tass--2020-08-07--Russian biologists search for substances overriding COVID-19 genome defenses

NOVOSIBIRSK , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists of the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences will conduct a study to search for substances withstanding the effect of the coronavirus protein , which protects it from many antiviral preparations .
It is planned to find such compositions within two years , head of laboratory of genome and protein engineering of the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Zharkov told TASS .
The coronavirus , in addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is responsible for the propagation of the virus , contains one more protein which removes wrong nucleotides from the growing RNA chain .
This complicates the process of finding a medicine against the coronavirus infection since many antiviral drugs use precisely this principle - they insert themselves in the existing chain and prevent the virus from synthesizing its genetic material cutting off its propagation .
The constant rapid replication is important for the viability of the coronavirus ( differing , for example , from the immunodeficiency virus which can insert itself in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our goal is to find the compositions that are easily inserted in the growing chain and are not readily removed by the correcting activity of the virus .
If we succeed , new horizons for the development of anti-coronaviral drugs will emerge , '' the researcher said .
According to him , there are very few such targets that only the virus possesses while humans do not .
However , the correcting protein is one of the few targets unique to coronaviruses , which makes the study even more pressing .
The scientist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a vast experience of working with proteins that remove wrong nucleotides from genome .
`` There are chemists and biologists on our team .
Chemists will synthesize various compositions which will be inserted at the end of the growing RNA chain , and we will monitor how well they are removed by that protein which corrects errors , '' the scientist noted .
The two-year project is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research grant .
To date , 861,423 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 661,471 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s latest data indicates 14,351 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

NOVOSIBIRSK, August 7. /TASS/. Scientists of the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences will conduct a study to search for substances withstanding the effect of the coronavirus protein, which protects it from many antiviral preparations. It is planned to find such compositions within two years, head of laboratory of genome and protein engineering of the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Zharkov told TASS.
The coronavirus, in addition to the polymerase protein that all viruses have which is responsible for the propagation of the virus, contains one more protein which removes wrong nucleotides from the growing RNA chain. This complicates the process of finding a medicine against the coronavirus infection since many antiviral drugs use precisely this principle - they insert themselves in the existing chain and prevent the virus from synthesizing its genetic material cutting off its propagation. The constant rapid replication is important for the viability of the coronavirus (differing, for example, from the immunodeficiency virus which can insert itself in the human cell genome).
"Our goal is to find the compositions that are easily inserted in the growing chain and are not readily removed by the correcting activity of the virus. If we succeed, new horizons for the development of anti-coronaviral drugs will emerge," the researcher said.
According to him, there are very few such targets that only the virus possesses while humans do not. However, the correcting protein is one of the few targets unique to coronaviruses, which makes the study even more pressing. The scientist said that the researchers at his institute have a vast experience of working with proteins that remove wrong nucleotides from genome.
"There are chemists and biologists on our team. Chemists will synthesize various compositions which will be inserted at the end of the growing RNA chain, and we will monitor how well they are removed by that protein which corrects errors," the scientist noted. The two-year project is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research grant.
To date, 861,423 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 661,471 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 14,351 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-07--Hainan simplifies administrative procedures for business in six more industrial parks

HAIKOU , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan administration has expanded the list of industrial parks that have simplified administrative procedures for doing business .
According to Xinhua , the changes will affect six special economic zones .
The list includes the Yangpu Economic Development Area , the Jiangdong New District and the Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone , the Sanya Central Business District , the Wenchang International Space Town and the Lian International Education Experimental Zone in Lingshui County .
The simplification of administrative procedures affects , in particular , the cancellation of the report on the feasibility study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , the local administration will simultaneously assess the impact on the environment , safety of soil and water resources , energy conservation and other features of an industrial park comprehensively .
In March 2019 , the Hainan administration introduced these measures to simplify the bureaucratic process in Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone , Haikou High-Tech Development Area , and Laocheng Economic Development Zone .
Last October , Yazhou Bay Science City , Dongfang Port Industrial Park and Wanling Agricultural Logistics Park were added to the list of industrial parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan , ” according to which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025 , and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, August 7. /TASS/. The Hainan administration has expanded the list of industrial parks that have simplified administrative procedures for doing business. According to Xinhua, the changes will affect six special economic zones.
The list includes the Yangpu Economic Development Area, the Jiangdong New District and the Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, the Sanya Central Business District, the Wenchang International Space Town and the Lian International Education Experimental Zone in Lingshui County. The simplification of administrative procedures affects, in particular, the cancellation of the report on the feasibility study of companies' projects on these territories. Moreover, the local administration will simultaneously assess the impact on the environment, safety of soil and water resources, energy conservation and other features of an industrial park comprehensively.
In March 2019, the Hainan administration introduced these measures to simplify the bureaucratic process in Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Haikou High-Tech Development Area, and Laocheng Economic Development Zone. Last October, Yazhou Bay Science City, Dongfang Port Industrial Park and Wanling Agricultural Logistics Park were added to the list of industrial parks with simplified procedures for doing business.
About Hainan's free trade port
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-08-07--Ukraine reports record high in COVID-19 cases for third day

KIEV , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian doctors have recorded 1,453 coronavirus cases over the past day , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ Defense Council reported on Friday .
This is a record high hit for the third @ @ @ @ @ According to the council , the total number of the infected in the country has @ @ @ @ @ of 1,852 people have died since the start of the epidemic , including 33 in @ @ @ @ @ So far , 43,055 people have recovered , with 531 recoveries reported in the past @ @ @

KIEV, August 7. /TASS/. Ukrainian doctors have recorded 1,453 coronavirus cases over the past day, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council reported on Friday. This is a record high hit for the third day in a row.
According to the council, the total number of the infected in the country has reached 78,261. A total of 1,852 people have died since the start of the epidemic, including 33 in the past 24 hours. So far, 43,055 people have recovered, with 531 recoveries reported in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-08-07--Ex-chief sanitary doctor says flu vaccination will make it easier to diagnose COVID-19

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Mass influenza vaccination will help diagnose the novel coronavirus , because doctors can immediately rule out flu viruses as a cause of an acute respiratory disease , Russia ’ s former chief sanitary doctor Gennady Onishchenko , who is now first deputy chairman of the State Duma ( lower house ) Education and Science Committee , told TASS .
`` The upcoming epidemic season will have one specific feature .
There is a chance that the coronavirus infection , which is a respiratory infection , will be present among those viruses , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disease .
It [ getting inoculated for the flu ] will be better for those people who will be vaccinated for the flu , and it will also be easier for doctors to diagnose the disease .
When a person who has been vaccinated [ for the flu ] shows symptoms , there is every likelihood that he or she has contracted the coronavirus , '' he said .
Onishchenko stressed that it would be particularly important to get jabbed for the flu because of the stress that the body endured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year has been special , we had to self-isolate < … > for a long time , we experienced chronic stress .
That ’ s why our body needs vaccination today more than ever , '' he pointed out .
Russia ’ s regions will begin to receive first batches of influenza vaccines on August 10 , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said earlier .
According to Anna Popova , the chief sanitary doctor , head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , new influenza virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for yet will appear in the country this coming autumn and winter .
Later on , the Russian Ministry of Health said that vaccines against new flu strains had been developed by now .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Mass influenza vaccination will help diagnose the novel coronavirus, because doctors can immediately rule out flu viruses as a cause of an acute respiratory disease, Russia’s former chief sanitary doctor Gennady Onishchenko, who is now first deputy chairman of the State Duma (lower house) Education and Science Committee, told TASS.
"The upcoming epidemic season will have one specific feature. There is a chance that the coronavirus infection, which is a respiratory infection, will be present among those viruses, which cause a seasonal rise in the incidence of the disease. It [getting inoculated for the flu] will be better for those people who will be vaccinated for the flu, and it will also be easier for doctors to diagnose the disease. When a person who has been vaccinated [for the flu] shows symptoms, there is every likelihood that he or she has contracted the coronavirus," he said.
Onishchenko stressed that it would be particularly important to get jabbed for the flu because of the stress that the body endured during the self-isolation period. "This year has been special, we had to self-isolate <…> for a long time, we experienced chronic stress. That’s why our body needs vaccination today more than ever," he pointed out.
Russia’s regions will begin to receive first batches of influenza vaccines on August 10, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said earlier. According to Anna Popova, the chief sanitary doctor, head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, new influenza virus strains that Russians have not been vaccinated for yet will appear in the country this coming autumn and winter. Later on, the Russian Ministry of Health said that vaccines against new flu strains had been developed by now.


tass--2020-08-07--Russian conglomerate Rostec to produce 14,000 Aventa-M ventilators this year

`` The orders portfolio for supply of Aventa-M artificial lung ventilators includes a state contract with the Industry and Trade @ @ @ @ @ medical establishments and organizations in Russia and other countries .
All in all , those @ @ @ @ @ '' press service said .
In July , the company delivered ventilators to Kyrgyzstan and @ @ @ @ @ , adding that components for them are produced both in Russia and abroad , particularly @ @ @ @ @ Germany , Switzerland and the Netherlands .
Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said earlier @ @ @ @ @ that Russia is set to break an all-time record in terms of lung ventilators production @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic producing from 12,000 to 15,000 such ventilators .
The ministry will fulfill the @ @ @ @ @ ventilators to Russian regions by the end of this summer or the beginning of autumn @ @ @ @

"The orders portfolio for supply of Aventa-M artificial lung ventilators includes a state contract with the Industry and Trade Ministry and direct contracts with medical establishments and organizations in Russia and other countries. All in all, those are over 14,000 ventilators," the press service said.
In July, the company delivered ventilators to Kyrgyzstan and Serbia, the source said, adding that components for them are produced both in Russia and abroad, particularly in China, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said earlier in an interview with TASS that Russia is set to break an all-time record in terms of lung ventilators production this year due to the coronavirus pandemic producing from 12,000 to 15,000 such ventilators. The ministry will fulfill the contract on supply of 6,700 ventilators to Russian regions by the end of this summer or the beginning of autumn, he added.


tass--2020-08-07--Media: University of Edinburgh sets up international diabetes center on Hainan

HAIKOU , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The University of Edinburgh has established an international diabetes care center on Hainan and will soon begin providing a wide range of services for the treatment and prevention of diabetes , reported the Hainan Daily .
According to the newspaper , the new facility is located in the Boao Lecheng Special Medical Tourism Zone on the east coast of the island .
It uses a number of premises ( operating room , hospital wards , pharmacy and rooms with special equipment ) belonging to the local modern hospital complex , however , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its own program . ''
The therapy center will operate in accordance with the British medical practice and standards .
Among the methods used there are genetic diagnosis of the disease , interdisciplinary analysis of the process and causes of diabetes .
The list of services provided includes patient education , learning advanced medical methods in order to increase the effectiveness of the course of treatment .
Hainan 's free trade zone includes the development of a number of areas , including healthcare .
In order to do so , the authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and experienced foreign specialists .
That is why the Lecheng Medical Tourism Zone was established in 2013 , a facility with an area of 20 square kilometers , with billions of dollars of investments .
There are Chinese and Western medicine clinics providing world-class wellness services in the tourism zone .

HAIKOU, August 7. /TASS/. The University of Edinburgh has established an international diabetes care center on Hainan and will soon begin providing a wide range of services for the treatment and prevention of diabetes, reported the Hainan Daily.
According to the newspaper, the new facility is located in the Boao Lecheng Special Medical Tourism Zone on the east coast of the island. It uses a number of premises (operating room, hospital wards, pharmacy and rooms with special equipment) belonging to the local modern hospital complex, however, as emphasized, "operates independently, according to its own program."
The therapy center will operate in accordance with the British medical practice and standards. Among the methods used there are genetic diagnosis of the disease, interdisciplinary analysis of the process and causes of diabetes. The list of services provided includes patient education, learning advanced medical methods in order to increase the effectiveness of the course of treatment.
Hainan's free trade zone includes the development of a number of areas, including healthcare. In order to do so, the authorities intend to actively involve advanced foreign technologies and experienced foreign specialists. That is why the Lecheng Medical Tourism Zone was established in 2013, a facility with an area of 20 square kilometers, with billions of dollars of investments. There are Chinese and Western medicine clinics providing world-class wellness services in the tourism zone.


tass--2020-08-07--Global COVID-19 cases surpass 19 mln — Johns Hopkins University

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases across the globe exceeded 19 million @ @ @ @ @ the US-based Johns Hopkins University , which relies on data provided by international organizations and @ @ @ @ @ According to the university , a total of 19,007,938 people have contracted COVID-19 and 713,406 @ @ @ @ @ , 11,482,467 patients have recovered .
The biggest number of infections ( 4,881,974 ) has @ @ @ @ @ States .
Brazil is ranked second with 2,912,212 confirmed cases .
It is followed by @ @ @ @ @ 1,964,536 cases .
To date , 871,894 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 14,606 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases across the globe exceeded 19 million on Friday, according to the US-based Johns Hopkins University, which relies on data provided by international organizations and federal and local authorities.
According to the university, a total of 19,007,938 people have contracted COVID-19 and 713,406 have died. So far, 11,482,467 patients have recovered. The biggest number of infections (4,881,974) has been recorded in the United States. Brazil is ranked second with 2,912,212 confirmed cases. It is followed by India, which has reported 1,964,536 cases.
To date, 871,894 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 676,357 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 14,606 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-07--Russia’s COVID-19 tests surpass 30 mln

Russia’s COVID-19 tests surpass 30 mln

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists have conducted more than 30 million coronavirus tests , the press @ @ @ @ @ Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Friday .
WHO @ @ @ @ @ detected globally in 24 hours '' More than 30 million coronavirus tests have been conducted @ @ @ @ @ press service said , adding that 321,000 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ it reported that the number of COVID-19 tests in Russia had exceeded 29 million .
@ @ @ @ @ 246,322 people in Russia remain under medical supervision due to being suspected of having COVID-19 @

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Russian specialists have conducted more than 30 million coronavirus tests, the press service of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Friday.
WHO: over 259,000 coronavirus cases detected globally in 24 hours
"More than 30 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in Russia," the press service said, adding that 321,000 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.
On August 3, it reported that the number of COVID-19 tests in Russia had exceeded 29 million.
According to the watchdog, 246,322 people in Russia remain under medical supervision due to being suspected of having COVID-19.


tass--2020-08-07--Two militants preparing terrorist attacks eliminated in Russia’s Ingushetia

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Law enforcement officials in the Russian republic of Ingushetia eliminated two militants who @ @ @ @ @ another one was detained , the information center of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee told TASS @ @ @ @ @ operation in Nazran and the Malgobek region of Ingushetia , two militants were neutralized , @ @ @ @ @ identities were established .
According to available information , they intended to commit a number @ @ @ @ @ territory of the republic , '' the committee said .
The committee clarified that on @ @ @ @ @ information about the presence of armed people in private houses in Nazran and the village @ @ @ @ @ .
Head of the republican department of the Federal Security Service made a decision to @ @ @ @ @ introduce an appropriate legal regime .
`` There were no casualties among law enforcement officers @ @ @ @ @ '' the agency said .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Law enforcement officials in the Russian republic of Ingushetia eliminated two militants who were preparing terrorist attacks, another one was detained, the information center of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee told TASS.
"During the counter-terrorist operation in Nazran and the Malgobek region of Ingushetia, two militants were neutralized, one was detained. Their identities were established. According to available information, they intended to commit a number of terrorist crimes on the territory of the republic," the committee said.
The committee clarified that on Thursday the security agencies received information about the presence of armed people in private houses in Nazran and the village of Sagopshi, Malgobek district. Head of the republican department of the Federal Security Service made a decision to conduct a counter-terrorist operation and introduce an appropriate legal regime. "There were no casualties among law enforcement officers and no civilian casualties," the agency said.


tass--2020-08-07--Trade between China and Russia down 4.3%

BEIJING , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of trade between China and Russia decreased from January to July @ @ @ @ @ and amounted to 58.83 bln , according to a report published on Friday by the @ @ @ @ @ China .
According to the published data , China 's exports to Russia fell by @ @ @ @ @ bln .
Imports of Russian goods to China decreased by 4.7 % to $ 33 @ @ @ @ @ trade between the two countries amounted to $ 9.67 bln .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ Russia reached $ 4.89 bln , and imports of Russian goods to China amounted to @ @ @ @

BEIJING, August 7. /TASS/. The volume of trade between China and Russia decreased from January to July 2020 by 4.3% year-on-year and amounted to 58.83 bln, according to a report published on Friday by the General Administration of Customs of China.
According to the published data, China's exports to Russia fell by 3.7% to $25.83 bln. Imports of Russian goods to China decreased by 4.7% to $33 bln.
In July, trade between the two countries amounted to $9.67 bln. At the same time, China's exports to Russia reached $4.89 bln, and imports of Russian goods to China amounted to $4.78 bln.


tass--2020-08-07--Russia’s Emergencies Ministry rescuers pull three bodies from under rubble in Beirut

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Rescuers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry , while dismantling the rubble in the @ @ @ @ @ the bodies of three victims of the explosion , press service of the Russian Emergencies @ @ @ @ @ On August 7 , 2020 , the search and rescue services of the Russian Emergencies @ @ @ @ @ bodies of three victims of the explosion that occurred on August 4 in Beirut , @ @ @ @ @ .
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital .
The shockwave destroyed and @ @ @ @ @ cars , while more than 300,000 people were left without homes .
Local authorities said @ @ @ @ @ the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , stored in the port @ @ @ @ @ services in 2015 .
Lebanese authorities have detained 16 officials from the administration of Beirut @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Rescuers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, while dismantling the rubble in the port of Beirut, found the bodies of three victims of the explosion, press service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry told TASS.
"On August 7, 2020, the search and rescue services of the Russian Emergencies Ministry found and recovered the bodies of three victims of the explosion that occurred on August 4 in Beirut," the press service said.
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy’s base on August 4, sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars, while more than 300,000 people were left without homes. Local authorities said the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored in the port after being confiscated by customs services in 2015. Lebanese authorities have detained 16 officials from the administration of Beirut’s seaport.


tass--2020-08-07--Beirut explosion toll rises to 149

Beirut explosion toll rises to 149

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
At least 149 people died , over 5,000 were injured in a powerful @ @ @ @ @ the seaport of Beirut , Lebanese newspaper L ’ Orient-Le Jour reported , citing a @ @ @ @ @ Health .
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy ’ @ @ @ @ @ , sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital .
The shockwave destroyed @ @ @ @ @ and cars , while more than 300,000 people were left without homes .
Local authorities @ @ @ @ @ by the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , stored in the @ @ @ @ @ customs services in 2015 .
Lebanese authorities have detained 16 officials from the administration of @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. At least 149 people died, over 5,000 were injured in a powerful explosion on August 4 in the seaport of Beirut, Lebanese newspaper L’Orient-Le Jour reported, citing a source in the Ministry of Health.
Information about 145 victims was reported earlier.
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy’s base on August 4, sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars, while more than 300,000 people were left without homes. Local authorities said the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored in the port after being confiscated by customs services in 2015. Lebanese authorities have detained 16 officials from the administration of Beirut’s seaport.


tass--2020-08-07--Trump bans deals with owners of TikTok and WeChat

WASHINGTON , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders banning any transactions with TikTok app 's owner , ByteDance , and its subsidiaries , as well as transactions involving social network WeChat , with its owner , Chinese internet giant Tencent , and its subsidiaries .
The documents were distributed by the White House press service .
The ban in both cases begins 45 days after the order ’ s publication , that is at the end of September , and concerns `` any transaction by any person , or with respect to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , with ByteDance ... or its subsidiaries '' , as well as any WeChat-related transactions - with Tencent Holdings or its subsidiaries .
According to Trump , TikTok app and WeChat social network pose a threat to US national security .
`` TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users , including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories .
This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans ’ personal and proprietary information — potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal employees and contractors , build dossiers of personal information for blackmail , and conduct corporate espionage , '' the statement said .
`` Like TikTok , WeChat automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users .
This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans ’ personal and proprietary information .
In addition , the application captures the personal and proprietary information of Chinese nationals visiting the United States , thereby allowing the Chinese Communist Party a mechanism for keeping tabs on Chinese citizens who may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time in their lives , '' the order said .
On August 3 , Trump announced that Microsoft or another company from the United States must conclude a deal to acquire TikTok by September 15 , otherwise activities of the social network will be prohibited on the US territory .
On July 31 , the president said he plans to ban TikTok in the US .

WASHINGTON, August 7. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders banning any transactions with TikTok app's owner, ByteDance, and its subsidiaries, as well as transactions involving social network WeChat, with its owner, Chinese internet giant Tencent, and its subsidiaries. The documents were distributed by the White House press service.
The ban in both cases begins 45 days after the order’s publication, that is at the end of September, and concerns "any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with ByteDance ... or its subsidiaries", as well as any WeChat-related transactions - with Tencent Holdings or its subsidiaries.
According to Trump, TikTok app and WeChat social network pose a threat to US national security. "TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories. This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information — potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage," the statement said.
"Like TikTok, WeChat automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users. This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information. In addition, the application captures the personal and proprietary information of Chinese nationals visiting the United States, thereby allowing the Chinese Communist Party a mechanism for keeping tabs on Chinese citizens who may be enjoying the benefits of a free society for the first time in their lives," the order said.
On August 3, Trump announced that Microsoft or another company from the United States must conclude a deal to acquire TikTok by September 15, otherwise activities of the social network will be prohibited on the US territory. On July 31, the president said he plans to ban TikTok in the US.


tass--2020-08-08--Trump believes Russia, China don’t want his re-election

WASHINGTON , August 8 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump believes that he is the last person whom Russia and China would like to see as the US president , the US leader told reporters in Bedminster , New Jersey .
`` The last person Russia would like to see in office is Donald Trump , because nobody has been tougher on Russia than I have , '' he said on Friday , adding that China and Iran have the same stance .
The statement came in response to a report by National Counterintelligence and Security Center ( NCSC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US intelligence official , Russia is trying to `` denigrate '' Trump ’ s election rival , former Vice President Joseph Biden .
China and Iran , at the same time , are reluctant to see Trump re-elected , the US official added .
When asked to comment on the reports of alleged foreign interference into the US polls , Trump replied : `` We are going to look at that very closely . ''
The US intelligence services incriminate Russia of meddling in the 2016 US elections .
These alleged influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI Robert Mueller for almost two years .
On April 18 , 2019 the US Department of Justice made public his final report where the US special counsellor acknowledged that no collusion has taken place between Russian authorities and the US presidential candidate Donald Trump who had won the election .
Trump himself repeatedly denied suspicions of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign .
Moscow also repeatedly denied rumors of attempts to influence the US elections .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that as the presidential election approaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of Russia ’ s alleged interference would appear .
`` They certainly have nothing to do with the truth , '' he added .

WASHINGTON, August 8. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump believes that he is the last person whom Russia and China would like to see as the US president, the US leader told reporters in Bedminster, New Jersey.
"The last person Russia would like to see in office is Donald Trump, because nobody has been tougher on Russia than I have," he said on Friday, adding that China and Iran have the same stance.
The statement came in response to a report by National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) Director William Evanina. According to the US intelligence official, Russia is trying to "denigrate" Trump’s election rival, former Vice President Joseph Biden. China and Iran, at the same time, are reluctant to see Trump re-elected, the US official added.
When asked to comment on the reports of alleged foreign interference into the US polls, Trump replied: "We are going to look at that very closely."
The US intelligence services incriminate Russia of meddling in the 2016 US elections. These alleged influence attempts were investigated by former head of FBI Robert Mueller for almost two years. On April 18, 2019 the US Department of Justice made public his final report where the US special counsellor acknowledged that no collusion has taken place between Russian authorities and the US presidential candidate Donald Trump who had won the election. Trump himself repeatedly denied suspicions of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign. Moscow also repeatedly denied rumors of attempts to influence the US elections.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that as the presidential election approaches, more and more "paranoid reports" of Russia’s alleged interference would appear. "They certainly have nothing to do with the truth," he added.


tass--2020-08-08--Rights group says opposition rally participants detained in Minsk

MINSK , August 8 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcement officers detained several participants of a solidarity rally in central Minsk , the unregistered Vesna human rights center said on Saturday .
`` Participants of traditional bicycle rallies of solidarity are being detained in Minsk , '' the statement says , adding that four people have been detained so far .
Belarusian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova did not comment on the report .
However , she rejected information released via Telegram channels that a cycler was allegedly hit by a police car .
`` The news of a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to preliminary information , this person had an epileptic fit .
Officers called an ambulance .
He is now hospitalized , '' Chemodanova said .
Belarus will hold presidential elections on August 9 .
By now , the presidential candidates are incumbent head of state Alexander Lukashenko , co-leader of the Govori Pravdu ( Tell the Truth ) public movement Andrei Dmitriyev , former member of the lower parliament house Anna Kanopatskaya , housewife Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , and leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Gramada Sergei Cherchen .
The electoral campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians and activists and unsanctioned rallies .

MINSK, August 8. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement officers detained several participants of a solidarity rally in central Minsk, the unregistered Vesna human rights center said on Saturday.
"Participants of traditional bicycle rallies of solidarity are being detained in Minsk," the statement says, adding that four people have been detained so far.
Belarusian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova did not comment on the report. However, she rejected information released via Telegram channels that a cycler was allegedly hit by a police car.
"The news of a person being hit by a car is fake. According to preliminary information, this person had an epileptic fit. Officers called an ambulance. He is now hospitalized," Chemodanova said.
Belarus will hold presidential elections on August 9. By now, the presidential candidates are incumbent head of state Alexander Lukashenko, co-leader of the Govori Pravdu (Tell the Truth) public movement Andrei Dmitriyev, former member of the lower parliament house Anna Kanopatskaya, housewife Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, and leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Gramada Sergei Cherchen.
The electoral campaign has been marred by detention of opposition politicians and activists and unsanctioned rallies.


tass--2020-08-08--Three months before elections, US once again accuses Russia, China, Iran of meddling

WASHINGTON , August 8 .
/TASS/ .
Three months before the presidential elections in the United States , the US government once again accused its main opponents on the international arena - Russia , China and Iran - of attempts to interfere into the electoral process .
`` Ahead of the 2020 U.S. elections , foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway U.S. voters ’ preferences and perspectives , shift U.S. policies , increase discord in the United States , and undermine the American people ’ s confidence in our democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center ( NCSC ) Director William Evanina said in a statement .
`` Many foreign actors have a preference for who wins the election , which they express through a range of overt and private statements ; covert influence efforts are rarer .
We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activity by China , Russia , and Iran , '' the statement says .
In Washington ’ s opinion , Russia is trying to `` denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia ‘ establishment.
’ '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ actors `` are also seeking to boost President Trump ’ s candidacy on social media and Russian television . ''
China and Iran , at the same time , are reluctant to see Trump re-elected , the US official added .
`` We assess that China prefers that President Trump - whom Beijing sees as unpredictable - does not win reelection .
China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States , pressure political figures it views as opposed to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counter criticism of China , '' Evanina said .
According to US counter-intelligence , `` Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions , '' to disrupt the activities of Trump ’ s administration and `` to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections . ''
`` Iran ’ s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence , such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content , '' the US intelligence official said .
Overall , according to Evanina , foreign states may attempt to compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the purpose of `` interfering with the voting process , stealing sensitive data , or calling into question the validity of the election results . ''
`` Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy , '' he said .
`` However , it would be difficult for our adversaries to interfere with or manipulate voting results at scale . ''
The NCSC director presented no evidence to support his statements .
According to the document , `` the intelligence assessments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and objective election threat information the IC has to offer in an unclassified setting at this time . ''
The US intelligence services incriminate Russia of meddling in the 2016 US elections .
These alleged influence attempts were investigated by former head of FBI Robert Mueller for almost two years .
On April 18 , 2019 the US Department of Justice made public his final report where the US special counsellor acknowledged that no collusion has taken place between Russian authorities and the US presidential candidate Donald Trump who had won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign .
Moscow also repeatedly denied rumors of attempts to influence the US elections .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that as the presidential election approaches , more and more `` paranoid reports '' of Russia ’ s alleged interference would appear .
`` They certainly have nothing to do with the truth , '' he added .

WASHINGTON, August 8. /TASS/. Three months before the presidential elections in the United States, the US government once again accused its main opponents on the international arena - Russia, China and Iran - of attempts to interfere into the electoral process.
"Ahead of the 2020 U.S. elections, foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway U.S. voters’ preferences and perspectives, shift U.S. policies, increase discord in the United States, and undermine the American people’s confidence in our democratic process," National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) Director William Evanina said in a statement.
"Many foreign actors have a preference for who wins the election, which they express through a range of overt and private statements; covert influence efforts are rarer. We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activity by China, Russia, and Iran," the statement says.
In Washington’s opinion, Russia is trying to "denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia ‘establishment.’" According to Evanina, certain ‘Kremlin-linked’ actors "are also seeking to boost President Trump’s candidacy on social media and Russian television."
China and Iran, at the same time, are reluctant to see Trump re-elected, the US official added.
"We assess that China prefers that President Trump - whom Beijing sees as unpredictable - does not win reelection. China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China’s interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China," Evanina said.
According to US counter-intelligence, "Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions," to disrupt the activities of Trump’s administration and "to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections."
"Iran’s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content," the US intelligence official said.
Overall, according to Evanina, foreign states may attempt to compromise the work of the US electoral infrastructure with the purpose of "interfering with the voting process, stealing sensitive data, or calling into question the validity of the election results."
"Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy," he said. "However, it would be difficult for our adversaries to interfere with or manipulate voting results at scale."
The NCSC director presented no evidence to support his statements. According to the document, "the intelligence assessments above represent the most current, accurate, and objective election threat information the IC has to offer in an unclassified setting at this time."
The US intelligence services incriminate Russia of meddling in the 2016 US elections. These alleged influence attempts were investigated by former head of FBI Robert Mueller for almost two years. On April 18, 2019 the US Department of Justice made public his final report where the US special counsellor acknowledged that no collusion has taken place between Russian authorities and the US presidential candidate Donald Trump who had won the election. Trump himself repeatedly denied suspicions of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign. Moscow also repeatedly denied rumors of attempts to influence the US elections.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that as the presidential election approaches, more and more "paranoid reports" of Russia’s alleged interference would appear. "They certainly have nothing to do with the truth," he added.


tass--2020-08-08--UN set to take part in conference to raise funds for Lebanon — deputy spokesman

UN , August 8 .
/TASS/ .
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is set to take part in the fund-raising conference for Lebanon organized by France , Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq said on Friday .
`` Tentatively , if [ French ] President [ Emmanuel ] Macron hosts a meeting of support for Lebanon on Monday , like I said , we 're trying to get our participation in that , '' he told reporters .
`` We are trying to see whether we can have the involvement , including by the Secretary-General and by Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a question from TASS .
Haq said the United Nations was appreciative of all of the international efforts to get aid to the Lebanese people at a time when they need it .
Earlier , the French presidential administration told TASS the date of the international aid conference , proposed by Marcron , is yet to be said .
At the same time , European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said the conference would take place on Sunday , August 9 , in the form of a video linkup .
A powerful blast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese Navy ’ s base on August 4 , sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital .
The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars , while more than 300,000 people were left without homes .
At least 154 people died and 5,000 were injured , dozens are still listed as missing .
Local authorities say the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , stored in the port after being confiscated by the customs service six years ago .

UN, August 8. /TASS/. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is set to take part in the fund-raising conference for Lebanon organized by France, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq said on Friday.
"Tentatively, if [French] President [Emmanuel] Macron hosts a meeting of support for Lebanon on Monday, like I said, we're trying to get our participation in that," he told reporters.
"We are trying to see whether we can have the involvement, including by the Secretary-General and by Mr. Lowcock," he added, answering to a question from TASS.
Haq said the United Nations was appreciative of all of the international efforts to get aid to the Lebanese people at a time when they need it.
Earlier, the French presidential administration told TASS the date of the international aid conference, proposed by Marcron, is yet to be said. At the same time, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said the conference would take place on Sunday, August 9, in the form of a video linkup.
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy’s base on August 4, sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars, while more than 300,000 people were left without homes. At least 154 people died and 5,000 were injured, dozens are still listed as missing. Local authorities say the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored in the port after being confiscated by the customs service six years ago.


tass--2020-08-08--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 278,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
More than 278,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on August 7 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 18.9 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 7 , as many as 18,902,735 novel coronavirus cases and 709,511 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by a record of 278,291 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,815 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially confirmed data from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 10,135,322 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 154,118 and the number of deaths - by 4,598 and reached 376,606 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,513,219 and the number of fatalities is 215,640 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 25,473 and the number of deaths - by 416 .
Southeast Asia has 2,428,584 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , the number of cases grew by 67,863 and the number of deaths - by 999 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 4,781,612 ) , Brazil ( 2,859,073 ) , India ( 2,027,074 ) , Russia ( 877,135 ) , South Africa ( 538,184 ) , Mexico ( 456,100 ) , Peru ( 447,624 ) , Chile ( 366,671 ) , Colombia ( 345,714 ) , and Iran ( 320,117 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, August 7. /TASS/. More than 278,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on August 7, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 18.9 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 7, as many as 18,902,735 novel coronavirus cases and 709,511 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by a record of 278,291 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,815.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 10,135,322. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 154,118 and the number of deaths - by 4,598 and reached 376,606.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,513,219 and the number of fatalities is 215,640. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 25,473 and the number of deaths - by 416.
Southeast Asia has 2,428,584 cases and 50,571 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 67,863 and the number of deaths - by 999.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (4,781,612), Brazil (2,859,073), India (2,027,074), Russia (877,135), South Africa (538,184), Mexico (456,100), Peru (447,624), Chile (366,671), Colombia (345,714), and Iran (320,117).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-08-08--UN says $15 mln released to help Beirut port blast response

UNITED NATIONS , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations has allocated 15 million US dollars from its specialized funds to help Lebanon following the powerful explosion at Beirut ’ s port , the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( UN OCHA ) said on Friday .
`` UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock has released $ 6 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund ( CERF ) to help the response to the Beirut port blast , bringing the total UN funding for this crisis to $ 15 million , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ released from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund .
`` The UN and its partners are urgently working to continue to assess the situation and mobilize emergency assistance , '' the UN OCHA said , adding that more than 300,000 people , including 80,000 children , who have been felt homeless , are in need of temporary accommodation .
`` More supplies are arriving each day to support operations .
Three cargo flights with WFP food supplies are due to arrive in Beirut in the coming days , '' it noted .
A powerful blast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese Navy ’ s base on August 4 , sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital .
The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars .
Local authorities say the blast was caused by the detonation of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , stored in the port after being confiscated by the customs services in 2015 .
According to latest updates , at least 154 people were killed and more than 5,000 were injured .
Dozens are still missing .
Over 300,000 people were left homeless .

UNITED NATIONS, August 7. /TASS/. The United Nations has allocated 15 million US dollars from its specialized funds to help Lebanon following the powerful explosion at Beirut’s port, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said on Friday.
"UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock has released $6 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help the response to the Beirut port blast, bringing the total UN funding for this crisis to $15 million," it said.
Earlier, nine million US dollars were released from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund.
"The UN and its partners are urgently working to continue to assess the situation and mobilize emergency assistance," the UN OCHA said, adding that more than 300,000 people, including 80,000 children, who have been felt homeless, are in need of temporary accommodation.
"More supplies are arriving each day to support operations. Three cargo flights with WFP food supplies are due to arrive in Beirut in the coming days," it noted.
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy’s base on August 4, sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars. Local authorities say the blast was caused by the detonation of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored in the port after being confiscated by the customs services in 2015.
According to latest updates, at least 154 people were killed and more than 5,000 were injured. Dozens are still missing. Over 300,000 people were left homeless.


tass--2020-08-08--South Ossetia wants to demonstrate evidence of Georgian genocide to global community

TSKKHINVAL , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov on Friday demanded to grant his country access to global platforms , saying that it has sufficient evidence proving the genocide of Ossetians by Georgia .
On August 7 and 8 , the former Georgian republic is remembering victims of Georgia ’ s 2008 aggression against South Ossetia .
Bibilov called upon the global community to give South Ossetia a chance `` to speak at the UN and other international platforms in order to show and tell the truth . ''
`` South Ossetia has sufficient patience and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community to find courage and eventually recognize the genocide of Ossetians , to recognize Georgia ’ s attempt to eliminate the Ossetian ethnic group , '' Bibilov said at a memorial event in the capital Tskhinval .
The president also called upon the international community to bring to justice those guilty of killing South Ossetians between 1989 and 2008 .
`` We will demand that Georgia recognize South Ossetia , recognize the genocide of Ossetians and sign a memorandum on the non-use of force , '' the president said .
On August 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack against South Ossetia .
Russia intervened to protect civilians and its peacekeepers .
In the five-day armed clash , more than one thousand people , including 72 Russian peacekeepers , lost their lives .
On August 26 , 2008 Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia .

TSKKHINVAL, August 7. /TASS/. South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov on Friday demanded to grant his country access to global platforms, saying that it has sufficient evidence proving the genocide of Ossetians by Georgia.
On August 7 and 8, the former Georgian republic is remembering victims of Georgia’s 2008 aggression against South Ossetia.
Bibilov called upon the global community to give South Ossetia a chance "to speak at the UN and other international platforms in order to show and tell the truth."
"South Ossetia has sufficient patience and time and enough facts for the international community to find courage and eventually recognize the genocide of Ossetians, to recognize Georgia’s attempt to eliminate the Ossetian ethnic group," Bibilov said at a memorial event in the capital Tskhinval.
The president also called upon the international community to bring to justice those guilty of killing South Ossetians between 1989 and 2008.
"We will demand that Georgia recognize South Ossetia, recognize the genocide of Ossetians and sign a memorandum on the non-use of force," the president said.
On August 8, 2008 Georgia mounted an overnight armed attack against South Ossetia. Russia intervened to protect civilians and its peacekeepers. In the five-day armed clash, more than one thousand people, including 72 Russian peacekeepers, lost their lives. On August 26, 2008 Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.


tass--2020-08-08--Fourteen more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Fourteen more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ reaching 4,560 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 4,560 .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow , which was the most serious in @ @ @ @ @ .
By today , Moscow has reported 246,154 confirmed coronavirus cases , including 686 during @ @ @ @ @ totals of 187,576 patients have recovered , including 1,353 in the past day .
A @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Fourteen more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities reaching 4,560, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Fourteen coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,560.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious in Russia, has visibly stabilized. By today, Moscow has reported 246,154 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 686 during the past day. A totals of 187,576 patients have recovered, including 1,353 in the past day. A campaign of voluntary testing for coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city.


tass--2020-08-08--Fitch affirms Russia’s sovereign rating at BBB, outlook stable

MOSCOW , August 8 .
/TASS/ .
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Russia 's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating ( IDR ) at 'BBB ' with a stable outlook , the internaiotnal ratings agency said in a statement on Friday .
`` Russia 's 'BBB ' IDRs balance its credible and consistent policy framework , and robust public and external balance sheets , underpinned by a solid sovereign net foreign assets position and low government debt , with low growth prospects , high commodity dependence and weak governance indicators relative to peers , '' Fitch said .
The Stable Outlook reflects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme volatility in oil prices will contribute to anchor macroeconomic stability improvements and preserve the strength of the sovereign balance sheet .
`` Moreover , a strong commitment to inflation targeting , exchange rate flexibility and a prudent fiscal strategy support Russia 's increased resilience to shocks and reduce the impact of oil price volatility on the economy , '' the agency added .
Russia ’ s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters that the move demonstrates the sustainability of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Fitch Ratings to affirm Russia ’ s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at BBB with stable outlook as a yet another evidence that the macroeconomic structure created in Russia remains stable even amid turbulent external situation , '' Siluanov said .
`` It is indicative that while reviewing credit ratings of CIS countries in 2020 , Fitch in most cases made the decision to either downgrade the rating or the outlook , '' he added .
According the minister , Russia ’ s economic decline in 2020 may be less profound and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other states .
`` This year , Russia took unprecedented measures to support citizens and companies amid the novel coronavirus infection .
At the time of economic decline , it was necessary to replace the fallen private consumption with state budgetary measures .
The measures that were taken have demonstrated their efficiency , '' Siluanov said .
`` We managed to avoid the stress scenario at the labor market .
As the restrictions are being lifted , consumer activity quickly rebounds in the most affected sectors .
In general , the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profound than in other states , and the recovery - more dynamic , '' he added .
According to the minister , Russian had to increase public borrowing to finance the anti-crisis measures and make up for the shortfalls in incomes .
But in the course of economic recovery the budget will be gradually brought in compliance with the economy ’ s possibilities .
`` We will return to the principles of the budgetary policy that ensure stability of the economic and financial environment in the country and encourage private investments by means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2022 , upper limits of incomes in the three-year budget will be set in compliance with the budget rules .
It will make it possible to ensure the high level of investor trust to the macro-policy and accessibility of the financial resource for the off-budget sector , '' Siluanov said .
Fitch forecasts Russia ’ s GDP to contract by 5.2 % in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures on domestic demand and exports .
`` Oil production cuts under the OPEC Plus agreement will likely shave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect growth to recover to 3.6 % in 2021 and 2.5 % in 2022 under our baseline scenario , '' the agency said , adding that weaker global growth or a strong resurgence of coronavirus pose downside risks in the near term .
According to the agency , inflation will reach 3.1 % in 2020 before rising to 3.8 % by the end of 2022 .
Fitch forecasts Russia 's federal government deficit to reach 5.1 % of GDP in 2020 , from a surplus of 1.8 % in 2019 , reflecting weaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues , weaker tax collection and the government anti-crisis budget measures estimated at 3 % of GDP in 2020 .
Risks of sanctions remain high for Russia , especially as the US electoral cycle is approaching .
`` The US sanctions ' push has been most recently directed at preventing the completion of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline , but sanction legislation remains in the US Congress that could also target foreign investment in local currency sovereign debt , financial institutions believed to be involved in 'election interference ' , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Fitch said .
It added that the exact timing , form and actual execution of further sanctions legislation remained uncertain .
However , Fitch does not believe that US sanctions that prevent the servicing of existing sovereign debt or prevent Russian banks from transacting in US dollars are likely .

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. Fitch Ratings has affirmed Russia's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB' with a stable outlook, the internaiotnal ratings agency said in a statement on Friday.
"Russia's 'BBB' IDRs balance its credible and consistent policy framework, and robust public and external balance sheets, underpinned by a solid sovereign net foreign assets position and low government debt, with low growth prospects, high commodity dependence and weak governance indicators relative to peers," Fitch said.
The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's view that Russia's policy response to the unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme volatility in oil prices will contribute to anchor macroeconomic stability improvements and preserve the strength of the sovereign balance sheet. "Moreover, a strong commitment to inflation targeting, exchange rate flexibility and a prudent fiscal strategy support Russia's increased resilience to shocks and reduce the impact of oil price volatility on the economy," the agency added.
Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters that the move demonstrates the sustainability of Russia’s macroeconomics.
"We view the decision by Fitch Ratings to affirm Russia’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at BBB with stable outlook as a yet another evidence that the macroeconomic structure created in Russia remains stable even amid turbulent external situation," Siluanov said.
"It is indicative that while reviewing credit ratings of CIS countries in 2020, Fitch in most cases made the decision to either downgrade the rating or the outlook," he added.
According the minister, Russia’s economic decline in 2020 may be less profound and the economic recovery - more dynamic compared to other states.
"This year, Russia took unprecedented measures to support citizens and companies amid the novel coronavirus infection. At the time of economic decline, it was necessary to replace the fallen private consumption with state budgetary measures. The measures that were taken have demonstrated their efficiency," Siluanov said.
"We managed to avoid the stress scenario at the labor market. As the restrictions are being lifted, consumer activity quickly rebounds in the most affected sectors. In general, the economic decline may turn out to be less profound than in other states, and the recovery - more dynamic," he added.
According to the minister, Russian had to increase public borrowing to finance the anti-crisis measures and make up for the shortfalls in incomes. But in the course of economic recovery the budget will be gradually brought in compliance with the economy’s possibilities. "We will return to the principles of the budgetary policy that ensure stability of the economic and financial environment in the country and encourage private investments by means of low interest rates. Starting from 2022, upper limits of incomes in the three-year budget will be set in compliance with the budget rules. It will make it possible to ensure the high level of investor trust to the macro-policy and accessibility of the financial resource for the off-budget sector," Siluanov said.
Fitch economic forecast
Fitch forecasts Russia’s GDP to contract by 5.2% in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures on domestic demand and exports.
"Oil production cuts under the OPEC Plus agreement will likely shave around 1pp to 2020 growth. We expect growth to recover to 3.6% in 2021 and 2.5% in 2022 under our baseline scenario," the agency said, adding that weaker global growth or a strong resurgence of coronavirus pose downside risks in the near term.
According to the agency, inflation will reach 3.1% in 2020 before rising to 3.8% by the end of 2022.
Fitch forecasts Russia's federal government deficit to reach 5.1% of GDP in 2020, from a surplus of 1.8% in 2019, reflecting weaker oil prices and production cuts eroding oil revenues, weaker tax collection and the government anti-crisis budget measures estimated at 3% of GDP in 2020.
Sanction risks
Risks of sanctions remain high for Russia, especially as the US electoral cycle is approaching.
"The US sanctions' push has been most recently directed at preventing the completion of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline, but sanction legislation remains in the US Congress that could also target foreign investment in local currency sovereign debt, financial institutions believed to be involved in 'election interference', as well as Russia's oil and gas sector," Fitch said.
It added that the exact timing, form and actual execution of further sanctions legislation remained uncertain.
However, Fitch does not believe that US sanctions that prevent the servicing of existing sovereign debt or prevent Russian banks from transacting in US dollars are likely.


tass--2020-08-07--Beirut explosion victims include citizens of six states

BEIRUT , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Citizens of six countries became victims of a devastating explosion in the Beirut @ @ @ @ @ victims ’ nationality still needs to be identified , the Lebanese Health Ministry reported Friday @ @ @ @ @ that the tragedy killed 154 people , however , the healthcare agency ’ s statistic @ @ @ @ @ It also specifies the hospitals where bodies were taken .
There are eight Syrians , @ @ @ @ @ Filipinos , one Australian , one Pakistani and one Egyptian among the dead .
The @ @ @ @ @ .
There are no Russians on the list .

BEIRUT, August 7. /TASS/. Citizens of six countries became victims of a devastating explosion in the Beirut seaport, while 19 more victims’ nationality still needs to be identified, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported Friday.
It was earlier reported that the tragedy killed 154 people, however, the healthcare agency’s statistic only shows 152 deaths. It also specifies the hospitals where bodies were taken. There are eight Syrians, six Bangladeshi citizens, three Filipinos, one Australian, one Pakistani and one Egyptian among the dead. The other victims are all Lebanese. There are no Russians on the list.


tass--2020-08-07--At least 15 people die in crash landing in India — media

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
At least 15 people , including the pilot , died in the crash @ @ @ @ @ Express flight in the Indian city of Kozhikode in the State of Kerala , News @ @ @ @ @ Friday citing police data .
According to the television channel , as many as 123 @ @ @ @ @ Presse said earlier the crash had killed 14 people .
According to NDTV , four @ @ @ @ @ the plane .
According to Flightradar24 data , the Air India Express Boeing 737 was @ @ @ @ @ United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) to Kozhikode .
Airfleets portal says the plane was @ @ @ @ @ flight was performed under the program of repatriation of Indian nationals stuck in foreign countries @ @ @ @ @ It was heavily raining when the plane was landing .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. At least 15 people, including the pilot, died in the crash landing of an Air India Express flight in the Indian city of Kozhikode in the State of Kerala, News 18 TV channel reported on Friday citing police data.
According to the television channel, as many as 123 people were injured.
France Presse said earlier the crash had killed 14 people. According to NDTV, four people might still be inside the plane.
According to Flightradar24 data, the Air India Express Boeing 737 was flying from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Kozhikode. Airfleets portal says the plane was 13 years old.
The flight was performed under the program of repatriation of Indian nationals stuck in foreign countries amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It was heavily raining when the plane was landing.
Air India Express is a low cost subsidiary of India’s state-run air carrier Air India.


tass--2020-08-07--Ukraine opens criminal cases against more than 100 foreigners for fighting in Donbass

KIEV , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General ’ s Office has launched criminal proceedings against citizens of Italy , Spain , Germany and other states for taking part in the Donbass conflict on the side of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics allegedly as part of Russian armed units , the office ’ s press service announced Friday .
`` The Prosecutor General ’ s Office registered criminal proceedings against more than 100 foreigners who joined Russian illegal armed units to take part in the armed conflict against Ukraine , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is clarified that the cases are launched on the grounds of `` mercenaries participating in the armed conflict , intentional actions aimed at changing Ukraine ’ s territorial or state borders in violation of the order set by the Ukrainian constitution as well as joining illegal armed units to attack factories , agencies , organizations or citizens which resulted in deaths of people or other severe consequences . ''
The maximum punishment for the specified crimes can be life-sentence with confiscation of all properties .
The office specified that the cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenians , one Georgian , 19 Italians , 27 Spaniards , 12 Kazakhs , three Lithuanians , 26 Moldovans , two Dutch and five Germans .

KIEV, August 7. /TASS/. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office has launched criminal proceedings against citizens of Italy, Spain, Germany and other states for taking part in the Donbass conflict on the side of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics allegedly as part of Russian armed units, the office’s press service announced Friday.
"The Prosecutor General’s Office registered criminal proceedings against more than 100 foreigners who joined Russian illegal armed units to take part in the armed conflict against Ukraine," the press service informed. At the same time, it is clarified that the cases are launched on the grounds of "mercenaries participating in the armed conflict, intentional actions aimed at changing Ukraine’s territorial or state borders in violation of the order set by the Ukrainian constitution as well as joining illegal armed units to attack factories, agencies, organizations or citizens which resulted in deaths of people or other severe consequences." The maximum punishment for the specified crimes can be life-sentence with confiscation of all properties.
The office specified that the cases were launched against two Bulgarians, seven Armenians, one Georgian, 19 Italians, 27 Spaniards, 12 Kazakhs, three Lithuanians, 26 Moldovans, two Dutch and five Germans.


tass--2020-08-07--Russian fighter jets scrambled to intercept US bomber over Sea of Okhotsk

The Russian airspace control systems detected an air target over the neutral waters of the Pacific Ocean approaching Russia ’ s state border at about 7 p.m. local time ( 12:00 p.m. Moscow time ) on August 7 , the Center said .
MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Three Russian Su-35 fighters were scrambled to intercept a US strategic bomber and shadow it over the Sea of Okhotsk , Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center reported on Friday .
`` Three Su-35S fighters from the Eastern Military District ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target , which they identified as a US Air Force B-1B strategic bomber and consistently shadowed it over the Sea of Okhotsk , '' the National Defense Control Center said .
No violations of Russia ’ s state border by the US Air Force B-1B strategic bomber were allowed , the Center stressed .
`` After the US plane moved away from Russia ’ s state border , the Russian fighters safely returned to their home airfield , '' the National Defense Control Center said .
The entire flight of the three Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international rules of using the airspace , it said .

The Russian airspace control systems detected an air target over the neutral waters of the Pacific Ocean approaching Russia’s state border at about 7 p.m. local time (12:00 p.m. Moscow time) on August 7, the Center said.
MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Three Russian Su-35 fighters were scrambled to intercept a US strategic bomber and shadow it over the Sea of Okhotsk, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Friday.
"Three Su-35S fighters from the Eastern Military District’s air defense quick reaction alert forces were scrambled one by one to intercept the target, which they identified as a US Air Force B-1B strategic bomber and consistently shadowed it over the Sea of Okhotsk," the National Defense Control Center said.
No violations of Russia’s state border by the US Air Force B-1B strategic bomber were allowed, the Center stressed.
"After the US plane moved away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighters safely returned to their home airfield," the National Defense Control Center said.
The entire flight of the three Russian Su-35S fighters proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace, it said.


tass--2020-08-07--Hezbollah leader says his party has nothing to do with Beirut blast

BEIRUT , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Shia party Hezbollah has nothing to do with the explosion at Beirut @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday .
`` There have never been @ @ @ @ @ or warehouse on the port ’ s territory , '' Al Jazeera quoted him as @ @ @ @ @ also said he hoped all those responsible for the blast would be punished `` regardless @ @ @ @ @

BEIRUT, August 7. /TASS/. The Shia party Hezbollah has nothing to do with the explosion at Beirut’s port, the party’s leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday.
"There have never been any Hezbollah munitions, substances or warehouse on the port’s territory," Al Jazeera quoted him as saying. The Hezbollah leader also said he hoped all those responsible for the blast would be punished "regardless of their whereabouts."


tass--2020-08-07--Russia urges international organizations to react to Twitter’s labeling of its media

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
International organizations concerned should react to Twitter ’ s decision to label Russian @ @ @ @ @ lack of such labelling in relation to Western media , the Russian Foreign Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We expect that the international agencies and human rights organizations concerned will react @ @ @ @ @ evaluation of this measure , taken by the US media corporation , as very doubtful @ @ @ @ @ the freedom of information , '' the Foreign Ministry said .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. International organizations concerned should react to Twitter’s decision to label Russian government-run media and to the lack of such labelling in relation to Western media, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Friday.
"We expect that the international agencies and human rights organizations concerned will react properly and make an impartial evaluation of this measure, taken by the US media corporation, as very doubtful from the standpoint of ensuring the freedom of information," the Foreign Ministry said.


tass--2020-08-07--About 20% of restaurants closing in Russia after end of self-isolation regime — expert

The industry expert noted that the forecast about a 50 % decline on restaurant market by the end of the year is still relevant .
`` Unfortunately , restaurants continue to close .
About 20 % are now closing .
Either they have already closed , or they are trying to close , or the legal entity still exists , but the restaurant itself is not open , '' he said , answering the question of how many restaurants have already left the Russian market .
MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
About 20 % of Russian catering establishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the third stage of lifting all restrictions related to the pandemic , Sergey Mironov , Vice-President of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Russia ( FRHR ) , public ombudsman in the restaurant business at the office of the Ombudsman for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs in Moscow , told TASS .
Up to 40 % of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners due to coronavirus In turn , Margarita Kosteyeva President of Rosinter Restaurants Holding PJSC ( develops the IL Patio , Planeta Sushi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brands ) told TASS she fears that in the next six months or a year , the restaurants ' revenue will remain below the pre-crisis level .
Overall , restaurant traffic remains well below last year 's levels , she said .
`` Fears still persist .
First , the consumer has not yet fully gone .
There is still a shortage of revenue in restaurants compared to last year .
Today , it is small , at the level of 35-40 % , but for many it is still beyond the margin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still working without making a profit and accumulating losses .
In addition , there are fears among the population , pessimistic forecasts about the second wave [ of the pandemic ] in September .
Unfortunately , restaurateurs and investors are afraid to invest , `` Mironov said ...
According to the expert , restaurateurs do not rule out a second wave of COVID-19 incidence by the new year , and in the fall a new outflow of companies that will have to pay deferrals for rent and taxes .
The Shokoladnitsa Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coffee houses of the same name , as well as the Coffee House and Wabi Sabi chains , confirmed that the attendance of restaurants decreased by an average of 25-30 % .
If in 2019 the company had 300 of its own establishments , then by now , including through the transfer to franchising , the network has reduced to 250 .
`` Now we are negotiating with landlords for several dozen coffee houses , for which there is still no final understanding of opening , '' the company noted .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDonald 's and KFC told TASS that they did not revise their plans due to the pandemic .
For example , KFC began to open restaurants immediately after the restrictions were lifted , and McDonald 's plans to surpass the number of 800 restaurants in Russia by the end of the year .
`` The restaurants have actually earned better than we thought .
There are also positive aspects .
We were afraid of a 50 % drop in revenue , but we don ’ t see it , '' the expert said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecasts did not come true , and the restaurants `` got out of the crisis with dignity . ''
Nevertheless , the company expects consumer demand to recover only by the end of this year .
`` At the moment , our revenue is in the range of 70-75 % of the pre-crisis , while we observe a permanent growth of 1-3 % , '' the company told TASS .
McDonald 's also noted that restaurant sales are growing and demand is gradually recovering .
According to Mironov , of course , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - these are catering establishments that were located at checkpoints and in `` promoted '' places , for example , in the Moscow district of Patriarch 's Ponds .
According to Rosinter Restaurants Holding , such restaurants located in successful urban spaces have restored the attendance rate to 70-80 % compared to the same period last year .
On the one hand , restaurants have benefited from border closures , the expert adds , but on the other hand , they have suffered `` heavy losses '' if they relied on foreign tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on office workers and located in business and shopping centers were also much less fortunate than others , Vice-President of FRHR noted .
The pandemic seriously affected both large chains and small restaurants .
`` Both small and chain restaurants are vulnerable .
We can not say that the chain restaurants will carry on and the small ones will not .
But we see that Goodman restaurants have closed , ( at the beginning of August , four restaurants receive visitors , in 2019 the chain consisted of 10 restaurants - TASS ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Goodman closed - they had a fairly strong concept , they have been two decades on the market , '' Mironov said .
One of the largest restaurant holdings , Rosinter Restaurants Holding , is planning to overcome the crisis in stages .
After the pandemic , at least 95 % of the network is expected to resume operations , the company said .

The industry expert noted that the forecast about a 50% decline on restaurant market by the end of the year is still relevant.
"Unfortunately, restaurants continue to close. About 20% are now closing. Either they have already closed, or they are trying to close, or the legal entity still exists, but the restaurant itself is not open," he said, answering the question of how many restaurants have already left the Russian market.
MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. About 20% of Russian catering establishments were forced to close by the beginning of the third stage of lifting all restrictions related to the pandemic, Sergey Mironov, Vice-President of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Russia (FRHR), public ombudsman in the restaurant business at the office of the Ombudsman for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs in Moscow, told TASS.
Up to 40% of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners due to coronavirus
In turn, Margarita Kosteyeva President of Rosinter Restaurants Holding PJSC (develops the IL Patio, Planeta Sushi, Shikari, American Bar and Grill brands) told TASS she fears that in the next six months or a year, the restaurants' revenue will remain below the pre-crisis level. Overall, restaurant traffic remains well below last year's levels, she said.
"Fears still persist. First, the consumer has not yet fully gone. There is still a shortage of revenue in restaurants compared to last year. Today, it is small, at the level of 35-40%, but for many it is still beyond the margin of profitability. Some of the restaurants are still working without making a profit and accumulating losses. In addition, there are fears among the population, pessimistic forecasts about the second wave [of the pandemic] in September. Unfortunately, restaurateurs and investors are afraid to invest, " Mironov said ... According to the expert, restaurateurs do not rule out a second wave of COVID-19 incidence by the new year, and in the fall a new outflow of companies that will have to pay deferrals for rent and taxes.
The Shokoladnitsa Group of Companies, which manages the chain of coffee houses of the same name, as well as the Coffee House and Wabi Sabi chains, confirmed that the attendance of restaurants decreased by an average of 25-30%. If in 2019 the company had 300 of its own establishments, then by now, including through the transfer to franchising, the network has reduced to 250.
"Now we are negotiating with landlords for several dozen coffee houses, for which there is still no final understanding of opening," the company noted.
On the other hand, fast food restaurants McDonald's and KFC told TASS that they did not revise their plans due to the pandemic. For example, KFC began to open restaurants immediately after the restrictions were lifted, and McDonald's plans to surpass the number of 800 restaurants in Russia by the end of the year.
Survivors
"The restaurants have actually earned better than we thought. There are also positive aspects. We were afraid of a 50% drop in revenue, but we don’t see it," the expert said.
The Shokoladnitsa confirmed that the worst forecasts did not come true, and the restaurants "got out of the crisis with dignity." Nevertheless, the company expects consumer demand to recover only by the end of this year.
"At the moment, our revenue is in the range of 70-75% of the pre-crisis, while we observe a permanent growth of 1-3%," the company told TASS. McDonald's also noted that restaurant sales are growing and demand is gradually recovering.
According to Mironov, of course, there are restaurants that practically did not suffer - these are catering establishments that were located at checkpoints and in "promoted" places, for example, in the Moscow district of Patriarch's Ponds. According to Rosinter Restaurants Holding, such restaurants located in successful urban spaces have restored the attendance rate to 70-80% compared to the same period last year. On the one hand, restaurants have benefited from border closures, the expert adds, but on the other hand, they have suffered "heavy losses" if they relied on foreign tourists in their business model. Establishments focused on office workers and located in business and shopping centers were also much less fortunate than others, Vice-President of FRHR noted.
The pandemic seriously affected both large chains and small restaurants.
"Both small and chain restaurants are vulnerable. We cannot say that the chain restaurants will carry on and the small ones will not. But we see that Goodman restaurants have closed, (at the beginning of August, four restaurants receive visitors, in 2019 the chain consisted of 10 restaurants - TASS). It is not without a reason that Goodman closed - they had a fairly strong concept, they have been two decades on the market," Mironov said.
One of the largest restaurant holdings, Rosinter Restaurants Holding, is planning to overcome the crisis in stages. After the pandemic, at least 95% of the network is expected to resume operations, the company said.


tass--2020-08-07--At least 135,000 new market players set up on Hainan in January-July

SHANGHAI , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Over 135,000 new market entities were set up in China 's Hainan province in the first seven months of 2020r , which is by 30.5 % more than in the same period of 2019 , reported the Hainan Daily citing the provincial market regulator .
In July alone , the number of new market entities increased on an annualized basis by 36.66 % — to 25,300 .
Among them , in particular , there are 14,100 enterprises , the number of which increased by 183.19 % compared to the same period last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in such areas as Internet industry ( 524.15 % ) and modern financial services sector ( 364.71 % ) .
Significant growth in the number of new businesses was also seen in healthcare and marine industries .
Earlier , the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “ General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan , ” according to which the island ’ s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region 's development .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world .

SHANGHAI, August 7. /TASS/. Over 135,000 new market entities were set up in China's Hainan province in the first seven months of 2020r, which is by 30.5% more than in the same period of 2019, reported the Hainan Daily citing the provincial market regulator.
In July alone, the number of new market entities increased on an annualized basis by 36.66% — to 25,300. Among them, in particular, there are 14,100 enterprises, the number of which increased by 183.19% compared to the same period last year. A real surge in activity was recorded in such areas as Internet industry (524.15%) and modern financial services sector (364.71%). Significant growth in the number of new businesses was also seen in healthcare and marine industries.
Earlier, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Сhinese State Council published the “General Program for the Establishment of a Free Port on Hainan,” according to which the island’s administration intends to create an effective system to fulfill a number of important social and economic goals by 2025, and within 10 years to decisively enhance the innovative mechanisms for the region's development.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-08-07--Russia launches first LNG-fired pleasure boat

ZELENODOLSK , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Russia ’ s first river pleasure boat Chaika using liquefied natural gas @ @ @ @ @ fuel was launched on Friday at the Zelenodolsk Shipyard in Tatarstan , TASS reports from @ @ @ @ @ Zelenodolsk Shipyard named after Gorky is successfully implementing important government tasks , creating unique warships @ @ @ @ @ kept the accumulated experience , the shipyard ’ s team is rolling out advance technologies @ @ @ @ @ production , '' Prime Minister of Tatarstan Alexei Pesoshin said at the ceremony .
The @ @ @ @ @ with air conditioning and heating system and the audio guide system with five language .
@ @ @ @ @ low bridges .

ZELENODOLSK, August 7. /TASS/. The Russia’s first river pleasure boat Chaika using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel was launched on Friday at the Zelenodolsk Shipyard in Tatarstan, TASS reports from the scene.
"The Zelenodolsk Shipyard named after Gorky is successfully implementing important government tasks, creating unique warships and civilian vessels. Having kept the accumulated experience, the shipyard’s team is rolling out advance technologies and mastering new kinds of production," Prime Minister of Tatarstan Alexei Pesoshin said at the ceremony.
The LNG-fired pleasure boat is equipped with air conditioning and heating system and the audio guide system with five language. It can make voyages under low bridges.


tass--2020-08-07--This week in photos: blast in Beirut, hazmat suits at fashion show, corn maze in Belarus

Lebanon has no financial means to cope with explosion aftermath , economy minister says Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade @ @ @ @ @ solution for his country was cooperation with the International Monetary Fund

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
Read more


tass--2020-08-07--Chechen leader Kadyrov’s incomes up by almost $2 million in 2019

GROZNY , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Head of Russia ’ s North Caucasian Republic of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov earned @ @ @ @ @ rubles , or more than two million US dollars , in 2019 , or by @ @ @ @ @ than in 2018 , as follows from Kadyrov ’ s tax return made public on @ @ @ @ @ website on Friday .
According to the document , Kadyrov ’ s property includes a @ @ @ @ @ and a land plot 3,668 square meters in area , as in his previous tax @ @ @ @ @ , he also possesses a land plot of 2,836 square meters and a house of @ @ @ @ @ his wife and 12 minor children .
He has no personal vehicles .
His wife @ @ @ @ @ stood at 2.4 million rubles , or over $ 32,560 dollars .
She also has @ @ @ @ @ meters in area .

GROZNY, August 7. /TASS/. Head of Russia’s North Caucasian Republic of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov earned a sum of 147.99 million rubles, or more than two million US dollars, in 2019, or by nearly 140 million rubles more than in 2018, as follows from Kadyrov’s tax return made public on the Chechen government’s website on Friday.
According to the document, Kadyrov’s property includes a house of 2,344.3 square meters and a land plot 3,668 square meters in area, as in his previous tax return. Apart from that, he also possesses a land plot of 2,836 square meters and a house of 300 square meters shared with his wife and 12 minor children. He has no personal vehicles.
His wife’s incomes for 2019 stood at 2.4 million rubles, or over $32,560 dollars. She also has an apartment of 209.8 square meters in area.