tass--2020-08-24--Russian Vektor Center says its anti-COVID vaccine proved efficiency in preclinical tests

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The anti-coronavirus vaccine developed by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Russian sanitary regulator has proved its high efficiency during preclinical trials , Rinat Maksyutov , the center ’ s director , said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta that came out on Monday .
`` The Vektor Center ’ s unique peptide-based vaccine has demonstrated high efficiency during preclinical tests and is now undergoing clinical trials , '' he said , adding that the center had referred two interim reports about the results of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Maksyutov , all participants in the trials feel well .
`` The first volunteer was inoculated for the second time and left the hospital 21 days later .
Now we are monitoring his condition in the outpatient regime .
He will visit the hospital in three , six and nine months , '' he said .
Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog said on Friday the vaccine ’ s clinical tests would be over in September .
It is planned to register the vaccine in October 2020 and begin mass production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines .
The Russian health ministry on August 15 announced the launch of the vaccine production .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. The anti-coronavirus vaccine developed by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Russian sanitary regulator has proved its high efficiency during preclinical trials, Rinat Maksyutov, the center’s director, said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta that came out on Monday.
"The Vektor Center’s unique peptide-based vaccine has demonstrated high efficiency during preclinical tests and is now undergoing clinical trials," he said, adding that the center had referred two interim reports about the results of the first stage of trials to the health ministry.
According to Maksyutov, all participants in the trials feel well. "The first volunteer was inoculated for the second time and left the hospital 21 days later. Now we are monitoring his condition in the outpatient regime. He will visit the hospital in three, six and nine months," he said.
Russia’s sanitary watchdog said on Friday the vaccine’s clinical tests would be over in September. It is planned to register the vaccine in October 2020 and begin mass production in November.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines. The Russian health ministry on August 15 announced the launch of the vaccine production.


tass--2020-08-24--Certain units of Belarusian army to be placed on high alert, says Defense Ministry

MINSK , August 24./TASS/ .
Certain units of the Belarusian Armed Forces will be placed on full alert during the third stage of checking the army readiness that began on Monday , the press service of the Defense Ministry said .
`` During the check , certain military units are to be placed on full alert with the mobilization of reservists , '' the ministry added .
According to the Defense Ministry , the check `` will assess the capability and readiness of military units to carry out the designated tasks in the dynamically changing environment during the day and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military proficiency of troops [ will be carried out ] '' .
The check will end with a tactical exercise , the ministry added .
The Belarusian army will hold large-scale drills under the direction of the Western Operational Command ’ s chief on August 28-31 , the republic ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Friday .
`` An integrated grouping of forces has been set up to hold a comprehensive tactical exercise .
It comprises Airborne Force , motor rifle , armored and artillery units and also the squads of unmanned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Defense Ministry said .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier instructed the Defense Ministry to closely follow NATO forces ’ movements in Poland and Lithuania and put the troops on high alert on the country ’ s western borders , noting the escalation of tension in the region .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin issued an order on August 19 to beef up the grouping of forces in the Grodno area with the battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers and with a squad of drones and air defense systems .

MINSK, August 24./TASS/. Certain units of the Belarusian Armed Forces will be placed on full alert during the third stage of checking the army readiness that began on Monday, the press service of the Defense Ministry said.
"During the check, certain military units are to be placed on full alert with the mobilization of reservists," the ministry added.
According to the Defense Ministry, the check "will assess the capability and readiness of military units to carry out the designated tasks in the dynamically changing environment during the day and at night, and activity to improve the military proficiency of troops [will be carried out]". The check will end with a tactical exercise, the ministry added.
The Belarusian army will hold large-scale drills under the direction of the Western Operational Command’s chief on August 28-31, the republic’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
"An integrated grouping of forces has been set up to hold a comprehensive tactical exercise. It comprises Airborne Force, motor rifle, armored and artillery units and also the squads of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems," the Defense Ministry said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier instructed the Defense Ministry to closely follow NATO forces’ movements in Poland and Lithuania and put the troops on high alert on the country’s western borders, noting the escalation of tension in the region.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin issued an order on August 19 to beef up the grouping of forces in the Grodno area with the battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers and with a squad of drones and air defense systems.


tass--2020-08-24--No cholinesterase inhibitors found in Navalny’s blood in Omsk clinic, says expert

OMSK/MOSCOW , August 24./TASS/ .
Cholinesterase inhibitors , that Berlin ’ s Charite hospital has reported to have found in blood of Alexei Navalny , were not identified when he was examined in Omsk , chief toxicologist of the Omsk Region and the Siberian Federal District , Alexander Sabayev , told journalists on Monday .
`` When Alexei Navalny was admitted to the in-patient clinic , he was examined for a wide range of narcotic , synthetic substances , psychedelic drugs and medical substances , including cholinesterase inhibitors .
The result was negative , '' said Sabayev , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Omsk emergency care hospital where Navalny was treated before being airlifted to Germany .
`` Besides , he did not have a clinical picture , specific for poisoning with substances from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors .
As it was already said earlier , we are ready to share with our German colleagues samples of Alexei Navalny ’ s biomaterial for their comprehensive study , '' the expert said .
On August 20 , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill in mid-flight .
Navalny was rushed to hospital in a coma , and was connected to a ventilator .
On Saturday , he was airlifted to Berlin ’ s Charite hospital for medical treatment .
The clinic issued a statement on Navalny ’ s condition on Monday .
`` Clinical findings indicate poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors , '' the hospital said in its statement .
`` The specific substance involved remains unknown , '' it added .
`` Alexei Navalny ’ s prognosis remains unclear ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those affecting the nervous system , can not be excluded , '' it stressed .
The patient `` is now being treated with the antidote atropine , '' the clinic specified .

OMSK/MOSCOW, August 24./TASS/. Cholinesterase inhibitors, that Berlin’s Charite hospital has reported to have found in blood of Alexei Navalny, were not identified when he was examined in Omsk, chief toxicologist of the Omsk Region and the Siberian Federal District, Alexander Sabayev, told journalists on Monday.
"When Alexei Navalny was admitted to the in-patient clinic, he was examined for a wide range of narcotic, synthetic substances, psychedelic drugs and medical substances, including cholinesterase inhibitors. The result was negative," said Sabayev, who is also chief of the acute poisoning unit at the Omsk emergency care hospital where Navalny was treated before being airlifted to Germany.
"Besides, he did not have a clinical picture, specific for poisoning with substances from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors. As it was already said earlier, we are ready to share with our German colleagues samples of Alexei Navalny’s biomaterial for their comprehensive study," the expert said.
On August 20, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill in mid-flight. Navalny was rushed to hospital in a coma, and was connected to a ventilator.
On Saturday, he was airlifted to Berlin’s Charite hospital for medical treatment. The clinic issued a statement on Navalny’s condition on Monday.
"Clinical findings indicate poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors," the hospital said in its statement.
"The specific substance involved remains unknown," it added. "Alexei Navalny’s prognosis remains unclear; the possibility of long-term effects, particularly those affecting the nervous system, cannot be excluded," it stressed. The patient "is now being treated with the antidote atropine," the clinic specified.


tass--2020-08-24--Number of coronavirus cases in Tajikistan exceeds 8,340

DUSHANBE , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Tajikistan has reached 8,346 , with 35 new cases confirmed in the past day , the country ’ s Ministry of Health and Social Protection said on Monday .
`` A total of 8,346 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Tajikistan , including 35 COVID-19 cases confirmed over the past day , '' it said , adding that the morbidity rate is 0.08 % of the country ’ s population of 9.3 million .
The effective reproduction number ( Rt ) , or the average number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one infected person , stood at 1.03 for the past eight days .
According to the ministry , one coronavirus-related death was reported in the past day .
The overall number of coronavirus-related deaths is 67 .
As many as 7,142 patients , or 85.5 % of the coronavirus cases , have recovered .
Eighty-one patients are receiving treatment at hospitals .
The first 15 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tajikistan on April 30 .
The epidemic reached its peak in a period from May 15 to 22 , when around 200 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in the country is now stabilizing , with the daily tally being less than 50 .
The country has begun to lift the quarantine measures , with non-food markets , shopping centers , hotels , public catering outlets and beauty parlors resuming their work from June 15 .
However people are requested to wear face masks in public places .

DUSHANBE, August 24. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Tajikistan has reached 8,346, with 35 new cases confirmed in the past day, the country’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection said on Monday.
"A total of 8,346 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Tajikistan, including 35 COVID-19 cases confirmed over the past day," it said, adding that the morbidity rate is 0.08% of the country’s population of 9.3 million. The effective reproduction number (Rt), or the average number of people who contract the disease from one infected person, stood at 1.03 for the past eight days.
According to the ministry, one coronavirus-related death was reported in the past day. The overall number of coronavirus-related deaths is 67. As many as 7,142 patients, or 85.5% of the coronavirus cases, have recovered. Eighty-one patients are receiving treatment at hospitals.
The first 15 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tajikistan on April 30. The epidemic reached its peak in a period from May 15 to 22, when around 200 coronavirus cases were confirmed daily. The coronavirus situation in the country is now stabilizing, with the daily tally being less than 50.
The country has begun to lift the quarantine measures, with non-food markets, shopping centers, hotels, public catering outlets and beauty parlors resuming their work from June 15. However people are requested to wear face masks in public places.


tass--2020-08-24--Russian, Lebanese diplomats discuss situation in Middle East

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in the Middle East , including in Lebanon , was in @ @ @ @ @ Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail @ @ @ @ @ Russia Chawki Bou Nassar , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ the development of the situation in Lebanon and in the Middle East in general , @ @ @ @ @ `` The Russian side reiterated its commitment to the unity , sovereignty and independence of @ @ @ @ @ stressed that it is up to the Lebanese to resolve all the matters of the @ @ @ @ @ .
The meeting was requested by the Lebanese diplomat .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. The situation in the Middle East, including in Lebanon, was in focus of a meeting between Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Lebanese Ambassador to Russia Chawki Bou Nassar, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
"The two diplomats exchanged views on the development of the situation in Lebanon and in the Middle East in general," the ministry said. "The Russian side reiterated its commitment to the unity, sovereignty and independence of the friendly Lebanese Republic and stressed that it is up to the Lebanese to resolve all the matters of the national agenda without external pressure.
The meeting was requested by the Lebanese diplomat.


tass--2020-08-24--Putin, Lukashenko discuss Belarus’ participation in Russian anti-COVID vaccine tests

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus ’ participation in the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine trials was among the topics discussed by Russian and Belarusian Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko , during their Monday ’ s telephone conversation , Putin ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS .
`` During their telephone conversation , Putin and Lukashenko did discuss Belarus ' participation in trials of the Russian vaccine [ against the coronavirus ] , '' he said , adding that Lukashenko congratulated Putin on the successful development of the vaccine .
Belarus ’ news agency BelTA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two presidents had agreed that Belarus would be the first country to be supplied with the Russian-made anti-coronavirus vaccine and that Belarusian nationals would take part in the third stage of the vaccine trials on a voluntary basis .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The vaccine was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used for a number of other vaccines .
The Russian Health Ministry on August 15 announced the launch of the vaccine production .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Belarus’ participation in the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine trials was among the topics discussed by Russian and Belarusian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, during their Monday’s telephone conversation, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS.
"During their telephone conversation, Putin and Lukashenko did discuss Belarus' participation in trials of the Russian vaccine [against the coronavirus]," he said, adding that Lukashenko congratulated Putin on the successful development of the vaccine.
Belarus’ news agency BelTA reported earlier in the day that the two presidents had agreed that Belarus would be the first country to be supplied with the Russian-made anti-coronavirus vaccine and that Belarusian nationals would take part in the third stage of the vaccine trials on a voluntary basis.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The vaccine was based on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines. The Russian Health Ministry on August 15 announced the launch of the vaccine production.


tass--2020-08-24--Republicans nominate Trump as party’s presidential candidate

Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own - Lavrov Situation in Belarus normalizing but not @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Foreign Minister

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


tass--2020-08-24--Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian-made radar Rezonans-NE , which Iran purchased to identify and track stealth aircraft and hypersonic targets , successfully spotted and tracked US F-35 fighters near the country ’ s borders during an aggravation of tensions at the beginning of 2020 following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani , the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans Alexander Stuchilin told TASS on Monday .
Stuchilin said that he was referring to the `` well-known events of the beginning of this year . ''
`` At the beginning of 2020 this radar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said on the sidelines of the international military-technical forum Army-2020 .
`` The radar ’ s personnel were transmitting information , including the routes of F-35 flights , in clear , thus confirming that it was reliably tracking the planes .
For this reason , the opponent did not commit any irreparable actions that might have caused a big war , '' Stuchilin said .
He remarked that the Rezonans-NE radar had been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years .
The situation in the Middle East aggravated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack near Baghdad airport , which killed the commander of Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps , General Qasem Soleimani .
Tehran retaliated on January 8 with an overnight missile strike against two targets in Iraq that were being used by the US military : the Ain al-Assad base and Erbil airport .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 24. /TASS/. Russian-made radar Rezonans-NE, which Iran purchased to identify and track stealth aircraft and hypersonic targets, successfully spotted and tracked US F-35 fighters near the country’s borders during an aggravation of tensions at the beginning of 2020 following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans Alexander Stuchilin told TASS on Monday.
Stuchilin said that he was referring to the "well-known events of the beginning of this year."
"At the beginning of 2020 this radar identified US F-35 planes and tracked them," he said on the sidelines of the international military-technical forum Army-2020.
"The radar’s personnel were transmitting information, including the routes of F-35 flights, in clear, thus confirming that it was reliably tracking the planes. For this reason, the opponent did not commit any irreparable actions that might have caused a big war," Stuchilin said.
He remarked that the Rezonans-NE radar had been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years.
The situation in the Middle East aggravated sharply after the January 3 US overnight attack near Baghdad airport, which killed the commander of Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, General Qasem Soleimani. Tehran retaliated on January 8 with an overnight missile strike against two targets in Iraq that were being used by the US military: the Ain al-Assad base and Erbil airport.


tass--2020-08-24--Berlin's Charite clinic: Alexei Navalny still in coma, condition is not life-threatening

BERLIN , August 24./TASS/ .
Alexei Navalny , who was airlifted to Germany for medical treatment on Saturday , is still in a medically induced coma , long-term effects to the nervous system can not be excluded , Berlin ’ s Charite clinic said in a statement circulated on Monday .
2/4 ... physicians .
Clinical findings indicate poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors .
The specific substance involved remains unknown , and a further series of comprehensive testing has been initiated .
The effect of the poison – namely , the ... '' Clinical findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of cholinesterase inhibitors , '' the hospital said in its statement .
`` While his condition is serious , it is not currently life-threatening , '' the clinic said .
`` The specific substance involved remains unknown , '' it added .
`` Alexei Navalny ’ s prognosis remains unclear ; the possibility of long-term effects , particularly those affecting the nervous system , can not be excluded , '' it stressed .
The patient `` is now being treated with the antidote atropine , '' the clinic specified .
On August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt under the weather in mid-flight .
Navalny was rushed to a hospital while being in a coma and was connected to a ventilator .
On Saturday , he was airlifted to Berlin .

BERLIN, August 24./TASS/. Alexei Navalny, who was airlifted to Germany for medical treatment on Saturday, is still in a medically induced coma, long-term effects to the nervous system cannot be excluded, Berlin’s Charite clinic said in a statement circulated on Monday.
2/4 ...physicians. Clinical findings indicate poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors. The specific substance involved remains unknown, and a further series of comprehensive testing has been initiated. The effect of the poison – namely, the...
"Clinical findings indicate poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors," the hospital said in its statement.
"While his condition is serious, it is not currently life-threatening," the clinic said.
"The specific substance involved remains unknown," it added. "Alexei Navalny’s prognosis remains unclear; the possibility of long-term effects, particularly those affecting the nervous system, cannot be excluded," it stressed. The patient "is now being treated with the antidote atropine," the clinic specified.
On August 20, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt under the weather in mid-flight. Navalny was rushed to a hospital while being in a coma and was connected to a ventilator.
On Saturday, he was airlifted to Berlin.


tass--2020-08-24--Belarus, Russian defense firm sign schedule of advanced air defense systems’ deliveries

MINSK , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian Armed Forces and the Russian defense manufacturer Almaz-Antey signed a schedule of the deliveries of advanced air defense systems to Belarus through 2025 , the republic ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Monday .
`` A plan of interaction with Almaz-Antey Group for 2021-2025 has been signed for the deliveries of advanced air defense systems through 2025 , '' the statement runs .
The document was signed at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia .
Also at the forum , Belarus ’ top brass signed a contract on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carriers produced by the Arzamas Machine-Building Factory and a contact on receiving the first batch of four Mi-35M helicopters .
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces ’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and will run through August 29 .
Some weapons are to be demonstrated at the Alabino training ground , the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region .
Representatives of about 100 countries are planning to attend the forum .
Over 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibits on view .
Almost 700 advanced weapon systems will be demonstrated in the static and dynamic displays at the Army-2020 forum .

MINSK, August 24. /TASS/. The Belarusian Armed Forces and the Russian defense manufacturer Almaz-Antey signed a schedule of the deliveries of advanced air defense systems to Belarus through 2025, the republic’s Defense Ministry reported on Monday.
"A plan of interaction with Almaz-Antey Group for 2021-2025 has been signed for the deliveries of advanced air defense systems through 2025," the statement runs.
The document was signed at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia. Also at the forum, Belarus’ top brass signed a contract on two battalion sets of BTR-82A armored personnel carriers produced by the Arzamas Machine-Building Factory and a contact on receiving the first batch of four Mi-35M helicopters.
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and will run through August 29.
Some weapons are to be demonstrated at the Alabino training ground, the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region. Representatives of about 100 countries are planning to attend the forum.
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises will put about 28,000 exhibits on view. Almost 700 advanced weapon systems will be demonstrated in the static and dynamic displays at the Army-2020 forum.


tass--2020-08-24--Belarus’ Defense Ministry informs foreign military attaches about army drills

`` During the meeting , the foreign military diplomats were updated on measures to check the combat readiness of the Armed Forces , '' the ministry said .
MINSK , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Senior officials of the Belarusian Defense Ministry ’ s International Military Cooperation Department on Monday met with foreign military attaches to inform them about army drills , the ministry said .
The Belarusian army will hold large-scale drills under the direction of the Western Operational Command ’ s chief on August 28-31 , the republic ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Friday .
`` An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to hold a comprehensive tactical exercise .
It comprises Airborne Force , motor rifle , armored and artillery units and also the squads of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems , '' the Defense Ministry said .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier instructed the Defense Ministry to closely follow NATO forces ’ movements in Poland and Lithuania and put the troops on high alert on the country ’ s western borders , noting the escalation of tension in the region .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin issued an order on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces in the Grodno area with the battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers and with a squad of drones and air defense systems .

"During the meeting, the foreign military diplomats were updated on measures to check the combat readiness of the Armed Forces," the ministry said.
MINSK, August 24. /TASS/. Senior officials of the Belarusian Defense Ministry’s International Military Cooperation Department on Monday met with foreign military attaches to inform them about army drills, the ministry said.
The Belarusian army will hold large-scale drills under the direction of the Western Operational Command’s chief on August 28-31, the republic’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday. "An integrated grouping of forces has been set up to hold a comprehensive tactical exercise. It comprises Airborne Force, motor rifle, armored and artillery units and also the squads of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems," the Defense Ministry said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier instructed the Defense Ministry to closely follow NATO forces’ movements in Poland and Lithuania and put the troops on high alert on the country’s western borders, noting the escalation of tension in the region.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin issued an order on August 19 to beef up the grouping of forces in the Grodno area with the battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers and with a squad of drones and air defense systems.


tass--2020-08-24--Lubomir Rehak to be shortly appointed Slovakia’s ambassador to Russia

PRAGUE , August 24./TASS/ .
Slovak Ambassador to the UK Lubomir Rehak will shortly be appointed Ambassador to Russia , @ @ @ @ @ Pravda daily reported on Monday .
Rehak will replace Peter Priputen , who has been @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
According to the newspaper data , Rehak , 50 , is a graduate @ @ @ @ @ of International Relations ( MGIMO ) .
He began his diplomatic carrier in 1993 as @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow .
From 2006 , he was Ambassador to Belarus , then led Slovakia @ @ @ @ @ the European Union , after which he was appointed Ambassador to Kazakhstan .
The diplomat @ @ @ @ @ since 2015 .

PRAGUE, August 24./TASS/. Slovak Ambassador to the UK Lubomir Rehak will shortly be appointed Ambassador to Russia, the website of the Bratislava-based Pravda daily reported on Monday.
Rehak will replace Peter Priputen, who has been Ambassador to Russia since December 2014.
According to the newspaper data, Rehak, 50, is a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). He began his diplomatic carrier in 1993 as assistant to the Slovak ambassador in Moscow. From 2006, he was Ambassador to Belarus, then led Slovakia’s diplomatic mission to the European Union, after which he was appointed Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The diplomat has been working in London since 2015.


tass--2020-08-24--All inspected ISS modules air tight, crew’s isolation to end on Tuesday

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the International Space Station ( ISS ) will end its isolation in the orbital outpost ’ s Russian modules on Tuesday , following the results of a check that all the inspected premises are air tight , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos told TASS on Monday .
`` Following the results of a working meeting of the Flight Control Centers from the partner counties , a decision was made to open the hatches at 11:00 a.m. Moscow time on August 25 , 2020 , '' Roscosmos said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all the station ’ s inspected modules were air tight , the Russian space agency stressed .
After the hatches are opened , the crew will carry on its routine work on the ISS and continue monitoring the pressure and atmospheric levels aboard the station , Roscosmos said .
A source told TASS on August 20 that the Russian-US crew on the ISS was tracking down a discovered air leak .
As the source said , `` the air leak was registered by the sensors of the station ’ s Russian segment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxygen and carbon dioxide in the station ’ s atmosphere . ''
The crewmembers were planning to sequentially seal off the station ’ s modules to track down the area where the pressure was failing .
Roscosmos told TASS that all the ISS crewmembers would move to the Zvezda service module for three days to organize air pressure control in the American segment ’ s modules .
As Roscosmos specified , `` during the three-day stay in the Russian segment , the crew will perform routine work . ''
The ISS crew comprises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) will end its isolation in the orbital outpost’s Russian modules on Tuesday, following the results of a check that all the inspected premises are air tight, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos told TASS on Monday.
"Following the results of a working meeting of the Flight Control Centers from the partner counties, a decision was made to open the hatches at 11:00 a.m. Moscow time on August 25, 2020," Roscosmos said.
The participants in the working meeting stated that all the station’s inspected modules were air tight, the Russian space agency stressed.
After the hatches are opened, the crew will carry on its routine work on the ISS and continue monitoring the pressure and atmospheric levels aboard the station, Roscosmos said.
A source told TASS on August 20 that the Russian-US crew on the ISS was tracking down a discovered air leak. As the source said, "the air leak was registered by the sensors of the station’s Russian segment for measuring the content of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the station’s atmosphere."
The crewmembers were planning to sequentially seal off the station’s modules to track down the area where the pressure was failing.
Roscosmos told TASS that all the ISS crewmembers would move to the Zvezda service module for three days to organize air pressure control in the American segment’s modules. As Roscosmos specified, "during the three-day stay in the Russian segment, the crew will perform routine work."
The ISS crew comprises NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner.


tass--2020-08-24--Lukashenko, Putin discuss situation in Belarus

MINSK , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Belarus , BelTA agency reported on Monday .
`` The presidents discussed the situation in our country and around it , especially in the Western context , '' it said .
Apart from that , the leaders agreed that Belarus will be the first country to supply the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine .
`` The heads of state discussed issues of combating the coronavirus infection .
In this context , the presidents agreed that Belarusian citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage of tests of the Russian-manufactured anti-coronavirus vaccine .
Belarus will be the first country to be supplied with this vaccine , '' BelTA said .
By today , Putin and Lukashenko have had four telephone conversations dedicated to the situation in Belarus .
This topic was also raised during Putin ’ s telephone talks with French President Emmanuel Macron , German Chancellor Angela Merkel , and European Council President Charles Michel .
On August 9 , Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991 .
According to the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes .
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public .
As a result , some 7,000 people were detained , dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured during the first days of protests .
The opposition set up a coordination council for peaceful transfer of power , which is calling on workers to @ @ @

MINSK, August 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Belarus, BelTA agency reported on Monday.
"The presidents discussed the situation in our country and around it, especially in the Western context," it said.
Apart from that, the leaders agreed that Belarus will be the first country to supply the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine. "The heads of state discussed issues of combating the coronavirus infection. In this context, the presidents agreed that Belarusian citizens will voluntarily take part in the third stage of tests of the Russian-manufactured anti-coronavirus vaccine. Belarus will be the first country to be supplied with this vaccine," BelTA said.
By today, Putin and Lukashenko have had four telephone conversations dedicated to the situation in Belarus. This topic was also raised during Putin’s telephone talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and European Council President Charles Michel.
On August 9, Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991. According to the final results of Sunday’s voting, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes.
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public. As a result, some 7,000 people were detained, dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured during the first days of protests. The opposition set up a coordination council for peaceful transfer of power, which is calling on workers to stage strikes.


tass--2020-08-24--Russian Black Sea Fleet kicks off large-scale anti-amphibious defense drills in Crimea

SEVASTOPOL , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet forces will hold live firings and practice the coast ’ s anti-amphibious defense in large-scale drills that kicked off in Crimea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` Force-on-force brigade-level tactical drills began with units of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s army corps and marine infantry at the Opuk multi-service force training ground in Crimea , '' the press office said in a statement .
`` At the first stage of the drills , the personnel of the coastal defense separate brigade went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the designated area to take up their positions , prepare and hold anti-amphibious defense of the coast , '' the statement says .
The personnel of the Fleet ’ s separate marine infantry brigade are simulating the enemy in the drills .
The troops advanced to the amassment areas and formed attacking groups .
They will prepare and land amphibious and airborne assault forces , which have been assigned the task of seizing and holding an advantageous frontier , the press office said .
Coastal defense artillery forces and ships will hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the troops will fire small arms , grenade launchers and the guns of combat vehicles , the statement says .
The maneuvers are part of preparations for the Kavkaz-2020 ( Caucasus-2020 ) strategic command and staff drills .
The exercise that will end on August 30 involves about 100 items of military and special hardware , including T-72B3 tanks , BTR-80 and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers , large amphibious assault ships and helicopters of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s naval aviation .
As the press office specified for TASS , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

SEVASTOPOL, August 24. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet forces will hold live firings and practice the coast’s anti-amphibious defense in large-scale drills that kicked off in Crimea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"Force-on-force brigade-level tactical drills began with units of the Black Sea Fleet’s army corps and marine infantry at the Opuk multi-service force training ground in Crimea," the press office said in a statement.
"At the first stage of the drills, the personnel of the coastal defense separate brigade went on high alert and made a march to the designated area to take up their positions, prepare and hold anti-amphibious defense of the coast," the statement says.
The personnel of the Fleet’s separate marine infantry brigade are simulating the enemy in the drills. The troops advanced to the amassment areas and formed attacking groups. They will prepare and land amphibious and airborne assault forces, which have been assigned the task of seizing and holding an advantageous frontier, the press office said.
Coastal defense artillery forces and ships will hold artillery and missile firings during the drills while the troops will fire small arms, grenade launchers and the guns of combat vehicles, the statement says.
The maneuvers are part of preparations for the Kavkaz-2020 (Caucasus-2020) strategic command and staff drills. The exercise that will end on August 30 involves about 100 items of military and special hardware, including T-72B3 tanks, BTR-80 and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, large amphibious assault ships and helicopters of the Black Sea Fleet’s naval aviation.
As the press office specified for TASS, over 700 personnel are participating in the drills.


tass--2020-08-24--Restaurateurs in Russia lose 30% of food suppliers due to pandemic

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/ TASS / .
Russian restaurateurs have lost almost a third of their food suppliers , President of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers Igor Bukharov told a video conference held by TASS on current problems in the field of tourism and hospitality on Monday .
`` We have lost about 30 % of the companies that supplied products , this is very serious for us , '' Bukharov said , adding that those enterprises had left the market .
According to Bukharov , new suppliers often face problems related to the refusal to grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacing old products with new ones implies updating the menu , which carries the risk of losing regular customers .
He also noted that only a few Russian restaurants were able to reach a profitable level after the pandemic restrictions were lifted .
`` We talk with our colleagues , they say that there are restaurants that are already out of the red , but there are very few of them .
Basically , everyone , unfortunately , can not attain the percentage of last year 's turnover needed to even things out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector is on the Russian government 's list of the most affected industries .
Small and medium-sized businesses from the affected industries during the pandemic could count on a deferral of rental and tax payments , excluding VAT .
In addition , a moratorium on the bankruptcy of such companies was introduced and special credit programs were launched .
Regional authorities took additional measures to support business .

MOSCOW, August 24. / TASS /. Russian restaurateurs have lost almost a third of their food suppliers, President of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers Igor Bukharov told a video conference held by TASS on current problems in the field of tourism and hospitality on Monday.
"We have lost about 30% of the companies that supplied products, this is very serious for us," Bukharov said, adding that those enterprises had left the market. According to Bukharov, new suppliers often face problems related to the refusal to grant a deferred payment. In addition, replacing old products with new ones implies updating the menu, which carries the risk of losing regular customers.
He also noted that only a few Russian restaurants were able to reach a profitable level after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. "We talk with our colleagues, they say that there are restaurants that are already out of the red, but there are very few of them. Basically, everyone, unfortunately, cannot attain the percentage of last year's turnover needed to even things out," he said.
The catering sector is on the Russian government's list of the most affected industries. Small and medium-sized businesses from the affected industries during the pandemic could count on a deferral of rental and tax payments, excluding VAT. In addition, a moratorium on the bankruptcy of such companies was introduced and special credit programs were launched. Regional authorities took additional measures to support business.


tass--2020-08-24--Tests of increased-range BrahMos cruise missiles set for 2020

`` Tests of BrahMos modifications with increased range planned for this year , '' he said at the Army-2020 international military forum .
KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Tests of several modifications of the Russian-Indian BrahMos cruise missiles with extended range are planned for 2020 , Tactical Missiles Corporation ( TMC ) JSC CEO Boris Obnosov told TASS Monday .
Earlier this summer , BrahMos ’ s air-based modification ( BrahMos-A ) was successfully certified in India , Obnosov noted .
`` Quite recently , on June 10 , the air-based supersonic cruise missile obtained its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s CEMILAC certification agency .
All specifications for the Indian Air Force have been confirmed .
The BrahMos has become the first Indian aviation missile to obtain this permission , '' the TMC CEO said .
According to Obnosov , the BrahMos-A air-based cruise missile will significantly increase capabilities of the Indian Air Force .
`` The BrahMos ’ s launch range to the target is 300 km , while Su-30MKI jet fighter ’ s range with air refueling is over 3,000 km - together , this provided [ Indian ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their actions in the Indian Ocean zone , '' Obnosov noted .
The CEO highly praised the work of the Russian-Indian BrahMos Aerospace joint venture .
`` This rapidly developing joint venture is one of the best examples of military-technical cooperation , '' he underscored .

"Tests of BrahMos modifications with increased range planned for this year," he said at the Army-2020 international military forum.
KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 24. /TASS/. Tests of several modifications of the Russian-Indian BrahMos cruise missiles with extended range are planned for 2020, Tactical Missiles Corporation (TMC) JSC CEO Boris Obnosov told TASS Monday.
Earlier this summer, BrahMos’s air-based modification (BrahMos-A) was successfully certified in India, Obnosov noted.
"Quite recently, on June 10, the air-based supersonic cruise missile obtained its first permission for use, provided by India’s CEMILAC certification agency. All specifications for the Indian Air Force have been confirmed. The BrahMos has become the first Indian aviation missile to obtain this permission," the TMC CEO said.
According to Obnosov, the BrahMos-A air-based cruise missile will significantly increase capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
"The BrahMos’s launch range to the target is 300 km, while Su-30MKI jet fighter’s range with air refueling is over 3,000 km - together, this provided [Indian] Air Force with a huge advantage in their actions in the Indian Ocean zone," Obnosov noted.
The CEO highly praised the work of the Russian-Indian BrahMos Aerospace joint venture. "This rapidly developing joint venture is one of the best examples of military-technical cooperation," he underscored.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia developing submillimeter radar to detect swarm of low-flying drones

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is developing a submillimeter radar capable of detecting a swarm of low-flying drones , RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Monday .
`` As part of the work on its own initiative , the company has developed a technological base of the millimeter and terahertz wave bands to cope with the tasks of detecting a swarm of low-flying drones and identifying them with the help of neural networks , '' the chief executive said .
The submillimeter radar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because this wave band has an increased spatial resolution compared to the centimeter range , he explained .
Small drones are considered as a serious threat because they can go unnoticed by conventional radars , especially when flying at low altitudes and at a low speed .
For instance , drones laden with explosives attacked Saudi Aramco ’ s two largest refineries overnight to September 14 , 2019 .
The blasts and fires caused by the strike sent the world ’ s biggest oil exporter ’ s daily extraction down from 9.8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day .
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces ’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and will run through August 29 .
Some weapons are to be demonstrated at the Alabino training ground , the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region .
Representatives of about 100 countries are planning to attend the forum .
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises will demonstrate about 28,000 exhibits .
Almost 700 advanced weapon systems will be demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Army-2020 forum .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 24. /TASS/. Russia is developing a submillimeter radar capable of detecting a swarm of low-flying drones, RTI CEO Pavel Laptayev told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Monday.
"As part of the work on its own initiative, the company has developed a technological base of the millimeter and terahertz wave bands to cope with the tasks of detecting a swarm of low-flying drones and identifying them with the help of neural networks," the chief executive said.
The submillimeter radar will help spot and track small targets because this wave band has an increased spatial resolution compared to the centimeter range, he explained.
Small drones are considered as a serious threat because they can go unnoticed by conventional radars, especially when flying at low altitudes and at a low speed. For instance, drones laden with explosives attacked Saudi Aramco’s two largest refineries overnight to September 14, 2019. The blasts and fires caused by the strike sent the world’s biggest oil exporter’s daily extraction down from 9.8 million barrels per day to 4.1 million barrels per day.
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and will run through August 29.
Some weapons are to be demonstrated at the Alabino training ground, the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region. Representatives of about 100 countries are planning to attend the forum.
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises will demonstrate about 28,000 exhibits. Almost 700 advanced weapon systems will be demonstrated in the static and dynamic displays at the Army-2020 forum.


tass--2020-08-24--Navalny remains unconscious, still in coma, attorney says

`` The cause of Alexei ’ s absence is known .
He had been transported to Germany , to a clinic , where he is currently located .
He hasn ’ t regained consciousness yet .
It is impossible to get in touch with him because he is in a coma , '' the defense attorney said .
She specified that she receives information on Navalny ’ s condition from his spouse .
MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian blogger Alexei Navalny has not regained consciousness and is still in a coma in a German clinic , Olga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday at the Moscow city court , where the complaint on the duration of the review of the criminal case against the blogger charged with slandering a war veteran is being heard .
For this reason the court has postponed the hearing until September 14 , 15:00 Moscow time .
Navalny had been charged with the crime under part 2 , Article 128.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ( slanderous statements in a public address , publicly displayed work , or in media outlets ) .
He pled not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Presnensky district court limited the review duration of the criminal case for the blogger and his attorneys .
As it had been reported earlier , investigators imposed travel restrictions on Navalny .
The case has been launched after Navalny commented on the Russia Today TV channel ’ s Twitter video on the approval of amendments to the Russian constitution by community activists .
In his commentary the blogger made negative remarks about the video participants , including Ignat Artyomenko , a veteran of the Great Patriotic war .
On August 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Moscow made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill mid-flight .
He has been hospitalized and was in a coma .
Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a lung ventilator .
On August 22 , Navalny was transported by plane from Omsk to Germany .

"The cause of Alexei’s absence is known. He had been transported to Germany, to a clinic, where he is currently located. He hasn’t regained consciousness yet. It is impossible to get in touch with him because he is in a coma," the defense attorney said. She specified that she receives information on Navalny’s condition from his spouse.
MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russian blogger Alexei Navalny has not regained consciousness and is still in a coma in a German clinic, Olga Mikhailova, one of his attorneys reported on Monday at the Moscow city court, where the complaint on the duration of the review of the criminal case against the blogger charged with slandering a war veteran is being heard.
For this reason the court has postponed the hearing until September 14, 15:00 Moscow time.
Navalny had been charged with the crime under part 2, Article 128.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (slanderous statements in a public address, publicly displayed work, or in media outlets). He pled not guilty. On August 3, Moscow’s Presnensky district court limited the review duration of the criminal case for the blogger and his attorneys.
As it had been reported earlier, investigators imposed travel restrictions on Navalny. The case has been launched after Navalny commented on the Russia Today TV channel’s Twitter video on the approval of amendments to the Russian constitution by community activists. In his commentary the blogger made negative remarks about the video participants, including Ignat Artyomenko, a veteran of the Great Patriotic war.
On August 20, the plane carrying Navalny from Tomsk to Moscow made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill mid-flight. He has been hospitalized and was in a coma. Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a lung ventilator. On August 22, Navalny was transported by plane from Omsk to Germany.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia to complete state trials of latest anti-aircraft artillery system in 2022

`` The trials are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022 .
Serial deliveries will begin after the state commission makes the corresponding conclusion .
But we are ready to start serial production immediately , '' the press office said .
MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The state trials of the new 57mm Derivatsiya-PVO self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system are due to be completed in 2022 , the press office of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer told TASS on Monday .
The 2S38 ‘ Derivatsiya-PVO ’ anti-aircraft artillery system was unveiled at the Army-2018 international arms show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the chassis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle and is outfitted with a combat module with a 57mm automatic gun .
The gun is capable of firing programmable burst munitions to fight air targets most effectively .
The Derivatsiya-PVO is primarily designated to fight drones , cruise missiles and aircraft weapons in the close-in zone .
The anti-aircraft artillery weapon is also capable of striking ground targets .
The Derivatsiya-PVO needs no radar station thanks to its opto-electronic guidance and reconnaissance system and the advanced fire control technology , which boosts its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets in any conditions with the help of 2S38 TV and thermal imaging channels , while staying invisible for the enemy .
In addition to the gun , the Derivatsiya-PVO is armed with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine-gun with an ammunition load of 500 rounds to fight infantry .
A 9T260 transporter-loader vehicle has been created for the Derivatsiya-PVO to deliver several ammunition loads at a time and quickly reload the combat vehicle directly on the battlefield .
The Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system rolled through Moscow ’ s Red Square for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 , 2020 .

"The trials are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022. Serial deliveries will begin after the state commission makes the corresponding conclusion. But we are ready to start serial production immediately," the press office said.
MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. The state trials of the new 57mm Derivatsiya-PVO self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system are due to be completed in 2022, the press office of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer told TASS on Monday.
The 2S38 ‘Derivatsiya-PVO’ anti-aircraft artillery system was unveiled at the Army-2018 international arms show. The self-propelled surface-to-air artillery system is mounted on the chassis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle and is outfitted with a combat module with a 57mm automatic gun.
The gun is capable of firing programmable burst munitions to fight air targets most effectively. The Derivatsiya-PVO is primarily designated to fight drones, cruise missiles and aircraft weapons in the close-in zone. The anti-aircraft artillery weapon is also capable of striking ground targets.
The Derivatsiya-PVO needs no radar station thanks to its opto-electronic guidance and reconnaissance system and the advanced fire control technology, which boosts its stealth properties: it can effectively spot targets in any conditions with the help of 2S38 TV and thermal imaging channels, while staying invisible for the enemy.
In addition to the gun, the Derivatsiya-PVO is armed with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine-gun with an ammunition load of 500 rounds to fight infantry. A 9T260 transporter-loader vehicle has been created for the Derivatsiya-PVO to deliver several ammunition loads at a time and quickly reload the combat vehicle directly on the battlefield.
The Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system rolled through Moscow’s Red Square for the first time during the Victory Parade on June 24, 2020.


tass--2020-08-24--Serbia reports record low daily tally of new COVID-19 cases since March

BELGRADE , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia grew by 57 over the @ @ @ @ @ , with 701 fatalities , the country ’ s health ministry said on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ daily tally since March 3 , when 44 coronavirus cases were confired .
According to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day .
The mortality rate is 2.28 % More @ @ @ @ @ currently undergoing treatment at hospitals , with 44 being connected to lung ventilators .
A @ @ @ @ @ been tested for the coronavirus infection since the epidemic outbreak , including 7,261 during the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus patients are aged from 30 to 50 .
Seventy percent of those diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ emergency has been declared in more than 20 Serbian cities and municipalities .

BELGRADE, August 24. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia grew by 57 over the past day and reached 30,714, with 701 fatalities, the country’s health ministry said on Sunday.
This is a record low daily tally since March 3, when 44 coronavirus cases were confired.
According to the health ministry, three coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day. The mortality rate is 2.28%
More than 1,000 coronavirus-positive patients are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals, with 44 being connected to lung ventilators. A total of 876,829 people have been tested for the coronavirus infection since the epidemic outbreak, including 7,261 during the day.
Most of the coronavirus patients are aged from 30 to 50. Seventy percent of those diagnosed with COVID19 have pneumonia.
An emergency has been declared in more than 20 Serbian cities and municipalities.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia declares Austrian diplomat persona non grata as response measure

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia declared an Austrian diplomat a persona non grata following Vienna ’ s decision to expel a Russian diplomat earlier Monday , acting in line with the principle of reciprocity , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` On August 24 , Austrian Ambassador to Russia Johannes Aigner was summoned to the Foreign Ministry .
A decisive protest was expressed to the Ambassador over Austria ’ s unfounded decision to withdraw accreditation from a Russian diplomat , and over the demand for the diplomat to leave the territory of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the principle of reciprocity , a diplomat at the embassy of the Republic of Austria in Russia was declared persona non grata , '' the statement runs .
Earlier on Monday , the Austrian Foreign Ministry told TASS that the authorities decided to expel a Russian diplomat , whose activities allegedly violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations .
The Russian Embassy in Vienna lashed out at the decision as outrageous and asserted that Moscow ’ s symmetrical response would follow promptly .
It also noted that such actions harm constructive Russian-Austrian @ @

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russia declared an Austrian diplomat a persona non grata following Vienna’s decision to expel a Russian diplomat earlier Monday, acting in line with the principle of reciprocity, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"On August 24, Austrian Ambassador to Russia Johannes Aigner was summoned to the Foreign Ministry. A decisive protest was expressed to the Ambassador over Austria’s unfounded decision to withdraw accreditation from a Russian diplomat, and over the demand for the diplomat to leave the territory of the Republic of Austria. Acting in line with the principle of reciprocity, a diplomat at the embassy of the Republic of Austria in Russia was declared persona non grata," the statement runs.
Earlier on Monday, the Austrian Foreign Ministry told TASS that the authorities decided to expel a Russian diplomat, whose activities allegedly violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Russian Embassy in Vienna lashed out at the decision as outrageous and asserted that Moscow’s symmetrical response would follow promptly. It also noted that such actions harm constructive Russian-Austrian relations.


tass--2020-08-24--Sea Launch to be restored at cost of about $470 mln

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The floating spaceport Sea Launch , currently based at Russia ’ s Slavyanka port in the Primorye Territory , will be restored , which will require about 35 billion rubles ( roughly $ 470 million ) , Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told the media on the sidelines of the Army-2020 forum on Monday .
He added that the budget of breathing a new life into the Sea Launch was estimated at about 35 billion rubles ( $ 470 million dollars ) .
It will be commercially successful if at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Certainly , the Sea Launch will be restored .
I had a discussion with the president on that score .
I reported intermediate results achieved by the working group that was set up on my instructions , '' Borisov said .
`` A week ago , I returned from Vladivostok where I had walked about the Sea Launch and the ship that serves as the site for assembling and testing the payload .
It is a unique structure unparalleled in the world .
Some have plans for building something similar .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we decided against restoring the Sea Launch and using its services .
Technically all this is possible . ''
Borisov recalled that before the floating spaceport left its port Long Beach , California , the United States in accordance with its laws removed all equipment from the command ship and the floating platform .
`` It ’ s mostly equipment responsible for positioning , based on GPS technologies .
We will be able to replace it with GLONASS solutions .
As for the launch system itself , in other words , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and placing it at the launch pad and automatically fueling the tanks , all this is done through Russian technologies , '' Borisov said .
In June , the CEO of Russia ’ s space corporation Roscosmos , Dmitry Rogozin , said in his column in Forbes magazine that Russian specialists would have to exert considerable efforts to restore the floating spaceport Sea Launch to operation .
He said that before its handover to the company S7 all space launch control equipment was dismantled .
At the end of February , a co-owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s board , Vladislav Filyov , told Kommersant in an interview that the Sea Launch project , the command ship and the platform , redeployed to the Far East in March , had been frozen until things got better .
The spaceport Sea Launch consists of the floating launch pad Odyssey and the command ship .
The program existed until 2014 .
A total of 32 launches of the Zenit rocket were carried out from the platform near the US shores .
In 2014 , the Sea Launch was put on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of companies came into possession of the space rocket launch system .
In the spring of the same year the command ship and the platform were brought from the US shores to Russia ’ s Far East .
The launch and assembly ship Sea Launch Commander arrived in the Primorye Territory on March 17 and was moored at the Slavyanka Shipyard after customs and sanitary procedures .
The launch platform Odyssey arrived there on March 30 .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 24. /TASS/. The floating spaceport Sea Launch, currently based at Russia’s Slavyanka port in the Primorye Territory, will be restored, which will require about 35 billion rubles (roughly $470 million), Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told the media on the sidelines of the Army-2020 forum on Monday.
He added that the budget of breathing a new life into the Sea Launch was estimated at about 35 billion rubles ($470 million dollars). It will be commercially successful if at least five launches are made a year.
"Certainly, the Sea Launch will be restored. I had a discussion with the president on that score. I reported intermediate results achieved by the working group that was set up on my instructions," Borisov said.
"A week ago, I returned from Vladivostok where I had walked about the Sea Launch and the ship that serves as the site for assembling and testing the payload. It is a unique structure unparalleled in the world. Some have plans for building something similar. It would be very silly of us, if we decided against restoring the Sea Launch and using its services. Technically all this is possible."
Borisov recalled that before the floating spaceport left its port Long Beach, California, the United States in accordance with its laws removed all equipment from the command ship and the floating platform.
"It’s mostly equipment responsible for positioning, based on GPS technologies. We will be able to replace it with GLONASS solutions. As for the launch system itself, in other words, the equipment needed for bringing the rocket to and placing it at the launch pad and automatically fueling the tanks, all this is done through Russian technologies," Borisov said.
In June, the CEO of Russia’s space corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, said in his column in Forbes magazine that Russian specialists would have to exert considerable efforts to restore the floating spaceport Sea Launch to operation. He said that before its handover to the company S7 all space launch control equipment was dismantled. At the end of February, a co-owner of S7 and chairman of the company’s board, Vladislav Filyov, told Kommersant in an interview that the Sea Launch project, the command ship and the platform, redeployed to the Far East in March, had been frozen until things got better.
On Sea Launch
The spaceport Sea Launch consists of the floating launch pad Odyssey and the command ship. The program existed until 2014. A total of 32 launches of the Zenit rocket were carried out from the platform near the US shores.
In 2014, the Sea Launch was put on hold. In September 2016, the S7 group of companies came into possession of the space rocket launch system. In the spring of the same year the command ship and the platform were brought from the US shores to Russia’s Far East. The launch and assembly ship Sea Launch Commander arrived in the Primorye Territory on March 17 and was moored at the Slavyanka Shipyard after customs and sanitary procedures. The launch platform Odyssey arrived there on March 30.


tass--2020-08-24--Over 80% of China's Unicorn Companies Practice a New Economic Model

BEIJING , Aug. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 21 , The 2020 Summer Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum was hosted by the China Business Federation , The China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises , and The China Industry Development Promotion Association .
The forum was part of global business accelerator TOJOY 's 2020 China Unicorn Business Carnival , receiving special support from the Global Alliance of Sharing Economy , Sina Finance , and China Business News .
Several big names participated in the event , including former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd , and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jun .
In his role as Secretary-General of the Global Sharing Economy Alliance , Ge gave a presentation entitled `` The Great Sharing Economy Gives Birth to Unicorns '' .
He pointed out that traditional sharing economy models that share small property rights on commodities such as cars , bicycles , and home rentals is transitioning to a model where larger business assets such as capital , production capacity , and intellectual property rights are made available for sharing .
Ge also pointed out that as global economy faces severe challenges , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to connect the economies of all countries , promoting the reconstruction of the global economic order .
Ge asserted that in this process , traditional industries could be transformed and upgraded with the help of Great Sharing Economy practices , and emerging industries could further accelerate their development .
The resulting increase in value could thus bring businesses to unicorn status in bulk .
Combining data from CB Insights , PitchBook , and more , the `` 2020 Unicorn Enterprise Annual Observation Report '' released at the event outlined the effectiveness and penetration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the report , as of July 31 , 2020 , there are 285 unicorn companies in China , with a total valuation of 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars .
Among them , 234 companies display sharing economy attributes , accounting for 89.17 % of the total valuation of all Chinese unicorn companies .
Several companies on this list of sharing economy-empowered unicorns , including maternity and childcare giant B & G , nationwide digital delivery platform Sousou Shenbian , and the largest publicly listed company on a mainland Chinese stock exchange , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host TOJOY for acceleration .
Because of this , the China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development recently announced its cooperation with TOJOY , officially establishing the China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development—Industrial Innovation Experimental Base at the event .
Both organizations hope the project will encourage the development of and innovation by future unicorn companies .

BEIJING, Aug. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 21, The 2020 Summer Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum was hosted by the China Business Federation, The China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and The China Industry Development Promotion Association. The forum was part of global business accelerator TOJOY's 2020 China Unicorn Business Carnival, receiving special support from the Global Alliance of Sharing Economy, Sina Finance, and China Business News.
Diverse opinions offered on the Great Sharing Economy
Several big names participated in the event, including former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and former Apple executive and TOJOY Global CEO Ge Jun.
In his role as Secretary-General of the Global Sharing Economy Alliance, Ge gave a presentation entitled "The Great Sharing Economy Gives Birth to Unicorns". He pointed out that traditional sharing economy models that share small property rights on commodities such as cars, bicycles, and home rentals is transitioning to a model where larger business assets such as capital, production capacity, and intellectual property rights are made available for sharing.
Ge also pointed out that as global economy faces severe challenges, the Great Sharing Economy could become a platform to connect the economies of all countries, promoting the reconstruction of the global economic order. Ge asserted that in this process, traditional industries could be transformed and upgraded with the help of Great Sharing Economy practices, and emerging industries could further accelerate their development. The resulting increase in value could thus bring businesses to unicorn status in bulk.
The Great Sharing Economy, a fertile ground for unicorns
Combining data from CB Insights, PitchBook, and more, the "2020 Unicorn Enterprise Annual Observation Report" released at the event outlined the effectiveness and penetration of sharing economy practices across China.
According to the report, as of July 31, 2020, there are 285 unicorn companies in China, with a total valuation of 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars. Among them, 234 companies display sharing economy attributes, accounting for 89.17% of the total valuation of all Chinese unicorn companies.
Several companies on this list of sharing economy-empowered unicorns, including maternity and childcare giant B&G, nationwide digital delivery platform Sousou Shenbian, and the largest publicly listed company on a mainland Chinese stock exchange, Kweichou Moutai, have partnered with event host TOJOY for acceleration.
Because of this, the China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development recently announced its cooperation with TOJOY, officially establishing the China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development—Industrial Innovation Experimental Base at the event. Both organizations hope the project will encourage the development of and innovation by future unicorn companies.


tass--2020-08-24--One Drop Announces Nearly $100M Financing And Commitments By Bayer

NEW YORK , Aug. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One Drop , a leader in digital solutions for people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions , today announced a new agreement with Bayer to jointly develop digital health products for multiple therapeutic areas based on One Drop 's predictive , preventative , personalized self-care platform .
It has closed on a $ 34.7 million Series C financing led by Bayer as well as $ 64 million in development fees and potential commercial milestone payments .
The new agreement demonstrates Bayer 's commitment to its partnership with One Drop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficient , personalized self-care as the future of chronic condition management .
One Drop 's winning solution is fueled by data , drawing on more than 13 billion diverse health data points from users who have downloaded One Drop over three million times .
This data-powered platform enables health predictions delivered through a user-centric experience that provides the right interventions at the right times .
While One Drop currently supports people in the management of diabetes , prediabetes , high blood pressure , high cholesterol , or any combination of these conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitments and potential commercial milestones will help expand One Drop 's industry-leading solution into Bayer 's focus areas , e.g.
, cardiology , oncology and women 's health .
The modular architecture of One Drop 's solution will enable expansion into the new therapeutic areas .
Rather than treating individual conditions , One Drop 's self-care experience will support all the conditions that an individual may be managing , delivering a whole-person approach that drives sustainable outcomes .
`` To deliver better health outcomes and cost savings at a population level , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Dachis , CEO and founder .
`` One Drop delivers a personalized health transformation program that dynamically tunes to your needs and behaviors each day , empowering each individual to achieve the best possible health outcomes .
In contrast , other platforms lacking our data wealth and predictive engine continue to focus on telemedicine and remote monitoring , reacting to problems that have already occurred and delivering a one-size-fits-all model that works for some , but fails for most . ''
One Drop 's digital health platform has been available to consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers since 2016 , and its effectiveness has been confirmed by over 20 peer-reviewed studies demonstrating significant improvements in glycemic control among people living with diabetes in as little as one month .
Most recently , at the 80th Annual American Diabetes Association 's Scientific Sessions , for individuals living with diabetes , hypertension , and prediabetes , as well as overnight hypoglycemia predictions for continuous glucose monitor ( CGM ) users .
These forecasts are powered by the same pooled population data that drives the machine learning models behind One Drop 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive eight-hour glucose forecasts , along with real-time advice for exercise , diet , and lifestyle adjustments , every time they log data in the One Drop app .
`` Building new digital business models is a key element of our business strategy with the ambition to actively shape the future of healthcare , '' said Jeanne Kehren , PhD , Head of Digital & Commercial Innovation and Member of the Pharmaceuticals Executive Committee of Bayer AG .
`` We are convinced that a data-driven approach will empower patients to drive better outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , not the disease , as the point of focus .
The new collaboration with One Drop allows Bayer to further accelerate its evolution towards a digital health business and paves the way for new integrated care patient service offerings . ''
By focusing on the individual , One Drop 's intelligent solution bridges the final mile between healthcare and self-care by meeting the needs of stakeholders across the industry , from the provider who desires improved patient care , to the manufacturer who wants to maximize effectiveness , and finally to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lower healthcare costs .
reimagines possible by harnessing the power of clinical science , behavioral science and advanced AI to transform the lives of people with chronic conditions worldwide .
Evidence-based and clinically effective , One Drop 's digital health platform delivers one-on-one coaching and personalized health transformation plans that promote positive behavior change and drive outcomes for all individuals , while reducing costs for their insurers , employers , and healthcare providers .
One Drop products and services can be purchased in One Drop 's award-winning app ( iOS and Android @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition .
Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population .
At the same time , the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth .
Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development , and the Bayer brand stands for trust , reliability and quality throughout the world .
In fiscal 2019 , the Group employed around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion euros .
Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros , R & D expenses to 5.3 billion euros .

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One Drop, a leader in digital solutions for people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions, today announced a new agreement with Bayer to jointly develop digital health products for multiple therapeutic areas based on One Drop's predictive, preventative, personalized self-care platform. It has closed on a $34.7 million Series C financing led by Bayer as well as $64 million in development fees and potential commercial milestone payments.
The new agreement demonstrates Bayer's commitment to its partnership with One Drop and the One Drop vision of data-powered, efficient, personalized self-care as the future of chronic condition management. One Drop's winning solution is fueled by data, drawing on more than 13 billion diverse health data points from users who have downloaded One Drop over three million times. This data-powered platform enables health predictions delivered through a user-centric experience that provides the right interventions at the right times.
While One Drop currently supports people in the management of diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or any combination of these conditions, Bayer's $64 million in development commitments and potential commercial milestones will help expand One Drop's industry-leading solution into Bayer's focus areas, e.g., cardiology, oncology and women's health. The modular architecture of One Drop's solution will enable expansion into the new therapeutic areas. Rather than treating individual conditions, One Drop's self-care experience will support all the conditions that an individual may be managing, delivering a whole-person approach that drives sustainable outcomes.
"To deliver better health outcomes and cost savings at a population level, we must focus on individuals," said Jeff Dachis, CEO and founder. "One Drop delivers a personalized health transformation program that dynamically tunes to your needs and behaviors each day, empowering each individual to achieve the best possible health outcomes. In contrast, other platforms lacking our data wealth and predictive engine continue to focus on telemedicine and remote monitoring, reacting to problems that have already occurred and delivering a one-size-fits-all model that works for some, but fails for most."
One Drop's digital health platform has been available to consumers, employers, insurers, and healthcare providers since 2016, and its effectiveness has been confirmed by over 20 peer-reviewed studies demonstrating significant improvements in glycemic control among people living with diabetes in as little as one month. Most recently, at the 80th Annual American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions, One Drop presented long-term A1C, blood pressure, and weight outcomes forecasts for individuals living with diabetes, hypertension, and prediabetes, as well as overnight hypoglycemia predictions for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) users. These forecasts are powered by the same pooled population data that drives the machine learning models behind One Drop's health forecasting and insights . Currently, One Drop users can receive eight-hour glucose forecasts, along with real-time advice for exercise, diet, and lifestyle adjustments, every time they log data in the One Drop app.
"Building new digital business models is a key element of our business strategy with the ambition to actively shape the future of healthcare," said Jeanne Kehren, PhD, Head of Digital & Commercial Innovation and Member of the Pharmaceuticals Executive Committee of Bayer AG. "We are convinced that a data-driven approach will empower patients to drive better outcomes for themselves and will bring back the person, not the disease, as the point of focus. The new collaboration with One Drop allows Bayer to further accelerate its evolution towards a digital health business and paves the way for new integrated care patient service offerings."
By focusing on the individual, One Drop's intelligent solution bridges the final mile between healthcare and self-care by meeting the needs of stakeholders across the industry, from the provider who desires improved patient care, to the manufacturer who wants to maximize effectiveness, and finally to the payers who seek to improve outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
About One Drop
One Drop reimagines possible by harnessing the power of clinical science, behavioral science and advanced AI to transform the lives of people with chronic conditions worldwide. Evidence-based and clinically effective, One Drop's digital health platform delivers one-on-one coaching and personalized health transformation plans that promote positive behavior change and drive outcomes for all individuals, while reducing costs for their insurers, employers, and healthcare providers. One Drop products and services can be purchased in One Drop's award-winning app (iOS and Android).
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of 43.5 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.3 billion euros.


tass--2020-08-24--Kremlin hopes wave of violence in Belarus is avoided

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow notes that the Belarusian protesters ’ actions do not lead to clashes with the law enforcement , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday , expressing hope that clashes will also be avoided in the future .
Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own - Lavrov '' So far , we note that no provocation from the protesters took place .
We note that the law enforcement agencies perform their duties correctly .
[ … ] We hope that any provocations in this regard will be successfully avoided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peskov told journalists .
The spokesman noted that various rallies in Belarus do not lead to riots .
`` Consecutively , there is no need for any harsh measures from the law enforcement , '' he said .
Peskov also said that Russia is not in talks with the Belarusian opposition ’ s coordination council .
`` No , we have no channels of contacts .
No talks are underway , '' Peskov said , while answering media questions if Moscow tried to establish contacts with the oppositional forces in Belarus .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Belarus , but Kremlin has no intention to meddle in the situation in the neighboring country , according to the Kremlin spokesman .
`` Of course , we prefer those politicians in Belarus who advocate consistent movement towards allied relations , who advocate mutually beneficial partnership between our two brotherly nations , '' he said .
In the meantime , the spokesman underscored that making any contacts with the opposition would fall into meddling in Belarus ’ s internal affairs category in any case .
`` We criticize those who do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not going to do it ourselves .
At least , not now , during this so-called ‘ hot phase ’ , '' he said .
According to Peskov , Belarus ’ opposition has scant intentions to maintain friendly ties with Russia .
`` We saw some texts , some text drafts which were accessible in the media outlets , they are still accessible where the intentions to continue friendly relations were declared in the least degree , '' the spokesman said answering a reporter ’ s question whether there are those among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views .
The Kremlin representative noted that the Coordination council of the Belarusian opposition is a somewhat informal structure and its `` position on various issues is mobile , it changes . ''
`` There is no clear position , thus it is difficult for us to make a judgement in this case , '' he added .
The spokesman refused to comment on the actions of security structures during rallies in Belarus .
`` This is the internal affair of Belarus , we are not going to interfere , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on the footage of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arriving at his residence in a bulletproof vest carrying a machine gun .
`` I will not answer this question , '' the Kremlin representative said .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Moscow notes that the Belarusian protesters’ actions do not lead to clashes with the law enforcement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, expressing hope that clashes will also be avoided in the future.
Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own - Lavrov
"So far, we note that no provocation from the protesters took place. We note that the law enforcement agencies perform their duties correctly. […] We hope that any provocations in this regard will be successfully avoided and prevented in the future," Peskov told journalists.
The spokesman noted that various rallies in Belarus do not lead to riots.
"Consecutively, there is no need for any harsh measures from the law enforcement," he said.
Peskov also said that Russia is not in talks with the Belarusian opposition’s coordination council.
"No, we have no channels of contacts. No talks are underway," Peskov said, while answering media questions if Moscow tried to establish contacts with the oppositional forces in Belarus.
Moscow prefers politicians that advocate cooperation between Russia and Belarus, but Kremlin has no intention to meddle in the situation in the neighboring country, according to the Kremlin spokesman.
"Of course, we prefer those politicians in Belarus who advocate consistent movement towards allied relations, who advocate mutually beneficial partnership between our two brotherly nations," he said.
In the meantime, the spokesman underscored that making any contacts with the opposition would fall into meddling in Belarus’s internal affairs category in any case.
"We criticize those who do it, we consider it wrong and we are not going to do it ourselves. At least, not now, during this so-called ‘hot phase’," he said.
According to Peskov, Belarus’ opposition has scant intentions to maintain friendly ties with Russia.
"We saw some texts, some text drafts which were accessible in the media outlets, they are still accessible where the intentions to continue friendly relations were declared in the least degree," the spokesman said answering a reporter’s question whether there are those among the Belarusian opposition who expresses serious anti-Russian views.
The Kremlin representative noted that the Coordination council of the Belarusian opposition is a somewhat informal structure and its "position on various issues is mobile, it changes." "There is no clear position, thus it is difficult for us to make a judgement in this case," he added.
The spokesman refused to comment on the actions of security structures during rallies in Belarus. "This is the internal affair of Belarus, we are not going to interfere," he said.
The Kremlin spokesman also declined to comment on the footage of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arriving at his residence in a bulletproof vest carrying a machine gun. "I will not answer this question," the Kremlin representative said.


tass--2020-08-24--Hainan to hold hospitality fair in fall for Chinese, ASEAN companies

HAIKOU , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities are planning to hold a hospitality fair on November 27-29 to involve as many representatives of the national business community as possible , as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) companies in the regional free trade port projects , reported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce .
“ So far we can not announce the list of participating countries .
However , we expect that the event will attract the attention of companies from other countries of the region , ” a representative of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department told TASS correspondent on the phone .
The event will be held at the International Exhibition Center in Haikou , on area of 30,000 square meters .
More than 500 companies are expected to present their goods and services at the fair .
The Chinese government expects the number of visitors to exceed 20,000 in three days .
`` We believe that this fair will give many companies new opportunities to expand their business through Hainan 's free trade port , '' the organizers said .
The exhibition will include nine thematic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , security systems , furniture and all kinds of household items , kitchen goods , drinks , semi-finished products and ready-made food products , which are served to guests in hotel restaurants , and more .

HAIKOU, August 24. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities are planning to hold a hospitality fair on November 27-29 to involve as many representatives of the national business community as possible, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) companies in the regional free trade port projects, reported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
“So far we cannot announce the list of participating countries. However, we expect that the event will attract the attention of companies from other countries of the region,” a representative of the department for the development of foreign trade department told TASS correspondent on the phone.
The event will be held at the International Exhibition Center in Haikou, on area of 30,000 square meters. More than 500 companies are expected to present their goods and services at the fair. The Chinese government expects the number of visitors to exceed 20,000 in three days.
"We believe that this fair will give many companies new opportunities to expand their business through Hainan's free trade port," the organizers said.
The exhibition will include nine thematic sections dedicated to specialized equipment, interiors, security systems, furniture and all kinds of household items, kitchen goods, drinks, semi-finished products and ready-made food products, which are served to guests in hotel restaurants, and more.


tass--2020-08-25--Forbes Russia ex-owner demands to recover about $33,300 from publisher

MOSCOW , August 25 .
/ TASS / .
Moscow 's Presnensky District Court has registered a lawsuit against the @ @ @ @ @ the former owner of the Russian version of the magazine , Alexander Fedotov , the @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` The court registered a claim by Alexander Fedotov against AS Rus @ @ @ @ @ to terminate the loan agreement and recover funds in the amount of 2,491,927 rubles [ @ @ @ @ @ which the principal amount is 2,073,293 rubles [ $ 27,706 ] , court press secretary @ @ @ @ @ date of the hearing has not yet been set .
The publishing house has yet @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Alexander Fedotov was the owner of the Russian version of Forbes magazine @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 25. / TASS /. Moscow's Presnensky District Court has registered a lawsuit against the publisher of Forbes filed by the former owner of the Russian version of the magazine, Alexander Fedotov, the court press service informed TASS on Tuesday.
"The court registered a claim by Alexander Fedotov against AS Rus media. The plaintiff asks to terminate the loan agreement and recover funds in the amount of 2,491,927 rubles [$33,296], of which the principal amount is 2,073,293 rubles [$27,706], court press secretary Lela Kokaya said. The date of the hearing has not yet been set. The publishing house has yet to comment to TASS on the case. Alexander Fedotov was the owner of the Russian version of Forbes magazine until mid-2018.


tass--2020-08-25--Belarus' human rights center has evidence of 450 people beaten up by police during riots

MINSK , August 25 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian human rights activists have recorded evidence from 450 people who were beaten up by police during protests , the Vesna human rights center said on Tuesday .
The Vesna center said in a press statement posted on its website on Tuesday in partnership with the World Organization Against Torture it had organized a campaign to collect information about victims of tortures and police abuses in a period from August 12 to 20 .
It said it had received evidence from more than 450 victims , with photos and videos and had interviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` More than 6,000 people were detained and kept in custody for up to ten days , with their whereabouts being unknown .
At least 450 of them were beaten up , '' the center said .
`` These facts of torture and mistreatment are systemic . ''
The human rights activists point to the fact that despite numerous reports about police abuses , not a single criminal case has been initiated by the Belarusian Investigative Committee and no one from among those who organized or committed crimes against participants in peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MINSK, August 25. /TASS/. Belarusian human rights activists have recorded evidence from 450 people who were beaten up by police during protests, the Vesna human rights center said on Tuesday.
The Vesna center said in a press statement posted on its website on Tuesday in partnership with the World Organization Against Torture it had organized a campaign to collect information about victims of tortures and police abuses in a period from August 12 to 20. It said it had received evidence from more than 450 victims, with photos and videos and had interviewed more than 100 people injured during riots.
"More than 6,000 people were detained and kept in custody for up to ten days, with their whereabouts being unknown. At least 450 of them were beaten up," the center said. "These facts of torture and mistreatment are systemic."
The human rights activists point to the fact that despite numerous reports about police abuses, not a single criminal case has been initiated by the Belarusian Investigative Committee and no one from among those who organized or committed crimes against participants in peaceful rallies and casual bystanders has been detained.