tass--2020-08-28--Back-to-school shopping: Parent to spend $67 more on girls than boys, say federal stats

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
In Russia , the parents of first-grade boys will be spending 500 rubles ( $ 67 ) less on school supplies than the parents of first-grade girls this year , according to Russia ’ s Federal Statistics Service ( Rosstat ) .
Every year Rosstat calculates the cost of a first grader set , which includes school and sports uniforms , writing material and a school bag .
In 2020 , a `` first-grader set '' costs an average of 21,000 rubles ( $ 282 ) , which is less than 2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the statistics service , the cost of a first-grader set is growing more slowly than inflation .
The price of a set for boys increased by 1.7 % , and for girls - by 1.1 % compared to July last year , inflation for the same period was 3.4 % .
Rosstat notes that the average price of school uniforms in Russia for boys is slightly more than 14,000 rubles ( $ 188 ) , and for girls - 18,600 rubles ( $ 250 ) .
A set of writing material @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average of 4,500 rubles ( $ 60.5 ) .
With the first grader set Rosstat also calculated the average cost of a bouquet , gadgets and additional education .
A bouquet of five flowers will cost an average of 541 rubles ( $ 7.3 ) , a push-button phone will cost an average of 3,000 rubles ( $ 40.3 ) , the average cost of a smartphone is 9,400 rubles ( $ 120 ) , the average cost of a tablet is 12,000 rubles ( $ 161 ) , while a laptop costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for additional education - the average cost of an academic hour in a hobby group or a sports section is 200 rubles ( $ 2.6 ) , the cost of training in a private school will cost an average of 20,000 rubles ( $ 268 ) a month .
According to Rosstat , the cost of a first grader set for boys and girls can range from 14,000 to 32,000 rubles ( $ 188 -430 ) depending on the region .
The most affordable first grader set for a boy is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 189 ) , and for a girl in the Omsk region ( 18,400 rubles - $ 243 ) .
The most expensive classroom supplies for a girl are in the Kamchatka Region - 32,300 rubles ( $ 434 ) and for a boy in the Chukotka Autonomous Region - 24,900 rubles ( $ 334 ) Rosstat forms the first grader set from the average prices for goods and services in Russia and in the regions for July 2020 .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. In Russia, the parents of first-grade boys will be spending 500 rubles ($67) less on school supplies than the parents of first-grade girls this year, according to Russia’s Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat).
Every year Rosstat calculates the cost of a first grader set, which includes school and sports uniforms, writing material and a school bag. In 2020, a "first-grader set" costs an average of 21,000 rubles ($282), which is less than 2% up in comparison with last year.
According to the statistics service, the cost of a first-grader set is growing more slowly than inflation. The price of a set for boys increased by 1.7%, and for girls - by 1.1% compared to July last year, inflation for the same period was 3.4%.
Rosstat notes that the average price of school uniforms in Russia for boys is slightly more than 14,000 rubles ($188), and for girls - 18,600 rubles ($250). A set of writing material with a school bag will cost an average of 4,500 rubles ($60.5).
With the first grader set Rosstat also calculated the average cost of a bouquet, gadgets and additional education.
A bouquet of five flowers will cost an average of 541 rubles ($7.3), a push-button phone will cost an average of 3,000 rubles ($40.3), the average cost of a smartphone is 9,400 rubles ($120), the average cost of a tablet is 12,000 rubles ($161), while a laptop costs 30,000 rubles ($403).
As for additional education - the average cost of an academic hour in a hobby group or a sports section is 200 rubles ($2.6), the cost of training in a private school will cost an average of 20,000 rubles ($268) a month.
According to Rosstat, the cost of a first grader set for boys and girls can range from 14,000 to 32,000 rubles ($188 -430) depending on the region.
The most affordable first grader set for a boy is in the Oryol region (14.100 rubles - $189), and for a girl in the Omsk region (18,400 rubles - $243).
The most expensive classroom supplies for a girl are in the Kamchatka Region - 32,300 rubles ($434) and for a boy in the Chukotka Autonomous Region - 24,900 rubles ($334)
Rosstat forms the first grader set from the average prices for goods and services in Russia and in the regions for July 2020.


tass--2020-08-28--Former Energia space company CEO charged with misappropriation of over $13 million

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Former CEO of the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation ( a Rostec subsidiary ) Vladimir Solntsev , as well as a number of other suspects , is charged with misappropriation of over 1 billion rubles ( $ 13 million ) during shipments of electronic components for the International Space Station ’ s Science Power Module , Moscow ’ s Babushkinsky Court announced Friday .
Judge Natalia Kurysheva ruled Friday to arrest Solntsev until October 3 .
The court will rule on other suspects shortly .
Solntesev ’ s defense pledged to appeal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspects have overblown procurement prices threefold , inflicting damages of about 1,072,000,000 rubles to the Russian budget .
Solntsev ’ s guilt is proven by the memos , signed by the former official , as well as by witnesses ’ testimonies , the investigators say .
According to one case actor , a former Energia manager , who testified against Solntsev , the former CEO is a head of a crime group .
Solntsev denies guilt and says the criminal case is `` Roscosmos ’ s crackdown on the old team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisor to the United Aircraft Corporation CEO .
Three more suspects , including Solntsev ’ s deputy , have absconded and are wanted , the court said .
`` Suspects Ignatkin [ Solntsev ’ s deputy ] , Morozov and Stapovich have absconded ; an arrest warrant was issued against them , '' the judge said .
According to the case materials , Solntsev and his accomplices used a chain of affiliated companies for misappropriation .
Besides Solntsev , Istok Science and Production Corporation ( a Rostec subsidiary ) CEO Alexander Borisov and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were apprehended earlier over suspicion of fraud .
The criminal proceeding was initiated on August 3 .
A source in the law enforcement told TASS earlier that searches were conducted at a number of premises belonging to former Energia managers and an Istok senior official over a case of a major misappropriation during shipments .
On Wednesday , Roscosmos confirmed that an investigation is underway against Solntsev and a number of other Energia managers over cases dating before 2018 .
Rostec refrained from commenting on the situation .
On Thursday , both Rostec @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Solntsev and Borisov .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Former CEO of the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation (a Rostec subsidiary) Vladimir Solntsev, as well as a number of other suspects, is charged with misappropriation of over 1 billion rubles ($13 million) during shipments of electronic components for the International Space Station’s Science Power Module, Moscow’s Babushkinsky Court announced Friday.
Judge Natalia Kurysheva ruled Friday to arrest Solntsev until October 3. The court will rule on other suspects shortly. Solntesev’s defense pledged to appeal the ruling.
According to the investigators, the suspects have overblown procurement prices threefold, inflicting damages of about 1,072,000,000 rubles to the Russian budget.
Solntsev’s guilt is proven by the memos, signed by the former official, as well as by witnesses’ testimonies, the investigators say. According to one case actor, a former Energia manager, who testified against Solntsev, the former CEO is a head of a crime group. Solntsev denies guilt and says the criminal case is "Roscosmos’s crackdown on the old team." Currently, Solntsev works as an advisor to the United Aircraft Corporation CEO.
Three more suspects, including Solntsev’s deputy, have absconded and are wanted, the court said. "Suspects Ignatkin [Solntsev’s deputy], Morozov and Stapovich have absconded; an arrest warrant was issued against them," the judge said.
According to the case materials, Solntsev and his accomplices used a chain of affiliated companies for misappropriation. Besides Solntsev, Istok Science and Production Corporation (a Rostec subsidiary) CEO Alexander Borisov and former Energia managers Stepan and Alexander Prokhorov were apprehended earlier over suspicion of fraud.
The criminal proceeding was initiated on August 3.
A source in the law enforcement told TASS earlier that searches were conducted at a number of premises belonging to former Energia managers and an Istok senior official over a case of a major misappropriation during shipments.
On Wednesday, Roscosmos confirmed that an investigation is underway against Solntsev and a number of other Energia managers over cases dating before 2018. Rostec refrained from commenting on the situation. On Thursday, both Rostec and Roscosmos refrained from commenting on apprehension of Solntsev and Borisov.


tass--2020-08-28--This week in photos: Russian Knights’ air stunts, pink lake catwalk, Storm Francis hits UK

Putin : Detention of Russian citizens in Belarus set up by Ukrainian and US intelligence According to the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ headed for Latin America and the Middle East for `` absolutely legal work ''

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-08-28--Tanks, artillery and aircraft eliminate enemy force in large-scale Urals drills

YEKATERINBURG , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Central Military District ’ s Urals armored division held a final episode of its largest drills in 2020 that involved tank and motor rifle units , artillery and aircraft , the District ’ s press office reported on Friday .
`` During the drills with a live-fire exercise , the division ’ s armored and motor rifle units practiced the episode of switching from defense to an offensive and securing their positions at the flanks , '' the press office said in a statement .
`` The directions of the movement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain their positions and also the top priority targets for the armored and motor rifle units for striking with firepower were uncovered by the crews of Su-24MR frontline reconnaissance planes , '' the statement says .
The enemy facilities were eliminated by a bomb strike of Su-34 multirole fighter-bombers .
Following this , the crews of tanks , infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers supported by artillery contained the enemy ’ s actions and shielded their flanks against an attack , according to the statement .
`` At the final stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practiced advancing to the notional state border after knocking out the intruder from the occupied positions and eliminating its surrounded units with the help of aircraft , '' the press office said .
At the final stage of the drills , the troops employed T-73B3 tanks , BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-82AM and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers , and also 9P140 ‘ Uragan ’ and BM-21 ‘ Grad ’ multiple rocket launchers and 2S3 ‘ Akatisya ’ self-propelled artillery guns , the statement says .
The drills of the Urals armored division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items of military hardware and also aircraft and helicopters of a composite air formation of the Central Military District and a separate army aviation brigade were the main combat training event for the Central Military District ’ s Guards armored division in 2020 .
The Guards Vitebsk-Novgorod Twice Red Banner Armored Division was set up in 2016 and is stationed in the Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk Regions .
The division is armed with advanced modifications of T-72 tanks and new BTR-82A armored personnel carriers .
It was assigned the honorary name of the Urals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the memory about the heroic deeds of the 30th Urals Volunteer Tank Corps during the Soviet Union ’ s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany .

YEKATERINBURG, August 28. /TASS/. The Central Military District’s Urals armored division held a final episode of its largest drills in 2020 that involved tank and motor rifle units, artillery and aircraft, the District’s press office reported on Friday.
"During the drills with a live-fire exercise, the division’s armored and motor rifle units practiced the episode of switching from defense to an offensive and securing their positions at the flanks," the press office said in a statement.
"The directions of the movement, the frontiers for the ground forces to gain their positions and also the top priority targets for the armored and motor rifle units for striking with firepower were uncovered by the crews of Su-24MR frontline reconnaissance planes," the statement says.
The enemy facilities were eliminated by a bomb strike of Su-34 multirole fighter-bombers. Following this, the crews of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers supported by artillery contained the enemy’s actions and shielded their flanks against an attack, according to the statement.
"At the final stage, the personnel of the armored large unit practiced advancing to the notional state border after knocking out the intruder from the occupied positions and eliminating its surrounded units with the help of aircraft," the press office said.
At the final stage of the drills, the troops employed T-73B3 tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-82AM and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, and also 9P140 ‘Uragan’ and BM-21 ‘Grad’ multiple rocket launchers and 2S3 ‘Akatisya’ self-propelled artillery guns, the statement says.
The drills of the Urals armored division involving about 8,000 troops and over 1,800 items of military hardware and also aircraft and helicopters of a composite air formation of the Central Military District and a separate army aviation brigade were the main combat training event for the Central Military District’s Guards armored division in 2020.
The Guards Vitebsk-Novgorod Twice Red Banner Armored Division was set up in 2016 and is stationed in the Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk Regions. The division is armed with advanced modifications of T-72 tanks and new BTR-82A armored personnel carriers. It was assigned the honorary name of the Urals Tank Battalion to keep the traditions and the memory about the heroic deeds of the 30th Urals Volunteer Tank Corps during the Soviet Union’s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.


tass--2020-08-28--Navalny still in coma, on ventilator but his life is out of danger — Charite hospital

BERLIN , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny is still in a serious condition , in a medically-induced coma , but his life is out of danger , the Berlin-based Charite hospital said on Friday .
`` There has been some improvement in the symptoms caused by the inhibition of cholinesterase activity , '' it said in a press statement .
`` Mr. Navalny continues to be treated in an intensive care unit , where he is being kept in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator . ''
`` While his condition remains serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his life .
However , due to the severity of the patient ’ s poisoning , it remains too early to gauge potential long-term effects , '' it said .
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk .
The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a lung ventilator .
He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning of August 22 .
German medics said on August 24 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors .
The substance however was not identified .

BERLIN, August 28. /TASS/. Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny is still in a serious condition, in a medically-induced coma, but his life is out of danger, the Berlin-based Charite hospital said on Friday.
"There has been some improvement in the symptoms caused by the inhibition of cholinesterase activity," it said in a press statement. "Mr. Navalny continues to be treated in an intensive care unit, where he is being kept in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator."
"While his condition remains serious, there is no immediate danger to his life. However, due to the severity of the patient’s poisoning, it remains too early to gauge potential long-term effects," it said.
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk. The man was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a lung ventilator. He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic in the morning of August 22.
German medics said on August 24 that clinical findings indicated poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors. The substance however was not identified.


tass--2020-08-28--Belarus mulls over refocusing trade flows from Lithuanian ports

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The government of Belarus has received a proposal from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ Lithuanian ports to other routes , president of the country said on Friday , cited @ @ @ @ @ `` I asked the government to put forward a proposal on re-orientation of all trade @ @ @ @ @ ports , '' Lukashenko said .
Belarusian trade flows through Lithuania form 30 % of @ @ @ @ @ added .
It was reported earlier that the Foreign Ministry of Lithuania placed 118 persons @ @ @ @ @ , into the sanctions list for Belarus .
It was proposed to ban entry into @ @ @ @ @ in the list .

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. The government of Belarus has received a proposal from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to refocus trade flows from Lithuanian ports to other routes, president of the country said on Friday, cited by BelTA news agency.
"I asked the government to put forward a proposal on re-orientation of all trade flows from Lithuanian to other ports," Lukashenko said. Belarusian trade flows through Lithuania form 30% of the Lithuanian budget, he added.
It was reported earlier that the Foreign Ministry of Lithuania placed 118 persons, including the Belarusian president, into the sanctions list for Belarus. It was proposed to ban entry into the country for persons named in the list.


tass--2020-08-28--Putin discusses development of Russia-Belarus ties with Security Council

`` Along with the current issues of the domestic Russian agenda , a detailed exchange of opinions on key issues of development of the Russian-Belarusian cooperation was held , '' he said .
The meeting included Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , speakers of both chambers of the Russian parliament Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin , Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev and Secretary of the council Nikolai Patrushev as well as the defense , foreign and interior ministers .
Earlier , the Russian president said in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel that he hoped that all sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reasonable enough to find a way out of the current turmoil in the country calmly and without any extremes .
In particular , he pointed out that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that he was ready to adopt a new constitution and later hold new presidential and parliamentary elections on its basis .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured his reelection with 80.10 % of the votes , while his key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later fled to neighboring Lithuania .
Amid this background , the country plunged into mass protests , as people challenged the official results .
In the first few days , demonstrations were coupled with clashes with police .
The recently created Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition is urging people to keep protesting .
Meanwhile , authorities say that unlawful rallies need to stop .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the Security Council to elaborate approaches to the development of relations with Moscow ’ s closest partner nations , `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the geographical proximity . ''
`` These relations are developing and we should coordinate our positions on a number of key matters , ensure coordination between state structures and elaborate approaches to further development of cooperation with our partners , '' Putin said .

"Along with the current issues of the domestic Russian agenda, a detailed exchange of opinions on key issues of development of the Russian-Belarusian cooperation was held," he said.
The meeting included Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, speakers of both chambers of the Russian parliament Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev and Secretary of the council Nikolai Patrushev as well as the defense, foreign and interior ministers.
Earlier, the Russian president said in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel that he hoped that all sides to the political process in Belarus would be reasonable enough to find a way out of the current turmoil in the country calmly and without any extremes. In particular, he pointed out that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that he was ready to adopt a new constitution and later hold new presidential and parliamentary elections on its basis.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured his reelection with 80.10% of the votes, while his key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12% She rejected the results and later fled to neighboring Lithuania. Amid this background, the country plunged into mass protests, as people challenged the official results. In the first few days, demonstrations were coupled with clashes with police. The recently created Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition is urging people to keep protesting. Meanwhile, authorities say that unlawful rallies need to stop.
Relations with closest partner nations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the Security Council to elaborate approaches to the development of relations with Moscow’s closest partner nations, "the countries Russia traditionally has close relations with due to the geographical proximity."
"These relations are developing and we should coordinate our positions on a number of key matters, ensure coordination between state structures and elaborate approaches to further development of cooperation with our partners," Putin said.


tass--2020-08-28--Lukashenko says agrees with Putin that situation in Belarus could be used against Russia

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus may become a `` theater of war , '' which the West will try to use against Russia , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Friday , adding that he shares this opinion with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
`` You heard the statement of our neighbor and my good friend yesterday , '' Lukashenko said during his meeting with workers in the Vitebsk Region .
`` This is not about Russians wanting to protect Belarus .
Listen , we can protect ourselves alright .
By the Russian President and I , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we miss it . ''
In this case , Lukashenko said , Belarus may turn into a theatre of war , `` where other people ’ s issues will be resolved . ''
`` They [ the West ] don ’ t need Belarus , '' he said .
`` Belarus is a trampoline to Russia , as usual .
`` \ On August 22 , Lukashenko noted that he shares an opinion with Vladimir Putin that the situation in Belarus could be used `` to lunge at Russia later . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Rossiya-24 TV channel that the situation in Belarus might be influenced from abroad .
He noted that people who blame Lukashenko for his actions after the presidential elections refrain from commenting on actions of the protesters .
`` This suggests that it is not about what is happening in Belarus , but about someone wanting something else to happen there , '' the President said .
`` They want to influence these processes and achieve decisions that conform to their political interests . ''
Putin disclosed that Russia created a `` certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus ’ s request .
`` But we have also agreed that this reserve will not be used until the situation gets out of control , '' until `` the extremist elements , using political slogans as their cover , trespass certain limits and resort to outright banditry , start burning houses , banks , try to capture administrative building and so on , '' Putin said .

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. Belarus may become a "theater of war," which the West will try to use against Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Friday , adding that he shares this opinion with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
"You heard the statement of our neighbor and my good friend yesterday," Lukashenko said during his meeting with workers in the Vitebsk Region. "This is not about Russians wanting to protect Belarus. Listen, we can protect ourselves alright. By the Russian President and I, we understand what might happen, should we miss it."
In this case, Lukashenko said, Belarus may turn into a theatre of war, "where other people’s issues will be resolved."
"They [the West] don’t need Belarus," he said. "Belarus is a trampoline to Russia, as usual."\
On August 22, Lukashenko noted that he shares an opinion with Vladimir Putin that the situation in Belarus could be used "to lunge at Russia later."
On Thursday, Putin said in his interview for Rossiya-24 TV channel that the situation in Belarus might be influenced from abroad. He noted that people who blame Lukashenko for his actions after the presidential elections refrain from commenting on actions of the protesters.
"This suggests that it is not about what is happening in Belarus, but about someone wanting something else to happen there," the President said. "They want to influence these processes and achieve decisions that conform to their political interests."
Putin disclosed that Russia created a "certain reserve of law enforcement employees" on Belarus’s request.
"But we have also agreed that this reserve will not be used until the situation gets out of control," until "the extremist elements, using political slogans as their cover, trespass certain limits and resort to outright banditry, start burning houses, banks, try to capture administrative building and so on," Putin said.


tass--2020-08-28--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeding 71,300

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 181 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 71,300 , the country ’ health ministry reported on Friday .
`` As many as 71,346 people ( or about 0.74 % out of the country ’ s population of 9.41 million - TASS ) have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 181 .
`` A total of 667 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the past day ) , '' it said .
According to the latest update , as many as 69,887 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease , including 237 in the past 24 hours .
A total of 1,504,964 people , or 15 % of the population have been tested for the novel coronavirus , including 7,543 during the day .
The effective reproduction number ( Rt ) , or the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person , for the past eight days is 1.2 .
Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with mass gathering not being banned .
The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day .
The country ’ s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November-December .

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. As many as 181 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 71,300, the country’ health ministry reported on Friday.
"As many as 71,346 people (or about 0.74% out of the country’s population of 9.41 million - TASS) have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 181.
"A total of 667 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak (six patient during the past day)," it said.
According to the latest update, as many as 69,887 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease, including 237 in the past 24 hours. A total of 1,504,964 people, or 15% of the population have been tested for the novel coronavirus, including 7,543 during the day. The effective reproduction number (Rt), or the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person, for the past eight days is 1.2.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day.
The country’s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November-December.


tass--2020-08-28--Diplomat blasts US sanctions for targeting Russian scientists working on COVID-19 vaccine

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Washington has slapped sanctions squarely against those Russian researchers and specialists who are working on the development of a vaccine to fight the coronavirus , said Maria Zakharova , spokeswoman for Russia ’ s Ministry of Foreign Affairs , on Friday .
`` We find it outrageous that three Russian scientific research institutes have been included on the American blacklist .
A particularly disturbing fact is that these sanctions precisely affect those scientists and specialists who for the past couple of months have been tirelessly laboring on the development of a Russian vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the American government is going to explain to its citizens this attempt to punish the people who are working successfully on a remedy against the disease , which has already taken the lives of over 180,000 US citizens , '' she noted .
The diplomat stated that these US sanctions may be an instrument of unfair competition .
`` We don ’ t believe that this is a step in the right direction in cooperating to fight the pandemic , the importance of which , we think , Washington can not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression that the run-of-the-mill use of sanctions is a tool of pressure to thrust forward one ’ s own companies ’ interests - right now pharmaceutical ones - which mirrors the continued push of its own natural gas into the European market , '' she stressed .
The spokeswoman pointed out that Washington has attributed its actions to the fact that the scientific research institutions affected by the sanctions were allegedly involved in chemical and biological weapons programs , but these accusations are not backed by any evidence .
She also mentioned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminated back in 2017 .
`` This is confirmed by the authorized international structure , the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , which includes 193 countries , among them the US .
Russia continues to conscientiously carry out all of its responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention ( CWC ) , '' the diplomat added .
According to the spokeswoman , this decision by the American authorities casts doubt on the effectiveness and professionalism of the OPCW .
`` Let us reiterate that the CWC clearly indicates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , Washington for a while now prefers to act not within the framework of international agreements , but at its own discretion , '' the diplomat specified .
She pointed out that today the US remains the only member country of the CWC preserving its chemical weapons arsenal .
`` Moreover , various inventions are being patented in the US related to the use of full-fledged combat toxic substances , including nerve agents , '' she pointed out .
The spokeswoman added that US activity in the biomedical sphere both domestically and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no grounds to assert that the activity of American biological labs fully complies with the provisions of the Biological Weapons Convention ( BWC ) , '' she continued .
As examples when US laboratories were engulfed in major international scandals , the spokeswoman shed light on the investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks in the US , where a Fort Detrick researcher was involved , as well as the activity of the Richard G. Lugar Center for Public Health Research in Georgia .
`` In order to resolve the issues related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we consider it necessary to activate the mechanism of Article 5 of the Convention , according to which , member states should consult each other to resolve any issues regarding the CWC .
Instead of using the pressure of sanctions , we suggest that the Americans sit down at the negotiating table and discuss all the accumulated issues in a bilateral format , '' the diplomat concluded .
The Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce has blacklisted the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s Central Research Institutes No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including its three locations in Sergiev Posad , Yekaterinburg , and the Kirov Region ) , as well as the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology in Moscow .
The American authorities claim they sanctioned Central Research Institute No .
33 because it is allegedly involved in a `` Russian chemical program and a chemical weapons testing facility , '' the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology , which allegedly participates in Russia ’ s `` chemical weapons program.
’ In addition , the US said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for allegedly being part of `` the Russian biological weapons program . ''

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Washington has slapped sanctions squarely against those Russian researchers and specialists who are working on the development of a vaccine to fight the coronavirus, said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday.
"We find it outrageous that three Russian scientific research institutes have been included on the American blacklist. A particularly disturbing fact is that these sanctions precisely affect those scientists and specialists who for the past couple of months have been tirelessly laboring on the development of a Russian vaccine against COVID-19. It is not clear how the American government is going to explain to its citizens this attempt to punish the people who are working successfully on a remedy against the disease, which has already taken the lives of over 180,000 US citizens," she noted.
The diplomat stated that these US sanctions may be an instrument of unfair competition. "We don’t believe that this is a step in the right direction in cooperating to fight the pandemic, the importance of which, we think, Washington cannot even deny. Once again one gets the impression that the run-of-the-mill use of sanctions is a tool of pressure to thrust forward one’s own companies’ interests - right now pharmaceutical ones - which mirrors the continued push of its own natural gas into the European market," she stressed.
The spokeswoman pointed out that Washington has attributed its actions to the fact that the scientific research institutions affected by the sanctions were allegedly involved in chemical and biological weapons programs, but these accusations are not backed by any evidence. She also mentioned that the entire Russian chemical arsenal had been eliminated back in 2017. "This is confirmed by the authorized international structure, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which includes 193 countries, among them the US. Russia continues to conscientiously carry out all of its responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)," the diplomat added.
Circumvention of international documents
According to the spokeswoman, this decision by the American authorities casts doubt on the effectiveness and professionalism of the OPCW. "Let us reiterate that the CWC clearly indicates the mechanisms used to resolve contentious issues. Unfortunately, Washington for a while now prefers to act not within the framework of international agreements, but at its own discretion," the diplomat specified.
She pointed out that today the US remains the only member country of the CWC preserving its chemical weapons arsenal. "Moreover, various inventions are being patented in the US related to the use of full-fledged combat toxic substances, including nerve agents," she pointed out.
The spokeswoman added that US activity in the biomedical sphere both domestically and abroad is also highly questionable. "There are no grounds to assert that the activity of American biological labs fully complies with the provisions of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)," she continued.
As examples when US laboratories were engulfed in major international scandals, the spokeswoman shed light on the investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks in the US, where a Fort Detrick researcher was involved, as well as the activity of the Richard G. Lugar Center for Public Health Research in Georgia.
"In order to resolve the issues related to the implementation of the CWC provisions, we consider it necessary to activate the mechanism of Article 5 of the Convention, according to which, member states should consult each other to resolve any issues regarding the CWC. Instead of using the pressure of sanctions, we suggest that the Americans sit down at the negotiating table and discuss all the accumulated issues in a bilateral format," the diplomat concluded.
Washington’s sanctions
The Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce has blacklisted the Russian Defense Ministry’s Central Research Institutes No. 33 and No. 48 (including its three locations in Sergiev Posad, Yekaterinburg, and the Kirov Region), as well as the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology in Moscow.
The American authorities claim they sanctioned Central Research Institute No. 33 because it is allegedly involved in a "Russian chemical program and a chemical weapons testing facility," the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology, which allegedly participates in Russia’s "chemical weapons program.’ In addition, the US said it blacklisted Central Research Institute No. 48 for allegedly being part of "the Russian biological weapons program."


tass--2020-08-29--South Ossetian government relieved from office

TSKHINVAL , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov relieved from office Prime Minister Erik Pukhaev and dismissed the government of the republic .
Deputy Prime Minister Gennady Bekoev is designated as acting Prime Minister , according to the decree published on the presidential website .
`` I hereby decree to release Pukhaev Erik Georgievich from the position of the chairman of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia according to his notice .
To announce the resignation of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia .
To assign temporary performance of obligations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic of South Ossetia to Bekoev Gennady Borisovich , '' the document said .
The president also tasked the government to fulfill its duties until the new cabinet of ministers is formed .
Several hundred people gathered in central Tskhinval on Friday following reports of a death of a local resident who had been detained on the previous day on suspicion of assassination attempt on Interior Minister Igor Naniev .
People demanded resignation of the government .
On Friday evening , South Ossetian Prime Minister Erik Pukhayev said he was stepping down due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also , earlier the president suspended the Interior Minister for the duration of the investigation .
He also took under control the investigation of both the assassination attempt and the excess of power which may have led to the death of a detainee .
The parliament of South Ossetia during the emergency session on Saturday approved an appeal to the president on the resignation of the Prosecutor General Uruzmag Dzhagaev .

TSKHINVAL, August 29. /TASS/. President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov relieved from office Prime Minister Erik Pukhaev and dismissed the government of the republic. Deputy Prime Minister Gennady Bekoev is designated as acting Prime Minister, according to the decree published on the presidential website.
"I hereby decree to release Pukhaev Erik Georgievich from the position of the chairman of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia according to his notice. To announce the resignation of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia. To assign temporary performance of obligations of the chairman of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia to Bekoev Gennady Borisovich," the document said.
The president also tasked the government to fulfill its duties until the new cabinet of ministers is formed.
Since 2014, Pukhaev had been deputy chairman of the government. In May 2017, he headed the government after the election of Bibilov.
Bekoev is 39 years old. He started career in public administration in 2004 working at the republic's defense ministry. In 2017-2018, he headed the republic’s committee of industry; in November 2018, he was appointed deputy prime minister - minister of economic development of the republic.
He underwent professional retraining under the program State and Municipal Management and studied at Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) majoring in system of state and municipal service.
Several hundred people gathered in central Tskhinval on Friday following reports of a death of a local resident who had been detained on the previous day on suspicion of assassination attempt on Interior Minister Igor Naniev. People demanded resignation of the government. On Friday evening, South Ossetian Prime Minister Erik Pukhayev said he was stepping down due to the demands of the rally participants.
Also, earlier the president suspended the Interior Minister for the duration of the investigation. He also took under control the investigation of both the assassination attempt and the excess of power, which may have led to the death of a detainee.
The parliament of South Ossetia during the emergency session on Saturday approved an appeal to the president on the resignation of the Prosecutor General Uruzmag Dzhagaev.


tass--2020-08-29--EU, US, UK, Switzerland urge Minsk to observe international obligations

BRUSSELS/LONDON , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
EU , US , UK , and Switzerland urge Belarusian authorities to observe their international obligations , particularly those in the sphere of human rights , the joint statement by the missions of the United States , the United Kingdom , Switzerland , and the European Union on behalf of the EU Member States published on the British government website said .
`` We call on the Belarusian authorities to respect the country ’ s international obligations on fundamental democratic and human rights , '' the statement said .
The countries also urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest rallies and `` hold those responsible to account . ''
Additionally , Brussels , Washington , London , and Bern declared `` solidarity with the people of Belarus who demand respect for fundamental freedoms and basic human rights through free and fair elections '' and `` are struck by the continued peaceful demonstrations across Belarus . ''
`` They show the determination and courage of the Belarusian people to seek democratic change , '' these countries assert .
The statement also contains the call for Belarusian authorities `` to stop the violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the country ’ s own citizens '' and the demand to `` release immediately and unconditionally all those unlawfully detained . ''
Earlier a similar statement was made public by the diplomatic missions of these countries in Minsk .
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9 .
According to the final results of the Central Election Committee , incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent , was second with 10.12 % .
Immediately after exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallies erupted in the country of those disagreeing with the election results .
In the early days these rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .
According to the republic ’ s Interior Ministry , over six thousand people were detained in the first days of the protests , dozens of policemen and protesters were injured .

BRUSSELS/LONDON, August 29. /TASS/. EU, US, UK, and Switzerland urge Belarusian authorities to observe their international obligations, particularly those in the sphere of human rights, the joint statement by the missions of the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Union on behalf of the EU Member States published on the British government website said.
"We call on the Belarusian authorities to respect the country’s international obligations on fundamental democratic and human rights," the statement said. The countries also urged to investigate crimes and abuses committed during protest rallies and "hold those responsible to account."
Additionally, Brussels, Washington, London, and Bern declared "solidarity with the people of Belarus who demand respect for fundamental freedoms and basic human rights through free and fair elections" and "are struck by the continued peaceful demonstrations across Belarus." "They show the determination and courage of the Belarusian people to seek democratic change," these countries assert.
The statement also contains the call for Belarusian authorities "to stop the violence and the threats to use military force against the country’s own citizens" and the demand to "release immediately and unconditionally all those unlawfully detained."
Earlier a similar statement was made public by the diplomatic missions of these countries in Minsk.
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9. According to the final results of the Central Election Committee, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.12%. Immediately after exit poll results were announced, mass protest rallies erupted in the country of those disagreeing with the election results. In the early days these rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. According to the republic’s Interior Ministry, over six thousand people were detained in the first days of the protests, dozens of policemen and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-29--677 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Moscow - crisis center

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Over the past 24 hours 677 new coronavirus infections were recorded in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ reported on Saturday .
`` There are 677 confirmed new cases of the coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ average number of new cases over a week has decreased by more than 22 % @ @ @ @ @ % of new cases are people over 80 , 10.2 % are children .
All @ @ @ @ @ who had been in contact with them are already under medical observation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ specified that according to the criteria of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights @ @ @ @ @ the value below one indicates a stable epidemiologic situation in the city .
Despite the @ @ @ @ @ , the number of new cases in Moscow remains low .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Over the past 24 hours 677 new coronavirus infections were recorded in Moscow, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Saturday.
"There are 677 confirmed new cases of the coronavirus infection in the capital. The average number of new cases over a week has decreased by more than 22% in two months. 8.7% of new cases are people over 80, 10.2% are children. All patients as well as those who had been in contact with them are already under medical observation," the statement said.
It is specified that according to the criteria of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, the value below one indicates a stable epidemiologic situation in the city. Despite the increase in coronavirus testing volumes, the number of new cases in Moscow remains low.


tass--2020-08-29--COVID-19 spread coefficient in Russia reaches one

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 spread coefficient in Russia has increased to reach the value of one .
In Moscow the coefficient is also at this mark for the second day in a row , according to TASS calculations based on the data from the coronavirus crisis center published on Saturday .
In five out of ten regions with the most number of infections this value remains below one .
These include the Krasnoyarsk and Moscow Regions ( 0.98 ) , the Sverdlovsk Region ( 0.97 ) , the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area ( 0.84 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the Rostov Region the coefficient was at the mark of one , in St. Petersburg - at 1.02 , in the Voronezh Region - at 1.05 , and in the Nizhny Novgorod Region the coefficient was at 1.14 which is the highest value for this region since the beginning of June .
The coronavirus spread coefficient shows how many people on average are infected by one infected person before isolation .
According to the consumer rights watchdog ’ s recommendations , those regions registering a figure that is equal to or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observing the norms of available `` infectious '' hospital slots and testing volumes , start to lift some of its coronavirus restrictive measures .
If the coefficient decreases to 0.8 and less , the region may enter the second stage , and upon reaching a value of 0.5 and less , it can move on to the third stage .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. The COVID-19 spread coefficient in Russia has increased to reach the value of one. In Moscow the coefficient is also at this mark for the second day in a row, according to TASS calculations based on the data from the coronavirus crisis center published on Saturday.
In five out of ten regions with the most number of infections this value remains below one. These include the Krasnoyarsk and Moscow Regions (0.98), the Sverdlovsk Region (0.97), the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (0.84), and the Irkutsk Region (0.79).
In the Rostov Region the coefficient was at the mark of one, in St. Petersburg - at 1.02, in the Voronezh Region - at 1.05, and in the Nizhny Novgorod Region the coefficient was at 1.14 which is the highest value for this region since the beginning of June.
The coronavirus spread coefficient shows how many people on average are infected by one infected person before isolation. According to the consumer rights watchdog’s recommendations, those regions registering a figure that is equal to or less than one, may, while observing the norms of available "infectious" hospital slots and testing volumes, start to lift some of its coronavirus restrictive measures. If the coefficient decreases to 0.8 and less, the region may enter the second stage, and upon reaching a value of 0.5 and less, it can move on to the third stage.


tass--2020-08-29--Number of foreign journalists in Belarus lose accreditation

MINSK , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
A number of journalists representing foreign media outlets had their accreditation annulled by @ @ @ @ @ on the decision of the Interagency Commission on Information Security , the Belarusian Association of @ @ @ @ @ According to the Association , the accreditation was annulled for journalists who represented in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ and the Deutsche Welle media group , the British BBC media group , the Associated @ @ @ @ @ France Press , Radio Liberty and others .
`` There is an announcement of the @ @ @ @ @ of the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus .
Due to that we are @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry Spokesman Anatoly Glaz told TASS .
The Interagency Commission on Information Security was @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian President in November 2017 .
It is a permanent collegial body which coordinates the @ @ @ @ @ other organizations implementing tasks on ensuring national security of the Republic of Belarus in the @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 29. /TASS/. A number of journalists representing foreign media outlets had their accreditation annulled by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry based on the decision of the Interagency Commission on Information Security, the Belarusian Association of Journalists reported on Saturday.
According to the Association, the accreditation was annulled for journalists who represented in Belarus the German ARD TV channel and the Deutsche Welle media group, the British BBC media group, the Associated Press agency, Reuters, France Press, Radio Liberty and others.
"There is an announcement of the Interagency Commission on Information Security of the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus. Due to that we are annulling accreditation," Belarusian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Anatoly Glaz told TASS.
The Interagency Commission on Information Security was created by the decree of Belarusian President in November 2017. It is a permanent collegial body which coordinates the activity of state bodies and other organizations implementing tasks on ensuring national security of the Republic of Belarus in the sphere of information.


tass--2020-08-29--Putin is not planning trip to Belarus yet - Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning to travel to Belarus yet , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday .
`` So far there are no travel plans , '' the Kremlin representative said answering the question whether the Russian President may visit Belarus in the near future .
When asked whether plans to hold a meeting of presidents of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) in Minsk in the fall are still in effect , the spokesman answered that `` the format [ of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The previous meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union took place in May in a videoconference format .
As the BelTA news agency reported then , according to its results the next summit was planned to be held face-to-face in Minsk in October or November .
The last time Putin was in Belarus with a working visit in June 2019 .
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9 .
According to the final results of the Central Election Committee , incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered his main opponent , was second with 10.12 % , she refused to recognize the election results .
Soon after she left for the neighboring Lithuania and initiated the creation of the Coordination Council with the goal to conduct a new election .
Mass protest rallies of those disagreeing with the election results continue in the country for almost three weeks .
In the early days these rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning to travel to Belarus yet, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday.
"So far there are no travel plans," the Kremlin representative said answering the question whether the Russian President may visit Belarus in the near future.
When asked whether plans to hold a meeting of presidents of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Minsk in the fall are still in effect, the spokesman answered that "the format [of the summit] is to be determined."
The previous meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union took place in May in a videoconference format. As the BelTA news agency reported then, according to its results the next summit was planned to be held face-to-face in Minsk in October or November.
The last time Putin was in Belarus with a working visit in June 2019.
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9. According to the final results of the Central Election Committee, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.12%, she refused to recognize the election results. Soon after she left for the neighboring Lithuania and initiated the creation of the Coordination Council with the goal to conduct a new election. Mass protest rallies of those disagreeing with the election results continue in the country for almost three weeks. In the early days these rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces.


tass--2020-08-29--Format of next EAEU summit to be defined

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Format of the next meeting of leaders of the member states of the @ @ @ @ @ ) scheduled for autumn in Minsk is to be defined , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov @ @ @ @ @ `` The format of the summit is to be determined , '' the Kremlin representative @ @ @ @ @ of the Eurasian Economic Union took place in May in a videoconference format .
As @ @ @ @ @ then , according to its results the next summit was planned to be held face-to-face @ @ @ @ @ November .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Format of the next meeting of leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) scheduled for autumn in Minsk is to be defined, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday.
"The format of the summit is to be determined," the Kremlin representative said.
The previous meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union took place in May in a videoconference format. As the BelTA news agency reported then, according to its results the next summit was planned to be held face-to-face in Minsk in October or November.


tass--2020-08-29--Western stance on Belarusian election was prepared in advance, Putin thinks

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
The refusal of the representatives of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) to observe the election in Belarus gives grounds to suspect that the position of the West regarding this process was prepared in advance .
This opinion Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced in an interview with Sergey Brilev on the Russia-1 TV channel aired on Saturday .
`` Belarusian authorities have invited the OSCE ODIHR to participate in the monitoring of the election .
Why didn ’ t they come ?
This immediately makes us think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results of this election has already been prepared , '' he said .
In the Russian leader ’ s opinion , some people may be doubtful about the results of the Belarusian election , although `` there is nothing ideal in the world , nor in politics , nor in economy , nor in the social sphere . ''
`` Even in nature nothing is ideal , even though it is the most perfect realm created by God , '' he added .
`` I have all grounds to doubt the absolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian leader stated .
That said , Putin has clearly stated the position of the Russian side .
`` We go on a premise that the election occurred .
I did this at once , we recognized its legitimacy and , as you know , I congratulated Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko on his victory in this election .
That ’ s it , '' the leader of Russian state concluded .
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9 .
According to the final results of the Central Election Committee , incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent , was second with 10.12 % , she refused to recognize the election results .
Soon after she left for the neighboring Lithuania and initiated the creation of the Coordination Council with the goal to conduct a new election .
Mass protest rallies of those disagreeing with the election results continue in the country for almost three weeks .
In the early days these rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. The refusal of the representatives of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the election in Belarus gives grounds to suspect that the position of the West regarding this process was prepared in advance. This opinion Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced in an interview with Sergey Brilev on the Russia-1 TV channel aired on Saturday.
"Belarusian authorities have invited the OSCE ODIHR to participate in the monitoring of the election. Why didn’t they come? This immediately makes us think that, basically, the position on the results of this election has already been prepared," he said.
In the Russian leader’s opinion, some people may be doubtful about the results of the Belarusian election, although "there is nothing ideal in the world, nor in politics, nor in economy, nor in the social sphere." "Even in nature nothing is ideal, even though it is the most perfect realm created by God," he added. "I have all grounds to doubt the absolute honesty of the doubtful," the Russian leader stated.
That said, Putin has clearly stated the position of the Russian side. "We go on a premise that the election occurred. I did this at once, we recognized its legitimacy and, as you know, I congratulated Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko on his victory in this election. That’s it," the leader of Russian state concluded.
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9. According to the final results of the Central Election Committee, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.12%, she refused to recognize the election results. Soon after she left for the neighboring Lithuania and initiated the creation of the Coordination Council with the goal to conduct a new election. Mass protest rallies of those disagreeing with the election results continue in the country for almost three weeks. In the early days these rallies were accompanied by clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces.


tass--2020-08-29--School year in Russia to begin on September 1, Putin says

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
New school year for schoolchildren and students in Russia will begin on September 1 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sergey Brilev on the Russia-1 TV channel on Saturday .
`` Yes , of course , the decision is made , on the regional and on the state level , '' Putin said , answering the corresponding question .
The President emphasized that it is necessary to do everything possible to comply with the requirements of sanitary doctors .
Speaking of protective masks at schools , Putin noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` It is not easy for the instructors .
We all need to understand this , '' the President noted .
The educational process at Russian institutions of secondary and higher education should be organized flexibly and creatively in the conditions of a remaining danger due to the spread of the coronavirus , Putin said .
`` Children will study in person , students - in person .
But here , I think , the requirements of the specialists are fair , since they indicate a flexible approach to the educational process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not difficult to do being in contact with doctors , '' he said .
Putin noted that in order to avoid crowding at the institutions of higher and secondary education , some classes may be conducted in an online format .
`` Yet without any damage to the quality of preparation , '' the president stressed .
He also supported the introduction of personalized courses of study at the educational institutions and preservation of the face-to-face educational format if it complies with the safety requirements .
`` If there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] laboratory classes with a small number of students , graduate students , and specialists - wonderful , this should be done , '' Putin pointed out .
Earlier , Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov during the President ’ s meeting with the members of the government reported that classes in Russian schools will begin on September 1 in a face-to-face format with the observation of all measures of sanitary safety .
Institutions of higher learning are not prohibited to hold classes in person , but external and evening courses should temporarily switch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitary watchdog has prepared the appropriate requirements on the coronavirus prevention at the institutions of higher learning together with the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. New school year for schoolchildren and students in Russia will begin on September 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sergey Brilev on the Russia-1 TV channel on Saturday.
"Yes, of course, the decision is made, on the regional and on the state level," Putin said, answering the corresponding question.
The President emphasized that it is necessary to do everything possible to comply with the requirements of sanitary doctors. Speaking of protective masks at schools, Putin noted that "sometimes it can be difficult." "It is not easy for the instructors. We all need to understand this," the President noted.
The educational process at Russian institutions of secondary and higher education should be organized flexibly and creatively in the conditions of a remaining danger due to the spread of the coronavirus, Putin said.
"Children will study in person, students - in person. But here, I think, the requirements of the specialists are fair, since they indicate a flexible approach to the educational process. One needs to approach it creatively, it’s not difficult to do being in contact with doctors," he said.
Putin noted that in order to avoid crowding at the institutions of higher and secondary education, some classes may be conducted in an online format. "Yet without any damage to the quality of preparation," the president stressed.
He also supported the introduction of personalized courses of study at the educational institutions and preservation of the face-to-face educational format if it complies with the safety requirements. "If there is no high risk during [face-to-face] laboratory classes with a small number of students, graduate students, and specialists - wonderful, this should be done," Putin pointed out.
Earlier, Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov during the President’s meeting with the members of the government reported that classes in Russian schools will begin on September 1 in a face-to-face format with the observation of all measures of sanitary safety.
Institutions of higher learning are not prohibited to hold classes in person, but external and evening courses should temporarily switch to a remote format. Russia’s sanitary watchdog has prepared the appropriate requirements on the coronavirus prevention at the institutions of higher learning together with the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education.


tass--2020-08-29--4,941 cases of COVID-19 infection detected in Russia over past 24 hours

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 4,941 , with 985,346 infections in all , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Saturday .
According to the crisis center , the daily growth has not exceeded 0.5 % for two weeks .
The lowest daily growth rates were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region ( 0 % ) , in the Moscow Region and in the Republic of Chechnya ( 0.2 % each ) , Moscow , the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region , the Tyva Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous Area , the Tambov , Smolensk , and Tula Regions ( 0.3 % each ) .
For instance , 677 new cases were detected in Moscow , 189 - in St. Petersburg , 163 cases - in the Moscow Region , 145 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , and 127 cases were detected in the Rostov Region .
In all , currently there are 163,938 cases of the COVID-19 infection in Russia .
The number of coronavirus patients discharged over the past 24 hours in Russia has increased by 5,917 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the crisis center , the total share of recoveries to date surpassed 81.6 % of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia .
Having recovered , in a day 1,393 patients were discharged in Moscow , 365 - in the Ulyanovsk Region , 170 patients - in the Arkhangelsk Region , 168 - in the Orenburg Region , and 148 patients were discharged in the Moscow Region .
The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Russia over the past 24 hours increased by 111 , compared to 110 the day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died which makes up 1.73 % of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia .
Over 24 hours , 15 fatalities were registered in St. Petersburg , 12 - in Moscow , seven fatalities - in the Sverdlovsk Region , and six fatalities were registered in the Rostov and Krasnoyarsk Regions each , while in 34 regions the number of fatalities has not exceeded five .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. The number of COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 4,941, with 985,346 infections in all, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Saturday.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth has not exceeded 0.5% for two weeks.
The lowest daily growth rates were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0%), in the Moscow Region and in the Republic of Chechnya (0.2% each), Moscow, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, the Tyva Republic, the Kamchatka Region, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, the Tambov, Smolensk, and Tula Regions (0.3% each).
For instance, 677 new cases were detected in Moscow, 189 - in St. Petersburg, 163 cases - in the Moscow Region, 145 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, and 127 cases were detected in the Rostov Region.
In all, currently there are 163,938 cases of the COVID-19 infection in Russia.
The number of coronavirus patients discharged over the past 24 hours in Russia has increased by 5,917, in all, 804,383 patients have recovered.
According to the crisis center, the total share of recoveries to date surpassed 81.6% of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia.
Having recovered, in a day 1,393 patients were discharged in Moscow, 365 - in the Ulyanovsk Region, 170 patients - in the Arkhangelsk Region, 168 - in the Orenburg Region, and 148 patients were discharged in the Moscow Region.
The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Russia over the past 24 hours increased by 111, compared to 110 the day before. In all, 17,025 patients have died which makes up 1.73% of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia.
Over 24 hours, 15 fatalities were registered in St. Petersburg, 12 - in Moscow, seven fatalities - in the Sverdlovsk Region, and six fatalities were registered in the Rostov and Krasnoyarsk Regions each, while in 34 regions the number of fatalities has not exceeded five.


tass--2020-08-29--Another 1,393 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow, deputy mayor says

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow doctors have cured another 1,393 patients infected with the coronavirus , bringing @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Saturday .
`` The number of recoveries @ @ @ @ @ Over the past day another 1,393 patients recovered after undergoing treatment .
The total number @ @ @ @ @ the infection has risen to 212,301 , '' she said .
According to the Deputy @ @ @ @ @ special tests after treatment to confirm the absence of the disease .
She reiterated that @ @ @ @ @ who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations .
Moscow residents , who have @ @ @ @ @ to donate their plasma .
People aged 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors @ @ @ @ @ have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , and Hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Moscow doctors have cured another 1,393 patients infected with the coronavirus, bringing the total to 212,301, Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Saturday.
"The number of recoveries in Moscow keeps growing. Over the past day another 1,393 patients recovered after undergoing treatment. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 212,301," she said.
According to the Deputy Mayor, the doctors conduct special tests after treatment to confirm the absence of the disease. She reiterated that upon discharge, all patients who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations. Moscow residents, who have recovered, have been asked to donate their plasma. People aged 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors, provided they do not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-08-29--Spontaneous rally in South Ossetia is over

TSKHINVAL , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Spontaneous rally of the residents of South Ossetia in downtown Tskhinval ended in the early morning , the participants left , head of parliamentary committee on foreign policy and inter-parliamentary relations Zaza Driaev told TASS .
`` People left at daybreak .
The lawmakers agreed to meet at the parliament at 11:00 .
The session is scheduled for 12:00 .
We ’ ll discuss the issue of the resignation of the general prosecutor , '' he said .
Earlier , the country ’ s acting Interior Minister Merab Pukhayev told TASS that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased the security measures in Tskhinval where an unauthorized meeting was underway .
According to different data , from several hundred to a thousand people were in attendance .
`` Currently the situation is calm , there are no people in the square .
The delegates will meet for an unscheduled session today , so we will continue to control the situation .
The increased security measures in the capital remain , '' he said .
Several hundred people gathered in central Tskhinval on Friday following reports of a death of a local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous day on suspicion of assassination attempt on Interior Minister Igor Naniyev .
People demanded resignation of the government .
On Friday evening , South Ossetian Prime Minister Erik Pukhayev said he was stepping down due to the demands of the rally participants .
The president has not yet accepted his resignation .
The lawmakers were also planning on holding an unscheduled session to discuss the resignation of the government , among other things , But , as TASS was told by the parliament ’ s press service , the session didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also demanding the resignation of the general prosecutor but didn ’ t reach compromise . ''
After that a group of opposition delegates joined the rally .

TSKHINVAL, August 29. /TASS/. Spontaneous rally of the residents of South Ossetia in downtown Tskhinval ended in the early morning, the participants left, head of parliamentary committee on foreign policy and inter-parliamentary relations Zaza Driaev told TASS.
"People left at daybreak. The lawmakers agreed to meet at the parliament at 11:00. The session is scheduled for 12:00. We’ll discuss the issue of the resignation of the general prosecutor," he said.
Earlier, the country’s acting Interior Minister Merab Pukhayev told TASS that the law enforcement of South Ossetia has maximally increased the security measures in Tskhinval where an unauthorized meeting was underway. According to different data, from several hundred to a thousand people were in attendance.
"Currently the situation is calm, there are no people in the square. The delegates will meet for an unscheduled session today, so we will continue to control the situation. The increased security measures in the capital remain," he said.
Situation in Tskhinval
Several hundred people gathered in central Tskhinval on Friday following reports of a death of a local resident who had been detained on the previous day on suspicion of assassination attempt on Interior Minister Igor Naniyev. People demanded resignation of the government.
On Friday evening, South Ossetian Prime Minister Erik Pukhayev said he was stepping down due to the demands of the rally participants. The president has not yet accepted his resignation.
The lawmakers were also planning on holding an unscheduled session to discuss the resignation of the government, among other things, But, as TASS was told by the parliament’s press service, the session didn’t take place since the "delegates were also demanding the resignation of the general prosecutor but didn’t reach compromise." After that a group of opposition delegates joined the rally.


tass--2020-08-29--Number of COVID-19 tests in Russia surpasses 36 mln

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists conducted over 36 mln tests overall for the presence of the @ @ @ @ @ of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on @ @ @ @ @ mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the Russian Federation , '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ over the past 24 hours .
According to the agency , to date , 210,662 @ @ @ @ @ due to the suspected coronavirus infection .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Russian specialists conducted over 36 mln tests overall for the presence of the coronavirus, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Saturday.
"Over 36 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the Russian Federation," the statement said.
334,000 tests were made over the past 24 hours.
According to the agency, to date, 210,662 patients remain under medical observation due to the suspected coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-08-29--Putin’s words about draw on Kuril Islands issue gave boost to ties with Japan - expert

TOKYO , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Relations between Japan and Russia got a boost under incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe following Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s 2012 words about the need to reach a hikiwake ( a judo term for a draw ) on the territorial dispute , Senior Research Fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Taisuke Abiru told TASS on Saturday .
The expert pointed out that Abe ’ s government indeed sought to make a peace treaty with Russia .
`` The important thing is that , from Japan ’ s standpoint , the making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution to the territorial dispute , '' Abiru added .
Abe announced at a press conference on Friday that he was stepping down for health reasons .
Since the mid-20th century , Russia and Japan have been holding consultations in order to clinch a peace treaty as a follow-up to World War II .
The southern Kuril Islands issue remains the sticking point .
In 1945 , the whole archipelago was handed over to the Soviet Union .
Tokyo laid claims to Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan and a group of uninhabited islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In November 2018 , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting in Singapore and agreed that Moscow and Tokyo would speed up peace treaty talks based on the 1956 Joint Declaration .
The document ended the state of war and said that the Soviet government was ready to hand Shikotan Island and a group of small islands over to Japan on condition that Tokyo would take control of them once a peace treaty was signed .

TOKYO, August 29. /TASS/. Relations between Japan and Russia got a boost under incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2012 words about the need to reach a hikiwake (a judo term for a draw) on the territorial dispute, Senior Research Fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Taisuke Abiru told TASS on Saturday.
The expert pointed out that Abe’s government indeed sought to make a peace treaty with Russia. "The important thing is that, from Japan’s standpoint, the making of a peace treaty should involve a solution to the territorial dispute," Abiru added.
Abe announced at a press conference on Friday that he was stepping down for health reasons.
Peace treaty issue
Since the mid-20th century, Russia and Japan have been holding consultations in order to clinch a peace treaty as a follow-up to World War II. The southern Kuril Islands issue remains the sticking point. In 1945, the whole archipelago was handed over to the Soviet Union. Tokyo laid claims to Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and a group of uninhabited islands referred to as Habomai in Japan.
In November 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting in Singapore and agreed that Moscow and Tokyo would speed up peace treaty talks based on the 1956 Joint Declaration. The document ended the state of war and said that the Soviet government was ready to hand Shikotan Island and a group of small islands over to Japan on condition that Tokyo would take control of them once a peace treaty was signed.


tass--2020-08-29--Abe’s resignation may lead to chill in Russia-Japan relations, expert says

MOSCOW , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Shinzo Abe ’ s resignation as Japanese prime minister may lead to a chill in relations between Moscow and Tokyo , head of the Department of Oriental Studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and a Valdai Discussion Club expert Dmitry Streltsov told TASS .
`` Our relations will inevitably cool because Abe was one of the drivers behind efforts to boost ties , particularly political ones , '' he said .
According to Streltsov , `` any politician who will replace Abe will not be as active on this track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will impact relations because they largely depend on the political atmosphere , '' the analyst pointed out .
Streltsov noted that Japan ’ s ruling Liberal Democratic Party pursued a long-term strategy of balanced diplomacy .
`` It is particularly aimed at ensuring good relations with neighbors , including Russia .
Any political leader will pay enough attention to the Russian track , '' he explained .
The expert also believes that peace treaty talks between Russia and Japan have reached a crisis stage and the next Japanese prime minister will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Abe announced at a press conference on Friday that he was stepping down for health reasons .
The Liberal Democratic Party is expected to elect its new chairman in September .

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Shinzo Abe’s resignation as Japanese prime minister may lead to a chill in relations between Moscow and Tokyo, head of the Department of Oriental Studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and a Valdai Discussion Club expert Dmitry Streltsov told TASS.
"Our relations will inevitably cool because Abe was one of the drivers behind efforts to boost ties, particularly political ones," he said. According to Streltsov, "any politician who will replace Abe will not be as active on this track and show as much enthusiasm. It will impact relations because they largely depend on the political atmosphere," the analyst pointed out.
Streltsov noted that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party pursued a long-term strategy of balanced diplomacy. "It is particularly aimed at ensuring good relations with neighbors, including Russia. Any political leader will pay enough attention to the Russian track," he explained.
The expert also believes that peace treaty talks between Russia and Japan have reached a crisis stage and the next Japanese prime minister will have to decide whether they need to be continued.
Abe announced at a press conference on Friday that he was stepping down for health reasons. The Liberal Democratic Party is expected to elect its new chairman in September.


tass--2020-08-29--Argentina records 11,717 new daily coronavirus cases

BUENOS AIRES , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
Another 11,717 coronavirus cases were recorded in Argentina in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ since the beginning of the pandemic , the country ’ s Health Ministry said .
@ @ @ @ @ the total number of cases has reached 392,009 .
Argentina ’ s death toll has @ @ @ @ @ many as 280,165 patients have recovered .
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Argentina @ @ @ @ @ country went on lockdown on March 20 .
On August 28 , coronavirus restrictions were @ @ @ @ @

BUENOS AIRES, August 29. /TASS/. Another 11,717 coronavirus cases were recorded in Argentina in the past 24 hours, the highest number since the beginning of the pandemic, the country’s Health Ministry said.
According to the ministry, the total number of cases has reached 392,009. Argentina’s death toll has risen to 8,271. As many as 280,165 patients have recovered.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Argentina on March 3. The country went on lockdown on March 20. On August 28, coronavirus restrictions were extended until September 20.


tass--2020-08-30--Washington concerned over China’s attempts to buy Ukraine’s Motor Sich

WASHINGTON , August 30 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced Washington ’ s concerns over China ’ s attempts to buy Ukraine ’ s Motor Sich engine building company during his phone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky , US State Department press service disclosed Saturday .
`` Secretary Pompeo raised U.S. concerns regarding malign PRC investment in Ukraine , including Beijing ’ s efforts to acquire the Motor Sich engine manufacturer , '' the Department ’ s press release reads .
The conversation took place on August 26 .
The sides also discussed the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine .
On August 7 , the media reported the Ukraine ’ s Prosecutor General ’ s Office arrested Motor Sich ’ s shares after Chinese investors and Ukrainian businessman Alexander Yaroslavky ’ s DCH Group filed an application to buy a share of the engine building company .
The application was filed by Beijing Xinwei Technology Group Co. , Ltd ’ s subsidiary Beijing Skyrizon and the DCH Group and its affiliated companies .
Motor Sich is one of the world ’ s largest producers of aviation engines and industrial gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
The company produces engines for Mi-8 , Mi-17 , Ka-226 helicopters , An-70 , An-124 , An-140 , An-148 and Yak-130 planes , as well as gas pumping machines and energy equipment .
After the dissolution of the USSR , the company continued to cooperate with Russia closely .
Following the 2014 coup in Ukraine , Kiev cut all military-technical cooperation with Moscow .

WASHINGTON, August 30. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced Washington’s concerns over China’s attempts to buy Ukraine’s Motor Sich engine building company during his phone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, US State Department press service disclosed Saturday.
"Secretary Pompeo raised U.S. concerns regarding malign PRC investment in Ukraine, including Beijing’s efforts to acquire the Motor Sich engine manufacturer," the Department’s press release reads.
The conversation took place on August 26. The sides also discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Belarus and in Ukraine.
On August 7, the media reported the Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office arrested Motor Sich’s shares after Chinese investors and Ukrainian businessman Alexander Yaroslavky’s DCH Group filed an application to buy a share of the engine building company.
The application was filed by Beijing Xinwei Technology Group Co., Ltd’s subsidiary Beijing Skyrizon and the DCH Group and its affiliated companies.
Motor Sich is one of the world’s largest producers of aviation engines and industrial gas turbines. It deals with over 100 countries. The company produces engines for Mi-8, Mi-17, Ka-226 helicopters, An-70, An-124, An-140, An-148 and Yak-130 planes, as well as gas pumping machines and energy equipment. After the dissolution of the USSR, the company continued to cooperate with Russia closely. Following the 2014 coup in Ukraine, Kiev cut all military-technical cooperation with Moscow.


tass--2020-08-30--Costa Rica requests $1.75 bln worth of aid from IMF

HAVANA , August 30 .
/TASS/ .
Costa Rican authorities made a decision to request a $ 1.75 billion worth @ @ @ @ @ Monetary Fund ( IMF ) in a bid to overcome the economic consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ website reported Saturday .
According to the report , the loan will span over three @ @ @ @ @ that the national deficit in 2020 may exceed 9 % of Costa Rican GDP .
@ @ @ @ @ bank predicts an economy contraction of 5 % .
In April , the IMF has @ @ @ @ @ an emergency financial aid of $ 504 million to fight the coronavirus .
Currently , @ @ @ @ @ in Costa Rica , 407 of them died .
On March 16 , the government @ @ @ @ @ , which involves temporary shutdown of educational facilities and bars , beach and parks , @ @ @ @ @ shutdown of borders .
In May , the authorities allowed restaurants and fitness halls to @ @ @ @ @ they will operate at 50 % capacity at most .

HAVANA, August 30. /TASS/. Costa Rican authorities made a decision to request a $1.75 billion worth of aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a bid to overcome the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, El Pais website reported Saturday.
According to the report, the loan will span over three years. The authorities report that the national deficit in 2020 may exceed 9% of Costa Rican GDP. The republic’s central bank predicts an economy contraction of 5%. In April, the IMF has already provided the republic with an emergency financial aid of $504 million to fight the coronavirus.
Currently, 38,485 people have contracted COVID-19 in Costa Rica, 407 of them died. On March 16, the government declared the state of emergency, which involves temporary shutdown of educational facilities and bars, beach and parks, cancellation of mass events and shutdown of borders. In May, the authorities allowed restaurants and fitness halls to reopen under a condition that they will operate at 50% capacity at most.


tass--2020-08-30--Thousands of people protest against COVID-19 restrictions in Ottawa

OTTAWA , August 30 .
/TASS/ .
Several thousand people have taken to the streets to protest against coronavirus-related restriction near the parliamentary complex in downtown Ottawa .
The protesters demand the Canadian authorities to cancel all coronavirus-related restrictions , arguing that they not only limit the people ’ s freedom , but also hurt the national economy .
`` Restrictions in Canada have been in effect since early march : the borders are closed , millions have lost their jobs and are dependent on state allowances ; many small businesses have closed and will never be open again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to work : some are simply fine with the allowances [ about CA $ 2,000 per month ] , while others are intimidated by the media , '' one protester told a TASS reporter .
According to her , several thousand people take part in the protest .
`` We began gathering at the Parliament at 14:00 [ Ottawa time ] , and the rally will end on 18:00 .
People come and go , but there are still a lot of us , there are thousands of people , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protest has gone peacefully .
The protesters try no unlawful actions .
A regime of harsh quarantine restrictions was in effect in Canada this spring ; since May , the restrictions have been gradually withdrawn .
Currently , public places in the country are open , but visitors are obliged to wear masks and observe social distancing .
Canadian borders will remain closed at least until September 30 .
The first COVID-19 case in Canada was registered on January 15 .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , over 127,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recovered , while 9,100 people died .

OTTAWA, August 30. /TASS/. Several thousand people have taken to the streets to protest against coronavirus-related restriction near the parliamentary complex in downtown Ottawa.
The protesters demand the Canadian authorities to cancel all coronavirus-related restrictions, arguing that they not only limit the people’s freedom, but also hurt the national economy.
"Restrictions in Canada have been in effect since early march: the borders are closed, millions have lost their jobs and are dependent on state allowances; many small businesses have closed and will never be open again, because their employees simply won’t go back to work: some are simply fine with the allowances [about CA$2,000 per month], while others are intimidated by the media," one protester told a TASS reporter.
According to her, several thousand people take part in the protest.
"We began gathering at the Parliament at 14:00 [Ottawa time], and the rally will end on 18:00. People come and go, but there are still a lot of us, there are thousands of people," the protester added.
So far, the protest has gone peacefully. The protesters try no unlawful actions.
A regime of harsh quarantine restrictions was in effect in Canada this spring; since May, the restrictions have been gradually withdrawn. Currently, public places in the country are open, but visitors are obliged to wear masks and observe social distancing. Canadian borders will remain closed at least until September 30.
The first COVID-19 case in Canada was registered on January 15. Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 127,000 people have contracted the disease, 113,500 of them have recovered, while 9,100 people died.


tass--2020-08-30--Eleven more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , August 30 .
/TASS/ .
Eleven more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ nearing 4,809 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ serious in Russia , has visibly improved .
By today , Moscow has reported more @ @ @ @ @ .
This includes 677 over the last 24 hours .
The number of patients who @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Eleven more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities nearing 4,809, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"Eleven coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious in Russia, has visibly improved. By today, Moscow has reported more than 261,038 confirmed coronavirus cases. This includes 677 over the last 24 hours. The number of patients who recovered reached 212,301 patients.


tass--2020-08-29--Belarusian opposition calls on Interior Minister to resign

MINSK , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition has called on the republic ’ s Internal Affairs Minister , Yuri Karaev , either to resign or to turn himself in , Maria Kolesnikova , a member of the presidium of the Coordination Council said during a live broadcast on YouTube on Saturday .
`` Mister Karaev , on August 13 , on the air of Belarusian television , you took responsibility for those who were roughed up .
Death of people , violence , unprecedented cruelty and torture of civilians - we all saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take responsibility for those events , you have two options - you either resign , or you must turn yourself in , '' she said .
The opposition in Belarus announced plans to create its own political movement in the country .
`` We plan to create a movement , '' Maria Kolesnikova , a member of the presidium of the opposition Coordination Council , said on Saturday in a live broadcast on YouTube .
She was responding to a question about the possibility of forming a political party .
According to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will return to this issue . ''
`` But it is very important to understand that now it has been 20 years , since not a single new party was registered in the country .
This suggests that the mechanisms for creating a party and its registration most likely do not work or work very poorly , just like all other laws we have , '' she said .
Kolesnikova also stressed that members of the Coordination Council of the opposition of Belarus work for free .
`` None of us has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said , adding that the council members work as volunteers .
Kolesnikova stressed that the council never asked the West for funding .
`` We learned from media about 53 million [ euros ] that the EU representatives spoke about , but we did not ask for it , '' she said .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
She refused to recognize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is currently in Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
In the early days of protests , there were clashes with law enforcement officers .
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs , more than 6,000 people were detained , several dozen law enforcement officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 29. /TASS/. The Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition has called on the republic’s Internal Affairs Minister, Yuri Karaev, either to resign or to turn himself in, Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the presidium of the Coordination Council said during a live broadcast on YouTube on Saturday.
"Mister Karaev, on August 13, on the air of Belarusian television, you took responsibility for those who were roughed up. Death of people, violence, unprecedented cruelty and torture of civilians - we all saw this. <...> If you take responsibility for those events, you have two options - you either resign, or you must turn yourself in," she said.
The opposition in Belarus announced plans to create its own political movement in the country.
"We plan to create a movement," Maria Kolesnikova, a member of the presidium of the opposition Coordination Council, said on Saturday in a live broadcast on YouTube. She was responding to a question about the possibility of forming a political party.
According to her, the members of the council "will return to this issue."
"But it is very important to understand that now it has been 20 years, since not a single new party was registered in the country. This suggests that the mechanisms for creating a party and its registration most likely do not work or work very poorly, just like all other laws we have," she said. Kolesnikova also stressed that members of the Coordination Council of the opposition of Belarus work for free.
"None of us has ever received money for what we do," she said, adding that the council members work as volunteers.
Kolesnikova stressed that the council never asked the West for funding.
"We learned from media about 53 million [euros] that the EU representatives spoke about, but we did not ask for it," she said.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. She refused to recognize the election’s results, left Belarus and is currently in Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. In the early days of protests, there were clashes with law enforcement officers. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 6,000 people were detained, several dozen law enforcement officers and protesters were injured.