tass--2020-05-08--Press review: Kiev hatches plot to subvert Donbass talks and EU ties with Balkans in peril

Kiev has decided to include ten Donbass internally displaced persons ( IDPs ) in the Trilateral Contact Group for ironing out the crisis in eastern Ukraine .
They are expected to replace the current negotiators from the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics at the peace talks .
Moscow and the unrecognized Donbass republics warn that in the end Kiev would hold talks only with itself , Kommersant business daily writes .
The representatives of Kiev , the DPR and LPR as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Russia have been parties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
However , on May 4 , the Ukrainian President ’ s Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak said that Ukraine would expand its delegation and bolster its status and would not hold contacts with the current Donbass representatives , namely the DPR and LPR top diplomats , Natalya Nikonorova and Vladislav Deinego .
Instead , Kiev seeks to select ten Donbass IDPs to join the talks , the Novoye Vremya newspaper reported , citing its sources in Vladimir Zelensky ’ s office .
The idea is to fill this group of Donbass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists , businessmen , clergy and others , the source told the paper .
The unrecognized republics have lambasted Kiev ’ s plans to include alternative Donbass representatives in the group .
LPR Foreign Minister Vladislav Deinego has branded this as Kiev ’ s scheme to replace the negotiators with `` convenient persons . ''
A Russian government source familiar with the talks with Ukraine believes that Kiev ’ s decision would `` simply destroy the Contact Group . ''
`` This will end in a situation where they will negotiate there only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Donbass representatives , '' he warned .
However , Kiev ’ s plans to boost its delegation with ten new negotiators can not be stopped , according to a source from the Russian delegation at the talks .
The Trilateral Contact Group lacks such a regulation and therefore the delegations could include as many members as they like .
Moscow earlier suggested drafting and adopting a special regulation of the Contact Group , but this proposal was not supported , he noted .
The European Union has pledged to draw up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Balkans by this fall .
The Zagreb Declaration discussed at the May 6 video conference says that the EU ’ s support for the Balkans is larger than that of other partners .
Brussels apparently sought to demonstrate its discontent over the growing influence of Russia and China in the region .
Although Europe allocated some 3.3 bln euro to the Western Balkans to combat COVID-19 , Russia and China had offered their helping hand earlier .
Experts interviewed by Izvestia say that the EU ’ s sway in the region is slipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alliance for some countries after Brexit and the pandemic has become vague .
According to Head of the Center for Modern Balkan Crisis Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Elena Guskova , the Balkans is the region where the conflicting interests of Europe , Russia and the United States clashed and the struggle for influence in the region has been carrying on for many years .
`` The Balkan games '' with the EU have been ongoing since Serbia chose to join Europe .
However , the EU has repeatedly set such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and recognize Kosovo ’ s independence , she noted .
`` Serbia constantly made concessions but every time the date of joining the EU was put off and 2025 when [ its membership ] is being promised is too far away and now Belgrade could change its mind , '' the expert said .
Executive Director of the Progressive Politics Foundation Oleg Bondarenko told the paper that the coronavirus crisis has exposed the EU ’ s problems .
Instead of providing support and solidarity , the EU shut down even the internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its influence in the region because the prospect of expanding it has become vague , especially after Brexit and the pandemic , '' Stevan Gajic , a researcher at the Institute of European Studies in Belgrade , told the paper .
The Western partners ’ criticism against Serbia is a reaction to its friendly ties with Russia and growing cooperation between Moscow and Belgrade .
`` Russia has always provided assistance to Serbia , without demanding anything in return , and that ’ s why this country has not imposed any sanctions against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the EU , '' Guskova noted .
In the second quarter of 2020 , Russia ’ s IT sector could become unprofitable , Vedomosti writes , citing a letter by the Ministry of Digital Development , Communications and Mass Media sent to the government and the Ministry of Economic Development .
The net profits of companies working in the IT sector in April-June could plunge to zero and the payments of interest rates on loans and other expenses could result in losses , officials warn .
According to the Ministry of Digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the revenues of IT companies in 2020 could drop by 30 bln rubles ( $ 403.8 mln ) to 93 bln rubles ( $ 1.3 bln ) unless the government approves earlier proposed measures on supporting the sector .
Meanwhile , the average number of IT specialists will diminish in the second half of 2020 by 27,000 and return to the pre-crisis level only by 2024 .
As of early 2020 , the total number of IT specialists employed in Russia ’ s digital economy stood at 1.45 mln , the Information & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
The revenues of IT companies as of late April plummeted 40 % and could further decline by June , said Alexei Smirnov , director general at BaseAlt SPO , which develops Russian operational systems .
According to him , nearly one-third of IT companies would not survive the current conditions unless the proposed support measures are implemented .
The ministry ’ s proposed support package for the sector includes deferring income tax payments , cancelling insurance fees to the salary fund and reducing the VAT to zero for online education , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year .
The June session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe , which has been postponed over the coronavirus pandemic , will be preliminarily held in September , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative at the Council of Europe Ivan Soltanovsky said in an interview with Izvestia .
`` On April 30 , a decision was made to put it off [ the Assembly ’ s session ] until things get better or until autumn .
But everything here depends on how quickly the epidemiological situation improves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ principal importance that all 47 national delegations take part in the session , '' Soltanovsky stressed .
`` Now , two sessions are being formally discussed .
The summer session will be preliminarily postponed until September and there is also a proposal on holding the October session , '' he noted .
The summer session was originally scheduled for June 22-26 .
According to the envoy , now the organization has to decide whether it will remain a platform for settling political accounts or should it put forward a positive agenda .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test for self-purification for the Council of Europe . ''
`` We are facing a crusade to politicize human rights .
This is unacceptable for us that this issue is being used as an excuse to discredit those countries ( we are among them ) that are pursuing an independent foreign policy course .
And certainly , we disagree with those who focus solely on political human rights , no matter how important they are .
Amid the global pandemic , a plethora of other problems in the fields of healthcare , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should be given priority , '' he stressed .
The envoy recalled that at the first online meeting of the envoys on April 22 , despite certain difficulties , a declaration on combating the pandemic was adopted .
It is important because the Council of Europe backed the efforts of all member-states on beating the new infection and highlighted the need to unite efforts in the fight against the pandemic , he said .
`` For us , this is evident , but this collective appeal from the CE is important in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country is subject to sanctions pressure , which looks completely odious against the backdrop of a global pandemic threat , which is far from being overcome . ''
Russia ’ s infrastructure sector will lose some 818 bln rubles ( $ 11 bln ) or 13 % of annual revenues by the end of May over the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine measures , analysts at InfraOne Research estimate .
The lion ’ s share of this sum accounts for transportation infrastructure , which will lose 519 bln rubles ( $ 7 bln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering enormous damage .
The losses of Russian airlines are estimated at 271 bln rubles ( $ 3.7 bln ) , while the airports ’ shortfall in profits will be 51 bln rubles ( $ 690 mln ) .
Russia ’ s railway transport will lose some 66 bln rubles ( $ 892 mln ) , InfraOne predicts .
The social infrastructure ’ s shortfalls will hit 205 bln rubles ( $ 2.7 bln ) , and medical facilities will be the most affected .
According to InfraOne , the situation here is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some companies ’ lost nearly 100 % in monthly profits .
Meanwhile , the losses in the energy sector were lower than predicted and less than in other countries , InfraOne notes , according to Kommersant business daily .
Whereas in Germany and Italy , energy consumption in April dropped 10 % and 25 % , respectively , this figure in Russia was just 2.9 % .
The sector will lose 37 bln rubles ( $ 500 mln ) , analysts estimate .
However , there are some sectors , which have only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , these are telecoms and IT .
Most revenues will be earned due to mobile communications ( 48.1 bln rubles or $ 596 mln ) and broadband Internet ( 11.5 bln rules or $ 155.5 mln ) .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: Ukraine plotting to replace negotiators at Trilateral Contact Group
Read also Kiev eyes retake of Donbass until end of 2020 but drafts plan B
Kiev has decided to include ten Donbass internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Trilateral Contact Group for ironing out the crisis in eastern Ukraine. They are expected to replace the current negotiators from the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics at the peace talks. Moscow and the unrecognized Donbass republics warn that in the end Kiev would hold talks only with itself, Kommersant business daily writes. The representatives of Kiev, the DPR and LPR as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Russia have been parties to the Contact Group’s talks since 2014. However, on May 4, the Ukrainian President’s Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak said that Ukraine would expand its delegation and bolster its status and would not hold contacts with the current Donbass representatives, namely the DPR and LPR top diplomats, Natalya Nikonorova and Vladislav Deinego. Instead, Kiev seeks to select ten Donbass IDPs to join the talks, the Novoye Vremya newspaper reported, citing its sources in Vladimir Zelensky’s office. The idea is to fill this group of Donbass representatives with individuals such as lawyers, journalists, businessmen, clergy and others, the source told the paper. The unrecognized republics have lambasted Kiev’s plans to include alternative Donbass representatives in the group. LPR Foreign Minister Vladislav Deinego has branded this as Kiev’s scheme to replace the negotiators with "convenient persons." A Russian government source familiar with the talks with Ukraine believes that Kiev’s decision would "simply destroy the Contact Group." "This will end in a situation where they will negotiate there only with each other, and without us and the Donbass representatives," he warned. However, Kiev’s plans to boost its delegation with ten new negotiators cannot be stopped, according to a source from the Russian delegation at the talks. The Trilateral Contact Group lacks such a regulation and therefore the delegations could include as many members as they like. Moscow earlier suggested drafting and adopting a special regulation of the Contact Group, but this proposal was not supported, he noted. Izvestia: EU’s relations with Western Balkans hit a deadlock
Read also Russian envoy to Serbia slams attempts to besmirch aid to Serbia, Italy as cynical
The European Union has pledged to draw up a comprehensive investment plan for the Western Balkans by this fall. The Zagreb Declaration discussed at the May 6 video conference says that the EU’s support for the Balkans is larger than that of other partners. Brussels apparently sought to demonstrate its discontent over the growing influence of Russia and China in the region. Although Europe allocated some 3.3 bln euro to the Western Balkans to combat COVID-19, Russia and China had offered their helping hand earlier. Experts interviewed by Izvestia say that the EU’s sway in the region is slipping, therefore the prospect of joining the alliance for some countries after Brexit and the pandemic has become vague. According to Head of the Center for Modern Balkan Crisis Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Elena Guskova, the Balkans is the region where the conflicting interests of Europe, Russia and the United States clashed and the struggle for influence in the region has been carrying on for many years. "The Balkan games" with the EU have been ongoing since Serbia chose to join Europe. However, the EU has repeatedly set such conditions as to end trade relations with Russia and recognize Kosovo’s independence, she noted. "Serbia constantly made concessions but every time the date of joining the EU was put off and 2025 when [its membership] is being promised is too far away and now Belgrade could change its mind," the expert said. Executive Director of the Progressive Politics Foundation Oleg Bondarenko told the paper that the coronavirus crisis has exposed the EU’s problems. Instead of providing support and solidarity, the EU shut down even the internal borders. "The EU has lost its influence in the region because the prospect of expanding it has become vague, especially after Brexit and the pandemic," Stevan Gajic, a researcher at the Institute of European Studies in Belgrade, told the paper. The Western partners’ criticism against Serbia is a reaction to its friendly ties with Russia and growing cooperation between Moscow and Belgrade. "Russia has always provided assistance to Serbia, without demanding anything in return, and that’s why this country has not imposed any sanctions against Russia, so therefore it has friction with the EU," Guskova noted. Vedomosti: Russia’s IT business facing huge losses
Read also Putin proposes tax deferrals for SMEs except VAT for six months
In the second quarter of 2020, Russia’s IT sector could become unprofitable, Vedomosti writes, citing a letter by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media sent to the government and the Ministry of Economic Development. The net profits of companies working in the IT sector in April-June could plunge to zero and the payments of interest rates on loans and other expenses could result in losses, officials warn. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, the revenues of IT companies in 2020 could drop by 30 bln rubles ($403.8 mln) to 93 bln rubles ($1.3 bln) unless the government approves earlier proposed measures on supporting the sector. Meanwhile, the average number of IT specialists will diminish in the second half of 2020 by 27,000 and return to the pre-crisis level only by 2024. As of early 2020, the total number of IT specialists employed in Russia’s digital economy stood at 1.45 mln, the Information & Computer Technologies Industry Association (APKIT) says. The revenues of IT companies as of late April plummeted 40% and could further decline by June, said Alexei Smirnov, director general at BaseAlt SPO, which develops Russian operational systems. According to him, nearly one-third of IT companies would not survive the current conditions unless the proposed support measures are implemented. The ministry’s proposed support package for the sector includes deferring income tax payments, cancelling insurance fees to the salary fund and reducing the VAT to zero for online education, telemedicine and food delivery services by the end of the year. Izvestia: PACE summer session delayed until September, Russia’s envoy says
Read also Russia urges Council of Europe to focus on report over NGOs’ influence on ECHR
The June session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which has been postponed over the coronavirus pandemic, will be preliminarily held in September, Russia’s Permanent Representative at the Council of Europe Ivan Soltanovsky said in an interview with Izvestia. "On April 30, a decision was made to put it off [the Assembly’s session] until things get better or until autumn. But everything here depends on how quickly the epidemiological situation improves. For us, it’s of principal importance that all 47 national delegations take part in the session," Soltanovsky stressed. "Now, two sessions are being formally discussed. The summer session will be preliminarily postponed until September and there is also a proposal on holding the October session," he noted. The summer session was originally scheduled for June 22-26. According to the envoy, now the organization has to decide whether it will remain a platform for settling political accounts or should it put forward a positive agenda. "I would call this kind of a test for self-purification for the Council of Europe." "We are facing a crusade to politicize human rights. This is unacceptable for us that this issue is being used as an excuse to discredit those countries (we are among them) that are pursuing an independent foreign policy course. And certainly, we disagree with those who focus solely on political human rights, no matter how important they are. Amid the global pandemic, a plethora of other problems in the fields of healthcare, social protection and education have exacerbated. So they should be given priority," he stressed. The envoy recalled that at the first online meeting of the envoys on April 22, despite certain difficulties, a declaration on combating the pandemic was adopted. It is important because the Council of Europe backed the efforts of all member-states on beating the new infection and highlighted the need to unite efforts in the fight against the pandemic, he said. "For us, this is evident, but this collective appeal from the CE is important in a situation when Europe remains divided and our country is subject to sanctions pressure, which looks completely odious against the backdrop of a global pandemic threat, which is far from being overcome." Kommersant: Coronavirus deals heavy blow to Russia’s infrastructure sector


tass--2020-05-08--Turkey activates certain elements of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems

`` The process of deploying S-400s continues and certain systems have been put into operation , '' the newspaper Milliyet quoted him as saying .
ANKARA , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey continues deploying Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and has activated their certain elements , Head of Turkey ’ s Defense Industry Ismail Demir said on Friday .
`` Although the agreement on the deliveries includes provisions on the training [ of the Turkish personnel ] , technical maintenance and technical support , the Russian personnel will not be able to get the desired access to S-400 batteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief said .
Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on April 30 that the process of deploying S-400 air defense missile systems in the country was being delayed over the coronavirus pandemic .
He said , however , that `` this process will be continued in accordance with the plans . ''
Spokesperson for the US Department of State Morgan Ortagus said on April 21 that Washington `` is deeply concerned '' with reports that Turkey was continuing its efforts to make the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems operational .
Russia announced in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara .
Under the contract , Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems ( two battalions ) .
The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia .
The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems .
Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey , if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal .
On July 17 , 2019 , the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey ’ s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara ’ s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .

"The process of deploying S-400s continues and certain systems have been put into operation," the newspaper Milliyet quoted him as saying.
ANKARA, May 8. /TASS/. Turkey continues deploying Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and has activated their certain elements, Head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Ismail Demir said on Friday.
"Although the agreement on the deliveries includes provisions on the training [of the Turkish personnel], technical maintenance and technical support, the Russian personnel will not be able to get the desired access to S-400 batteries," Turkey’s defense industry chief said.
Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on April 30 that the process of deploying S-400 air defense missile systems in the country was being delayed over the coronavirus pandemic. He said, however, that "this process will be continued in accordance with the plans."
Spokesperson for the US Department of State Morgan Ortagus said on April 21 that Washington "is deeply concerned" with reports that Turkey was continuing its efforts to make the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems operational.
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. Under the contract, Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia's S-400 missile systems. Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey, if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal. On July 17, 2019, the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey’s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara’s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin says Russia, US at the forefront of countering global challenges

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and the United States are at the forefront of countering global challenges @ @ @ @ @ cooperation with each other to ensure international security , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump on the occasion of WWII Victory Day .
`` Russia and the @ @ @ @ @ the forefront of countering global challenges .
Following the traditions of cooperation laid down in @ @ @ @ @ in ‘ the Elbe spirit , ’ our countries could do much for ensuring international @ @ @ @ @ the Russian leader stressed .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russia and the United States are at the forefront of countering global challenges and could do much in cooperation with each other to ensure international security, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his congratulatory message to US President Donald Trump on the occasion of WWII Victory Day.
"Russia and the United States are today at the forefront of countering global challenges. Following the traditions of cooperation laid down in the wartime years and acting in ‘the Elbe spirit,’ our countries could do much for ensuring international security and stability," the Russian leader stressed.


tass--2020-05-08--Risen Energy ships first batch of 500W modules

NINGBO , China , May 8 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- April 30 was an important and busy day for Risen Energy at its Ninghai Headquarters in Zhejiang province .
After carefully preparation and packaging , the company 's first batch of 500W modules were shipped and on their way before the start of China 's May Day holiday .
Risen Energy has overcome the adverse effects of the COVID-19 epidemic which had hindered production at most facilities across the country since the beginning of this year .
The company has achieved a full return to work and resumption of production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To ensure that production levels resumed to what it was before the epidemic and at the same time , prevent and control potential resurgence of COVID-19 , Risen Energy had to undertake stringent measures .
Furthermore , to overcome production and logistics issues , Risen Energy conducted a science-based analysis to come up with a reasonable arrangement and methodology for managing the workforce based on the company 's unique challenges , ensuring the smooth dispatch of every outstanding batch of orders .
This batch of 500W modules were shipped to Malaysian-based Tokai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ batch of 500W modules from Risen Energy in March .
As a pioneer in launching the world 's first 500W high-efficiency modules , Risen Energy provided the modules using the G12 monocrystalline silicon wafer with module efficiency up to 20.8 % to Tokai .
The modules can reduce the levelized cost of energy ( LCOE ) by 6 % and the balance-of-system ( BOS ) cost by 9.6 % , while increasing single line output by 30 % .
With the application of larger silicon wafers , the PV module sector is gradually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy playing a leadership role in embracing the transformation that is taking place across the sector .
Behind the launch of the landmark 500W high-efficiency modules is Risen Energy 's R & D team 's dedication to product perfection and aspiration for excellence .
The company has planned a 3-gigawatt capacity for the series of modules and is on track to achieve mass production in the second quarter .
In the third quarter , they will commence large-scale shipments .
High-quality products backed by excellent service are the cornerstones of Risen Energy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfaction .
Shipping the 500W modules order on time despite the challenges brought about by the lockdown have been highly appreciated by Tokai Engineering .

NINGBO, China, May 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- April 30 was an important and busy day for Risen Energy at its Ninghai Headquarters in Zhejiang province. After carefully preparation and packaging, the company's first batch of 500W modules were shipped and on their way before the start of China's May Day holiday.
Risen Energy has overcome the adverse effects of the COVID-19 epidemic which had hindered production at most facilities across the country since the beginning of this year. The company has achieved a full return to work and resumption of production with the strong support of local government. To ensure that production levels resumed to what it was before the epidemic and at the same time, prevent and control potential resurgence of COVID-19, Risen Energy had to undertake stringent measures. Furthermore, to overcome production and logistics issues, Risen Energy conducted a science-based analysis to come up with a reasonable arrangement and methodology for managing the workforce based on the company's unique challenges, ensuring the smooth dispatch of every outstanding batch of orders.
This batch of 500W modules were shipped to Malaysian-based Tokai Engineering, which had ordered a 20MW batch of 500W modules from Risen Energy in March. As a pioneer in launching the world's first 500W high-efficiency modules, Risen Energy provided the modules using the G12 monocrystalline silicon wafer with module efficiency up to 20.8% to Tokai. The modules can reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 6% and the balance-of-system (BOS) cost by 9.6%, while increasing single line output by 30%.
With the application of larger silicon wafers, the PV module sector is gradually entering the 5.0 era, with Risen Energy playing a leadership role in embracing the transformation that is taking place across the sector. Behind the launch of the landmark 500W high-efficiency modules is Risen Energy's R & D team's dedication to product perfection and aspiration for excellence. The company has planned a 3-gigawatt capacity for the series of modules and is on track to achieve mass production in the second quarter. In the third quarter, they will commence large-scale shipments.
High-quality products backed by excellent service are the cornerstones of Risen Energy. The company consistently strives to enhance customer satisfaction. Shipping the 500W modules order on time despite the challenges brought about by the lockdown have been highly appreciated by Tokai Engineering.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1165641/Risen_Energy_500W_modules.jpg
CONTACT: Tina Feng, +86-137-3619-2549


tass--2020-05-08--Putin wishes Austria to overcome coronavirus pandemic on Austrian TV

Russia calls on UN secretary general to appoint new envoy for Libya as soon as possible Russian Deputy Permanent Representative @ @ @ @ @ pointed out that it was only possible to ensure peace in Libya through dialogue between @ @

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-05-08--Over 1,000 coronavirus patients recover in Moscow for first time over past day

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Another 1,032 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow over the past twenty-four hours , Deputy Moscow Mayor for Social Development Anastasia Rakova announced on Friday .
`` Over the past twenty-four hours , a record 1,032 people have recovered in Moscow after undergoing medical treatment against the coronavirus .
Overall , the total number of people who have recovered from the infection has grown to 10,259 .
This is very positive dynamics and we hope that the number of recoveries will continue increasing at the same pace , '' the deputy mayor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prescribe medical treatment depending on symptoms and the severity of the illness in compliance with Russian and international recommendations , the deputy mayor said , cautioning people against self-medication .
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 , including Russia .
On March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Another 1,032 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow over the past twenty-four hours, Deputy Moscow Mayor for Social Development Anastasia Rakova announced on Friday.
"Over the past twenty-four hours, a record 1,032 people have recovered in Moscow after undergoing medical treatment against the coronavirus. Overall, the total number of people who have recovered from the infection has grown to 10,259. This is very positive dynamics and we hope that the number of recoveries will continue increasing at the same pace," the deputy mayor said.
In each specific case, doctors prescribe medical treatment depending on symptoms and the severity of the illness in compliance with Russian and international recommendations, the deputy mayor said, cautioning people against self-medication.
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, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 187,859 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 26,608 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,723 fatalities nationwide.
Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-08--Coronavirus cases in Armenia top 3,000

Coronavirus cases in Armenia top 3,000

YEREVAN , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
New coronavirus cases in Armenia have grown by 145 over the past twenty-four hours to 3,029 , the republic ’ s Health Ministry reported on Friday .
`` One hundred and forty-five new cases have been identified over the past twenty-four hours .
As many as 1,218 people have recovered from the illness while the total number of infected people stands at 3,029 , '' the ministry said in a statement .
From May 4 , the Armenian authorities eased the lockdown restrictions imposed over the pandemic .
Under the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free movement of citizens , some types of economic activity are restarting and open air cafes and restaurants are reopening .
A total of 42 people have died of the coronavirus in Armenia since the start of the pandemic .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

YEREVAN, May 8. /TASS/. New coronavirus cases in Armenia have grown by 145 over the past twenty-four hours to 3,029, the republic’s Health Ministry reported on Friday.
"One hundred and forty-five new cases have been identified over the past twenty-four hours. As many as 1,218 people have recovered from the illness while the total number of infected people stands at 3,029," the ministry said in a statement.
From May 4, the Armenian authorities eased the lockdown restrictions imposed over the pandemic. Under the government’s resolution, restrictions have been lifted on free movement of citizens, some types of economic activity are restarting and open air cafes and restaurants are reopening.
A total of 42 people have died of the coronavirus in Armenia since the start of the pandemic.
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 3,900,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 270,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,344,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-08--Russian radars track 19 spy aircraft near Russia’s borders over past week

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian radars tracked 24 foreign aircraft that conducted reconnaissance near Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported on Friday , citing the Defense Ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ by the newspaper show that 19 spy aircraft and five unmanned aerial vehicles conducted air @ @ @ @ @ .
All the flights by foreign aircraft were tracked by Russian radars , which excluded @ @ @ @ @ airspace , the newspaper said .
Russian pilots performed 186 flight shifts at 78 aerodromes @ @ @ @ @ part of their combat training , the Defense Ministry said .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian radars tracked 24 foreign aircraft that conducted reconnaissance near Russia’s borders over the past week, the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda reported on Friday, citing the Defense Ministry’s data.
The infographics published by the newspaper show that 19 spy aircraft and five unmanned aerial vehicles conducted air reconnaissance along the Russian borders. All the flights by foreign aircraft were tracked by Russian radars, which excluded any violations of the national airspace, the newspaper said.
Russian pilots performed 186 flight shifts at 78 aerodromes over the past week as part of their combat training, the Defense Ministry said.


tass--2020-05-08--Ambassador says kickoff of American election campaign sparked US verbal attacks on China

BEIJING , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Accusations that some American politicians hurled against China over the coronavirus pandemic stem from the beginning of the election race in the United States and the interests of certain political groups , Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov told Russian journalists on Friday .
`` Let ’ s just say that factors such as political assessments and economic interests are intertwined here .
We see , and it ’ s quite obvious , that many , say , verbal attacks against China , primarily from the United States and some of its allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to portray themselves as political arbitrators who assume the right to provide assessments .
They are also prompted by specific economic interests , attempts to oust China from the world market as a growing rival .
In fact , no one is hiding that , '' he explained .
`` We also realize that the election cycle has actually begun in the United States of America , which means that it has its own very specific interests , where there is no room for fair assessments and where purely political considerations prevail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted though that many US allies did not go that far in evaluating the activities of the World Health Organization .
`` Of course , this is a threat to all of humanity , which means that we must deal with what has happened instead of using that as a political weapon , '' he stressed .
According to Denisov , Russia sides with China on this matter .
`` We understand that the barrage of criticism against it stems from vested interests , which are a far cry from justice , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo earlier said that Washington had evidence that the current coronavirus had begun to spread from a laboratory in Wuhan , China .
US President Donald Trump , answering questions from reporters at the White House , pointed out that the novel coronavirus could have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology due to staff incompetence .

BEIJING, May 8. /TASS/. Accusations that some American politicians hurled against China over the coronavirus pandemic stem from the beginning of the election race in the United States and the interests of certain political groups, Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov told Russian journalists on Friday.
"Let’s just say that factors such as political assessments and economic interests are intertwined here. We see, and it’s quite obvious, that many, say, verbal attacks against China, primarily from the United States and some of its allies, are prompted not only by an attempt to portray themselves as political arbitrators who assume the right to provide assessments. They are also prompted by specific economic interests, attempts to oust China from the world market as a growing rival. In fact, no one is hiding that," he explained.
"We also realize that the election cycle has actually begun in the United States of America, which means that it has its own very specific interests, where there is no room for fair assessments and where purely political considerations prevail," the diplomat emphasized.
He noted though that many US allies did not go that far in evaluating the activities of the World Health Organization. "Of course, this is a threat to all of humanity, which means that we must deal with what has happened instead of using that as a political weapon," he stressed.
According to Denisov, Russia sides with China on this matter. "We understand that the barrage of criticism against it stems from vested interests, which are a far cry from justice," he said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier said that Washington had evidence that the current coronavirus had begun to spread from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. US President Donald Trump, answering questions from reporters at the White House, pointed out that the novel coronavirus could have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology due to staff incompetence.


tass--2020-05-08--Timber deliveries begin on Northern Dvina in Arkhangelsk Region

ARKHANGELSK , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Timber deliveries along the Northern Dvina began in the Arkhangelsk Region .
Local @ @ @ @ @ the warm winter .
`` TS Pskov has brought first barges with timber , '' @ @ @ @ @ ’ press service said .
`` According to the Belomor Rafting Company , the navigation @ @ @ @ @ .
In the anomalously warm winter we were unable to create the planned number of @ @ @ @ @ deliveries will be made mostly by barges . ''
First barges followed melting ice on @ @ @ @ @ now some ice blocks still slide off the shores floating into the river .
Others @ @ @ @ @ s arm — the Pinega .

There are plans to transport more than 600,000 cubic meters of timber cut in winter, according to the Titan Group of Companies
ARKHANGELSK, May 8. /TASS/. Timber deliveries along the Northern Dvina began in the Arkhangelsk Region. Local experts forecast complicated rafting after the warm winter.
Read also Days of Arctic in Arkhangelsk are devoted to scientific, technical discoveries
"TS Pskov has brought first barges with timber," the Titan Group of Companies’ press service said. "According to the Belomor Rafting Company, the navigation will be complicated this year. In the anomalously warm winter we were unable to create the planned number of rafts, and thus timber deliveries will be made mostly by barges." First barges followed melting ice on the Northern Dvina. Even now some ice blocks still slide off the shores floating into the river. Others come from the Dvina’s arm — the Pinega.


tass--2020-05-08--Navigation on northern rivers begins in Russia

KRASNOYARSK , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia opened on May 1 navigation on northern rivers and began resupplying northern regions with goods for next winter .
Settlements in the Krasnoyarsk Region will be the first to receive goods .
Any deliveries to those Arctic settlements in the warm season could be by water only .
In Russia ’ s other Arctic regions the navigation seasons will begin in late May - early June .
Experts told TASS about plans for the navigation .
`` The Yenisei Shipping Company ’ s caravan left for the Podkamennaya Tunguska on May 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ river , '' Nornickel - Yenisei River Shipping Company ’ s ( Nornickel - YRSC ) representative told TASS , adding a year earlier , in 2019 , navigation there began on May 5 .
According to the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s Minister of Transport Konstantin Dimitrov , early navigation on some rivers is explained by the warm spring .
`` We have adjusted preparations for the navigation due to warm air and early deicing , '' he told TASS .
`` We plan that navigation on the Angara will begin on May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , than it was in 2019 . ''
The Yenisei River Shipping Company told TASS it would deliver along the Podkamennaya Tunguska cargo for next winter as well as socially important goods and fuel for distanced settlements .
Weather experts had forecasted the river would appear from under the ice in early May - by that time the shipping company ’ s 21 tugs , six bulk carriers , six tankers and 28 barges should be by the estuary to enter the river while the water level in it remains high .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country : fast currents , a large number of rapids , and a winding riverbed .
Sailing there requires special attention and high skills .
Another aspect is the water depth , necessary for cargo vessels .
It remains in the river for 10-14 days , and all cargoes should be delivered within that time .
`` For the river sailors it is the most complicated and responsible task , as we can work only during the high-water season , within this limited time and in complicated navigation situations on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Director General Oleg Shpagin said .
`` We may face a task to deliver just 100-150 tonnes to a settlement , but this task may require very much effort . ''
The other Arctic regions traditionally will open the navigation season later on - in late May or early June .
The Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s 117 settlements , where about 70,000 live , receive cargoes within summer navigations .
This year , 221,700 tonnes ( fuel ) will be delivered there .
Every year , about 5.8 million tonnes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Krasnoyarsk Region .
In 2020 , the regional budget allocates 5.2 billion rubles ( $ 70 million ) for fuel deliveries .
Yakutia , Russia ’ s region with least roads , receives about 3 million tonnes of cargoes during summer navigations .
`` More than 1,238,000 tonnes are socially important goods , '' Yakutia ’ s authorities told TASS .
Settlements in the Nenets Region expect 12,000 tonnes of oil products , 20,500 tonnes of coal and 7,500 cubic meters of firewood .
The main carrier of energy resources - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not delivered firewood and coal earlier .
The freight turnover will grow by 5 % , the company added .
Yakutia , where navigation begins in June only , says the coronavirus pandemic has not changed the navigation period .
However , shipping companies normally employ personnel from other regions , and this year , before starting shifts , people will have to observe two-week quarantine .
The Yenisei River Shipping Company tests crews before allowing them to voyages .
Those preventive measures mean extra costs for businesses .

KRASNOYARSK, May 8. /TASS/. Russia opened on May 1 navigation on northern rivers and began resupplying northern regions with goods for next winter. Settlements in the Krasnoyarsk Region will be the first to receive goods. Any deliveries to those Arctic settlements in the warm season could be by water only. In Russia’s other Arctic regions the navigation seasons will begin in late May - early June. Experts told TASS about plans for the navigation.
"The Yenisei Shipping Company’s caravan left for the Podkamennaya Tunguska on May 1 thus opening the cargo navigation along that river," Nornickel - Yenisei River Shipping Company’s (Nornickel - YRSC) representative told TASS, adding a year earlier, in 2019, navigation there began on May 5.
According to the Krasnoyarsk Region’s Minister of Transport Konstantin Dimitrov, early navigation on some rivers is explained by the warm spring. "We have adjusted preparations for the navigation due to warm air and early deicing," he told TASS. "We plan that navigation on the Angara will begin on May 15, which is ten days earlier, than it was in 2019."
A restive river
The Yenisei River Shipping Company told TASS it would deliver along the Podkamennaya Tunguska cargo for next winter as well as socially important goods and fuel for distanced settlements. Weather experts had forecasted the river would appear from under the ice in early May - by that time the shipping company’s 21 tugs, six bulk carriers, six tankers and 28 barges should be by the estuary to enter the river while the water level in it remains high. The Podkamennaya Tunguska is the most complicated river in the country: fast currents, a large number of rapids, and a winding riverbed. Sailing there requires special attention and high skills.
Another aspect is the water depth, necessary for cargo vessels. It remains in the river for 10-14 days, and all cargoes should be delivered within that time. "For the river sailors it is the most complicated and responsible task, as we can work only during the high-water season, within this limited time and in complicated navigation situations on the river tributaries," Nornickel - YRSC’s Director General Oleg Shpagin said. "We may face a task to deliver just 100-150 tonnes to a settlement, but this task may require very much effort."
The other Arctic regions traditionally will open the navigation season later on - in late May or early June.
Plans for summer navigation deliveries
The Krasnoyarsk Region’s 117 settlements, where about 70,000 live, receive cargoes within summer navigations. This year, 221,700 tonnes (fuel) will be delivered there. Every year, about 5.8 million tonnes of various cargoes are delivered along rivers in the Krasnoyarsk Region. In 2020, the regional budget allocates 5.2 billion rubles ($70 million) for fuel deliveries.
Yakutia, Russia’s region with least roads, receives about 3 million tonnes of cargoes during summer navigations. "More than 1,238,000 tonnes are socially important goods," Yakutia’s authorities told TASS.
Settlements in the Nenets Region expect 12,000 tonnes of oil products, 20,500 tonnes of coal and 7,500 cubic meters of firewood. The main carrier of energy resources - the Nenets Oil Company - stresses it has not delivered firewood and coal earlier. The freight turnover will grow by 5%, the company added.
Working in the pandemic
Yakutia, where navigation begins in June only, says the coronavirus pandemic has not changed the navigation period. However, shipping companies normally employ personnel from other regions, and this year, before starting shifts, people will have to observe two-week quarantine. The Yenisei River Shipping Company tests crews before allowing them to voyages. Those preventive measures mean extra costs for businesses.


tass--2020-05-08--Russia’s coronavirus cases grow by 10,699 over past day

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has confirmed 10,699 new COVID-19 cases over the past day , taking the total case tally to 187,859 in all regions , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Friday .
Some 26,608 people have recovered and 1,723 patients have died of the coronavirus .
According to the crisis center , the daily growth rate stood at 6 % , becoming the lowest figure since the outbreak of the virus .
The number of recoveries per day has risen by 11.8 % .
A total of 5,232 new patients ( 48.9 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Moscow has confirmed 5,846 new COVID-19 cases , taking the total number in the capital to 98,522 .
The daily growth rate dropped to 6.3 % from 7.8 % on Thursday .
Another 918 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow Region , where the total number has reached 18,350 , rising 5.27 % .
New COVID-19 cases have been also confirmed in 81 regions , including 375 in St. Petersburg , 276 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 155 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 99 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over the past day , 2,805 people have been discharged in 70 regions , including 1,032 in Moscow , 117 in Dagestan , 72 in Bashkiria and 67 in the Rostov Region .
A total of 98 people have died over the past day , including 51 in Moscow , 19 in the Moscow Region , five in the Bryansk Region , four in St. Petersburg and Rostov Region , two in the Kursk and Omsk Regions and Mordovia .
One fatality has been recorded in the Tula , Leningrad , Orenburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karachay-Cherkessia , North Ossetia and Udmurtia .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russia has confirmed 10,699 new COVID-19 cases over the past day, taking the total case tally to 187,859 in all regions, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Friday.
Some 26,608 people have recovered and 1,723 patients have died of the coronavirus.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth rate stood at 6%, becoming the lowest figure since the outbreak of the virus. The number of recoveries per day has risen by 11.8%.
A total of 5,232 new patients (48.9%) have not shown any symptoms of the disease.
Moscow has confirmed 5,846 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number in the capital to 98,522. The daily growth rate dropped to 6.3% from 7.8% on Thursday. Another 918 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow Region, where the total number has reached 18,350, rising 5.27%. New COVID-19 cases have been also confirmed in 81 regions, including 375 in St. Petersburg, 276 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 155 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 99 in the Krasnodar Region and 96 in Dagestan.
Over the past day, 2,805 people have been discharged in 70 regions, including 1,032 in Moscow, 117 in Dagestan, 72 in Bashkiria and 67 in the Rostov Region.
A total of 98 people have died over the past day, including 51 in Moscow, 19 in the Moscow Region, five in the Bryansk Region, four in St. Petersburg and Rostov Region, two in the Kursk and Omsk Regions and Mordovia. One fatality has been recorded in the Tula, Leningrad, Orenburg, Kemerovo, Tomsk Regions, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia and Udmurtia.


tass--2020-05-08--Watchdog says 292,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 292,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia due to being suspected of having contracted the novel coronavirus , the press service of Russia ’ s consumer protection watchdog , the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , reported on Friday .
According to the watchdog , more than 4.98 million coronavirus tests have been conducted across the country , 184,200 tests have been conducted over the past 24 hours .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
Over 3,800,000 people have been infected worldwide so far and more than 265,000 deaths have been reported .
According to Russia ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center , a total of 177,160 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 23,803 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. A total of 292,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia due to being suspected of having contracted the novel coronavirus, the press service of Russia’s consumer protection watchdog, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, reported on Friday.
According to the watchdog, more than 4.98 million coronavirus tests have been conducted across the country, 184,200 tests have been conducted over the past 24 hours.
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, including Russia.
Over 3,800,000 people have been infected worldwide so far and more than 265,000 deaths have been reported. According to Russia’s anti-coronavirus crisis center, a total of 177,160 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 23,803 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,625 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-08--Putin’s official visit to China may take place in September

`` You know , according to the schedule , the summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) and the BRICS association ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , South Africa ) are scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg after July 20 .
We also discussed with our Chinese partners on a preliminary basis the possibility of our head of state ’ s visit to China at the beginning of autumn , '' he said .
`` Until these events ( the pandemic - TASS ) began , we had an understanding about the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state to China somewhere in September , without setting any specific dates .
Exchanges between our leaders are fairly active .
They have four or five meetings per year both in our countries , Russia and China , and in third countries at international events .
There is always one state or official visit every year , '' Denisov explained .
`` All that remains in force so far , it has not been taken off the table .
Whether or not we will be able to translate that into reality we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are underway anyway , because , actually , all our work is preparations for such visit , '' the diplomat added .

"You know, according to the schedule, the summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS association (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) are scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg after July 20. We also discussed with our Chinese partners on a preliminary basis the possibility of our head of state’s visit to China at the beginning of autumn," he said.
"Until these events (the pandemic - TASS) began, we had an understanding about the possibility of an official visit of the Russian head of state to China somewhere in September, without setting any specific dates. Exchanges between our leaders are fairly active. They have four or five meetings per year both in our countries, Russia and China, and in third countries at international events. There is always one state or official visit every year," Denisov explained.
"All that remains in force so far, it has not been taken off the table. Whether or not we will be able to translate that into reality we cannot say now, but preparations are underway anyway, because, actually, all our work is preparations for such visit," the diplomat added.


tass--2020-05-08--Trump discusses with Abe measures to counter COVID-19 pandemic

TOKYO , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
President of the United States Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a telephone conference late on Thursday discussing ways of containing COVID-19 pandemic , Japan ’ s Kyodo news agency reported .
The news agency reported citing Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as saying that Trump and Abe talked about bilateral cooperation in the development of vaccines and treatment drugs intended against the novel coronavirus .
According to Kyodo , `` During phone talks held at Japan 's request , Abe and Trump also explained efforts being made by their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic activities . ''
`` It was very meaningful that the Japanese and U.S. leaders confirmed coordination via phone talks at a time when global unity is being required [ to counter COVID-19 ] , '' Suga was quoted as saying .
The Japanese news agency added that while countries are searching for effective treatment against the novel coronavirus `` Japan fast-tracked approval Thursday for the use of the anti-viral medicine remdesivir , '' which was developed in the United States .
Reuters reported on early Friday citing Suga as saying at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Abe that : `` Two leaders exchanged views on each country 's COVID-19 situation , steps to prevent further spread of the virus , development of medicine and vaccines and measures for reopening the economies .
They agreed to continue their tight cooperation . ''

TOKYO, May 8. /TASS/. President of the United States Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a telephone conference late on Thursday discussing ways of containing COVID-19 pandemic, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported.
The news agency reported citing Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as saying that Trump and Abe talked about bilateral cooperation in the development of vaccines and treatment drugs intended against the novel coronavirus.
According to Kyodo, "During phone talks held at Japan's request, Abe and Trump also explained efforts being made by their countries to contain COVID-19 and toward resuming economic activities."
"It was very meaningful that the Japanese and U.S. leaders confirmed coordination via phone talks at a time when global unity is being required [to counter COVID-19]," Suga was quoted as saying.
The Japanese news agency added that while countries are searching for effective treatment against the novel coronavirus "Japan fast-tracked approval Thursday for the use of the anti-viral medicine remdesivir," which was developed in the United States.
Reuters reported on early Friday citing Suga as saying at the news conference after the telephone talks between Trump and Abe that: "Two leaders exchanged views on each country's COVID-19 situation, steps to prevent further spread of the virus, development of medicine and vaccines and measures for reopening the economies. They agreed to continue their tight cooperation."


tass--2020-05-08--At least one dead, over 10 injured in 5.1 magnitude quake near Iranian capital of Tehran

TEHRAN , May 8 .
At least one person is dead and 11 more have been injured following an earthquake @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian capital of Tehran , Pirhossein Kolivand , the head of Iran ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Eleven people sustained injuries as they fled their houses , '' Kolivand was @ @ @ @ @ news agency Mehr .
`` A 60-year-old Iranian national was reported to be killed in @ @ @ @ @ A 5.1 magnitude earthquake was reported to hit the northern part of Iran late on @ @ @ @ @ agency also reported that one person was dead in the earthquake in Iran .
The @ @ @ @ @ USGS ) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was registered at Damavand , which @ @ @ @ @ of the Iranian capital of Tehran , and it was located at the depth of @ @ @ @ @ ) .

TEHRAN, May 8. At least one person is dead and 11 more have been injured following an earthquake in the approximate vicinity of the Iranian capital of Tehran, Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of Iran’s emergency medical services, stated.
"Eleven people sustained injuries as they fled their houses," Kolivand was quoted as saying by Iranian news agency Mehr. "A 60-year-old Iranian national was reported to be killed in the natural disaster."
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake was reported to hit the northern part of Iran late on Thursday. Al Jazeera news agency also reported that one person was dead in the earthquake in Iran.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was registered at Damavand, which is located to the northeast of the Iranian capital of Tehran, and it was located at the depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).


tass--2020-05-08--Pyongyang slams combat drills of South Korea as ‘reckless military provocation’

PYONGYANG , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Authorities of North Korea slammed recent combat drills of South Korea as the ‘ reckless military provocation , ’ the Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) reported citing a spokesperson for the North Korean Defense Ministry .
`` On Wednesday , the South Korean military staged a joint military drill in the hotspot waters in the West Sea of Korea with the involvement of more than twenty fighters of F-15K , KF-16 , F-4E and FA-50 belonging to the air combat command of the Air Force and storm boats under the Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news agency stated .
`` This is a grave provocation which can never be overlooked and this situation demands a necessary reaction from us , '' KCNA reported .
`` It is no more than the deliberate pursuit of confrontation the excuse for which can never be made . ''
`` The south Korean military did not hide the fact that the joint military drill aimed at improving its capability to cope with the north 's firepower and surprise ‘ provocation ’ and at striking the base of the ‘ enemy 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it . ''
`` The reckless military provocation by the south Korean military is a total denial and an open perfidy to the north-south agreement in the military field in which both sides promised the whole Korean nation to stop all the hostile acts against the other party on the ground and in the sea and air , to turn the West Sea zone into the peaceful waters , in particular , '' the North Korean news agency added citing a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry .
Between April and September 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held three summits focusing on the normalization of relations and signed a joint declaration on April 27 , 2018 on ending hostilities between the neighboring countries .

PYONGYANG, May 8. /TASS/. Authorities of North Korea slammed recent combat drills of South Korea as the ‘reckless military provocation,’ the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported citing a spokesperson for the North Korean Defense Ministry.
"On Wednesday, the South Korean military staged a joint military drill in the hotspot waters in the West Sea of Korea with the involvement of more than twenty fighters of F-15K, KF-16, F-4E and FA-50 belonging to the air combat command of the Air Force and storm boats under the Navy's 2nd Fleet and others," the news agency stated.
"This is a grave provocation which can never be overlooked and this situation demands a necessary reaction from us," KCNA reported. "It is no more than the deliberate pursuit of confrontation the excuse for which can never be made."
"The south Korean military did not hide the fact that the joint military drill aimed at improving its capability to cope with the north's firepower and surprise ‘provocation’ and at striking the base of the ‘enemy's provocation’ and repelling the forces supporting it."
"The reckless military provocation by the south Korean military is a total denial and an open perfidy to the north-south agreement in the military field in which both sides promised the whole Korean nation to stop all the hostile acts against the other party on the ground and in the sea and air, to turn the West Sea zone into the peaceful waters, in particular," the North Korean news agency added citing a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry.
Between April and September 2018, the leaders of South and North Korea held three summits focusing on the normalization of relations and signed a joint declaration on April 27, 2018 on ending hostilities between the neighboring countries.


tass--2020-05-09--Russia’s government discusses state support measures amid pandemic - source

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia 's First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Andrey Belousov on Friday held a meeting with representatives of the government commission to improve the sustainability of the development of the Russian economy and members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs .
The meeting participants discussed measures to normalize business activity after removing the restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic , a source close to one of the participants told TASS .
According to the source , the meeting participants discussed various support measures within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Russian government aimed at normalizing economic activity and business activity after lifting restrictions .
`` In particular , the discussion was about measures of support for domestic demand , Russia ’ s exports , smooth operation of industrial enterprises , ensuring financial stability of the economy and further combating the pandemic , '' the source said .
In late April , Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government , together with regional authorities and business representatives , to begin preparing a national action plan to normalize business life , restore employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth .
As the president emphasized , it should be the program designed not only to stabilize the situation , but also to ensure long-term changes in the Russian economy , taking into account the new reality .
The draft plan includes `` measures to support the economy ( overcoming the crisis ) , including the following areas : stimulating demand ( 10 - 12 months ) ; removing administrative and regulatory , barriers , simplifying state regulation , including proposals by the Bank of Russia ( 10 - 12 months ) '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and development of affected sectors of the economy , support for small and medium enterprises , individual entrepreneurs and self-employed citizens , as well as a program to support employment .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Andrey Belousov on Friday held a meeting with representatives of the government commission to improve the sustainability of the development of the Russian economy and members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The meeting participants discussed measures to normalize business activity after removing the restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, a source close to one of the participants told TASS.
According to the source, the meeting participants discussed various support measures within the framework of a large-scale program being developed by the Russian government aimed at normalizing economic activity and business activity after lifting restrictions. "In particular, the discussion was about measures of support for domestic demand, Russia’s exports, smooth operation of industrial enterprises, ensuring financial stability of the economy and further combating the pandemic," the source said.
In late April, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government, together with regional authorities and business representatives, to begin preparing a national action plan to normalize business life, restore employment, people’s incomes and economic growth. As the president emphasized, it should be the program designed not only to stabilize the situation, but also to ensure long-term changes in the Russian economy, taking into account the new reality.
The draft plan includes "measures to support the economy (overcoming the crisis), including the following areas: stimulating demand (10 - 12 months); removing administrative and regulatory, barriers, simplifying state regulation, including proposals by the Bank of Russia (10 - 12 months)". The draft plan also includes support and development of affected sectors of the economy, support for small and medium enterprises, individual entrepreneurs and self-employed citizens, as well as a program to support employment.


tass--2020-05-09--Global mobile games market will grow by 13% amid pandemic to $77 bln - analysts

MOSCOW , May 9 .
/TASS/ .
The global market for mobile games in 2020 against the backdrop of a pandemic and mass self-isolation will grow by 13.3 % and reach $ 77.2 bln - almost half of the entire gaming market , according to a study by Newzoo analytical agency .
According to the report , the global gaming market , which includes revenues from sales of mobile , computer and console games , will grow by 9.3 % in 2020 and amount to $ 159.3 bln , including $ 77.2 bln ( with an increase of 13.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45.2 bln ( +6.8 % ) - for console gaming , $ 36.9 bln ( +4.8 % ) - for computer .
At the same time , by 2024 , the global gaming market could grow to $ 200.8 bln at an average annual rate of 8.3 % .
Experts noted that all market segments , especially the mobile one , will show growth both in terms of the audience and revenues - all this is partly the result of mass self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Compared to other segments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threshold ( more than 40 % of the world 's population has smartphones with many available games ) and absence of problems with distribution of games .
The console and computer gaming market , despite growth , has a number of problems due to the coronavirus , experts said .
First of all , because of the pandemic and the difficulties in delivering physical copies of games , publishers have to postpone popular releases .
However , the recent announcements of new-generation consoles - Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 - should give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report said .
Mobile gaming still has the leading position in terms of the audience - for example , in 2020 there will be 2.6 bln mobile players in the world , but only 38 % of them will actually pay for content .
According to Newzoo , the audience of computer games will grow to 1.3 bln people , an console games - up to 729 mln .
In general , customers from China and the United States will generate global market revenues , a serious increase is expected from Latin @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 9. /TASS/. The global market for mobile games in 2020 against the backdrop of a pandemic and mass self-isolation will grow by 13.3% and reach $77.2 bln - almost half of the entire gaming market, according to a study by Newzoo analytical agency.
According to the report, the global gaming market, which includes revenues from sales of mobile, computer and console games, will grow by 9.3% in 2020 and amount to $159.3 bln, including $77.2 bln (with an increase of 13.3% year-on-year) for mobile gaming, $45.2 bln (+6.8%) - for console gaming, $36.9 bln (+4.8%) - for computer. At the same time, by 2024, the global gaming market could grow to $200.8 bln at an average annual rate of 8.3%.
Experts noted that all market segments, especially the mobile one, will show growth both in terms of the audience and revenues - all this is partly the result of mass self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic. Compared to other segments, the mobile market has a low entry threshold (more than 40% of the world's population has smartphones with many available games) and absence of problems with distribution of games.
The console and computer gaming market, despite growth, has a number of problems due to the coronavirus, experts said. First of all, because of the pandemic and the difficulties in delivering physical copies of games, publishers have to postpone popular releases. However, the recent announcements of new-generation consoles - Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 - should give the necessary momentum to the market, the report said.
Mobile gaming still has the leading position in terms of the audience - for example, in 2020 there will be 2.6 bln mobile players in the world, but only 38% of them will actually pay for content. According to Newzoo, the audience of computer games will grow to 1.3 bln people, an console games - up to 729 mln. In general, customers from China and the United States will generate global market revenues, a serious increase is expected from Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.


tass--2020-05-09--Moscow preserves sacred memory of World War II victory - Russia’s ambassador to US

NEW YORK , May 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia cherishes the memory of the victory over Nazism and allied relations @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said in a video message distributed by the @ @ @ @ @ World War II Memorial .
`` Dear friends , this spring we will celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ over Nazism .
The memory of the fight against Nazi Germany is sacred to Russia @ @ @ @ @ cost the USSR around 27 million lives , '' Antonov said .
The ambassador noted @ @ @ @ @ of the Allied relations with the anti-Hitler coalition countries .
The meeting between the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ the Elbe River on April 25 , 1945 , became a symbol of our brotherhood @ @ @ @

NEW YORK, May 9. /TASS/. Russia cherishes the memory of the victory over Nazism and allied relations during the war, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said in a video message distributed by the US organization Friends of the World War II Memorial.
"Dear friends, this spring we all celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism. The memory of the fight against Nazi Germany and its accomplices is sacred to Russia. The Great Patriotic War cost the USSR around 27 million lives," Antonov said.
According to the ambassador, "The Soviet people managed not only to defend independence of their Motherland, but also saved many European nations from annihilation by Nazis, making the decisive contribution to the Victory. The Red Army liberated hundreds of thousands prisoners from concentration camps and stopped the Holocaust".
"Russia preserves memory of the allied relations with the anti-Hitler coalition countries. The meeting between the Soviet and U.S. soldiers at the Elbe river on April 25, 1945, became a symbol of our brotherhood-in-arms. The event was immortalized at the National World War II Memorial. I am confident that this cooperation experience should be used to counter modern global threats," Antonov said.


tass--2020-05-09--Italians grateful to Russia for assistance in combating coronavirus epidemic - ambassador

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Italians will always be grateful to Russia for its assistance in combating the @ @ @ @ @ to Russia Pasquale Terracciano said in a message posted on the embassy ’ s website @ @ @ @ @ the day , Terracciano , the embassy ’ s defense attache Alfonso Miro and Russian @ @ @ @ @ welcomed a plane with Russian medics who had completed their humanitarian mission in Italy returned @ @ @ @ @ ambassador highly assessed the mission of Russian medics `` who demonstrated a brilliant example of @ @ @ @ @ , the deepest personal involvement and self-sacrifice exposing themselves to risks at the most dangerous @ @ @ @ @ sake of , first of all , the elderly who are most vulnerable to this @ @ @ @ @ Italian people has highly assessed these efforts and will always be grateful for them , @ @ @ @ @ that the pandemic has revealed the necessity of international cooperation .
Apart from that , @ @ @ @ @ on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Italians will always be grateful to Russia for its assistance in combating the coronavirus infection, Italian Ambassador to Russia Pasquale Terracciano said in a message posted on the embassy’s website on Friday.
Earlier in the day, Terracciano, the embassy’s defense attache Alfonso Miro and Russian Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Kartapolov welcomed a plane with Russian medics who had completed their humanitarian mission in Italy returned to Moscow.
The Italian ambassador highly assessed the mission of Russian medics "who demonstrated a brilliant example of the highest degree of professionalism, the deepest personal involvement and self-sacrifice exposing themselves to risks at the most dangerous stage, working for the sake of, first of all, the elderly who are most vulnerable to this pandemic." "The Italian people has highly assessed these efforts and will always be grateful for them," he said, adding that the pandemic has revealed the necessity of international cooperation.
Apart from that, the Italian diplomat congratulated Russians on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism.


tass--2020-05-09--WHO: number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 87,000 in past day

GENEVA , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
More than 87,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on May 8 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 3.7 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on May 8 , as many as 3,759,967 novel coronavirus cases and 259,474 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 87,729 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,429 .
Europe accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities - 1,654,345 and 152,179 respectively .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 28,308 and the number of deaths - by 1,941 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in South and North America reached 1,586,129 and the number of deaths stands at 87,930 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 43,300 and the number of deaths - by 3,126 .
The East Mediterranean region has 237,323 cases and 8,608 fatalities as of May 8 .
In the past 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the number of deaths - by 143 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 1,215,571 ) , Spain ( 221,447 ) , Italy ( 215,858 ) , the United Kingdom ( 206,719 ) , Russia ( 187,859 ) , Germany ( 167,300 ) , France ( 135,980 ) , Turkey ( 133,721 ) , Brazil ( 125,218 ) , and Iran ( 103,135 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, May 8. /TASS/. More than 87,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on May 8, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 3.7 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on May 8, as many as 3,759,967 novel coronavirus cases and 259,474 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 87,729 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,429.
Europe accounts for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities - 1,654,345 and 152,179 respectively. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 28,308 and the number of deaths - by 1,941.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in South and North America reached 1,586,129 and the number of deaths stands at 87,930. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 43,300 and the number of deaths - by 3,126.
The East Mediterranean region has 237,323 cases and 8,608 fatalities as of May 8. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 8,125 and the number of deaths - by 143.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (1,215,571), Spain (221,447), Italy (215,858), the United Kingdom (206,719), Russia (187,859), Germany (167,300), France (135,980), Turkey (133,721), Brazil (125,218), and Iran (103,135).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-05-09--Russians celebrate Victory Day amid pandemic

MOSCOW , May 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia celebrates the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War amid restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Large-scale celebrations were postponed to a later date , however , many of them will be held online , so Russians will be able to feel the atmosphere of the holiday without leaving their homes .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the celebration of Victory Day .
Around 10:00 Moscow time , he will lay flowers at the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The traditional Victory Day parade this year was supposed to be larger than usual in honor of the anniversary , but due to security reasons it was postponed to a later date after restrictions due to the pandemic are lifted .
However , celebratory military air show will still be held this year in 47 Russian cities , involving about 600 aircraft and helicopters .
The Immortal Regiment ’ s march will be held online .
Everyone can upload photos of their ancestors and their war stories to the event ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video and broadcast on federal channels , screens in metro trains , online .
Firework shows will be held in 29 cities of Russia .
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that events in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Victory , organized abroad by diplomatic missions , will also be held online .

MOSCOW, May 9. /TASS/. Russia celebrates the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War amid restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Large-scale celebrations were postponed to a later date, however, many of them will be held online, so Russians will be able to feel the atmosphere of the holiday without leaving their homes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the celebration of Victory Day. Around 10:00 Moscow time, he will lay flowers at the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Gardens in Moscow and congratulate Russians.
The traditional Victory Day parade this year was supposed to be larger than usual in honor of the anniversary, but due to security reasons it was postponed to a later date after restrictions due to the pandemic are lifted. However, celebratory military air show will still be held this year in 47 Russian cities, involving about 600 aircraft and helicopters.
The Immortal Regiment’s march will be held online. Everyone can upload photos of their ancestors and their war stories to the event’s website, which will be used in a video and broadcast on federal channels, screens in metro trains, online. Firework shows will be held in 29 cities of Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that events in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Victory, organized abroad by diplomatic missions, will also be held online.


tass--2020-05-08--Coronavirus lockdowns may be lifted in Russia in late May-early June

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia may lift the coronavirus lockdowns in late May or early June , @ @ @ @ @ Chernyshenko said on Friday .
`` We understand that these lockdowns , depending on the @ @ @ @ @ will be lifted either in late May or early June , '' he said in @ @ @ @ @ news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
Commenting on the forecasts for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic is expected to subside to sporadic cases by the end of this summer @

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russia may lift the coronavirus lockdowns in late May or early June, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said on Friday.
"We understand that these lockdowns, depending on the region and the situation, will be lifted either in late May or early June," he said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
Commenting on the forecasts for the coronavirus situation, he said that the epidemic is expected to subside to sporadic cases by the end of this summer.


tass--2020-05-08--Russian, Cuban top diplomats call for lifting US unilateral sanctions against Havana

MOSCOW , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Cuban Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla exchanged congratulatory telegrams on the 60th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday .
`` Lavrov expressed confidence that the Russian-Cuban strategic partnership will continue to develop in the interests of the peoples of our states .
He reiterated the identity of approaches on issues of the international and regional agenda , including the necessity of lifting all unilateral sanctions that run counter to the norms of international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ministry stressed .
According to the ministry , the Cuban top diplomat pointed to his country ’ s intention to expand productive cooperation with Russia `` which is based on the traditions of friendship , solidarity and mutual respect . ''
`` The minister expressed gratitude for Russia ’ s unfailing support in what concerns lifting of the American blockade of Cuba , '' the Russian foreign ministry added .
Official contacts between Russian and Cuba were established in 1902 but were suspended after the Bolshevik Revolution .
The Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 1942 and severed them after the Fulgencio Batista coup on April 3 , 1952 .
Relations were resumed on May 8 , 1960 after the Cuban revolution .
`` The countries have been strengthening these ties , which have reached a level of strategic partnership we have managed to consolidate thanks to the active top-level political dialogue and shared position on the key issues of the international agenda , '' as follows from an article by Russian and Cuban Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla , published in Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Granma dailies .
`` Russia and Cuba are looking in the future of bilateral relations with optimism and continues to work to protect their sovereignty and independence , and the right to ensure security and decide their own future .
We have all the means and resources for that and we are confident that this is the right path , '' the ministers emphasized .

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian and Cuban Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla exchanged congratulatory telegrams on the 60th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
"Lavrov expressed confidence that the Russian-Cuban strategic partnership will continue to develop in the interests of the peoples of our states. He reiterated the identity of approaches on issues of the international and regional agenda, including the necessity of lifting all unilateral sanctions that run counter to the norms of international law in the face of the global threat," the ministry stressed.
According to the ministry, the Cuban top diplomat pointed to his country’s intention to expand productive cooperation with Russia "which is based on the traditions of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect."
"The minister expressed gratitude for Russia’s unfailing support in what concerns lifting of the American blockade of Cuba," the Russian foreign ministry added.
Official contacts between Russian and Cuba were established in 1902 but were suspended after the Bolshevik Revolution. The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with Cuba in October 1942 and severed them after the Fulgencio Batista coup on April 3, 1952. Relations were resumed on May 8, 1960 after the Cuban revolution.
"The countries have been strengthening these ties, which have reached a level of strategic partnership we have managed to consolidate thanks to the active top-level political dialogue and shared position on the key issues of the international agenda," as follows from an article by Russian and Cuban Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, published in Friday’s issue of the Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Granma dailies.
"Russia and Cuba are looking in the future of bilateral relations with optimism and continues to work to protect their sovereignty and independence, and the right to ensure security and decide their own future. We have all the means and resources for that and we are confident that this is the right path," the ministers emphasized.


tass--2020-05-08--Russia will be fully provided with lung ventilators in late July

EKATERINBURG , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian healthcare system will be fully provided with lung ventilators in late July and the ban on their exports can be lifted after that , Minister of Industry Denis Manturov said on Friday .
`` We expect that we should complete performance of the government contract implemented now approximately at the turn of July .
I also expect that the healthcare system will be fully provided with lung ventilators upon requests across regions and not merely within the framework of the extra bed capacity .
I look forward to coordination of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these products with the government after that , '' Manturov said .
Russian regions have already received more than 1,000 lung ventilators under the government contract with the Ministry of Industry and 500 devices under direct contracts with the producer , the Minister said .
`` About 500 units contracted by regions directly earlier have already been supplied .
Furthermore , we have already delivered more than 1,000 lung ventilators to regions within the framework of the government contract financed by the government through the Ministry of Industry , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lung ventilators to CIS and non-CIS countries prior to the pandemic start , Manturov noted .
Rostec reported earlier that it received requests for more than 20,000 lung ventilators from 45 countries .

EKATERINBURG, May 8. /TASS/. The Russian healthcare system will be fully provided with lung ventilators in late July and the ban on their exports can be lifted after that, Minister of Industry Denis Manturov said on Friday.
"We expect that we should complete performance of the government contract implemented now approximately at the turn of July. I also expect that the healthcare system will be fully provided with lung ventilators upon requests across regions and not merely within the framework of the extra bed capacity. I look forward to coordination of the possibility for lifting restrictions on export of these products with the government after that," Manturov said.
Russian regions have already received more than 1,000 lung ventilators under the government contract with the Ministry of Industry and 500 devices under direct contracts with the producer, the Minister said. "About 500 units contracted by regions directly earlier have already been supplied. Furthermore, we have already delivered more than 1,000 lung ventilators to regions within the framework of the government contract financed by the government through the Ministry of Industry," he added.
The Russian state corporation Rostec was supplying lung ventilators to CIS and non-CIS countries prior to the pandemic start, Manturov noted. Rostec reported earlier that it received requests for more than 20,000 lung ventilators from 45 countries.


tass--2020-05-08--Number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Italy exceeds 30,000

ROME , May 8 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Italy has exceeded 30,000 , with 243 @ @ @ @ @ the past day alone , the country ’ s Civil Protection Department said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ update , the number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 217,185 .
More @ @ @ @ @ , including 2,747 over the past day , and 30,201 have died .
As many @ @ @ @ @ treatment , including 14,500 in hospitals .
Slightly more than 1,000 patients are staying at @ @ @ @

ROME, May 8. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Italy has exceeded 30,000, with 243 such deaths being reported in the past day alone, the country’s Civil Protection Department said on Friday.
According to the latest update, the number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 217,185. More than 99,000 patients have recovered, including 2,747 over the past day, and 30,201 have died.
As many as 87,961 patients are undergoing treatment, including 14,500 in hospitals. Slightly more than 1,000 patients are staying at intensive care units.