tass--2020-07-22--UN Secretary General calls for de-escalation of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict

`` The Secretary General had a phone call with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia , '' Dujarric informed .
`` In both telephone conversations , the Secretary General expressed his ongoing concern over the hostilities < … > reported along the Armenia-Azerbaijan international border , as well as the prevailing tensions . ''
UNITED NATIONS , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has held talks over the phone with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev , calling on them to de-escalate the conflict between both states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dujarric informed on Wednesday .
`` The Secretary General reiterated his call for immediate and full de-escalation , refraining from provocative rhetoric and a return to negotiations , '' the spokesman added .
Guterres has expressed support for the work of the OSCE Minsk Group tasked with organizing the talks on peaceful regulation of the conflict .
Tensions flared up on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on July 12 , when Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry said that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions at the Tovuz section of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For its part , Yerevan accused Azerbaijan of breaching the border .
Baku said twelve servicemen of Azerbaijan ’ s army were killed since the clashes had begun .
Armenia , in turn , reported that four servicemen were killed in the hostilities , while 10 servicemen were wounded .
On July 17 , both sides of the conflict reported that the situation on the border is relatively stable .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"The Secretary General had a phone call with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia," Dujarric informed. "In both telephone conversations, the Secretary General expressed his ongoing concern over the hostilities <…> reported along the Armenia-Azerbaijan international border, as well as the prevailing tensions."
UNITED NATIONS, July 22. /TASS/. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has held talks over the phone with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, calling on them to de-escalate the conflict between both states, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric informed on Wednesday.
"The Secretary General reiterated his call for immediate and full de-escalation, refraining from provocative rhetoric and a return to negotiations," the spokesman added.
Guterres has expressed support for the work of the OSCE Minsk Group tasked with organizing the talks on peaceful regulation of the conflict.
Tensions flared up on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on July 12, when Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery systems. For its part, Yerevan accused Azerbaijan of breaching the border. Baku said twelve servicemen of Azerbaijan’s army were killed since the clashes had begun. Armenia, in turn, reported that four servicemen were killed in the hostilities, while 10 servicemen were wounded. On July 17, both sides of the conflict reported that the situation on the border is relatively stable.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-22--Confirmed coronavirus cases surpass 748,000 in Africa, WHO reports

PRETORIA , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
African nations have seen a single-day spike in coronavirus cases by 12,642 to @ @ @ @ @ Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday .
According @ @ @ @ @ Africa , the number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen by 259 to 15,685 , while @ @ @ @ @ 409,000 .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of coronavirus cases across Africa - @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll in Egypt tops 4,352 , while 88,402 cases have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ deaths from the coronavirus .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is ranked second to South @ @ @ @ @ 805 deaths ) and is followed by Ghana ( 28,989 cases and 153 deaths ) @

PRETORIA, July 22. /TASS/. African nations have seen a single-day spike in coronavirus cases by 12,642 to 748,856, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday.
According to the Regional Office for Africa, the number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen by 259 to 15,685, while the number of recoveries surpassed 409,000.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of coronavirus cases across Africa - 381,798, with 5,368 fatalities. The death toll in Egypt tops 4,352, while 88,402 cases have been confirmed. Algeria has registered 1,100 deaths from the coronavirus.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second to South Africa (37,801 cases and 805 deaths) and is followed by Ghana (28,989 cases and 153 deaths).


tass--2020-07-22--Moscow Court cancels arrest extension for ex-policemen in Meduza journalist Golunov case

`` After hearing the opinions of the sides , the court ruled to cancel the extension of detention of [ the defendants ] , [ … ] while keeping the defendants in custody until August 2 , '' the judge ruled .
MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow City Court canceled the ruling on extension of arrest of the four former policemen , accused of abuse of power and fabrication of evidence during apprehension of Meduza journalist Ivan Golunov .
On June 2 , Moscow ’ s Basmanny court extended arrest of the four ex-policemen until September 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ruling was made with serious procedural violations .
`` They were not even brought to the court , under the pretext of coronavirus prevention , but sanitary measures must not violate the rights of the defendant , '' says attorney Alexey Kovrizhkin , underscoring that the defendants were regularly taken out from the detention facility for investigative actions .
On June 6 , 2019 , Golunov was apprehended in Moscow over suspicion of drug dealing .
Following a public campaign in his support , the journalist was released and freed of charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interior fired five policemen who took part in Golunov ’ s apprehension , as well as Moscow Western Administrative District ’ s police chief Andrey Puchkov .
Reports from December 19 , 2019 , revealed that a criminal case was initiated over charges of abuse of power by the police officers .
Golunov was ruled a victim and received official apologies from the Western Administrative District police .
On January 30 , 2020 , the Basmanny Court arrested five drug police officers , who conducted Golunov ’ s apprehension .
They are accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and illegal possession of drugs .
Later , Konovalov was put under home arrest .

"After hearing the opinions of the sides, the court ruled to cancel the extension of detention of [the defendants], […] while keeping the defendants in custody until August 2," the judge ruled.
MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Moscow City Court canceled the ruling on extension of arrest of the four former policemen, accused of abuse of power and fabrication of evidence during apprehension of Meduza journalist Ivan Golunov.
On June 2, Moscow’s Basmanny court extended arrest of the four ex-policemen until September 7. However, their defense noted that the ruling was made with serious procedural violations.
"They were not even brought to the court, under the pretext of coronavirus prevention, but sanitary measures must not violate the rights of the defendant," says attorney Alexey Kovrizhkin, underscoring that the defendants were regularly taken out from the detention facility for investigative actions.
The Golunov case
On June 6, 2019, Golunov was apprehended in Moscow over suspicion of drug dealing. Following a public campaign in his support, the journalist was released and freed of charges. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior fired five policemen who took part in Golunov’s apprehension, as well as Moscow Western Administrative District’s police chief Andrey Puchkov.
Reports from December 19, 2019, revealed that a criminal case was initiated over charges of abuse of power by the police officers. Golunov was ruled a victim and received official apologies from the Western Administrative District police.
On January 30, 2020, the Basmanny Court arrested five drug police officers, who conducted Golunov’s apprehension. They are accused of power abuse, fabrication of evidence and illegal possession of drugs. Later, Konovalov was put under home arrest.


tass--2020-07-22--State Duma approves bill on tax maneuver in IT sector

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian State Duma , the lower house of the national diet , approved in the second and the third readings the bill on the fiscal maneuver in the IT sector .
The bill was initiated by the Russian government .
The rate of the income tax to be credited to the federal budget is set at the level of 3 % and the income tax rate to be credited to regional budget will be zero .
The right to apply the lower rate is suggested to be conferred to companies working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower tariffs of insurance contributions .
The reduced 7.6 % rate of insurance contributions will be set for IT companies since 2021 and perpetually .
The income tax rate of 3 % and the consolidated insurance contribution tariff of 7.6 % will also be lowered for designers and developers of electronic component base products and electronic ( radio electronic ) products .
The right to use reduced rates will apply to companies included into the register of enterprises providing services ( performing work ) on design and development of electronic component base products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be maintained by the Ministry of Industry and Trade .
The law also stipulates that individuals present on the Russian territory from 90 to 182 days inclusive in 2020 will have the right to recognize them as Russian tax residents in 2020 on the basis of an application filed to internal revenue authorities .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The Russian State Duma, the lower house of the national diet, approved in the second and the third readings the bill on the fiscal maneuver in the IT sector. The bill was initiated by the Russian government.
The rate of the income tax to be credited to the federal budget is set at the level of 3% and the income tax rate to be credited to regional budget will be zero. The right to apply the lower rate is suggested to be conferred to companies working in the IT sphere and eligible to apply lower tariffs of insurance contributions.
The reduced 7.6% rate of insurance contributions will be set for IT companies since 2021 and perpetually. The income tax rate of 3% and the consolidated insurance contribution tariff of 7.6% will also be lowered for designers and developers of electronic component base products and electronic (radio electronic) products.
The right to use reduced rates will apply to companies included into the register of enterprises providing services (performing work) on design and development of electronic component base products and electronic (radio electronic) products to be maintained by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The law also stipulates that individuals present on the Russian territory from 90 to 182 days inclusive in 2020 will have the right to recognize them as Russian tax residents in 2020 on the basis of an application filed to internal revenue authorities.


tass--2020-07-22--Gamaleya Center’s vaccine may pass registration in early August, health minister says

`` Most likely , it will obtain the registration certificate in the first decade , '' he said .
MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry may obtain the registration certificate in the first decade of August , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday .
Earlier on Wednesday , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , presenting to the State Duma the progress report , stated that four vaccines against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while trials for two vaccines developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry are in their final stage .
Liquid and freeze-dried forms of a vaccine were developed by the Gamaleya Center .
Clinical trials were conducted in the clinic of the Sechenov University and at the Burdenko Military Hospital .
According to the latest statistics , over 15,107,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 619,800 deaths have been reported .
To date , 789,190 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 12,745 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Most likely, it will obtain the registration certificate in the first decade," he said.
MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry may obtain the registration certificate in the first decade of August, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, presenting to the State Duma the progress report, stated that four vaccines against the coronavirus have already proven their safety while trials for two vaccines developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry are in their final stage.
Liquid and freeze-dried forms of a vaccine were developed by the Gamaleya Center. Clinical trials were conducted in the clinic of the Sechenov University and at the Burdenko Military Hospital.
According to the latest statistics, over 15,107,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 619,800 deaths have been reported. To date, 789,190 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 572,053 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 12,745 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-22--Kremlin slams attack on Russian journalists by US police

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia expects that the United States will take exhaustive measures to ensure personal @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday commenting on the incident with employees of Russia @ @ @ @ @ were attacked by US law enforcement officers .
`` We view as outrageous the attack @ @ @ @ @ of the United States .
We expect the US authorities to take exhaustive measures in @ @ @ @ @ of Russian journalists and to create proper conditions for unrestricted work of the media in @ @ @ @ @ .
Channel One ’ s press office said earlier in the day that the channel @ @ @ @ @ injured in the attack by `` camouflaged men '' in the US city of Portland @ @ @ @ @ since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russia expects that the United States will take exhaustive measures to ensure personal security of Russian journalists, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday commenting on the incident with employees of Russia’s Channel One who were attacked by US law enforcement officers.
"We view as outrageous the attack on Russian journalists by police of the United States. We expect the US authorities to take exhaustive measures in order to ensure personal security of Russian journalists and to create proper conditions for unrestricted work of the media in general," he said.
Channel One’s press office said earlier in the day that the channel’s film crew were injured in the attack by "camouflaged men" in the US city of Portland, where protests have continued since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May.


tass--2020-07-22--From 30 to 50% of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units die

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
From 30 to 50 % of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are in @ @ @ @ @ mortality rate among patients on ventilators is even higher - from 50 to 88 % @ @ @ @ @ s chief consulting pulmonologist Sergei Avdeev told reporters on Wednesday .
`` If we take @ @ @ @ @ care units for patients on mechanical ventilation , we see no substantial differences between countries @ @ @ @ @ rate [ of coronavirus patients ] in intensive care units is extremely high - from @ @ @ @ @ The mortality rate of patients on mechanical ventilation is even higher , unfortunately - from @ @ @ @ @ These are unprecedentedly large numbers , '' he said .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. From 30 to 50% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are in intensive care units die, mortality rate among patients on ventilators is even higher - from 50 to 88%, Russian Health Ministry’s chief consulting pulmonologist Sergei Avdeev told reporters on Wednesday.
"If we take the mortality rate in intensive care units for patients on mechanical ventilation, we see no substantial differences between countries. Unfortunately, the mortality rate [of coronavirus patients] in intensive care units is extremely high - from 30 to 50%. The mortality rate of patients on mechanical ventilation is even higher, unfortunately - from 50 to 88%. These are unprecedentedly large numbers," he said.


tass--2020-07-22--Norilsk Nickel to hold independent expert review of fuel spill

`` A world-class , international specialist environmental company , ERM has been selected to provide an independent review of the events surrounding the oil spill , the potential causes and remedial actions undertaken and planned , '' Norilsk Nickel said .
MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Norilsk Nickel will hold an independent expert review related to the diesel fuel spill at the CHPP-3 Combined Heat and Power Plant in Norilsk and selected ERM as an independent consultant , the Russian mining and metals company said on Wednesday .
The company will produce an independent report for the Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ERM will also assess other areas of environmental concern and report its findings and observations to the Task Team , according to the statement .
`` We have experienced a challenging few weeks in the company since the end of May .
We are determined to address the spill effectively and timeously , as well as other environmental issues that have arisen .
We are very pleased to have appointed ERM to assist in this process .
As a Board , we are totally committed to ensuring that we deal with all stakeholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Nornickel operates in an environmentally safe and effective manner , '' Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norilsk Nickel Gareth Penny says in a comment .
On May 29 , more than 21,000 tonnes of fuel spilled after a storage tank collapsed at a power plant operated by CHPP-3 , a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel , in the city of Norilsk .
The fuel leaked , flooding an area of 180,000 square meters of terrain and also into local rivers , causing damage to the environment .

"A world-class, international specialist environmental company, ERM has been selected to provide an independent review of the events surrounding the oil spill, the potential causes and remedial actions undertaken and planned," Norilsk Nickel said.
MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Norilsk Nickel will hold an independent expert review related to the diesel fuel spill at the CHPP-3 Combined Heat and Power Plant in Norilsk and selected ERM as an independent consultant, the Russian mining and metals company said on Wednesday.
The company will produce an independent report for the Environmental Task Team established by Norilsk Nickel. ERM will also assess other areas of environmental concern and report its findings and observations to the Task Team, according to the statement.
"We have experienced a challenging few weeks in the company since the end of May. We are determined to address the spill effectively and timeously, as well as other environmental issues that have arisen. We are very pleased to have appointed ERM to assist in this process. As a Board, we are totally committed to ensuring that we deal with all stakeholders in a transparent and open way and that Nornickel operates in an environmentally safe and effective manner," Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norilsk Nickel Gareth Penny says in a comment.
On May 29, more than 21,000 tonnes of fuel spilled after a storage tank collapsed at a power plant operated by CHPP-3, a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel, in the city of Norilsk. The fuel leaked, flooding an area of 180,000 square meters of terrain and also into local rivers, causing damage to the environment.


tass--2020-07-22--Russia to install missile attack warning system for Kazakhstan in 2020

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will install the Krokus warning system in Kazakhstan in 2020 to fulfil its commitments of providing the republic with information on a missile attack , Russian Space Force Commander Colonel-General Alexander Golovko said on Wednesday .
`` Our commitments stipulate providing them [ Kazakhstan ] with information on a missile attack .
We will carry it through this year… There is the Krokus warning system and precisely this system for Kazakhstan will be installed this year , '' the general said during a session of the International Affairs Committee in the upper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the summer of 2020 , the Balkhash radar center in Kazakhstan functioned in the Russian missile attack warning system .
It provided the radar field for missile attack warning in the southern strategic aerospace direction .
The radar in Kazakhstan was withdrawn from its combat alert on June 1 this year .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said on July 21 that the need for this radar had completely disappeared after four advanced radars were deployed on Russian territory .
The State Duma ( the lower house of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on terminating an agreement with Kazakhstan on the terms of the transfer and the procedure for the further use of the Balkhash station on the territory of Kazakhstan in the Russian missile attack warning system .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russia will install the Krokus warning system in Kazakhstan in 2020 to fulfil its commitments of providing the republic with information on a missile attack, Russian Space Force Commander Colonel-General Alexander Golovko said on Wednesday.
"Our commitments stipulate providing them [Kazakhstan] with information on a missile attack. We will carry it through this year… There is the Krokus warning system and precisely this system for Kazakhstan will be installed this year," the general said during a session of the International Affairs Committee in the upper house of Russia’s parliament.
Before the summer of 2020, the Balkhash radar center in Kazakhstan functioned in the Russian missile attack warning system. It provided the radar field for missile attack warning in the southern strategic aerospace direction. The radar in Kazakhstan was withdrawn from its combat alert on June 1 this year. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said on July 21 that the need for this radar had completely disappeared after four advanced radars were deployed on Russian territory.
The State Duma (the lower house of Russia’s parliament) adopted a bill on Tuesday on terminating an agreement with Kazakhstan on the terms of the transfer and the procedure for the further use of the Balkhash station on the territory of Kazakhstan in the Russian missile attack warning system.


tass--2020-07-22--Neighboring countries should have say on conditions for Libya settlement, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia assigns a significant part to Libya ’ s neighbors in resolving the conflict in that country , as their security depends on it , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint news conference with Algerian counterpart Sabri Boukadoum , held after their talks on Wednesday .
`` We assign the most active role [ in settlement ] to Libya ’ s neighbors - including Algeria , including Tunisia , including Egypt - as it is about normalization in a neighboring country for those states .
The security in both Algeria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how successfully the Libyan problems will be solved , '' Lavrov said .
`` We are convinced that all the Libyan sides should take part in direct talks at this stage of our joint efforts , and that all the neighbors of Libya must have a say in shaping the conditions for intra-Libyan settlement , '' he said answering a reporter ’ s question .
`` We can witness the consequences of NATO ’ s criminal adventure , namely the infiltration of terrorists through Libya into other African countries , arms smuggling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trafficking and illegal migration .
Without doubt , all that poses huge risks and threats for regional nations , including for our Algerian friends , '' he added .
The Russian foreign minister emphasized Algeria ’ s role in settling the Libya conflict .
`` Our Algerian friends , like the Russian Federation , work alongside all the Libyan political forces without exception , and I think that only in that is the key to success in a future solution to the problem , '' Lavrov said .
The Russian foreign minister recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighboring countries of Libya and the country ’ s both warring parties to the Libya conference in Berlin .
Nevertheless , many extra-regional players `` did not care at all about the fate of the people of Libya and about the fate of the Libyan state . ''
`` They simply destroyed that state .
They bet on one of the Libyan sides in their geopolitical games , absolutely ignoring the African Union ’ s point of view and the African Union ’ s attempts to normalize the situation somehow .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lavrov added .
Libya currently has two parallel bodies of executive power , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , along with the elected parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On April 4 , 2019 Haftar launched an offensive on Tripoli .
The government in the capital asked Turkey for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government of National Accord regained control over some regions seized by the LNA .
In particular , in May , the government forces seized the strategic al-Watiya airbase abandoned by Haftar forces .
Later , Turkey was reported to be holding talks with the Tripoli-based cabinet about a possibility of using the Libyan military bases like al-Watiya and the Misurata naval base ( 200 kilometers east of Tripoli ) .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russia assigns a significant part to Libya’s neighbors in resolving the conflict in that country, as their security depends on it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint news conference with Algerian counterpart Sabri Boukadoum, held after their talks on Wednesday.
"We assign the most active role [in settlement] to Libya’s neighbors - including Algeria, including Tunisia, including Egypt - as it is about normalization in a neighboring country for those states. The security in both Algeria and other neighbors of Libya relies on how successfully the Libyan problems will be solved," Lavrov said.
"We are convinced that all the Libyan sides should take part in direct talks at this stage of our joint efforts, and that all the neighbors of Libya must have a say in shaping the conditions for intra-Libyan settlement," he said answering a reporter’s question.
"We can witness the consequences of NATO’s criminal adventure, namely the infiltration of terrorists through Libya into other African countries, arms smuggling, other forms of organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration. Without doubt, all that poses huge risks and threats for regional nations, including for our Algerian friends," he added.
The Russian foreign minister emphasized Algeria’s role in settling the Libya conflict.
"Our Algerian friends, like the Russian Federation, work alongside all the Libyan political forces without exception, and I think that only in that is the key to success in a future solution to the problem," Lavrov said.
The Russian foreign minister recalled that Russia had insisted on inviting the neighboring countries of Libya and the country’s both warring parties to the Libya conference in Berlin. Nevertheless, many extra-regional players "did not care at all about the fate of the people of Libya and about the fate of the Libyan state."
"They simply destroyed that state. They bet on one of the Libyan sides in their geopolitical games, absolutely ignoring the African Union’s point of view and the African Union’s attempts to normalize the situation somehow. It was criminal behavior of our NATO counterparts," Lavrov added.
Libya crisis
Libya currently has two parallel bodies of executive power, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, along with the elected parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
On April 4, 2019 Haftar launched an offensive on Tripoli. The government in the capital asked Turkey for protection. Backed by Ankara, the Government of National Accord regained control over some regions seized by the LNA. In particular, in May, the government forces seized the strategic al-Watiya airbase abandoned by Haftar forces. Later, Turkey was reported to be holding talks with the Tripoli-based cabinet about a possibility of using the Libyan military bases like al-Watiya and the Misurata naval base (200 kilometers east of Tripoli).


tass--2020-07-22--Russia’s OSCE mission condemns attack on Russian journalists in Portland

TASS , July 22 .
The Russian Permanent Mission to the OSCE has condemned the attack on journalists of Russia @ @ @ @ @ the US city of Portland .
`` We strongly condemn the police attack on the @ @ @ @ @ protests in Portland .
We call on American colleagues to implement the provisions of the @ @ @ @ @ safety of journalists , '' the mission said in a Twitter post on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ of Channel One reported that its TV crew was hurt in an attack by people @ @ @ @ @ city of Portland .
Protests continue in Portland , Oregon , after the death of @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd in late May .

TASS, July 22. The Russian Permanent Mission to the OSCE has condemned the attack on journalists of Russia’s Channel One in the US city of Portland.
"We strongly condemn the police attack on the Channel One journalists covering the protests in Portland. We call on American colleagues to implement the provisions of the OSCE Ministerial Council decision on safety of journalists," the mission said in a Twitter post on Wednesday.
Earlier, the press service of Channel One reported that its TV crew was hurt in an attack by people wearing camouflage in the US city of Portland. Protests continue in Portland, Oregon, after the death of an African-American Minneapolis man named George Floyd in late May.


tass--2020-07-22--Elon Musk invited to cosmonautics museum in Russia’s Kaluga

KALUGA , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Acting Governor of Russia ’ s Kaluga Region Vladislav Shapsha has invited SpaceX founder Elon Musk to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics , he told reporters during a working visit of Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova to Kaluga .
`` Kaluga is the homeland of cosmonautics , and many famous people have visited this museum , '' the acting governor said .
`` We welcome everyone who has anything to do with space , and , of course , Elon Musk .
We are waiting for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' For her part , director of the museum Natalya Abakumova noted that Elon Musk often quotes prominent Soviet rocket scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky , so he is likely to be interested in visiting the museum .
Earlier , the family of Soviet rocket engineer Sergey Korolev invited Elon Musk to visit Moscow to show him historic cosmonautics sights .
For his part , Musk invited Korolev ’ s family to visit SpaceX factories and to attend one of the company ’ s next launches .
The Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first space museum in the world .
It was created with the direct participation of Sergey Korolev and first man in space Yuri Gagarin .
The new building of the museum in Kaluga is set to open by April 12 , 2021 .
Pioneer of astronautic theory Konstantin Tsiolkovsky ( 1857-1935 ) wrote the bulk of his works in Kaluga .

KALUGA, July 22. /TASS/. Acting Governor of Russia’s Kaluga Region Vladislav Shapsha has invited SpaceX founder Elon Musk to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics, he told reporters during a working visit of Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova to Kaluga.
"Kaluga is the homeland of cosmonautics, and many famous people have visited this museum," the acting governor said. "We welcome everyone who has anything to do with space, and, of course, Elon Musk. We are waiting for him, we invite him to come."
For her part, director of the museum Natalya Abakumova noted that Elon Musk often quotes prominent Soviet rocket scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, so he is likely to be interested in visiting the museum.
Earlier, the family of Soviet rocket engineer Sergey Korolev invited Elon Musk to visit Moscow to show him historic cosmonautics sights. For his part, Musk invited Korolev’s family to visit SpaceX factories and to attend one of the company’s next launches.
The Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics opened in 1967. This is the first space museum in the world. It was created with the direct participation of Sergey Korolev and first man in space Yuri Gagarin. The new building of the museum in Kaluga is set to open by April 12, 2021.
Pioneer of astronautic theory Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935) wrote the bulk of his works in Kaluga.


tass--2020-07-22--Algerian foreign minister thanks Russia for assistance in coronavirus response

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has provided significant assistance to Algeria in its response to the novel @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sabri Boukadoum said on Wednesday before his talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov .
@ @ @ @ @ against coronavirus , I would like to thank the Russian Federation for help provided via @ @ @ @ @ state-run arms export agency - TASS ] and for the deliveries of required equipment , @ @ @ @ @ That was a big contribution to Algeria ’ s fight against that infection . ''
@ @ @ @ @ out that his current visit to Moscow was arranged to advance the agreements reached by @ @ @ @ @ in their recent phone conversation .
`` We are bound by many areas of cooperation @ @ @ @ @ common under the strategic partnership agreement , '' Boukadoum said .
`` Together we will @ @ @ @ @ various aspects of bilateral relations through the implementation of real projects , '' he concluded @

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russia has provided significant assistance to Algeria in its response to the novel coronavirus spread, Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum said on Wednesday before his talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
"As for the fight against coronavirus, I would like to thank the Russian Federation for help provided via Rosoboronexport [Russia’s state-run arms export agency - TASS] and for the deliveries of required equipment," he noted. "That was a big contribution to Algeria’s fight against that infection."
The Algerian foreign minister pointed out that his current visit to Moscow was arranged to advance the agreements reached by the two countries’ presidents in their recent phone conversation.
"We are bound by many areas of cooperation and have many things in common under the strategic partnership agreement," Boukadoum said. "Together we will try to strengthen and promote various aspects of bilateral relations through the implementation of real projects," he concluded.


tass--2020-07-22--Seasonal surge in COVID-19 infections will be in November, expert says

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
A seasonal surge of the coronavirus incidence in Russia is possible from November to January although it won ’ t be very pronounced , said chief of the epidemiology and evidence-based medicine department of the Sechenov Medical University , chief non-resident epidemiologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Dr. Nikolay Briko on Wednesday .
`` It appears that the seasonal surge in the COVID-19 infections will happen .
Obviously , this is the same time frame as with other acute respiratory infections , somewhere in November-December , January , '' he said answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
According to him , the manifestation of this seasonal surge won ’ t be very pronounced because the virus by circulating among population , adapts to humans and decreases its virulence .
`` The most danger is presented by the viruses that have newly emerged .
They will appear without a doubt .
Every year we see one or two new infectious diseases , '' he explained .
Earlier , Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova reported that the second wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia in the fall , there are `` enough '' risks for it .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. A seasonal surge of the coronavirus incidence in Russia is possible from November to January although it won’t be very pronounced, said chief of the epidemiology and evidence-based medicine department of the Sechenov Medical University, chief non-resident epidemiologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Dr. Nikolay Briko on Wednesday.
"It appears that the seasonal surge in the COVID-19 infections will happen. Obviously, this is the same time frame as with other acute respiratory infections, somewhere in November-December, January," he said answering the question about the possible situation in Russia.
According to him, the manifestation of this seasonal surge won’t be very pronounced because the virus by circulating among population, adapts to humans and decreases its virulence. "The most danger is presented by the viruses that have newly emerged. They will appear without a doubt. Every year we see one or two new infectious diseases," he explained.
Earlier, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova reported that the second wave of the coronavirus infection may appear in Russia in the fall, there are "enough" risks for it.


tass--2020-07-22--Nord Stream 2 to remain profitable despite sanctions, Moscow says

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will remain an economically sound project owing to Europe ’ s need for Russian energy resources , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with First Deputy Director-General of TASS Mikhail Gusman .
`` Both the TurkStream and the Nord Stream 2 are economically feasible projects .
They will not be present at all if there is no economic aspect in these projects , '' Grushko said , responding to the question whether the projects will remain profitable in the conditions of US sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our estimates alone but this is also the demand of the states interested in receiving Russian gas safely and on a long-term basis , '' the diplomat said .
Although EU countries set the goal of abandoning hydrocarbons use by 2050 , the forecast demand for the Russian gas on the European market will remain at the current level by 2030 , Grushko said .
The Russian gas currently accounts for 40 % of gas consumption in Europe ; at the same time , diversification of liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher imports from the US .
`` However , it is characteristic that the share of our LNG is growing at a quick pace .
Therefore , grounds are in place to believe that these projects will remain economically feasible from the standpoint of gas demands for the foreseeable future , which is related to the payback of projects you have mentioned , '' Grushko said .
The success in implementing the Nord Stream 2 project will depend in the first instance on the political will of Europeans and their ability to cope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on economic indicators , the diplomat added .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will remain an economically sound project owing to Europe’s need for Russian energy resources, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with First Deputy Director-General of TASS Mikhail Gusman.
"Both the TurkStream and the Nord Stream 2 are economically feasible projects. They will not be present at all if there is no economic aspect in these projects," Grushko said, responding to the question whether the projects will remain profitable in the conditions of US sanctions. "Such economic feasibility is not our estimates alone but this is also the demand of the states interested in receiving Russian gas safely and on a long-term basis," the diplomat said.
Although EU countries set the goal of abandoning hydrocarbons use by 2050, the forecast demand for the Russian gas on the European market will remain at the current level by 2030, Grushko said. The Russian gas currently accounts for 40% of gas consumption in Europe; at the same time, diversification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies is underway in the EU, including higher imports from the US.
"However, it is characteristic that the share of our LNG is growing at a quick pace. Therefore, grounds are in place to believe that these projects will remain economically feasible from the standpoint of gas demands for the foreseeable future, which is related to the payback of projects you have mentioned," Grushko said.
The success in implementing the Nord Stream 2 project will depend in the first instance on the political will of Europeans and their ability to cope with the US pressure, rather than on economic indicators, the diplomat added.


tass--2020-07-22--Russian troops employ drone-simulating targets for first time in Tajikistan drills

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The armored and motor rifle units of Russia ’ s 201st military base in Tajikistan employed drone-simulating targets for the first time during tactical drills , the press office of the Central Military District reported on Wednesday .
`` Shooting sections with target sets simulating unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) were created for the first time during the drills .
The new types of targets are being introduced due to the increased role of UAVs and the analysis of the experience of present-day military conflicts , '' the press office said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crews of T-72 tanks and motor rifle units supported by artillery were mastering cohesion with attached and supporting forces in conducting a present-day all-arms battle .
The troops also practiced attacking the frontline of the enemy ’ s defense , seizing advantageous frontiers and camouflaging positions , the statement says .
Overall , the drills involved about 500 personnel and more than 50 items of armament and military hardware .
Russia ’ s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : the 201st military base in Tajikistan , the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan .
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia ’ s largest military facility outside its borders .
The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar .
The military base ’ s armament includes T-72 tanks , BTR-82A armored personnel carriers , Grad multiple launch rocket systems , Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems .
Under the agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042 .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The armored and motor rifle units of Russia’s 201st military base in Tajikistan employed drone-simulating targets for the first time during tactical drills, the press office of the Central Military District reported on Wednesday.
"Shooting sections with target sets simulating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were created for the first time during the drills. The new types of targets are being introduced due to the increased role of UAVs and the analysis of the experience of present-day military conflicts," the press office said in a statement.
During two days, the crews of T-72 tanks and motor rifle units supported by artillery were mastering cohesion with attached and supporting forces in conducting a present-day all-arms battle. The troops also practiced attacking the frontline of the enemy’s defense, seizing advantageous frontiers and camouflaging positions, the statement says.
Overall, the drills involved about 500 personnel and more than 50 items of armament and military hardware.
Russia’s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan.
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia’s largest military facility outside its borders. The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar. The military base’s armament includes T-72 tanks, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, Grad multiple launch rocket systems, Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems.
Under the agreement signed in October 2012, Russia’s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042.


tass--2020-07-22--Nurse becomes TV anchor after incident with transparent protective suit

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
A nurse of the infectious hospital of the regional clinical hospital in Tula , Nadezhda Zhukova , who had been in the spotlight in May when she wore a transparent protective suit over a swimsuit , will appear on air as a weather presenter , the Vesti-Tula TV channel reported on Wednesday .
A picture of the healthcare worker from the Tula hospital dressed in a bathing suit and transparent protective gear was spread via the social networks on May 19 .
According to the nurse , she was hot wearing the protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was rather transparent .
`` Starting from July 22 , the weather forecast in the Tula regional broadcasts of Russia-1 and Russia-24 TV channels will be presented by probably the most famous nurse and [ famous ] not only in Russia , '' the statement said .
However , the regional subsidiary of the TV channel pointed out that the nurse doesn ’ t plan on leaving the medical field and is preparing to become a doctor .
The weather forecast project featuring her as an anchor is aimed to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. A nurse of the infectious hospital of the regional clinical hospital in Tula, Nadezhda Zhukova, who had been in the spotlight in May when she wore a transparent protective suit over a swimsuit, will appear on air as a weather presenter, the Vesti-Tula TV channel reported on Wednesday.
A picture of the healthcare worker from the Tula hospital dressed in a bathing suit and transparent protective gear was spread via the social networks on May 19. According to the nurse, she was hot wearing the protective gear but she hadn’t foreseen that it was rather transparent.
"Starting from July 22, the weather forecast in the Tula regional broadcasts of Russia-1 and Russia-24 TV channels will be presented by probably the most famous nurse and [famous] not only in Russia," the statement said.
However, the regional subsidiary of the TV channel pointed out that the nurse doesn’t plan on leaving the medical field and is preparing to become a doctor. The weather forecast project featuring her as an anchor is aimed to support the healthcare workers in the region.


tass--2020-07-22--Iranian top diplomat lauds phone call with Putin

TEHRAN , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif informed that during his visit to Moscow @ @ @ @ @ phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted for about one hour .
`` @ @ @ @ @ with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov , besides I had a safe phone conversation with @ @ @ @ @ the sake of observing his COVID-19 special protocols , '' Zarif said , quoted by @ @ @ @ @ I read out the special message of [ Iranian ] President Rouhani on the JCPOA @ @ @ @ @ we also discussed various issues of mutual interest , '' the minister noted .
The @ @ @ @ @ the phone call between Zarif and Putin so far .
On July 21 , during @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergey Lavrov , Zarif handed over a message from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to @ @

TEHRAN, July 22. /TASS/. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif informed that during his visit to Moscow, he had held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted for about one hour.
"We had a satisfying talk with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, besides I had a safe phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the sake of observing his COVID-19 special protocols," Zarif said, quoted by IRNA news agency.
"I read out the special message of [Iranian] President Rouhani on the JCPOA to his Russian counterpart and we also discussed various issues of mutual interest," the minister noted.
The Kremlin has not informed about the phone call between Zarif and Putin so far.
On July 21, during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Zarif handed over a message from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Putin.


tass--2020-07-22--Russian Navy air defense forces shadow German, US spy aircraft over Baltic and Black Seas

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The air defense quick reaction alert forces of Russia ’ s Black Sea @ @ @ @ @ and German spy planes over the Black and Baltic Seas , the National Defense Control @ @ @ @ @ `` Today , the reconnaissance radar systems of these fleets ’ air defense quick reaction @ @ @ @ @ Force P-8A Poseidon and U-2S reconnaissance planes over the Black Sea and a German Air @ @ @ @ @ over the Baltic Sea , '' the Center said in a statement .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ forces of the Black Sea and Baltic Fleets carried out their shadowing , '' it @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s state border were allowed , the National Defense Control Center stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ have to scramble their aircraft to intercept NATO planes approaching Russia ’ s borders .
@ @ @ @ @ , the Northern Fleet ’ s fighter aircraft shadowed a Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The air defense quick reaction alert forces of Russia’s Black Sea and Baltic Fleets shadowed US and German spy planes over the Black and Baltic Seas, the National Defense Control Center reported on Wednesday.
"Today, the reconnaissance radar systems of these fleets’ air defense quick reaction alert forces detected US Air Force P-8A Poseidon and U-2S reconnaissance planes over the Black Sea and a German Air Force P-3C Orion spy aircraft over the Baltic Sea," the Center said in a statement.
"The air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Black Sea and Baltic Fleets carried out their shadowing," it said.
No violations of Russia’s state border were allowed, the National Defense Control Center stressed.
The Russian Armed Forces regularly have to scramble their aircraft to intercept NATO planes approaching Russia’s borders. Thus, on July 17, the Northern Fleet’s fighter aircraft shadowed a Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion plane over the Barents Sea.


tass--2020-07-22--Four Daesh supporters plotting terror attack eliminated in Kabardino-Balkariya,FSB reports

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) prevented a terror attack in the Kabardino-Balkariya Region , prepared by supporters of Daesh [ IS , Islamic State ] terror group , four militants were destroyed in the process , FSB press service told TASS Wednesday .
`` The Federal Security Service , in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior , thwarted a terror attack against law enforcement employees of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic at the preparation stage ; [ the attack was ] planned by the members of a cell of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , '' the press service said .
Four militants were caught in the mountainous area of Chegem district .
The terrorists resisted apprehension and were eliminated .
`` A ready to use improvised explosive device was found at their safe house , as well as components for explosive device , means of communications , which contained messaging history between the terror group members who discussed the planned attack , '' the press service said .
An assault rifle , a carbine , two handguns and ammo were also discovered at the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed , the press service said , adding that the investigation continues .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) prevented a terror attack in the Kabardino-Balkariya Region, prepared by supporters of Daesh [IS, Islamic State] terror group, four militants were destroyed in the process, FSB press service told TASS Wednesday.
"The Federal Security Service, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, thwarted a terror attack against law enforcement employees of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic at the preparation stage; [the attack was] planned by the members of a cell of the Islamic State terror group, outlawed in Russia," the press service said.
Four militants were caught in the mountainous area of Chegem district. The terrorists resisted apprehension and were eliminated.
"A ready to use improvised explosive device was found at their safe house, as well as components for explosive device, means of communications, which contained messaging history between the terror group members who discussed the planned attack," the press service said.
An assault rifle, a carbine, two handguns and ammo were also discovered at the scene. Initiation of criminal proceedings is being discussed, the press service said, adding that the investigation continues.


tass--2020-07-22--State Duma passes bill on digital financial assets

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The State Duma , the lower house of the Russian diet , approved in the third reading the bill on digital financial assets and digital currency .
The approved version of the law gives a definition to the digital currency .
The digital currency is recognized as an aggregate of electronic data capable of being accepted as the payment means , not being the monetary unit of the Russian Federation or a foreign state , and as investments .
The digital currency can not be used at the same time to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets forth that digital financial assets or DFA are digital rights comprising money claims , ability to exercise rights under negotiable securities , rights to participate in equity of a non-public stock company and right to claim transfer of negotiable securities set in a resolution on the DFA issue Digital assets can be issued , purchased and sold and registered within the framework of special information systems .
Systems and their operators shall conform to Russian laws and stand filed in a relevant register kept by the Bank of Russia .
The Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features of digital assets accessible by qualified investors only .
The law prescribes rules of floating and circulation of digital financial assets .
The Central Bank is vested with the authority to maintain the register of information systems and the register of operators of digital financial assets exchange and supervise the business of information system operators .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian diet, approved in the third reading the bill on digital financial assets and digital currency.
The approved version of the law gives a definition to the digital currency. The digital currency is recognized as an aggregate of electronic data capable of being accepted as the payment means, not being the monetary unit of the Russian Federation or a foreign state, and as investments. The digital currency cannot be used at the same time to pay for any goods and services. The law sets forth that digital financial assets or DFA are digital rights comprising money claims, ability to exercise rights under negotiable securities, rights to participate in equity of a non-public stock company and right to claim transfer of negotiable securities set in a resolution on the DFA issue
Digital assets can be issued, purchased and sold and registered within the framework of special information systems. Systems and their operators shall conform to Russian laws and stand filed in a relevant register kept by the Bank of Russia. The Central Bank will have the right to determine features of digital assets accessible by qualified investors only.
The law prescribes rules of floating and circulation of digital financial assets. The Central Bank is vested with the authority to maintain the register of information systems and the register of operators of digital financial assets exchange and supervise the business of information system operators.


tass--2020-07-22--Current nature of NATO eliminates possibility of Russia’s membership, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The current nature of NATO eliminates the possibility of Russia forming part of the alliance , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman .
`` This is not about Russia joining [ the alliance ] , this is about the nature of this organization .
The current nature of the organization rules out such prospects , '' he said in response to a question about the possibility of Russia forming part of NATO .
`` But if something unthinkable happens and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO created in 1949 and its statutes no longer function , that it does not meet real security requirements , that it is impossible to facilitate Western hegemony through NATO , that NATO does not work as a connecting link uniting the Transatlantic and that something pan-European can be built based on it , then we will be able to dream about this , '' Grushko said .
The diplomat reminded that when Russia had offered to join NATO , it had also offered to sign an agreement on collective security in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this collective European security .
The deputy foreign minister noted that it would not be right for Russia to join an organization of an anti-Russian nature .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The current nature of NATO eliminates the possibility of Russia forming part of the alliance, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
"This is not about Russia joining [the alliance], this is about the nature of this organization. The current nature of the organization rules out such prospects," he said in response to a question about the possibility of Russia forming part of NATO.
"But if something unthinkable happens and if members of the alliance realize that the NATO created in 1949 and its statutes no longer function, that it does not meet real security requirements, that it is impossible to facilitate Western hegemony through NATO, that NATO does not work as a connecting link uniting the Transatlantic and that something pan-European can be built based on it, then we will be able to dream about this," Grushko said.
The diplomat reminded that when Russia had offered to join NATO, it had also offered to sign an agreement on collective security in Europe, with its potential NATO membership contributing to this collective European security.
The deputy foreign minister noted that it would not be right for Russia to join an organization of an anti-Russian nature.


tass--2020-07-22--EU July Summit a success, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister says

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The outcome of the EU summit may be called successful despite the remaining disagreements in the community , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview for TASS Wednesday .
`` We can say already that , from the standpoint of substance , this was a success for the EU .
To agree on budgets for 2021-2027 was a highly complicated task .
Many doubted that this task could be solved at all , considering the divide that currently exists in the EU , '' Grushko said .
The senior diplomat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the regions , most affected by the pandemic , is also a successful outcome of the summit .
However , the situation in the EU is complicated and the line of divide goes along many directions , the Deputy Foreign Minister said .
`` This is the East-West [ divide ] , closer to the security sphere .
This is also the North-South [ divide ] in many regards : the thrifty nations versus those affected by the pandemic , who strived to comply with the EU budgetary discipline demands even before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the EU member nations will have to solve maters of common foreign policy , `` which has its projections on the EU ’ s internal state . ''
Grushko named relations with the US , China and Russia as the main directions of the EU ’ s foreign policy .
He noted that it is too early to provide final and detailed assessment of the summit ’ s outcome : `` it is necessary to look from the specialists ’ point of view , how sustainable these instruments will be , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands . ''
The EU Summit , which took place between July 17 and July 21 , adopted the seven-year budget plan of 1,074.3 billion for the commonwealth and made a decision to create a non-budgetary 750 billion Euro fund for restoration of the EU economy .
The European Commission will draw all money for the fund as bonds with repayment before 2058 .
Of those 750 , 390 billion will be distributed among the most affected countries and EU regions as grants , while the remaining 390 billion will be distributed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be provided to Italy as the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The outcome of the EU summit may be called successful despite the remaining disagreements in the community, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview for TASS Wednesday.
"We can say already that, from the standpoint of substance, this was a success for the EU. To agree on budgets for 2021-2027 was a highly complicated task. Many doubted that this task could be solved at all, considering the divide that currently exists in the EU," Grushko said.
The senior diplomat opined that the adopted program of aid to the regions, most affected by the pandemic, is also a successful outcome of the summit.
However, the situation in the EU is complicated and the line of divide goes along many directions, the Deputy Foreign Minister said.
"This is the East-West [divide], closer to the security sphere. This is also the North-South [divide] in many regards: the thrifty nations versus those affected by the pandemic, who strived to comply with the EU budgetary discipline demands even before that," he explained.
Besides, the EU member nations will have to solve maters of common foreign policy, "which has its projections on the EU’s internal state." Grushko named relations with the US, China and Russia as the main directions of the EU’s foreign policy.
He noted that it is too early to provide final and detailed assessment of the summit’s outcome: "it is necessary to look from the specialists’ point of view, how sustainable these instruments will be, how well they will correlate to the real demands."
About the EU Summit
The EU Summit, which took place between July 17 and July 21, adopted the seven-year budget plan of 1,074.3 billion for the commonwealth and made a decision to create a non-budgetary 750 billion Euro fund for restoration of the EU economy. The European Commission will draw all money for the fund as bonds with repayment before 2058. Of those 750, 390 billion will be distributed among the most affected countries and EU regions as grants, while the remaining 390 billion will be distributed as preferential loans. Almost 209 billion Euro will be provided to Italy as the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-07-22--Russia’s Duma passes bill equaling alienation of territories to extremism in third reading

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State Duma adopted a bill equaling alienation of Russian territories to extremism @ @ @ @ @ .
The bill says that extremism not only includes violation of the territorial integrity of @ @ @ @ @ of a part of its territory .
However , delimitation , demarcation and re-demarcation of @ @ @ @ @ neighboring states are not covered by the new law .
The bill was accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ , which adds new clause 280.2 - violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ of 6 to 10 years in prison .
The package also includes administrative fines for @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is the first bill to be prepared following the amendments to the @ @ @ @ @ Many hotheads will probably cool down after we adopt the norms under this law .
@ @ @ @ @ is punished very seriously .
All calls to cut off a region or its part @ @ @ @ @ , '' says State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russian State Duma adopted a bill equaling alienation of Russian territories to extremism in the third reading Wednesday.
The bill says that extremism not only includes violation of the territorial integrity of Russia, but also alienation of a part of its territory.
However, delimitation, demarcation and re-demarcation of the Russian state border with neighboring states are not covered by the new law.
The bill was accompanied by amendments to the Criminal Code, which adds new clause 280.2 - violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation - which carries penalty of 6 to 10 years in prison. The package also includes administrative fines for calls to alienation of territories.
"This is the first bill to be prepared following the amendments to the Constitution. […] Many hotheads will probably cool down after we adopt the norms under this law. They will understand that this is punished very seriously. All calls to cut off a region or its part must be thwarted very strictly," says State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin.


tass--2020-07-22--Russian COVID-19 vaccine proven safe and effective, says health minister

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia has proven its effectiveness and safety , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday .
`` We see that there is the effectiveness [ of the vaccine ] , the safety is confirmed .
But always , when more people are involved - we obtain more data < ... > that is why it is exactly the work with the population , the work with large data - those are the requirements we have formulated now and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All patients were discharged from the hospitals today , and one more vaccine has passed the ethical committee and received approval , now they are obtaining the expert evaluation and clinical trials will also start , '' the minister said .
According to the latest statistics , over 15,107,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 619,800 deaths have been reported .
To date , 789,190 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 572,053 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 12,745 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. The coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia has proven its effectiveness and safety, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday.
"We see that there is the effectiveness [of the vaccine], the safety is confirmed. But always, when more people are involved - we obtain more data <...> that is why it is exactly the work with the population, the work with large data - those are the requirements we have formulated now and are presenting to the post-registration observations as well. All patients were discharged from the hospitals today, and one more vaccine has passed the ethical committee and received approval, now they are obtaining the expert evaluation and clinical trials will also start," the minister said.
According to the latest statistics, over 15,107,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 619,800 deaths have been reported. To date, 789,190 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 572,053 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 12,745 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-22--Aggressive steps by US security agencies against journalists unacceptable, says diplomat

MOSCOW , July 22 .
/TASS/ .
Deliberate aggressive steps by US security agencies against mass media representatives are unacceptable , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday , commenting on an attack against Russian reporters in the United States .
`` Today , a film crew of Channel One was attacked by police in the US .
They used force against journalists and damaged professional equipment .
We believe that deliberate aggressive steps by American security agencies against mass media representatives are unacceptable , '' Zakharova said .
Zakharova called on competent agencies in the US to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international law and Washington ’ s commitments in the field of human rights and freedom of mass media .
The diplomat noted that in the wake of this incident Russia would turn to international organizations .
`` This is not the first case of disproportionate use of force by US police against Russian journalists .
In connection with this situation we will be forced to again turn to international organizations , which are tasked to protect journalists ’ rights and freedoms , '' she said .
Earlier , the press service of Channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured in an attack by people dressed in camouflage in the US city of Portland .
Protests continue in Portland , Oregon , after the death of African-American George Floyd in late May in Minneapolis .
Last week , armed federal officers were involved in dispersing rioters .
This decision came under criticism of the Democratic Party .
Governor of Oregon , Democrat Kate Brown demanded US President Donald Trump withdraw federal officers from the city and stop detaining protesters .

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Deliberate aggressive steps by US security agencies against mass media representatives are unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday, commenting on an attack against Russian reporters in the United States.
"Today, a film crew of Channel One was attacked by police in the US. They used force against journalists and damaged professional equipment. We believe that deliberate aggressive steps by American security agencies against mass media representatives are unacceptable," Zakharova said.
Zakharova called on competent agencies in the US to treat the press right in accordance with international law and Washington’s commitments in the field of human rights and freedom of mass media.
The diplomat noted that in the wake of this incident Russia would turn to international organizations. "This is not the first case of disproportionate use of force by US police against Russian journalists. In connection with this situation we will be forced to again turn to international organizations, which are tasked to protect journalists’ rights and freedoms," she said.
Earlier, the press service of Channel One reported that the film crew was injured in an attack by people dressed in camouflage in the US city of Portland.
Protests continue in Portland, Oregon, after the death of African-American George Floyd in late May in Minneapolis. Last week, armed federal officers were involved in dispersing rioters. This decision came under criticism of the Democratic Party. Governor of Oregon, Democrat Kate Brown demanded US President Donald Trump withdraw federal officers from the city and stop detaining protesters.


tass--2020-07-22--Maxonrow Organizes Hackathon to Reimagine Blockchain for Healthcare Solutions

TAIPEI , Taiwan , July 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxonrow announces its first-ever MAXathon , an online hackathon from September 5 to October 3 , 2020 , where blockchain experts , developers , and other tech enthusiasts will reimagine blockchain for healthcare applications in response to the global challenges propagated by pandemics .
MAXathon 's challenges are based on Maxonrow SDK , which the company used to build MedsLOCK , a control and communication ecosystem that provides real-time insights during pandemics created in tandem with Avantas Tech Accelerator .
`` Privacy is a key issue during the current and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockchain platforms ensure that information is shared without compromising privacy .
With MedsLOCK , we make sure we add trust to the data flow , '' said Muhammad Salman Anjum , Avantas ' Managing Director .
MAXathon participants will have a chance to win from a €15,000 prize pool by building solutions for five challenges .
The challenges include solutions for contact tracing , issuing health and vaccine certifications , welfare , social networking , and data analytics .
How To Sign Up ?
Registrations are open now on hackathon.maxonrow.com .
Participants must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge platform before September 30 , 2020 .
From now till September 30 , there will be a series of online events including webinars and tutorials to enrich participants ' experience .
After all submissions have been reviewed , 20 teams will be selected to attend the Demo Day on October 3 , 2020 , where they will pitch their solutions to the final jury .
The winning team of each track will win €3,000 for a total of €15,000 in prizes .

TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxonrow announces its first-ever MAXathon, an online hackathon from September 5 to October 3, 2020, where blockchain experts, developers, and other tech enthusiasts will reimagine blockchain for healthcare applications in response to the global challenges propagated by pandemics.
Challenge Categories
MAXathon's challenges are based on Maxonrow SDK, which the company used to build MedsLOCK, a control and communication ecosystem that provides real-time insights during pandemics created in tandem with Avantas Tech Accelerator.
"Privacy is a key issue during the current and future pandemics, and as such, blockchain platforms ensure that information is shared without compromising privacy. With MedsLOCK, we make sure we add trust to the data flow," said Muhammad Salman Anjum, Avantas' Managing Director.
Prizes
MAXathon participants will have a chance to win from a €15,000 prize pool by building solutions for five challenges. The challenges include solutions for contact tracing, issuing health and vaccine certifications, welfare, social networking, and data analytics.
How To Sign Up?
Registrations are open now on hackathon.maxonrow.com. Participants must register and submit their project on the challenge platform before September 30, 2020. From now till September 30, there will be a series of online events including webinars and tutorials to enrich participants' experience. After all submissions have been reviewed, 20 teams will be selected to attend the Demo Day on October 3, 2020, where they will pitch their solutions to the final jury. The winning team of each track will win €3,000 for a total of €15,000 in prizes.
CONTACT: Ximena Cordon, Marketing Communications Director, ximena@maxonrow.com, +886 0901-481-282, Maxonrow LTD


tass--2020-07-22--SKYWORTH Launches S81 Pro TV with Industry-leading Gaming-Level Specifications

SHENZHEN , China , July 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SKYWORTH , a leading global television brand , today launched the S81 Pro , a premium TV with gaming-level specifications at its Summer launch event .
At the launch event , SKYWORTH also announced the latest addition to its 8K ecosystem , the LIFErecorder 5G Box .
The two new offerings are testament to SKYWORTH 's dedication to perfecting the 5G+8K and smart home ecosystem , creating an all-inclusive and ultra-connected experience for consumers .
Tony Wang , Chief Executive and President of SKYWORTH TV said `` At SKYWORTH , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company is to add value for our customers .
With over 30 years of experience and expertise in the market , SKYWORTH has been at the forefront of developing next-generation technologies and services .
We are dedicated to standing by our motto and continuously strive to enhance and improve the lives of our customers through our latest value-adding product offering . ''
S81 Pro – A Flagship with Best-in-class Configuration that Delivers a Supreme Gaming and Viewing Experience Powered by Crystal Motion OLED ( CMO ) technology , the S81 Pro performs video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen , delivering an ultra-smooth and stutter-free visual experience , replicating a refresh rate similar to 240Hz .
With built-in Wi-Fi 6 hardware , which supports a lightning fast speed of 9.6Gbps , users can seamlessly access the 4K 120FPS and 8K 60 FPS online videos .
The S81 Pro also supports VRR ( Variable Refresh Rate ) all the way from the port to the SoC , and to the screen , automatically adapting the screen refresh rate to the inputted frame rate in real time to guarantee an optimal frame rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eliminating image stuttering and freezing for a smooth gaming experience .
Using advanced AI technologies like facial recognition and scene detection , the 4K AI Image Processing Engine sharpens , brightens and improves picture quality in real time .
Featuring the 3D LUT Original Film Colors function which shapes and fine-tunes color , saturation and brightness using a professional-level color calibration technique .
Coupled with the 20-Point White Balance setting , the S81 Pro achieves △E 0.98 , an expert level of color accuracy , bringing all the visuals on your screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S81 Pro is also SKYWORTH 's first TV to adopt home-grown OLED basic modules equipped with Crystal Sound OLED ( CSO ) technology .
Producing sound through screen vibrations , CSO technology is able to beautifully and precisely sync sounds with motion pictures , offering a realistic audio output .
Coupled with the Dolby Atmos Speaker System ( DASS ) 2.0.2 , the two CSO channels create a sense of sound coming from above , providing users with a supreme surround-sound experience that is truly immersive .
As the pioneer of AIoT , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a range of features that enhance connectivity , further extending the application of big-screen AIoT and far-field cross-screen interactions .
Paired with the Swaiot PANEL , the S81 Pro can access SKYWORTH 's Swaiot OS , an open ecosystem which allows the TV to serve as a hub for smart home devices .
Users can also enjoy SKYWORTH 's cross-screen connection feature through the Swaiot APP , achieving all-scenario screen mirroring and enhancing the gaming experience for mobile gamers .
With TrensAI , SKYWORTH 's smart home assistant , the S81 Pro responds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet users ' needs , supported by TrensAI Voice Assistant , TrensAI AOD ( Always On Display ) and TrensAI EYE , a pop-up AI camera .
As the world enters the year of 5G commercial applications , SKYWORTH is leading the trend by creating a full circle 5G + 8K ecosystem that offers consumers a seamless , low latency and ultra-high definition viewing experience .
At SKYWORTH 's Spring Launch this year , the brand debuted the LIFErecorder 8K camera , answering consumers ' need for more 8K content .
To further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SKYWORTH introduced the LIFErecorder 5G Box , the industry 's first 5G module tailored for 8K cameras .
The device will enable 8K cameras to transmit high-quality video content in high-speed , benefiting users ' viewing experience .
To further enrich the company 's 8K offering , SKYWORTH also announced a number of strategic partnerships with content providers to make more high quality 8K video content available for its users to enjoy .
SKYWORTH continuously innovates and expands its product offering .
To enrich the Swaiot Ecosystem , the brand recently announced partnerships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer even more smart home solutions .
SKYWORTH TVs can now be connected to over 20 billion smart home devices , covering over 60 device categories .
The S81 Pro comes in 55 '' and 65 '' and will be available in China at RMB 12,999 and RMB 19,999 respectively starting August 10 .
SKYWORTH GROUP LIMITED ( HKG : 00751 ) is a leading supplier of uniquely advanced and affordable technology solutions .
It is valued in excess of US $ 19 billion and employs over 40,000 people worldwide ( as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Shenzhen , China 's `` Silicon Valley '' , SKYWORTH offers consumer electronics , display devices , digital set-top boxes , security monitors , network communication , semi-conductors , refrigerators , washing machines , cell phones and LED lighting .
Founded in 1988 , it is now one of the Top Five Color TV brands in the world and a top brand in the Chinese display industry market .
It is also a Top Three global provider of the Android TV platform .
For more information , please visit : https : @ @

SHENZHEN, China, July 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SKYWORTH, a leading global television brand, today launched the S81 Pro, a premium TV with gaming-level specifications at its Summer launch event. At the launch event, SKYWORTH also announced the latest addition to its 8K ecosystem, the LIFErecorder 5G Box. The two new offerings are testament to SKYWORTH's dedication to perfecting the 5G+8K and smart home ecosystem, creating an all-inclusive and ultra-connected experience for consumers.
Tony Wang, Chief Executive and President of SKYWORTH TV said "At SKYWORTH, we believe our core value as a company is to add value for our customers. With over 30 years of experience and expertise in the market, SKYWORTH has been at the forefront of developing next-generation technologies and services. We are dedicated to standing by our motto and continuously strive to enhance and improve the lives of our customers through our latest value-adding product offering."
S81 Pro – A Flagship with Best-in-class Configuration that Delivers a Supreme Gaming and Viewing Experience
Powered by Crystal Motion OLED (CMO) technology, the S81 Pro performs video frame interpolation on a 120Hz 4K OLED screen, delivering an ultra-smooth and stutter-free visual experience, replicating a refresh rate similar to 240Hz. With built-in Wi-Fi 6 hardware, which supports a lightning fast speed of 9.6Gbps, users can seamlessly access the 4K 120FPS and 8K 60 FPS online videos. The S81 Pro also supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) all the way from the port to the SoC, and to the screen, automatically adapting the screen refresh rate to the inputted frame rate in real time to guarantee an optimal frame rate for a range of different gaming scenarios, eliminating image stuttering and freezing for a smooth gaming experience.
Using advanced AI technologies like facial recognition and scene detection, the 4K AI Image Processing Engine sharpens, brightens and improves picture quality in real time. Featuring the 3D LUT Original Film Colors function which shapes and fine-tunes color, saturation and brightness using a professional-level color calibration technique. Coupled with the 20-Point White Balance setting, the S81 Pro achieves △E 0.98, an expert level of color accuracy, bringing all the visuals on your screen to life in true-to-life color.
The S81 Pro is also SKYWORTH's first TV to adopt home-grown OLED basic modules equipped with Crystal Sound OLED (CSO) technology. Producing sound through screen vibrations, CSO technology is able to beautifully and precisely sync sounds with motion pictures, offering a realistic audio output. Coupled with the Dolby Atmos Speaker System (DASS) 2.0.2, the two CSO channels create a sense of sound coming from above, providing users with a supreme surround-sound experience that is truly immersive.
As the pioneer of AIoT, SKYWORTH has packed the S81 Pro with a range of features that enhance connectivity, further extending the application of big-screen AIoT and far-field cross-screen interactions. Paired with the Swaiot PANEL, the S81 Pro can access SKYWORTH's Swaiot OS, an open ecosystem which allows the TV to serve as a hub for smart home devices. Users can also enjoy SKYWORTH's cross-screen connection feature through the Swaiot APP, achieving all-scenario screen mirroring and enhancing the gaming experience for mobile gamers. With TrensAI, SKYWORTH's smart home assistant, the S81 Pro responds intelligently 24/7 via far-field voice control to meet users' needs, supported by TrensAI Voice Assistant, TrensAI AOD (Always On Display) and TrensAI EYE, a pop-up AI camera.
Pairing the LIFErecorder 5G Box with LIFErecorder 8K Camera – Perfecting SKYWORTH's 5G + 8K Ecosystem
As the world enters the year of 5G commercial applications, SKYWORTH is leading the trend by creating a full circle 5G + 8K ecosystem that offers consumers a seamless, low latency and ultra-high definition viewing experience. At SKYWORTH's Spring Launch this year, the brand debuted the LIFErecorder 8K camera, answering consumers' need for more 8K content. To further enhance the company's 8K ecosystem, SKYWORTH introduced the LIFErecorder 5G Box, the industry's first 5G module tailored for 8K cameras. The device will enable 8K cameras to transmit high-quality video content in high-speed, benefiting users' viewing experience. To further enrich the company's 8K offering, SKYWORTH also announced a number of strategic partnerships with content providers to make more high quality 8K video content available for its users to enjoy.
SKYWORTH continuously innovates and expands its product offering. To enrich the Swaiot Ecosystem, the brand recently announced partnerships with Midea, JD.com and Huawei Cloud to offer even more smart home solutions. SKYWORTH TVs can now be connected to over 20 billion smart home devices, covering over 60 device categories.
The S81 Pro comes in 55" and 65" and will be available in China at RMB 12,999 and RMB 19,999 respectively starting August 10.
About SKYWORTH
SKYWORTH GROUP LIMITED (HKG: 00751) is a leading supplier of uniquely advanced and affordable technology solutions. It is valued in excess of US$ 19 billion and employs over 40,000 people worldwide (as of 1 March 2019). Headquartered in Shenzhen, China's "Silicon Valley", SKYWORTH offers consumer electronics, display devices, digital set-top boxes, security monitors, network communication, semi-conductors, refrigerators, washing machines, cell phones and LED lighting. Founded in 1988, it is now one of the Top Five Color TV brands in the world and a top brand in the Chinese display industry market. It is also a Top Three global provider of the Android TV platform. For more information, please visit: https://www.skyworth.net/global.
CONTACT: SKYWORTH: Kaven Lai, Phone: +86 189 2873 5549, Email: laixiang@skyworth.com; Lydia Xie, Phone: +86 185 2036 0310, Email: xielidi@skyworth.com; BCW for SKYWORTH: Vivien Law, Phone: +852 2963 6715, Email: vivien.law@bcw-global.com; Cathy Leung, Phone: +852 2963 6782, Email: cathy.leung@bcw-global.com


tass--2020-07-22--Mohamed A. El-Erian Appointed Chair of Gramercy Funds Management

GREENWICH , Connecticut , July 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gramercy Funds Management , a dedicated Emerging Markets investment firm , today announced that Mohamed A. El-Erian has been appointed Chair of the firm , a new position .
El-Erian has been an investor and Senior Advisor to Gramercy since April 2019 .
His work with the firm has focused on global macroeconomic themes and their implications for emerging market investments .
This has permitted Gramercy to strengthen the top-down framework that supports and augments its institutionalized bottom-up investment analysis in EM .
In this new position , El-Erian will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas : • Providing the investment team with global , regional and country perspectives on economic , market and geopolitical developments ; • Offering insights on a range of investment-related matters ( in particular , global investment trends and their immediate and longer-term impacts on emerging markets asset classes ) ; • Helping to decode economic and policy developments , focusing on their potential emerging markets effects ; • Developing macro themes that inform and influence individual trades and ; '' Over the last year , Mohamed has made a material contribution to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he will further help ensure that Gramercy realizes its mission of having a positive impact on the well-being of our clients , portfolio investments and team members , '' said Robert Koenigsberger , Managing Partner and CIO of Gramercy Funds Management .
`` Mohamed is a perfect fit for Gramercy as he is one of the most brilliant top-down decoders of macro themes , an investor who can transform those themes into investible ideas and he has long shared our passion for Emerging Markets '' Koenigsberger added .
`` It has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Gramercy over the last 16 months , especially on issues and in an area that I am very passionate about .
Having gotten to know well the team and investors , my already-high respect and admiration for the firm has only grown .
As such , I am excited to take on this new role , particularly at a time when we are all looking to navigate the unusual uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 shock , '' said El-Erian .
He added , `` Gramercy is exceptionally well positioned to be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myriad of challenges facing both investors and issuers in emerging markets , impacting the people they serve and employ . ''
El-Erian is President-elect of Queens ' College , Cambridge University and Chief Economic Advisor to Allianz .
Prior to that he was CEO and Co-Chief Investment Officer of PIMCO ( 2007-14 ) , which he originally joined in 1999 to lead its emerging markets portfolio management team .
He served as Chairman of the Global Development Council under President Obama , spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO and President of the Harvard Management Company .
He also spent time as a managing director at Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup in London .
He has served as Professor of Practice at the Wharton School ( University of Pennsylvania ) and Senior Global Follow at the Lauder Institute .
El-Erian is a member of the IMF 's External Advisory Group , a trustee of several non-profits ( including serving on the executive committee of the NBER ) and a board member of Barclays and Under Armour .
He is a contributing editor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg , in addition to having written two best-selling books on economics and finance .
Gramercy is a dedicated emerging markets investment manager based in Greenwich , CT with offices in London and Buenos Aires .
The $ 4.75 billion firm , founded in 1998 , seeks to provide investors with superior risk-adjusted returns through a comprehensive approach to emerging markets supported by a transparent and robust institutional platform .
Gramercy offers both alternative and long-only strategies across emerging markets asset classes including capital solutions , private credit , distressed debt , USD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt , and special situations .
Gramercy is a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC and a Signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment ( UNPRI ) .
Gramercy Ltd , an affiliate , is registered with the FCA .
For more information , please visit www.gramercy.com

GREENWICH, Connecticut, July 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gramercy Funds Management, a dedicated Emerging Markets investment firm, today announced that Mohamed A. El-Erian has been appointed Chair of the firm, a new position.
El-Erian has been an investor and Senior Advisor to Gramercy since April 2019. His work with the firm has focused on global macroeconomic themes and their implications for emerging market investments. This has permitted Gramercy to strengthen the top-down framework that supports and augments its institutionalized bottom-up investment analysis in EM.
In this new position, El-Erian will actively contribute to Gramercy in the following areas:
Providing the investment team with global, regional and country perspectives on economic, market and geopolitical developments;
Offering insights on a range of investment-related matters (in particular, global investment trends and their immediate and longer-term impacts on emerging markets asset classes);
Helping to decode economic and policy developments, focusing on their potential emerging markets effects;
Developing macro themes that inform and influence individual trades and;
Advising on specific investment issues, including multi-asset allocations.
"Over the last year, Mohamed has made a material contribution to our business. In this new role, he will further help ensure that Gramercy realizes its mission of having a positive impact on the well-being of our clients, portfolio investments and team members," said Robert Koenigsberger, Managing Partner and CIO of Gramercy Funds Management.
"Mohamed is a perfect fit for Gramercy as he is one of the most brilliant top-down decoders of macro themes, an investor who can transform those themes into investible ideas and he has long shared our passion for Emerging Markets" Koenigsberger added.
"It has been a real joy and honor to work with Gramercy over the last 16 months, especially on issues and in an area that I am very passionate about. Having gotten to know well the team and investors, my already-high respect and admiration for the firm has only grown. As such, I am excited to take on this new role, particularly at a time when we are all looking to navigate the unusual uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 shock," said El-Erian. He added, "Gramercy is exceptionally well positioned to be at the forefront of innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges facing both investors and issuers in emerging markets, impacting the people they serve and employ."
El-Erian is President-elect of Queens' College, Cambridge University and Chief Economic Advisor to Allianz. Prior to that he was CEO and Co-Chief Investment Officer of PIMCO (2007-14), which he originally joined in 1999 to lead its emerging markets portfolio management team. He served as Chairman of the Global Development Council under President Obama, spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund, where he was a Deputy Director, and was CEO and President of the Harvard Management Company. He also spent time as a managing director at Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup in London. He has served as Professor of Practice at the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and Senior Global Follow at the Lauder Institute.
El-Erian is a member of the IMF's External Advisory Group, a trustee of several non-profits (including serving on the executive committee of the NBER) and a board member of Barclays and Under Armour. He is a contributing editor at the Financial Times and a columnist at Bloomberg, in addition to having written two best-selling books on economics and finance.
About Gramercy Funds Management
Gramercy is a dedicated emerging markets investment manager based in Greenwich, CT with offices in London and Buenos Aires. The $4.75 billion firm, founded in 1998, seeks to provide investors with superior risk-adjusted returns through a comprehensive approach to emerging markets supported by a transparent and robust institutional platform. Gramercy offers both alternative and long-only strategies across emerging markets asset classes including capital solutions, private credit, distressed debt, USD and local currency debt, high yield/corporate debt, and special situations. Gramercy is a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC and a Signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). Gramercy Ltd, an affiliate, is registered with the FCA. For more information, please visit www.gramercy.com
CONTACT: Investors, Lacie Smith, Gramercy, 203-552-1928, lsmith@gramercy.com; or Media, Steve Bruce / Rachel Bangser, ASC Advisors, 203-992-1230, sbruce@ascadvisors.com / rbangser@ascadvisors.com