tass--2020-05-15--Senior Russian diplomat, EU envoy discuss UNSC P5 summit

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and Head of the EU Delegation to @ @ @ @ @ Friday the work of the UN Security Council , including preparations for a summit of @ @ @ @ @ `` [ The two sides ] exchanged views on the prospects for the UN Security @ @ @ @ @ including the implementation of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s proposal to convene a summit @ @ @ @ @ Council members , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
According to @ @ @ @ @ also discussed the Middle East settlement process `` in the context of ongoing efforts by @ @ @ @ @ towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the existing international legal basis '' and the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ Fifth World Holocaust Forum on January 23 , the Russian leader suggested holding a summit @ @ @ @ @ Security Council members in 2020 .

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and Head of the EU Delegation to Russia Markus Ederer discussed on Friday the work of the UN Security Council, including preparations for a summit of its five permanent members.
"[The two sides] exchanged views on the prospects for the UN Security Council’s work, including the implementation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to convene a summit of the permanent UN Security Council members," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, the parties also discussed the Middle East settlement process "in the context of ongoing efforts by the world community to move towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the existing international legal basis" and the Syrian crisis.
Speaking at the Fifth World Holocaust Forum on January 23, the Russian leader suggested holding a summit of the five permanent UN Security Council members in 2020.


tass--2020-05-15--Russia's protective gloves reserves to last more than 90 days

Moscow decrees masks , gloves on public transport , in shops from May 12 , lockdown to May 31 ARMAVIR @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia 's reserves of protective gloves will last more than 90 days , Minister @ @ @ @ @ Manturov told reporters on Friday .
`` Reserves have been created for more than 90 @ @ @ @ @ alone , '' the minister said .

Moscow decrees masks, gloves on public transport, in shops from May 12, lockdown to May 31
ARMAVIR, May 15. /TASS/. Russia's reserves of protective gloves will last more than 90 days, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov told reporters on Friday.
"Reserves have been created for more than 90 days in respect of gloves alone," the minister said.


tass--2020-05-15--New head of Russia’s Energia space firm to focus on orbital station concept

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Newly-appointed acting Head of Russia ’ s Energia Space Rocket Corporation Igor Ozar will focus on developing the concept of a new orbital station , Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday .
`` I am confident that he will be able to cope with the tasks faced by Energia Space Rocket Corporation : the launch of the flight tests of the Oryol manned spacecraft in 2023 , the work to manage cooperation in creating a super-heavy carrier rocket and its elements and also a whole range of other projects , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orbital station , '' Roscosmos quoted Rogozin as saying .
In early 2020 , Ozar left the post of the CEO of the Sukhoi Aircraft Company where he had worked from 1999 ( including as the chief executive from 2011 ) .
During his tenure as the Sukhoi chief , the company implemented large contracts for the delivery of Su-34 frontline bombers and Su-35 multirole fighter jets .
Over this period , the Sukhoi completed the first stage of trials of Russia ’ s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter and prepared the plane for serial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energia acting head on Friday .

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Newly-appointed acting Head of Russia’s Energia Space Rocket Corporation Igor Ozar will focus on developing the concept of a new orbital station, Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday.
"I am confident that he will be able to cope with the tasks faced by Energia Space Rocket Corporation: the launch of the flight tests of the Oryol manned spacecraft in 2023, the work to manage cooperation in creating a super-heavy carrier rocket and its elements and also a whole range of other projects, including the development of the concept of a new orbital station," Roscosmos quoted Rogozin as saying.
In early 2020, Ozar left the post of the CEO of the Sukhoi Aircraft Company where he had worked from 1999 (including as the chief executive from 2011). During his tenure as the Sukhoi chief, the company implemented large contracts for the delivery of Su-34 frontline bombers and Su-35 multirole fighter jets. Over this period, the Sukhoi completed the first stage of trials of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter and prepared the plane for serial deliveries.
Ozar was appointed as the Energia acting head on Friday.


tass--2020-05-15--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia exceeds 49,000

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia has risen by 2,307 @ @ @ @ @ reached 49,176 , as follows from the Saudi health ministry ’ s tweet on Friday @ @ @ @ @ , nine patients died and 2,818 recovered during the day .
The overall number of @ @ @ @ @ stands at 292 and the number of recoveries amounts to 21,869 .
Saudi Arabia holds @ @ @ @ @ nations in terms of coronavirus morbidity .

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia has risen by 2,307 over the past day and reached 49,176, as follows from the Saudi health ministry’s tweet on Friday.
According to the ministry, nine patients died and 2,818 recovered during the day. The overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Saudi Arabia stands at 292 and the number of recoveries amounts to 21,869.
Saudi Arabia holds the first place among Arab nations in terms of coronavirus morbidity.


tass--2020-05-15--This week in photos: Military school graduation, lockdown eased, and fireworks over Moscow

Russia 's President Vladimir Putin is seen during a flower laying ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden , Moscow , Russia , May 9 © Alexei Drzuzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS A worker wearing face mask waiting for customers in his bakery , in Pamplona , Spain , May 12 .
Roughly half of 47 million Spaniards have stepped into a softer version of the country 's coronavirus strict confinement and are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy a meal or a coffee in restaurants and bars with outdoor seating © AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos The body of a Muslim man who died from the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) is seen near the grave before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi , India , May 11 © REUTERS/Adnan Abidi Employees leaving the Contaminated Zone of the Federal Clinical Center of Higher Medical Technologies ( Clinical Hospital 119 ) of the Russian Federal Medical Biological Agency ( FMBA ) that treats COVID-19 patients , patients with suspected coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia , May 12 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS Members of the White House Military Office cleaning a stair for Air Force One ahead of the arrival of President Donald Trump at Lehigh Valley International Airport , in Allentown , USA , May 14 © AP Photo/Evan Vucci The Siniy Platochek [ A Blue Handkerchief ] folk ensemble gives a concert outside Novosibirsk 's House of War Veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II , Novosibirsk , Russia , May 9 © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS Trapeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience of the Mexico 's Hermanos Gasca Circus , in Bogota , Colombia , May 10 .
The circus world lives its worst days , but Hermanos Gasca , stranded in Bogota for almost two months due to the confinement against the coronavirus , refuses to lower the curtain and trusts that sooner rather than later the public will return to give life to the show © EPA-EFE/Mauricio Duenas Castaneda The President of Brazil , Jair Bolsonaro attends journalists during a press conference from a ramp of the Palacio do Planalto , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The defense of the former Minister of Justice of Brazil Sergio Moro demanded that a video be released in which it would be proven that President Jair Bolsonaro tried to 'interfere ' politically and illegally in the Federal Police © EPA-EFE/Joedson Alves Monkeys eat puffed rice distributed under the initiative of a social activist near a Hindu temple during nationwide lockdown in Gauhati , India , May 9 .
The initiative began after devotees , who used to feed the animals , stopped visiting the temple after the lockdown © AP Photo/Anupam Nath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Victory Day air show marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War , Moscow , Russia , May 9 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is seen during a flower laying ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden, Moscow, Russia, May 9 © Alexei Drzuzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS
A young girl drinking from a large snifter during a graduation ceremony at the Ryazan Guards Higher Airborne Command School, Ryazan, Russia, May 9 © Alexander Ryumin/TASS
A worker wearing face mask waiting for customers in his bakery, in Pamplona, Spain, May 12. Roughly half of 47 million Spaniards have stepped into a softer version of the country's coronavirus strict confinement and are allowed to socialize, shop in small establishments and enjoy a meal or a coffee in restaurants and bars with outdoor seating © AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos
A cemetery worker walks near newly dug graves at Tijuana Municipal Cemetery 13 amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Tijuana, Mexico, May 11 © Mario Tama/Getty Images
The body of a Muslim man who died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is seen near the grave before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi, India, May 11 © REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
A lion cub seen in an enclosure at a safari zoo in Nadezhdinsky District, Primorye Territory, Russia, May 14 © Yuri Smityuk/TASS
People walking through a disinfection tunnel in Daule, in the province of Guayas, Ecuador, May 12 © EPA-EFE/Marcos Pin
Employees leaving the Contaminated Zone of the Federal Clinical Center of Higher Medical Technologies (Clinical Hospital 119) of the Russian Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) that treats COVID-19 patients, patients with suspected coronavirus and patients with viral community-acquired pneumonia, Khimki, Russia, May 12 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS
Members of the White House Military Office cleaning a stair for Air Force One ahead of the arrival of President Donald Trump at Lehigh Valley International Airport, in Allentown, USA, May 14 © AP Photo/Evan Vucci
The Siniy Platochek [A Blue Handkerchief] folk ensemble gives a concert outside Novosibirsk's House of War Veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Novosibirsk, Russia, May 9 © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS
Trapeze artists performing during a presentation without an audience of the Mexico's Hermanos Gasca Circus, in Bogota, Colombia, May 10. The circus world lives its worst days, but Hermanos Gasca, stranded in Bogota for almost two months due to the confinement against the coronavirus, refuses to lower the curtain and trusts that sooner rather than later the public will return to give life to the show © EPA-EFE/Mauricio Duenas Castaneda
The President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro attends journalists during a press conference from a ramp of the Palacio do Planalto, in Brasilia, Brazil, May 12. The defense of the former Minister of Justice of Brazil Sergio Moro demanded that a video be released in which it would be proven that President Jair Bolsonaro tried to 'interfere' politically and illegally in the Federal Police © EPA-EFE/Joedson Alves
Monkeys eat puffed rice distributed under the initiative of a social activist near a Hindu temple during nationwide lockdown in Gauhati, India, May 9. The initiative began after devotees, who used to feed the animals, stopped visiting the temple after the lockdown © AP Photo/Anupam Nath
Mil Mi-8AMTSh helicopters flying over Moscow during a Victory Day air show marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, Moscow, Russia, May 9 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS


tass--2020-05-15--Russia plans to develop new Venus exploration program

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
A new program for exploration of Venus , including sending at least three @ @ @ @ @ developed in Russia , its main stages will be presented in 2021 , scientific director @ @ @ @ @ Institute Lev Zeleny told TASS .
`` There is an idea to make not a @ @ @ @ @ program that includes several missions , '' Zeleny said .
`` I think that we @ @ @ @ @ publicly about the main features of [ the program ] next year , '' he @ @ @ @ @ scientist , the first expedition under the program will be Venera-D , the launch of @ @ @ @ @ end of the 2020s .
In two or three years , the launch of the @ @ @ @ @ then the third - by the mid-30s .

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. A new program for exploration of Venus, including sending at least three scientific devices, will be developed in Russia, its main stages will be presented in 2021, scientific director of the Russian Space Research Institute Lev Zeleny told TASS.
"There is an idea to make not a separate project, but a program that includes several missions," Zeleny said. "I think that we will be able to speak publicly about the main features of [the program] next year," he added.
According to the scientist, the first expedition under the program will be Venera-D, the launch of which is scheduled for the end of the 2020s. In two or three years, the launch of the second Venera is possible, then the third - by the mid-30s.


tass--2020-05-15--Russian military specialists complete assistance to Serbia in anti-coronavirus fight

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian military specialists who helped Serbia fight the coronavirus pandemic completed their work @ @ @ @ @ Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu reported to Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin from the @ @ @ @ @ a video link on Friday .
`` Our military specialists have completed measures for fighting @ @ @ @ @ , Serbia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , '' the defense minister said .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ from early April .
At the request of the local government , they disinfected infrastructural @ @ @ @ @ local doctors in treating coronavirus patients .
Russian military medics and virologists of the radiation @ @ @ @ @ corps worked in Serbia .
Russia also supplied special medical equipment to Serbia .
On @ @ @ @ @ Aleksandar Vucic expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the assistance provided by @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Defense Ministry in helping fight the coronavirus pandemic and also stressed the importance @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus spread with the participation of specialized agencies from both countries .

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Russian military specialists who helped Serbia fight the coronavirus pandemic completed their work in the republic, Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu reported to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin from the National Defense Control Center via a video link on Friday.
"Our military specialists have completed measures for fighting the coronavirus infection in Italy, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina," the defense minister said.
The Russian military personnel stayed in Serbia from early April. At the request of the local government, they disinfected infrastructural facilities and provided assistance to local doctors in treating coronavirus patients. Russian military medics and virologists of the radiation, chemical and biological protection corps worked in Serbia. Russia also supplied special medical equipment to Serbia.
On May 14, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the assistance provided by the combined taskforce of Russia’s Defense Ministry in helping fight the coronavirus pandemic and also stressed the importance of coordinating efforts for countering the coronavirus spread with the participation of specialized agencies from both countries.


tass--2020-05-15--Only 25% of COVID survivors found to have enough blood plasma antibodies to treat others

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Only 25 % of those who have recovered from the coronavirus infection have enough antibodies in their blood to use it to treat other patients , chief of Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova said on Friday .
`` From among those recovering at hospitals and the Agency ’ s centers , only 25 % have enough antibodies as their concentration is to be at least one to 1,000 , '' she told an online news conference organized by TASS .
She recalled that blood plasma can be taken only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have no chronic diseases or contradictions .
`` Such patients account for about 50 % of those discharged from hospitals .
One 50 % of these patients have enough antibodies , '' she explained .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,543,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 303,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,712,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Only 25% of those who have recovered from the coronavirus infection have enough antibodies in their blood to use it to treat other patients, chief of Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova said on Friday.
"From among those recovering at hospitals and the Agency’s centers, only 25% have enough antibodies as their concentration is to be at least one to 1,000," she told an online news conference organized by TASS.
She recalled that blood plasma can be taken only from those aged from 18 to 50 who have no chronic diseases or contradictions. "Such patients account for about 50% of those discharged from hospitals. One 50% of these patients have enough antibodies," she explained.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,543,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 303,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,712,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-15--Hainan customs issues new weight certificates for exporting petroleum products

HAIKOU , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan customs began to issue new type of weight certificates that are compiled with the use of special instruments for measuring the flow of shipped hydrocarbons when exporting petroleum products .
According to the local administration , this will facilitate the control process and significantly reduce labor costs .
“ After using such devices the customs will track the data online using security cameras to control the process of pumping petroleum products , ” says the statement on the Hainan free trade zone page on WeChat .
“ This will reduce costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both customs and suppliers . ''
The statement emphasizes that the Hainan branch of China 's major oil and gas corporation Sinopec has already shipped the first batch of the product in the port of Haikou , delivering 6,300 tonnes of fuel to Singapore in accordance with a new optimized control system .
`` This means that a new model for the export of petroleum products was officially launched on Hainan , '' said arepresentative of the Hainan administration .
Before the new rules , during the shipment of hydrocarbons , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan had to be based on calculations made by customs officers who climbed onto 20 meters high tanks and do the measurements manually .
According to statistics , in the first quarter of 2020 Hainan exported petroleum products worth 4.56 billion yuan ( $ 642 million ) , which is by 17.7 % more than in January-March 2019 .

HAIKOU, May 15. /TASS/. The Hainan customs began to issue new type of weight certificates that are compiled with the use of special instruments for measuring the flow of shipped hydrocarbons when exporting petroleum products. According to the local administration, this will facilitate the control process and significantly reduce labor costs.
“After using such devices the customs will track the data online using security cameras to control the process of pumping petroleum products,”says the statement on the Hainan free trade zone page on WeChat. “This will reduce costs. We will save time and labor of both customs and suppliers."
The statement emphasizes that the Hainan branch of China's major oil and gas corporation Sinopec has already shipped the first batch of the product in the port of Haikou, delivering 6,300 tonnes of fuel to Singapore in accordance with a new optimized control system. "This means that a new model for the export of petroleum products was officially launched on Hainan," said arepresentative of the Hainan administration.
Before the new rules, during the shipment of hydrocarbons, the weight certificate required when making deliveries on Hainan had to be based on calculations made by customs officers who climbed onto 20 meters high tanks and do the measurements manually.
According to statistics, in the first quarter of 2020 Hainan exported petroleum products worth 4.56 billion yuan ($ 642 million), which is by 17.7% more than in January-March 2019.


tass--2020-05-15--Most of COVID patients have blood type A, says Russian health official

Every second coronavirus patient in Russia has no symptoms , according to the official MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Most of coronavirus patients have blood type A , while those having blood type AB are the fewest , chief of Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova said on Friday .
`` An interesting fact that was noted by foreign specialists and has been verified by the Agency ’ s centers .
The overwhelming majority of those infected have blood type A , '' she said at an online news conference organized by TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , indeed , the rarest is type AB . ''
One half of coronavirus patients in Russia have no symptoms , the proportion of asymptomatic cases in Moscow is about 60 % , Veronika Skvortsova noted .
`` The proportion of asymptomatic cases is very high : in Moscow it accounts for 60 % and in the country in general — almost one half , every second case , '' she said .
As for patients who experience mild symptoms of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus , they can lack the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the disease , Skvortsova noted .
`` It has been widely documented that people who recover from mild forms [ of COVID-19 ] do not have enough antibodies in the concentrations needed to obtain real immunity . ''
Skvortsova stressed that the number of patients with severe forms of the disease was not growing .
`` Fortunately , the number of cases that require additional oxygen and artificial lung ventilation is declining as well , '' she noted .
COVID-19 incidence in Russia has stabilized by now , the official went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the newly confirmed coronavirus cases is relatively stable as the daily growth has been around 10,500 recently , '' she stated .
`` However the recent month demonstrated that we already had such a period before the May Day holidays and if the number of people who , say , go out frequently , were as it had been a month ago , we would have seen the epidemic ’ s regression , '' she said .
The average incubation period for the novel coronavirus is about five days , Veronika Skvortsova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incubation period is about five days , five or five and a half days , not one or two days , as is the case with other acute respiratory infections . ''
It is still unclear for how long a recovered patient remains a carrier of the novel coronavirus , Veronika Skvortsova continued .
`` It should be acknowledged that it still remains unclear for how long the virus stays in the human body .
Scientists in different countries are now trying to find out .
If presence of the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that does not mean that the virus is absent from the patient ’ s body altogether , '' Skvortsova said .
According to descriptions of several cases in different countries , some recovered patients who twice tested negative for coronavirus developed the disease again after exposure to cold or excessive strain .
`` This may happen for two reasons — either repeated infection or reactivation of the virus still present in the human body , '' Skvortsova elaborated .
Earlier , the chief physician of the republican infection hospital in Buryatia , Tatyana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female patient had to be taken to the hospital again with COVID-19 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected worldwide and more than 303,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,712,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

Every second coronavirus patient in Russia has no symptoms, according to the official
MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Most of coronavirus patients have blood type A, while those having blood type AB are the fewest, chief of Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova said on Friday. "An interesting fact that was noted by foreign specialists and has been verified by the Agency’s centers. The overwhelming majority of those infected have blood type A," she said at an online news conference organized by TASS. "Next are types O and B. And, indeed, the rarest is type AB."
Read also Moscow mayor cautions lifting quarantine prematurely could lead to second wave of pandemic
She noted however that it might be because type A is the most widespread among the population.
Read also Moscow mayor seeks to conduct up to 100,000 coronavirus antibody tests daily
One half of coronavirus patients in Russia have no symptoms, the proportion of asymptomatic cases in Moscow is about 60%, Veronika Skvortsova noted. "The proportion of asymptomatic cases is very high: in Moscow it accounts for 60% and in the country in general — almost one half, every second case," she said. As for patients who experience mild symptoms of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, they can lack the necessary number of antibodies to form immunity to the disease, Skvortsova noted. "It has been widely documented that people who recover from mild forms [of COVID-19] do not have enough antibodies in the concentrations needed to obtain real immunity." Skvortsova stressed that the number of patients with severe forms of the disease was not growing. "Fortunately, the number of cases that require additional oxygen and artificial lung ventilation is declining as well," she noted. COVID-19 incidence in Russia has stabilized by now, the official went on. "By now, the situation with the newly confirmed coronavirus cases is relatively stable as the daily growth has been around 10,500 recently," she stated. "However the recent month demonstrated that we already had such a period before the May Day holidays and if the number of people who, say, go out frequently, were as it had been a month ago, we would have seen the epidemic’s regression," she said. Incubation period


tass--2020-05-15--GameChange Solar Surpasses 10 GW Milestone

NEW YORK , May 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar today announced that is has surpassed the 10 GW @ @ @ @ @ company was founded in 2012 .
The company 's rapid expansion has been prompted by @ @ @ @ @ and tracker product lines for MaxSpan™ and Genius Tracker™ respectively .
Customer adoption has been @ @ @ @ @ Solar 's cost-effective and fast installing systems which have surpassed bankability requirements for even the @ @ @ @ @ and IPPs worldwide .
Derick Botha , Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar , stated @ @ @ @ @ to pass the 10 GW milestone and look forward to further growth and continuing to @ @ @ @ @ the market .
We are driven by our mission to reduce costs for utility-scale solar @ @ @ @ @ the industry 's growth globally . ''
Contact and media inquiries can be directed to @ @ @ @ @ ) 528-2125 email : derick.botha @ gamechangesolar.com

NEW YORK, May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar today announced that is has surpassed the 10 GW milestone for sales since the company was founded in 2012. The company's rapid expansion has been prompted by growth in both its fixed-tilt and tracker product lines for MaxSpan™ and Genius Tracker™ respectively. Customer adoption has been widespread globally due to GameChange Solar's cost-effective and fast installing systems which have surpassed bankability requirements for even the most stringent project owning utilities and IPPs worldwide.
Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar, stated: "We are gratified to pass the 10 GW milestone and look forward to further growth and continuing to be a leading innovator in the market. We are driven by our mission to reduce costs for utility-scale solar projects in order to drive the industry's growth globally."
Contact and media inquiries can be directed to Derick Botha +1 (302) 528-2125 email: derick.botha@gamechangesolar.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1168564/GameChange_Solar_10_GW.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/292966/GameChange_Solar_Logo.jpg


tass--2020-05-15--Putin demands equipping beds for COVID-19 patients with ventilators

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to equip all healthcare centers affiliated to @ @ @ @ @ and imported ventilators for coronavirus patients .
`` It is necessary to equip all beds @ @ @ @ @ this system with these devices , '' he said on Friday at a meeting on @ @ @ @ @ healthcare centers in Russia 's regions .
The head of state added that `` this @ @ @ @ @ devices as well as the ones , which are supplied or will be supplied by @ @ @ @ @ the near future . ''
To date , a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on @ @ @ @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to equip all healthcare centers affiliated to the Defense Ministry with domestic and imported ventilators for coronavirus patients.
"It is necessary to equip all beds provided for the use of this system with these devices," he said on Friday at a meeting on opening the Defense Ministry's healthcare centers in Russia's regions.
The head of state added that "this can be done with domestic devices as well as the ones, which are supplied or will be supplied by our partners from abroad in the near future."
To date, a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-15--Russia’s latest armored engineering vehicle passes all trials

`` In the interests of the Russian engineering troops , all the required trials of the UBIM universal armored engineering vehicle with a broad range of capabilities have been conducted , '' the statement says .
MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
The UBIM latest multi-purpose armored vehicle for the Russian engineering troops has passed all trials , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Friday .
The new vehicle is designated to provide for the troops ’ advance and carry out engineering works under enemy fire , including on the contaminated terrain .
`` Despite its considerable weight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large set of equipment ensures increased efficiency of engineering work , '' the ministry stressed .
The vehicle has a crew of two men .
Also , the vehicle ’ s manned compartment can accommodate three combat engineers .
The UBIM engineering vehicle surpasses latest foreign rivals by some characteristics and features a broader range of its capabilities , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry stressed .
The UBIM universal armored engineering vehicle was unveiled at the Army-2018 international arms show .
As Special Representative of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer ( part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Military-Technical Cooperation Army General Alexei Maslov told TASS in October 2019 , the vehicle had been sent for state trials that were expected to be completed before the end of the year .
The UBIM multi-purpose armored engineering vehicle can be mounted on the chassis of the latest T-72B3 and T-90M main battle tanks .

"In the interests of the Russian engineering troops, all the required trials of the UBIM universal armored engineering vehicle with a broad range of capabilities have been conducted," the statement says.
MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. The UBIM latest multi-purpose armored vehicle for the Russian engineering troops has passed all trials, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
The new vehicle is designated to provide for the troops’ advance and carry out engineering works under enemy fire, including on the contaminated terrain.
"Despite its considerable weight, the UBIM features high mobility while a large set of equipment ensures increased efficiency of engineering work," the ministry stressed.
The vehicle has a crew of two men. Also, the vehicle’s manned compartment can accommodate three combat engineers.
The UBIM engineering vehicle surpasses latest foreign rivals by some characteristics and features a broader range of its capabilities, Russia’s Defense Ministry stressed.
The UBIM universal armored engineering vehicle was unveiled at the Army-2018 international arms show. As Special Representative of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) for Military-Technical Cooperation Army General Alexei Maslov told TASS in October 2019, the vehicle had been sent for state trials that were expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The UBIM multi-purpose armored engineering vehicle can be mounted on the chassis of the latest T-72B3 and T-90M main battle tanks.


tass--2020-05-15--Lavrov calls for universal approach to problems of misinformation

He said that the situation around the Financial Times and the New York Times following their allegations of Russia ’ s underreporting coronavirus mortality figures is to be addressed by Russia ’ s mass media and communications watchdog .
`` As far as I know , they [ Russia 's communications watchdog ] have already begun to do it in line with the law on the mass media .
Let us wait and see the reaction to these actions , '' he said in an interview with RBC .
`` I think that in general problems linked with the authenticity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universal approach . ''
Lavrov pointed to the wide use of the so-called ‘ highly likely ’ approach that currently accompanies any news hooks , from the Skripal case and the MH17 crash to the referendum in Catalonia .
`` We are accused of meddling with all these processes , '' he noted .
`` Now , they claim in Prague that a Russian diplomat allegedly brought a deadly poison in his suitcase , with special services being aware of that and still letting him in .
Such people , who knew about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to stop the man , are to be placed behind bars . ''
`` Or the most recent example .
Germany ’ s Bundestag suddenly claimed that German special services had found out that a hacker attack was staged on Chancellor [ Angela ] Merkel ’ s email five years ago and that it was done by Russians .
Five years have elapsed but not a single evidence has been given , '' Lavrov added .

He said that the situation around the Financial Times and the New York Times following their allegations of Russia’s underreporting coronavirus mortality figures is to be addressed by Russia’s mass media and communications watchdog.
"As far as I know, they [Russia's communications watchdog] have already begun to do it in line with the law on the mass media. Let us wait and see the reaction to these actions," he said in an interview with RBC. "I think that in general problems linked with the authenticity of information require special attention and a universal approach."
Lavrov pointed to the wide use of the so-called ‘highly likely’ approach that currently accompanies any news hooks, from the Skripal case and the MH17 crash to the referendum in Catalonia. "We are accused of meddling with all these processes," he noted. "Now, they claim in Prague that a Russian diplomat allegedly brought a deadly poison in his suitcase, with special services being aware of that and still letting him in. Such people, who knew about a poison in the luggage and did nothing to stop the man, are to be placed behind bars."
"Or the most recent example. Germany’s Bundestag suddenly claimed that German special services had found out that a hacker attack was staged on Chancellor [Angela] Merkel’s email five years ago and that it was done by Russians. Five years have elapsed but not a single evidence has been given," Lavrov added.


tass--2020-05-15--EU states disagree with Nord Stream 2 AG’s stance on offshore pipeline’s completion

BERLIN , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
None of EU countries shares the viewpoint of Nord Stream 2 AG , which considers it possible to regard the Nord Stream 2 project as completed by May 23 , 2019 and withdraw it from the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive , the Federal Network Agency of Germany said in a statement on Friday .
`` All European Union member states had the opportunity to examine Nord Stream 2 AG 's application , with its annexes , and to submit a response , '' the regulator said , adding that responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the decision .
`` Neither any of the member states nor the parties summoned shared the viewpoint of Nord Stream 2 AG as regards the term ‘ completion ’ , '' the regulator noted .
The completion of the pipeline by May 23 , 2019 was a required condition for granting it a derogation from the updated EU Gas Directive , the regulator said .
`` Since the Nord Stream 2 pipeline had not been fully laid by 23 May 2019 , the Federal Network Agency has rejected the application for derogation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] made by Nord Stream 2 AG , '' the statement said .
The regulator understands the term ‘ completion ’ of the Nord Stream 2 project `` in a constructional/technical sense , '' whereas the applicant understands it `` in an economically functional sense '' and refers to the investment decision , which was made well before May 23 2019 , the Agency noted , adding that Nord Stream 2 AG can appeal the decision in court .
Earlier on Friday the Federal Network Agency rejected the application for exemption of Nord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Directive made by Nord Stream 2 AG .

BERLIN, May 15. /TASS/. None of EU countries shares the viewpoint of Nord Stream 2 AG, which considers it possible to regard the Nord Stream 2 project as completed by May 23, 2019 and withdraw it from the rules of the updated EU Gas Directive, the Federal Network Agency of Germany said in a statement on Friday.
"All European Union member states had the opportunity to examine Nord Stream 2 AG's application, with its annexes, and to submit a response," the regulator said, adding that responses to the consultation were taken into account in the decision. "Neither any of the member states nor the parties summoned shared the viewpoint of Nord Stream 2 AG as regards the term ‘completion’," the regulator noted.
The completion of the pipeline by May 23, 2019 was a required condition for granting it a derogation from the updated EU Gas Directive, the regulator said. "Since the Nord Stream 2 pipeline had not been fully laid by 23 May 2019, the Federal Network Agency has rejected the application for derogation [from the updated EU Gas Directive] made by Nord Stream 2 AG," the statement said.
The regulator understands the term ‘completion’ of the Nord Stream 2 project "in a constructional/technical sense," whereas the applicant understands it "in an economically functional sense" and refers to the investment decision, which was made well before May 23 2019, the Agency noted, adding that Nord Stream 2 AG can appeal the decision in court.
Earlier on Friday the Federal Network Agency rejected the application for exemption of Nord Stream 2 from the updated EU Gas Directive made by Nord Stream 2 AG.


tass--2020-05-15--Coronavirus vaccine should be available to all, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow believes that if a coronavirus vaccine is created , it should be available to people in all countries , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with RBC on Friday .
When asked about Russia ’ s position on the United States ’ accusations against China , he said : `` We support justice and common sense .
Justice means that no one can make groundless accusations . ''
`` I have given examples of our western partners following the ‘ highly likely ’ principle , blaming us for everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation where a country is accused of serious actions that affected the lives of many people , but no specific facts are presented .
It is a matter that can not be taken lightly , '' the Russian top diplomat emphasized .
`` As for common sense , all efforts should be focused on joining forces and creating a vaccine as soon as possible instead of yelling ‘ catch the thief ’ and putting the blame on others , '' Lavrov noted .
`` This is what [ research ] institutions are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US and other countries , '' he added .
According to the Russian foreign minister , `` a race for prestige is going on in this field . ''

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. Moscow believes that if a coronavirus vaccine is created, it should be available to people in all countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with RBC on Friday.
When asked about Russia’s position on the United States’ accusations against China, he said: "We support justice and common sense. Justice means that no one can make groundless accusations." "I have given examples of our western partners following the ‘highly likely’ principle, blaming us for everything. The same goes for any other situation where a country is accused of serious actions that affected the lives of many people, but no specific facts are presented. It is a matter that cannot be taken lightly," the Russian top diplomat emphasized.
"As for common sense, all efforts should be focused on joining forces and creating a vaccine as soon as possible instead of yelling ‘catch the thief’ and putting the blame on others," Lavrov noted. "This is what [research] institutions are doing in Europe, China, Russia, the US and other countries," he added. According to the Russian foreign minister, "a race for prestige is going on in this field."


tass--2020-05-15--Global economy's losses from pandemic could reach $8.8 trillion, report says

According to the report , the global economy can suffer losses ranging from $ 5.8 trillion to $ 8.8 trillion , which is equivalent to 6.4-9.7 % of the global GDP due to the coronavirus pandemic .
HONG KONG , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
Losses of the global economy from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 can range from $ 5.8 trillion to $ 8.8 trillion , according to a report released on Friday by the Asian Development Bank .
Bank experts said that their estimated losses of $ 8.8 trillion suggest a scenario with a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which restrictions will be in effect for six months .
If economic activity recovers in three months , this figure will be $ 5.8 trillion .
In particular , economic losses in the Asia-Pacific region can vary from $ 1.7 trillion ( a 3-month scenario ) to $ 2.5 trillion ( six months ) .
China may suffer losses in the amount of $ 1.1-1.6 trillion , the report said .
Earlier , in its forecast of April 3 , the bank predicted the volume of world economy losses from the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion to $ 4.1 trillion .
The new analysis provides an overview of the very significant potential economic impact of COVID-19 , the bank ’ s Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada said , adding that it also highlights the important role of policy measures that can help mitigate the damage to the economy .

According to the report, the global economy can suffer losses ranging from $5.8 trillion to $8.8 trillion, which is equivalent to 6.4-9.7% of the global GDP due to the coronavirus pandemic.
HONG KONG, May 15. /TASS/. Losses of the global economy from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 can range from $5.8 trillion to $8.8 trillion, according to a report released on Friday by the Asian Development Bank.
Bank experts said that their estimated losses of $8.8 trillion suggest a scenario with a long period of containment of the pandemic, in which restrictions will be in effect for six months. If economic activity recovers in three months, this figure will be $5.8 trillion.
In particular, economic losses in the Asia-Pacific region can vary from $1.7 trillion (a 3-month scenario) to $2.5 trillion (six months). China may suffer losses in the amount of $1.1-1.6 trillion, the report said.
Earlier, in its forecast of April 3, the bank predicted the volume of world economy losses from the COVID-19 pandemic at a level of $2 trillion to $4.1 trillion. The new analysis provides an overview of the very significant potential economic impact of COVID-19, the bank’s Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada said, adding that it also highlights the important role of policy measures that can help mitigate the damage to the economy.


tass--2020-05-15--Russia to start production of instruments for Luna-26 orbiter by year end

MOSCOW , May 15 .
/TASS/ .
The production of instruments for the Luna-26 orbital station will begin at the end of 2020 , Director of the Space Research Institute within the Russian Academy of Sciences Anatoly Petrukovich told TASS on Friday .
`` The production of the final types of instruments will begin somewhere at the end of this year , '' he said .
In February , work was completed to test the electric interfaces of devices for switching on/off , selecting and issuing commands and obtaining data , he said .
The Luna-26 lunar orbital probe is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Earth ’ s natural satellite from the orbit .
The Luna-26 orbiter will also carry equipment to create a 3D map .
The space vehicle is expected to be launched in 2024 .
Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos also plans to launch the Luna-25 probe in 2021 and the Luna-27 space vehicle in 2025 .
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that Russia ’ s integrated space program whose beginning was scheduled for 2020 would include heavy rovers for drilling the Moon ’ s surface , collecting soil samples @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. The production of instruments for the Luna-26 orbital station will begin at the end of 2020, Director of the Space Research Institute within the Russian Academy of Sciences Anatoly Petrukovich told TASS on Friday.
"The production of the final types of instruments will begin somewhere at the end of this year," he said.
In February, work was completed to test the electric interfaces of devices for switching on/off, selecting and issuing commands and obtaining data, he said.
The Luna-26 lunar orbital probe is expected to scan almost the entire surface of the Earth’s natural satellite from the orbit. The Luna-26 orbiter will also carry equipment to create a 3D map. The space vehicle is expected to be launched in 2024.
Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos also plans to launch the Luna-25 probe in 2021 and the Luna-27 space vehicle in 2025. Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that Russia’s integrated space program whose beginning was scheduled for 2020 would include heavy rovers for drilling the Moon’s surface, collecting soil samples and delivering them to Earth.


tass--2020-05-16--Roscosmos space agency invites NASA top officials to visit Russia

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos has invited the top officials of NASA @ @ @ @ @ a wide range of projects and is looking forward to a positive response , Russia @ @ @ @ @ citing its Deputy Director General for International Cooperation Sergey Savelyev .
`` We formally invited @ @ @ @ @ to come to our country , but we have received no reply so far .
@ @ @ @ @ receive it and that it will be positive , '' Savelyev said .
He recalled @ @ @ @ @ s delegation had been invited to visit the United States .
However , the invitation @ @ @ @ @ was eventually withdrawn due to senators ’ pressure .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. The Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos has invited the top officials of NASA to visit Russia to discuss a wide range of projects and is looking forward to a positive response, Russia’s space agency said citing its Deputy Director General for International Cooperation Sergey Savelyev.
"We formally invited the top officials of NASA to come to our country, but we have received no reply so far. I hope that we will receive it and that it will be positive," Savelyev said. He recalled that the space agency’s delegation had been invited to visit the United States. However, the invitation from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine was eventually withdrawn due to senators’ pressure.


tass--2020-05-16--Russia’s COVID-19 recoveries surpass 63,000

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients in Russia who have recovered from coronavirus has climbed @ @ @ @ @ people have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ According to TASS estimates , the proportion of people who have recovered from the disease @ @ @ @ @ to 23.2 % .
A total of 1,470 people have been discharged from hospitals in @ @ @ @ @ hours , 265 people have recovered in the Moscow Region , 248 in the Murmansk @ @ @ @ @ Krasnodar Region , 115 in North Ossetia , 104 in St. Petersburg , 103 in @ @ @ @ @ 102 in Tatarstan .
The number of fatalities has climbed to 2,537 , 119 people @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
According to the crisis center , 74 people have died in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ Region , six in St. Petersburg .
Another 22 regions reported from one to three @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. The number of patients in Russia who have recovered from coronavirus has climbed to 63,166, another 4,940 people have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Saturday.
According to TASS estimates, the proportion of people who have recovered from the disease has grown from 22.1% to 23.2%.
A total of 1,470 people have been discharged from hospitals in Moscow over the past 24 hours, 265 people have recovered in the Moscow Region, 248 in the Murmansk Region, 160 in the Krasnodar Region, 115 in North Ossetia, 104 in St. Petersburg, 103 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 102 in Tatarstan.
The number of fatalities has climbed to 2,537, 119 people have died over the past 24 hours. According to the crisis center, 74 people have died in Moscow, nine in the Moscow Region, six in St. Petersburg. Another 22 regions reported from one to three fatalities each.


tass--2020-05-16--Another 1,470 coronavirus patients recover in Moscow, says deputy mayor

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Another 1,470 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Moscow , with the @ @ @ @ @ 26,000 , Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ recovered after treatment over the past 24 hours .
The total number of recoveries has @ @ @ @ @ she said .
The deputy mayor added that doctors prescribed treatment depending on symptoms and @ @ @ @ @ testing .
According to Rakova , additional tests are conducted to confirm recoveries .
Patients @ @ @ @ @ medical surveillance receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Another 1,470 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Moscow, with the total number of recoveries exceeding 26,000, Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Saturday.
"Another 1,470 people have recovered after treatment over the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has climbed to 26,032," she said.
The deputy mayor added that doctors prescribed treatment depending on symptoms and the results of molecular genetic testing. According to Rakova, additional tests are conducted to confirm recoveries. Patients who need to remain under medical surveillance receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital.


tass--2020-05-16--Russia reports lowest number of COVID-19 cases since May 1

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases have risen by 9,200 over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ lowest number since May 1 .
A total of 272,043 cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ crisis center told reporters on Saturday .
On May 1 , the crisis center said @ @ @ @ @ been recorded .
According to Saturday ’ s data , the daily growth rate has @ @ @ @ @ 3.5 % , which is the lowest number since the beginning of the outbreak .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases have risen by 9,200 over the past 24 hours, which is the lowest number since May 1. A total of 272,043 cases have been confirmed in the country, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Saturday.
On May 1, the crisis center said that 9,623 new cases had been recorded.
According to Saturday’s data, the daily growth rate has decreased from 4.2% to 3.5%, which is the lowest number since the beginning of the outbreak.


tass--2020-05-16--Russia begins withdrawal of military personnel sent to Serbia to fight coronavirus

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has begun to withdraw from Serbia its military servicemen who helped fight @ @ @ @ @ Russian Defense Ministry said .
According to the ministry , three planes `` will transport @ @ @ @ @ and four units of special military equipment to Russia . ''
The Defense Ministry noted @ @ @ @ @ military personnel and equipment was on its way to Batajnica Air Base near Belgrade .
@ @ @ @ @ in Serbia since early April , where , at the request of the local government @ @ @ @ @ and helped local doctors treat coronavirus patients .
Russian military doctors and virologists of Radiation @ @ @ @ @ Protection Troops worked in the country .
Shortly before , the last group of military @ @ @ @ @ the fight against coronavirus in Italy returned to Russia .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu @ @ @ @ @ servicemen continued to provide assistance to Armenia .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Russia has begun to withdraw from Serbia its military servicemen who helped fight the coronavirus outbreak, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
According to the ministry, three planes "will transport more than 40 military servicemen and four units of special military equipment to Russia."
The Defense Ministry noted that the first convoy with military personnel and equipment was on its way to Batajnica Air Base near Belgrade.
Russian military servicemen have been in Serbia since early April, where, at the request of the local government, they disinfected infrastructure facilities and helped local doctors treat coronavirus patients. Russian military doctors and virologists of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops worked in the country.
Shortly before, the last group of military servicemen who provided assistance in the fight against coronavirus in Italy returned to Russia. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that Russian military servicemen continued to provide assistance to Armenia.


tass--2020-05-16--FT publishes Russian ambassador’s official response to article on COVID-19 mortality

LONDON , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
UK newspaper Financial Times ( FT ) has published an official letter by Russia ’ s ambassador to London , Andrei Kelin , which came as a response to its earlier article , suggesting that Russia deliberately underreported the number of novel coronavirus deaths on its territory .
`` I feel compelled to express disagreement with the Financial Times ’ coverage of Russia ’ s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic .
Judging by your reports , Russia ’ s response has been to manipulate with figures at home and to spread disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doctors having inadequate protection , '' the ambassador wrote .
`` This distorted picture requires a refutation .
Even by most pessimistic accounts , Russia ’ s performance in terms of healthcare system capacity and death rate is among the best of all major countries . ''
Kelin said the May 11 article `` carries inaccurate statements coupled with an unacceptable and unprofessional one-sided narrative . ''
He went on to say that `` Russia ’ s Covid-19 mortality rate is 7.6 times lower than the global average . ''
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your readers if your authors sought to analyse Russia ’ s best practices that have made this result possible , rather than seeking statistical inaccuracies , '' the diplomat wrote .
`` Otherwise , such articles are widely seen in Russia as spreading fake news and sowing discord in the Russian society .
I invite the Financial Times to join efforts of the international community , led by UN secretary-general Ant·nio Guterres , to fight Covid-19 disinformation . ''
He strongly dismissed the Financial Times ’ s allegations that Russia ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases-to-deaths ratio .
`` Your Moscow correspondents will be aware of the wide testing programme that allows for early detection and timely treatment of the disease , '' he said , adding that Russia ’ s `` policy of compiling mortality statistics is also clear : as the health ministry has explained on a number of occasions , even in Covid-positive patients , the primary cause of death is registered , and that may be another disease . ''
The London-based Financial Times newspaper wrote earlier that `` Russia ’ s national death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than the government ’ s official data show . ''
World Health Organization ( WHO ) Representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told the Rossiya-24 TV channel that there was no evidence proving that Russian authorities were trying to hide the actual coronavirus death toll .
To date , a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide .

LONDON, May 16. /TASS/. UK newspaper Financial Times (FT) has published an official letter by Russia’s ambassador to London, Andrei Kelin, which came as a response to its earlier article, suggesting that Russia deliberately underreported the number of novel coronavirus deaths on its territory.
"I feel compelled to express disagreement with the Financial Times’ coverage of Russia’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Judging by your reports, Russia’s response has been to manipulate with figures at home and to spread disinformation abroad, with the government acting inefficiently and doctors having inadequate protection," the ambassador wrote. "This distorted picture requires a refutation. Even by most pessimistic accounts, Russia’s performance in terms of healthcare system capacity and death rate is among the best of all major countries."
Kelin said the May 11 article "carries inaccurate statements coupled with an unacceptable and unprofessional one-sided narrative."
He went on to say that "Russia’s Covid-19 mortality rate is 7.6 times lower than the global average."
"It would do so much more service to your readers if your authors sought to analyse Russia’s best practices that have made this result possible, rather than seeking statistical inaccuracies," the diplomat wrote. "Otherwise, such articles are widely seen in Russia as spreading fake news and sowing discord in the Russian society. I invite the Financial Times to join efforts of the international community, led by UN secretary-general Ant·nio Guterres, to fight Covid-19 disinformation."
He strongly dismissed the Financial Times’s allegations that Russia’s death rate doesn’t match the global cases-to-deaths ratio.
"Your Moscow correspondents will be aware of the wide testing programme that allows for early detection and timely treatment of the disease," he said, adding that Russia’s "policy of compiling mortality statistics is also clear: as the health ministry has explained on a number of occasions, even in Covid-positive patients, the primary cause of death is registered, and that may be another disease."
The London-based Financial Times newspaper wrote earlier that "Russia’s national death toll from coronavirus could be 70% higher than the government’s official data show." World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told the Rossiya-24 TV channel that there was no evidence proving that Russian authorities were trying to hide the actual coronavirus death toll.
To date, a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-16--Reports of US not willing to cooperate with Russia on Moon incorrect — NASA

WASHINGTON , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Media reports that the United States was not willing to include Russia into its draft agreement on Moon exploration were incorrect , Acting Associate Administrator for NASA 's Office of International and Interagency Relations Michael Gold told reporters .
`` I think it ’ s unfortunate that there were a lot of media leaks that did not properly describe what the Artemis Accords were , so I ’ m not surprised for some of those reactions .
Frankly , if I was in their place , I might have reacted similarly , given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , when asked to comment on a Reuters report that the United States was preparing an international agreement on moon mining without Russia ’ s participation .
He also gave a positive answer to a TASS question on whether the United States viewed Russia as its partner in Moon exploration and whether Moscow could count on signing an agreement with Washington within the framework of Artemis Accords if it wants so .
`` I think in many ways Russia already has .
As you know , Russia is a signatory to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` That ’ s why I ’ m very hopeful that now that we come out and have described what ’ s in these accords and that they are grounded on the Outer Space Treaty , that Russia will be able to take a hard look at this kind of thing now . ''
In his words , Russia ’ s participation in the Gateway project to create a lunar orbiter jointly with the US can become a first step in signing a Moscow-Washington agreement within the framework @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look at the Russian cooperation on Artemis , I expect a great deal of it .
It may center around the Gateway , '' the NASA official said .
`` That may be a precursor , possibly , to Artemis Accords agreements , because Russia already expressed interest in participating in the Gateway program . ''
`` There is nothing in the Accords , we would hope , that Russia would object to , '' he added .
On Friday , NASA unveiled the basic principles for its projected international agreement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is named the Artemis Accords , after the US ’ s Artemis moon program , and will comprise a series of bilateral agreements between the United States and partner nations .
The deal is expected to be based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty .
Among its principles NASA named the resource mining on the Earth ’ s natural satellite and the creation of `` Safety Zones '' intended to prevent `` harmful interference . ''
Earlier , Reuters reported , citing its sources that the US administration prepares a project of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moon , which it plans to involve a number of partners state in , and Russia will not be among them during the early stage .
The agreement implies creation of `` safety zones '' around future moon bases in a bid `` to prevent damage or interference from rival countries or companies operating in close proximity , '' according to Reuters .
It will also spell out rules within the international law which will allow companies mining resources on the moon to claim property rights over these resources .
The draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US allies , but , according to Reuters , Washington plans to officially engage in negotiations with such countries as Canada , Japan , the EU states and the UAE .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier told journalists that the US draft agreement on resource mining on the moon requires a thorough review from the standpoint of the international law , adding that he is not ready to evaluate this project directly yet .
The Lunar Gateway , previously known as Deep Space Gateway and Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway , proposed by the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point for human missions to Moon and far space .
Earlier , the United States invited its international partners in the International Space Station ( ISS ) project , including Russia , to participate .
Among other things , NASA has sent a memorandum to Russia ’ s space corporation Roscosmos , which specifies details of the project and lists cooperation opportunities under this program .
Earlier , Russian Space Agency ( Roscosmos ) CEO Dmitry Rogozin told TASS that the Agency is ready to take part in the international Lunar Gateway project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn , Roscosmos Deputy CEO on international cooperation Sergey Savelyev told TASS that the Agency is ready to cooperate with NASA on Gateway after upcoming Russian spacecraft and super-heavy rocket pass tests , which would at least provide the project with reserve means of support and rescue .

WASHINGTON, May 16. /TASS/. Media reports that the United States was not willing to include Russia into its draft agreement on Moon exploration were incorrect, Acting Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of International and Interagency Relations Michael Gold told reporters.
"I think it’s unfortunate that there were a lot of media leaks that did not properly describe what the Artemis Accords were, so I’m not surprised for some of those reactions. Frankly, if I was in their place, I might have reacted similarly, given the information that was presented," he said, when asked to comment on a Reuters report that the United States was preparing an international agreement on moon mining without Russia’s participation.
He also gave a positive answer to a TASS question on whether the United States viewed Russia as its partner in Moon exploration and whether Moscow could count on signing an agreement with Washington within the framework of Artemis Accords if it wants so.
"I think in many ways Russia already has. As you know, Russia is a signatory to the [1967] Outer Space Treaty," he said. "That’s why I’m very hopeful that now that we come out and have described what’s in these accords and that they are grounded on the Outer Space Treaty, that Russia will be able to take a hard look at this kind of thing now."
In his words, Russia’s participation in the Gateway project to create a lunar orbiter jointly with the US can become a first step in signing a Moscow-Washington agreement within the framework of the Artemis Accords.
"As we look at the Russian cooperation on Artemis, I expect a great deal of it. It may center around the Gateway," the NASA official said. "That may be a precursor, possibly, to Artemis Accords agreements, because Russia already expressed interest in participating in the Gateway program."
"There is nothing in the Accords, we would hope, that Russia would object to," he added.
Artemis Accords
On Friday, NASA unveiled the basic principles for its projected international agreement on exploration of the Moon. The agreement is named the Artemis Accords, after the US’s Artemis moon program, and will comprise a series of bilateral agreements between the United States and partner nations. The deal is expected to be based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Among its principles NASA named the resource mining on the Earth’s natural satellite and the creation of "Safety Zones" intended to prevent "harmful interference."
Earlier, Reuters reported, citing its sources that the US administration prepares a project of a new international agreement on resource mining on the moon, which it plans to involve a number of partners state in, and Russia will not be among them during the early stage.
The agreement implies creation of "safety zones" around future moon bases in a bid "to prevent damage or interference from rival countries or companies operating in close proximity," according to Reuters. It will also spell out rules within the international law which will allow companies mining resources on the moon to claim property rights over these resources.
The draft agreement has not been presented to the US allies, but, according to Reuters, Washington plans to officially engage in negotiations with such countries as Canada, Japan, the EU states and the UAE.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier told journalists that the US draft agreement on resource mining on the moon requires a thorough review from the standpoint of the international law, adding that he is not ready to evaluate this project directly yet.
Gateway Project
The Lunar Gateway, previously known as Deep Space Gateway and Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, proposed by the US, is supposed to become a transit point for human missions to Moon and far space. Earlier, the United States invited its international partners in the International Space Station (ISS) project, including Russia, to participate.
Among other things, NASA has sent a memorandum to Russia’s space corporation Roscosmos, which specifies details of the project and lists cooperation opportunities under this program.
Earlier, Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) CEO Dmitry Rogozin told TASS that the Agency is ready to take part in the international Lunar Gateway project on equal footing with NASA. In turn, Roscosmos Deputy CEO on international cooperation Sergey Savelyev told TASS that the Agency is ready to cooperate with NASA on Gateway after upcoming Russian spacecraft and super-heavy rocket pass tests, which would at least provide the project with reserve means of support and rescue.


tass--2020-05-16--WHO head urges to pay special attention to inflammatory syndrome in children

GENEVA , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
The inflammatory syndrome in children , registered in Europe and North America amid the novel coronavirus outbreak , requires urgent attention by the global community , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva .
`` In the past weeks , reports from Europe and North America have described a small number of children being admitted to intensive care units with a multisystem inflammatory condition with some features similar to Kawasaki ’ s disease and toxic shock syndrome , '' he said .
`` Initial reports hypothesise that this syndrome may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his words , `` it is critical to urgently and carefully characterize this clinical syndrome , to understand causality and to describe treatment interventions . ''
`` Together with our global clinical network for COVID-19 , WHO has developed a preliminary case definition and a case report form for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children , '' Ghebreyesus said .
`` I call on all clinicians worldwide to work with your national authorities and WHO to be on the alert and better understand this syndrome in children . ''
According to Dr. Maria Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s emergencies program , the organization has requested pediatricians all over the world to share their findings with the WHO in a bid to gain more information .
`` It seems to be a very rare syndrome , but we need more information , '' she said .
`` And we need more information collected in a systematic way , because , with the initial reports , we are getting a description of what it looks like , which is not always the same .
In some cases , the children tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not .
So we don ’ t know if this is associated with COVID-19 . ''
`` So , what we have done is through our clinical network and together with our partners is put together this case report forms .
This is a data collection tool , which clinicians can use to collect standardized information , so we can better understand what this disease looks like , how we can better develop treatments for this , and that ’ s important , '' she added .
According to Agence France Presse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with symptoms similar to the Kawasaki Disease , has occurred in France .
Earlier , there were reports of at least 15 children in similar condition .
Some researchers link the condition to the novel coronavirus infection , although there is no data to prove it so far , and the authorities dismiss this information as premature .

GENEVA, May 16. /TASS/. The inflammatory syndrome in children, registered in Europe and North America amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, requires urgent attention by the global community, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.
"In the past weeks, reports from Europe and North America have described a small number of children being admitted to intensive care units with a multisystem inflammatory condition with some features similar to Kawasaki’s disease and toxic shock syndrome," he said. "Initial reports hypothesise that this syndrome may be related to COVID-19."
In his words, "it is critical to urgently and carefully characterize this clinical syndrome, to understand causality and to describe treatment interventions."
"Together with our global clinical network for COVID-19, WHO has developed a preliminary case definition and a case report form for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children," Ghebreyesus said. "I call on all clinicians worldwide to work with your national authorities and WHO to be on the alert and better understand this syndrome in children."
According to Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for WHO’s emergencies program, the organization has requested pediatricians all over the world to share their findings with the WHO in a bid to gain more information.
"It seems to be a very rare syndrome, but we need more information," she said. "And we need more information collected in a systematic way, because, with the initial reports, we are getting a description of what it looks like, which is not always the same. In some cases, the children tested positive for COVID-19, and other children have not. So we don’t know if this is associated with COVID-19."
"So, what we have done is through our clinical network and together with our partners is put together this case report forms. This is a data collection tool, which clinicians can use to collect standardized information, so we can better understand what this disease looks like, how we can better develop treatments for this, and that’s important," she added.
According to Agence France Presse, the first death of a child with symptoms similar to the Kawasaki Disease, has occurred in France. Earlier, there were reports of at least 15 children in similar condition. Some researchers link the condition to the novel coronavirus infection, although there is no data to prove it so far, and the authorities dismiss this information as premature.


tass--2020-05-16--WHO notes good COVID-19 testing in Russia — official

GENEVA , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization notes the good organization of novel coronavirus testing in Russia , said Michael Ryan , the executive director of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Health Emergencies Programme .
`` Certainly from the perspective of the Russian Federation , they have been very good at ramping up testing , at making testing more available , but it is clear that in certain areas that the number of cases is stressing the healthcare system , '' he said .
At the same time , Ryan noted that Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There have been a relatively low number of reported deaths , and we are looking at it from the way deaths are recorded , '' he said .
`` People are struggling at how to record the deaths : are deaths recorded as confirmed cases or is the death recording related to the post-mortem diagnosis .
< … > There is some confusion as to whether someone dies of a heart attack and had COVID : did they die from COVID with a heart attack or from heart attack while having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear , we can miss COVID-19 related deaths . ''
`` The WHO has issued very specific guidelines around the classification of mortality related to COVID-19 .
I point you to our guidelines on that on our website , '' Ryan added .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,543,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 303,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,712,000 individuals have recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

GENEVA, May 16. /TASS/. The World Health Organization notes the good organization of novel coronavirus testing in Russia, said Michael Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme.
"Certainly from the perspective of the Russian Federation, they have been very good at ramping up testing, at making testing more available, but it is clear that in certain areas that the number of cases is stressing the healthcare system," he said.
At the same time, Ryan noted that Russia’s coronavirus death toll was relatively low.
"There have been a relatively low number of reported deaths, and we are looking at it from the way deaths are recorded," he said. "People are struggling at how to record the deaths: are deaths recorded as confirmed cases or is the death recording related to the post-mortem diagnosis. <…> There is some confusion as to whether someone dies of a heart attack and had COVID: did they die from COVID with a heart attack or from heart attack while having COVID? If that is not done clear, we can miss COVID-19 related deaths."
"The WHO has issued very specific guidelines around the classification of mortality related to COVID-19. I point you to our guidelines on that on our website," Ryan added.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,543,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 303,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,712,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 262,843 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 58,226 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,418 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-16--Putin gives instructions to increase coronavirus testing in Russia

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked the government and regional administrations with increasing the @ @ @ @ @ , according to a list of presidential instructions published by the Kremlin on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ the wake of the May 11 conference with governmental officials and regional governments on the @ @ @ @ @ tasks relevant bodies with `` boosting < … > the population ’ s testing for @ @ @ @ @ '' The president also tasked the authorities with ensuring that people aged 65 or older @ @ @ @ @ continue to observe the self-isolation regime .
The authorities should report on how those measures @ @ @ @ @ 20 .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked the government and regional administrations with increasing the novel coronavirus testing among Russians, according to a list of presidential instructions published by the Kremlin on Friday.
The document, adopted in the wake of the May 11 conference with governmental officials and regional governments on the epidemiological situation in Russia, tasks relevant bodies with "boosting <…> the population’s testing for the novel coronavirus infection."
The president also tasked the authorities with ensuring that people aged 65 or older or suffering from chronic diseases continue to observe the self-isolation regime.
The authorities should report on how those measures are being implemented by May 20.


tass--2020-05-16--Number of coronavirus cases worldwide tops 4.5 million — Johns Hopkins University

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases registered worldwide has topped 4.5 million , @ @ @ @ @ citing reports by federal and local authorities around the world .
According to the US-based @ @ @ @ @ of 4,516,360 cases of the disease have been registered worldwide so far , some 306,051 @ @ @ @ @ The university said the United States accounts for most cases ( 1,432,045 ) , followed @ @ @ @ @ , the United Kingdom ( 238,003 ) and Spain ( 230,183 ) .
The biggest @ @ @ @ @ reported in the US ( almost 86,900 ) , followed by the United Kingdom ( @ @ @ @ @ ( about 31,600 ) and France ( 27,500 ) .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by @ @ @ @ @ reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases registered worldwide has topped 4.5 million, the Johns Hopkins University reports citing reports by federal and local authorities around the world.
According to the US-based research organization, a total of 4,516,360 cases of the disease have been registered worldwide so far, some 306,051 of them being fatal.
The university said the United States accounts for most cases (1,432,045), followed by Russia (262,843), the United Kingdom (238,003) and Spain (230,183).
The biggest number of fatalities is also reported in the US (almost 86,900), followed by the United Kingdom (some 34,000), Italy (about 31,600) and France (27,500).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.


tass--2020-05-16--Ukraine goes ahead with its discriminatory policy of blocking Russian websites - Moscow

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine remains reluctant to review its discriminatory policy against Russian media websites and goes ahead with its access ban , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday .
`` Once again , the Ukrainian leadership demonstrated in practice that it has no plans to review the discriminatory and illegitimate policy regarding Russian media outlets , '' the foreign ministry said , commenting on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s decision to ban access to Russian websites and social media on the Ukrainian territory .
`` We view this step as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at removing alternative viewpoints from the country ’ s information space .
Such actions constitute a blatant violation of fundamental principles of the international law , such as the freedom of expression and equal access to information , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The statement says that the move remains just a `` small share '' of the Ukrainian government ’ s `` consistent policy of repressions '' against the media .
Within the framework of this policy , the authorities toughen laws and state regulations of the media sphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pressure on journalists , whose lives and freedom have long been in danger as a result of their professional activities .
`` Up until now , a series of murders of journalists remains unsolved , including the crimes of 2014 that claimed the lives of Andrei Stenin , Anton Voloshin , Igor Kornelyuk and Anatoly Klyan , '' the ministry said .
Moreover , Moscow views as inadmissible the Ukrainian government ’ s policy of abetting the `` Mirotvorets extremist website , which directly threatens the security of journalists . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights NGOs , including OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir , to react properly .
We also ask Kiev ’ s European and overseas partners to explain how the Ukrainian government ’ s policy corresponds to democratic values and principles , '' the ministry said .
On Friday , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has approved a decision of the National Security and Defense Council to extend a previously imposed ban on a number of Russian websites and social networks for three more years , according to the official website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Security and Defense Council submitted its proposal with the president on Wednesday requesting a prolongation of the national ban on Russian social networks for three more years .
The Ukrainian parliament , Verkhovna Rada , passed a resolution on May 13 requesting an extension of sanctions against Russia-based Internet companies .
On May 15 , 2017 , then Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko signed into effect a decision made by the National Security and Defense Council on expanding the Russian sanctions list of 1,228 Russian individuals and 468 legal entities .
Sanctions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies , including 1C , ABBYY and their Ukrainian subsidiaries .
In addition , Russia ’ s VKontakte and Odnoklassniki social networks , Mail.ru and Yandex companies were banned .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Ukraine remains reluctant to review its discriminatory policy against Russian media websites and goes ahead with its access ban, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
"Once again, the Ukrainian leadership demonstrated in practice that it has no plans to review the discriminatory and illegitimate policy regarding Russian media outlets," the foreign ministry said, commenting on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to ban access to Russian websites and social media on the Ukrainian territory.
"We view this step as an act of direct censorship, aimed at removing alternative viewpoints from the country’s information space. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of fundamental principles of the international law, such as the freedom of expression and equal access to information," the ministry said in a statement.
The statement says that the move remains just a "small share" of the Ukrainian government’s "consistent policy of repressions" against the media. Within the framework of this policy, the authorities toughen laws and state regulations of the media sphere and resort to administrative and other forms of pressure on journalists, whose lives and freedom have long been in danger as a result of their professional activities.
"Up until now, a series of murders of journalists remains unsolved, including the crimes of 2014 that claimed the lives of Andrei Stenin, Anton Voloshin, Igor Kornelyuk and Anatoly Klyan," the ministry said.
Moreover, Moscow views as inadmissible the Ukrainian government’s policy of abetting the "Mirotvorets extremist website, which directly threatens the security of journalists."
"We call upon relevant international organizations and human rights NGOs, including OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir, to react properly. We also ask Kiev’s European and overseas partners to explain how the Ukrainian government’s policy corresponds to democratic values and principles," the ministry said.
Ban on Russian websites
On Friday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has approved a decision of the National Security and Defense Council to extend a previously imposed ban on a number of Russian websites and social networks for three more years, according to the official website of the Ukrainian president.
The Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council submitted its proposal with the president on Wednesday requesting a prolongation of the national ban on Russian social networks for three more years. The Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, passed a resolution on May 13 requesting an extension of sanctions against Russia-based Internet companies.
On May 15, 2017, then Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko signed into effect a decision made by the National Security and Defense Council on expanding the Russian sanctions list of 1,228 Russian individuals and 468 legal entities.
Sanctions were imposed on several TV channels and Internet companies, including 1C, ABBYY and their Ukrainian subsidiaries. In addition, Russia’s VKontakte and Odnoklassniki social networks, Mail.ru and Yandex companies were banned.


tass--2020-05-16--Russia launches production of Su-35 fighter jets for Egypt — source

MOSCOW , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has launched the production of its advanced Su-35 fighter jets under a contract with Egypt , a military diplomatic source told TASS on Saturday .
`` The Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur has launched the production of Su-35 , intended to be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force under the contract signed in 2018 , '' the source said .
`` The timeframe for first batch ’ s delivery to the Egyptian side has not been set yet , due to restrictions imposed by the novel coronavirus outbreak , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirm the information by the time of the publication .
Russia ’ s Kommersant daily reported in March 2019 that Egypt had decided to purchase several Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets for about $ 2 billion .
The signing of the deal has never been confirmed by official sources .
China has become the first foreign country to buy Su-35 when it signed a $ 2.5-billion deal with Russia for 24 aircraft .
The deal also envisaged supplies of ground equipment and spare engines .
The delivery of the aircraft to China was completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily upgraded generation 4++ supermaneuverable multipurpose fighter jet developed on the basis of fifth-generation technologies .
The Su-35S is distinguished by its new avionics suite based on the information control system , the new radar , plasma ignition engines of the increased capacity and thrust vectoring .
These engines meet the requirements for the powerplant of fifth-generation fighters as they allow developing supersonic speed without using an afterburner .
The Su-35S supersonic fighter jet performed its debut flight on February 19 , 2008 .
The fighter jet is a derivative of the Su-27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters , can develop a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h and has a crew of one pilot .
The fighter jet ’ s armament includes a 30mm aircraft gun , up to 8 tonnes of the weapon payload ( missiles and bombs of various types ) on 12 underwing hardpoints .
The Su-35S has been in service with the Russian Army since 2015 .

MOSCOW, May 16. /TASS/. Russia has launched the production of its advanced Su-35 fighter jets under a contract with Egypt, a military diplomatic source told TASS on Saturday.
"The Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur has launched the production of Su-35, intended to be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force under the contract signed in 2018," the source said.
"The timeframe for first batch’s delivery to the Egyptian side has not been set yet, due to restrictions imposed by the novel coronavirus outbreak," he added.
TASS has been unable to officially confirm the information by the time of the publication.
Russia’s Kommersant daily reported in March 2019 that Egypt had decided to purchase several Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets for about $2 billion. The signing of the deal has never been confirmed by official sources.
China has become the first foreign country to buy Su-35 when it signed a $2.5-billion deal with Russia for 24 aircraft. The deal also envisaged supplies of ground equipment and spare engines. The delivery of the aircraft to China was completed in 2019.
The Su-35S is a heavily upgraded generation 4++ supermaneuverable multipurpose fighter jet developed on the basis of fifth-generation technologies. The Su-35S is distinguished by its new avionics suite based on the information control system, the new radar, plasma ignition engines of the increased capacity and thrust vectoring. These engines meet the requirements for the powerplant of fifth-generation fighters as they allow developing supersonic speed without using an afterburner.
The Su-35S supersonic fighter jet performed its debut flight on February 19, 2008. The fighter jet is a derivative of the Su-27 plane. The Su-35S weighs 19 tonnes, has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters, can develop a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h and has a crew of one pilot. The fighter jet’s armament includes a 30mm aircraft gun, up to 8 tonnes of the weapon payload (missiles and bombs of various types) on 12 underwing hardpoints. The Su-35S has been in service with the Russian Army since 2015.


tass--2020-05-16--Ukraine updates its blacklist of sanctions against Russian companies, individuals

KIEV , May 16 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has updated the list of Russian organizations , hit by sanctions introduced by his predecessor Pyotr Poroshenko in 2017 , the presidential administration ’ s press service said on its website .
The updated list of sanctioned organizations , which initially had 468 entries , now has only 235 .
However , the new list includes the Moscow State University , the Russian Geographical Society and several structural units of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
Besides , it also blacklists St.Petersburg-based Hermitage Museum and the Moscow-based Pushkin Fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extends the ban on Russian websites , social networks and media for another three years .
A total of 377 people were included into the updated list of personal sanctions , also published by the Ukrainian president ’ s office .
Those individuals are now prohibited from entering Ukraine , having assets in the country or participating in privatization of Ukrainian assets .
According to Kiev , the majority of those included into the list are registered in Crimea , a Black Sea peninsula that seceded from Ukraine and joined Russia in 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory .

KIEV, May 16. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has updated the list of Russian organizations, hit by sanctions introduced by his predecessor Pyotr Poroshenko in 2017, the presidential administration’s press service said on its website.
The updated list of sanctioned organizations, which initially had 468 entries, now has only 235.
However, the new list includes the Moscow State University, the Russian Geographical Society and several structural units of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Besides, it also blacklists St.Petersburg-based Hermitage Museum and the Moscow-based Pushkin Fine Arts Museum.
The presidential decree also extends the ban on Russian websites, social networks and media for another three years.
Blacklist of individuals
A total of 377 people were included into the updated list of personal sanctions, also published by the Ukrainian president’s office. Those individuals are now prohibited from entering Ukraine, having assets in the country or participating in privatization of Ukrainian assets.
According to Kiev, the majority of those included into the list are registered in Crimea, a Black Sea peninsula that seceded from Ukraine and joined Russia in 2014. Ukraine still views Crimea as its territory.
A year ago, Zelensky’s predecessor Pyotr Poroshenko imposed sanctions on 848 Russians.