
He offered to discuss `` what needs to be done in the near future . ''

NOVO-OGARYOVO, June 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin finds it necessary to discuss the amendments to the Russian Constitution further.
"We believe that as the situation with the pandemic is improving and we are returning to normal way of life, we must, among other things, think about further discussion of constitutional amendments," the Russian leader said during a working session on Monday involving members of the working group on preparing amendments to the Russian Constitution.
Putin recalled that earlier, the date for the constitutional amendments vote had been set as April 22, however, the vote was postponed "taking into account the main priority — maintaining the health and safety of citizens." "Nothing can be more important than this," the president said.
"Some significant events have transpired since we began the fight against the pandemic," Putin noted. "On the whole, we have managed to resolve the main issue together — we have avoided an explosive development of the situation under the negative scenario, which allows us to return to our normal way of life." The Russian leader noted that the situation "is gradually stabilizing."
"This is why we must return to our joint work on the constitutional amendments," the president addressed the participants of the session. He offered to discuss "what needs to be done in the near future."


tass--2020-06-01--Pobeda low-cost airline plans to operate all its fleet by August again

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s low-cost airline Pobeda plans to fully resume operations under its summer schedule and to start using its complete fleet by August , the carrier said in a statement .
By the end of July , the company plans to increase its route network to 83 destinations .
`` In connection with the gradual lifting of restrictive measures aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus infection , the Pobeda low-cost airline is gradually resuming its flight program .
The airline began operating flights on May 31 and plans to completely restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , '' the report says .
It also states that `` by the end of July , all 30 Pobeda aircraft will fly in 83 declared directions . ''
On May 31 , Pobeda resumed flights after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The carrier made the last flight on April 1 .
The company announced a temporary cancellation of flights after the decision of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to suspend the work of resort facilities from March 28 to June 1 .
Currently , the low-cost airline sells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
International flights from Russia are currently not carried out .
`` The 17 routes of the summer flight program are unique , no other airline flies along them , '' the airline stresses .
These destinations include flights to Moscow from Petrozavodsk and Cheboksary ; flights to St. Petersburg from Astrakhan , Nizhnekamsk , Volgograd , Vladikavkaz , Kirov , Nalchik , Saratov and Cheboksary ; trips to Anapa from Kazan , Perm and Chelyabinsk ; flights to Sochi from Nizhnekamsk , Kirov , Saratov and Cheboksary .
The company will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Murmansk as well as from St. Petersburg and Moscow to Stavropol ; from Voronezh to Moscow and St. Petersburg .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russia’s low-cost airline Pobeda plans to fully resume operations under its summer schedule and to start using its complete fleet by August, the carrier said in a statement.
By the end of July, the company plans to increase its route network to 83 destinations.
"In connection with the gradual lifting of restrictive measures aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus infection, the Pobeda low-cost airline is gradually resuming its flight program. The airline began operating flights on May 31 and plans to completely restore the summer schedule by the end of July," the report says.
It also states that "by the end of July, all 30 Pobeda aircraft will fly in 83 declared directions."
On May 31, Pobeda resumed flights after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier made the last flight on April 1.
The company announced a temporary cancellation of flights after the decision of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to suspend the work of resort facilities from March 28 to June 1.
Currently, the low-cost airline sells tickets for 34 domestic destinations on its website. International flights from Russia are currently not carried out.
"The 17 routes of the summer flight program are unique, no other airline flies along them," the airline stresses. These destinations include flights to Moscow from Petrozavodsk and Cheboksary; flights to St. Petersburg from Astrakhan, Nizhnekamsk, Volgograd, Vladikavkaz, Kirov, Nalchik, Saratov and Cheboksary; trips to Anapa from Kazan, Perm and Chelyabinsk; flights to Sochi from Nizhnekamsk, Kirov, Saratov and Cheboksary.
The company will also open flights from Sochi to Kaliningrad and Murmansk as well as from St. Petersburg and Moscow to Stavropol; from Voronezh to Moscow and St. Petersburg.


tass--2020-06-01--Russia’s General Staff views NATO drills in Barents Sea as provocation

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s General Staff considers NATO military exercises in the Barents Sea in early May as a provocation , Chief of the Main Operations Directorate of Russia ’ s General Staff Colonel General Sergei Rudskoi said on Monday .
`` NATO has stepped up its activity in the Arctic .
For the first time since the end of the Cold War on the eve of celebrating the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany a task force of warships of the NATO joint naval forces held drills in the Barents Sea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of striking targets in Russian territory and intercepting Russian ballistic missiles .
We view these steps as a provocation although the US side had notified us about the entry of these ships in the Barents Sea on short notice , '' Rudskoi said .
According to Rudskoi , the NATO naval task force consisted of three guided missile destroyers , which are the backbone of the naval component of the European segment of the global US missile defense system .
Besides , the drills involved a nuclear submarine and a universal support ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom .
The general noted that thanks to active steps of the Russian Northern Fleet the NATO task force was located and the ships were escorted .
`` This allowed us to prevent incidents and demonstrated our determination to defend our interests in the Arctic , '' he said .
On May 4 , the US Sixth Fleet announced that on May 1 it notified the Russian Defense Ministry about the entry of US and UK ships in the Barents sea in an effort to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inadvertent escalation . ''
The Fleet noted that it was `` committed to promoting regional security and stability , while building trust and reinforcing a foundation of Arctic readiness . ''
The Russian National Defense Management Center said on May 4 that the Northern Fleet ’ s forces escorted the ships that had entered the Barents Sea .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russia’s General Staff considers NATO military exercises in the Barents Sea in early May as a provocation, Chief of the Main Operations Directorate of Russia’s General Staff Colonel General Sergei Rudskoi said on Monday.
"NATO has stepped up its activity in the Arctic. For the first time since the end of the Cold War on the eve of celebrating the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany a task force of warships of the NATO joint naval forces held drills in the Barents Sea. During the exercises they practiced the tasks of striking targets in Russian territory and intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. We view these steps as a provocation although the US side had notified us about the entry of these ships in the Barents Sea on short notice," Rudskoi said.
According to Rudskoi, the NATO naval task force consisted of three guided missile destroyers, which are the backbone of the naval component of the European segment of the global US missile defense system. Besides, the drills involved a nuclear submarine and a universal support ship of the US Navy and a frigate of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.
The general noted that thanks to active steps of the Russian Northern Fleet the NATO task force was located and the ships were escorted. "This allowed us to prevent incidents and demonstrated our determination to defend our interests in the Arctic," he said.
On May 4, the US Sixth Fleet announced that on May 1 it notified the Russian Defense Ministry about the entry of US and UK ships in the Barents sea in an effort to "avoid misperceptions, reduce risk and prevent inadvertent escalation." The Fleet noted that it was "committed to promoting regional security and stability, while building trust and reinforcing a foundation of Arctic readiness."
The Russian National Defense Management Center said on May 4 that the Northern Fleet’s forces escorted the ships that had entered the Barents Sea.


tass--2020-06-01--NordStar Airline resumes five flights from Norilsk

In early April , the number of flights from the Norilsk airport was cut due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The airport served about one flight a week to bring back local residents , who had not managed to return before the restrictions were imposed .
`` From June 1 , the air company will make five daily flights from Norilsk .
Two flights will go to Moscow and two to Krasnoyarsk , '' the press service said , adding that the fifth flight , depending on the day , will be headed to one of the following cities : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samara , Voronezh , Ufa , Yekaterinburg , Nizhny Novgorod , Sochi , Anapa , Mineralnye Vody , Rostov-on-Don , Belgorod and Krasnodar .
Within the first two weeks of June , the company will introduce another , sixth , daily flight .
A year earlier , the press service said , the company made about 5-6 flights a day .
The air company was established in 2008 .
NordStar is Nornickel ’ s aviation project .
The company uses Boeing 737-800 , and turboprop ATR 42-500 , which can operate in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rosaviatsiya ( aviation authority ) rates NordStar among Russia ’ s 15 leading air companies .

In early April, the number of flights from the Norilsk airport was cut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airport served about one flight a week to bring back local residents, who had not managed to return before the restrictions were imposed.
"From June 1, the air company will make five daily flights from Norilsk. Two flights will go to Moscow and two to Krasnoyarsk," the press service said, adding that the fifth flight, depending on the day, will be headed to one of the following cities: St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Abakan, Samara, Voronezh, Ufa, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Sochi, Anapa, Mineralnye Vody, Rostov-on-Don, Belgorod and Krasnodar. Within the first two weeks of June, the company will introduce another, sixth, daily flight. A year earlier, the press service said, the company made about 5-6 flights a day.
The air company was established in 2008. NordStar is Nornickel’s aviation project. The company uses Boeing 737-800, and turboprop ATR 42-500, which can operate in the conditions of Siberia and the Far North. Rosaviatsiya (aviation authority) rates NordStar among Russia’s 15 leading air companies.


tass--2020-06-01--No mandatory good health statements be required to enter Italy, says Italian ambassador

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Italy has no plans to impose obligatory statements of good health for those @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador to Russia Pasquale Terracciano said on Monday during an online briefing dedicated to Republic @ @ @ @ @ June 2 .
`` As of today , we have no plans to impose any @ @ @ @ @ certificates are requires , '' he said .
`` Naturally , precautions will be taken @ @ @ @ @ arrival .
But we are not going to complicate visa issuance procedures . ''
According @ @ @ @ @ no extra visa requirements will be imposed for Russian nationals .
`` The procedure remains @ @ @ @ @ will do our best to the visa issuance process .
And we are ready to @ @ @ @ @ , '' he explained .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Italy has no plans to impose obligatory statements of good health for those entering the country, Italian Ambassador to Russia Pasquale Terracciano said on Monday during an online briefing dedicated to Republic Day marked in Italy on June 2.
"As of today, we have no plans to impose any entry restrictions. No health certificates are requires," he said. "Naturally, precautions will be taken, with special control upon arrival. But we are not going to complicate visa issuance procedures."
According to the Italian ambassador, no extra visa requirements will be imposed for Russian nationals. "The procedure remains as it is. We will do our best to the visa issuance process. And we are ready to resume the work any time," he explained.


tass--2020-06-01--Putin not in self-isolation amid COVID-19 pandemic, actively working, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s contacts has been reduced over the coronavirus pandemic , but this has not affected his work schedule , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said , noting that it is wrong to say that Putin is in self-isolation .
`` The president is not in isolation , he is actively working , as you can see , there are both face-to-face meetings and online meetings , as well as video conferences .
Probably , you can hardly imagine how much time the president spends on phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministries and major infrastructure companies , '' Peskov told Rossiya-24 TV channel .
Peskov admitted that the number of face-to-face contacts has declined `` due to the need to safeguard the president from any danger of infection . ''
These measures were fully justified , he added .
`` This is justified since this does not affect his work schedule at all . ''
The presidential spokesman explained that if needed Putin visits the Kremlin and works in his Novo-Ogaryovo residence .
`` This depends on what is called work advisability .
[ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we hope that in the near future we will return to more public events , '' Peskov said .
The Russian president ’ s working day is not limited to just eight or twelve hours .
`` [ It ] is much longer as happening every day without any breaks .
That ’ s because the country lives and the economy lives , and some problems occur , and this requires the involvement of the head of state .
So , it is absolutely wrong to say that the president is in @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The number of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s contacts has been reduced over the coronavirus pandemic, but this has not affected his work schedule, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, noting that it is wrong to say that Putin is in self-isolation.
"The president is not in isolation, he is actively working, as you can see, there are both face-to-face meetings and online meetings, as well as video conferences. Probably, you can hardly imagine how much time the president spends on phone contacts with the heads of regions, ministries and major infrastructure companies," Peskov told Rossiya-24 TV channel.
Peskov admitted that the number of face-to-face contacts has declined "due to the need to safeguard the president from any danger of infection." These measures were fully justified, he added. "This is justified since this does not affect his work schedule at all."
The presidential spokesman explained that if needed Putin visits the Kremlin and works in his Novo-Ogaryovo residence. "This depends on what is called work advisability. [This] schedule will remain in place and we hope that in the near future we will return to more public events," Peskov said.
The Russian president’s working day is not limited to just eight or twelve hours. "[It] is much longer as happening every day without any breaks. That’s because the country lives and the economy lives, and some problems occur, and this requires the involvement of the head of state. So, it is absolutely wrong to say that the president is in isolation."


tass--2020-06-01--Putin wishes Armenian PM speedy recovery from COVID-19

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , who @ @ @ @ @ infection , a quick recovery and congratulated him on his birthday , the Kremlin press @ @ @ @ @ their telephone conversation .
`` The Russian president congratulated the Armenian prime minister on his @ @ @ @ @ support and wishes him and his family a speedy recovery from the coronavirus infection , @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who was diagnosed with the coronavirus infection, a quick recovery and congratulated him on his birthday, the Kremlin press service said on Monday after their telephone conversation.
"The Russian president congratulated the Armenian prime minister on his birthday and conveyed words of support and wishes him and his family a speedy recovery from the coronavirus infection," it said.


tass--2020-06-01--No development of dialogue with Ukraine, Georgia at highest level — Kremlin

MOSCOW , June 1 .
/TASS/ .
There is no development of dialogue observed between Russia and Ukraine and Georgia @ @ @ @ @ despite the presence of contacts , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview , @ @ @ @ @ for the leadership of these countries [ Ukraine and Georgia ] , we see that @ @ @ @ @ ] despite the presence of certain contacts we still can not boast positive dynamics in @ @ @ @ @ highest level , '' Peskov said , underscoring that the development of ties with a @ @ @ @ @ authorities ’ compliance with their obligations .

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. There is no development of dialogue observed between Russia and Ukraine and Georgia at the highest level, despite the presence of contacts, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview, televised Monday.
"As for the leadership of these countries [Ukraine and Georgia], we see that, unfortunately, […] despite the presence of certain contacts we still cannot boast positive dynamics in development of dialogue at the highest level," Peskov said, underscoring that the development of ties with a certain country depends on its authorities’ compliance with their obligations.