tass--2020-07-29--COVID-19 vaccines by Gamaleya Center, Vektor are most promising

MOSCOW , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
Two of the most promising vaccines against the coronavirus are the vaccines developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday during a meeting with the participation of Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin on sanitary and epidemiological situation in Russia .
.
`` Two vaccines have the greatest outlook now .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s 48th Central Research Institute , '' she said .
The deputy prime minister added that in August of 2020 the vaccine ’ s `` conditional '' state certification is planned .
This means that after the registration one more clinical study of the vaccine will be conducted on 1,600 people .
The launch of industrial production of the Gamaleya Center ’ s vaccine is planned for September of 2020 .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing .
`` The integrated clinical trials have started .
Their completion is planned for September , the state certification is also planned for September .
Also , the first batch is planned to be produced in October of 2020 , '' she said .

MOSCOW, July 29. /TASS/. Two of the most promising vaccines against the coronavirus are the vaccines developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday during a meeting with the participation of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on sanitary and epidemiological situation in Russia. .
"Two vaccines have the greatest outlook now. One of them is developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry’s 48th Central Research Institute," she said. The deputy prime minister added that in August of 2020 the vaccine’s "conditional" state certification is planned. This means that after the registration one more clinical study of the vaccine will be conducted on 1,600 people. The launch of industrial production of the Gamaleya Center’s vaccine is planned for September of 2020.
According to the deputy prime minister, another vaccine is developed by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. "The integrated clinical trials have started. Their completion is planned for September, the state certification is also planned for September. Also, the first batch is planned to be produced in October of 2020," she said.


tass--2020-07-29--Half of all Russians thinks US moon landing a hoax, poll reveals

MOSCOW , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
Almost half of all Russians ( 49 % ) doubt the authenticity of the US 1969 moon landing , and consider this even a US government hoax , a Russia Public Opinion Research Center ( VCIOM ) poll revealed .
`` Half of all Russians called the 1969 US astronauts ’ landing on the Moon a government hoax ( 49 % ) , '' the center says .
Compared to 2018 , the number of those who deny the landing is 8 % less , while the number of Russian residents , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 % to 31 % .
Among young people aged between 18 and 24 , 57 % of respondents say the landing actually happened .
Speaking about conspiracy theories , over one third of all Russians ( 36 % ) said that extraterrestrials visit Earth from time to time , while 13 % are certain that the authorities hide this information .
Meanwhile , 48 % of respondents do not believe that aliens visit Earth or that extraterrestrial civilizations even exit .
Compared to 2018 , this opinion has become more popular by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place on July 6 via phone interviews and covered 1,600 respondents aged above 18 .

MOSCOW, July 29. /TASS/. Almost half of all Russians (49%) doubt the authenticity of the US 1969 moon landing, and consider this even a US government hoax, a Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) poll revealed.
"Half of all Russians called the 1969 US astronauts’ landing on the Moon a government hoax (49%)," the center says.
Compared to 2018, the number of those who deny the landing is 8% less, while the number of Russian residents, who consider the event genuine, increased from 24% to 31%. Among young people aged between 18 and 24, 57% of respondents say the landing actually happened.
Speaking about conspiracy theories, over one third of all Russians (36%) said that extraterrestrials visit Earth from time to time, while 13% are certain that the authorities hide this information. Meanwhile, 48% of respondents do not believe that aliens visit Earth or that extraterrestrial civilizations even exit. Compared to 2018, this opinion has become more popular by 6%.
The nationwide poll took place on July 6 via phone interviews and covered 1,600 respondents aged above 18.


tass--2020-07-29--No information on detention of Russians received from Belarus

MINSK , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian embassy in Belarus does not have any official confirmation from Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ citizens were detained in the country , Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev told TASS @ @ @ @ @ does not have any official information of Russian citizens ’ detention in Belarus , '' @ @ @ @ @ embassy will request relevant Belarusian agencies to provide official information . ''
A little later @ @ @ @ @ took to Twitter to report that a confirmation was requested .
BelTA news agency reported @ @ @ @ @ enforcement agencies , that Belarus detained Russian citizens , employees of `` Wagner Private Military @ @ @ @ @ arrived in the country to destabilize the domestic situation ahead of the presidential election ( @ @ @ @ @ to the agency , 32 people were detained in a holiday center near Minsk , @ @ @ @ @ arrested in southern Belarus .
A probe was launched by the relevant national authorities .

MINSK, July 29. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in Belarus does not have any official confirmation from Belarusian authorities of reports that Russian citizens were detained in the country, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev told TASS Wednesday.
"The embassy does not have any official information of Russian citizens’ detention in Belarus," he noted. "The embassy will request relevant Belarusian agencies to provide official information."
A little later, the Russian diplomatic mission took to Twitter to report that a confirmation was requested.
BelTA news agency reported Wednesday, citing Belarusian law enforcement agencies, that Belarus detained Russian citizens, employees of "Wagner Private Military Company," who allegedly arrived in the country to destabilize the domestic situation ahead of the presidential election (August 9). According to the agency, 32 people were detained in a holiday center near Minsk, while one more person was arrested in southern Belarus. A probe was launched by the relevant national authorities.


tass--2020-07-29--FSB detains IS supporters who plotted killings of servicemen and law enforcers in Russia

MOSCOW , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has detained natives of a Central Asian republic who plotted killings of servicemen and law-enforcement officers and planned to move to the Middle East , the FSB ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` The Federal Security Service acting jointly with the Interior Ministry of Russia as part of a criminal case under part 1.1 of article 205.1 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( ‘ Assistance to Terrorist Activity ’ ) foiled the activity of a terrorist cell ’ s participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicit in financing the Islamic State international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia , '' the FSB said in a statement .
`` They are also being probed for their complicity in the propaganda of terrorism and the recruitment of Russian citizens into terrorist structures , '' the statement says .
`` Pursuant to the available operational information , the said individuals plotted killings of servicemen and the personnel of law-enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation , following which they intended to move to the Middle East region for participation in the international terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the places of residence of the detained individuals , the security officers seized communications means and banking cards used in the criminal activity .
Operational search and investigative measures continue , the FSB said .

MOSCOW, July 29. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained natives of a Central Asian republic who plotted killings of servicemen and law-enforcement officers and planned to move to the Middle East, the FSB’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"The Federal Security Service acting jointly with the Interior Ministry of Russia as part of a criminal case under part 1.1 of article 205.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code (‘Assistance to Terrorist Activity’) foiled the activity of a terrorist cell’s participants among natives of a Central Asian republic complicit in financing the Islamic State international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia," the FSB said in a statement.
"They are also being probed for their complicity in the propaganda of terrorism and the recruitment of Russian citizens into terrorist structures," the statement says.
"Pursuant to the available operational information, the said individuals plotted killings of servicemen and the personnel of law-enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation, following which they intended to move to the Middle East region for participation in the international terrorist organization," the FSB stressed.
At the places of residence of the detained individuals, the security officers seized communications means and banking cards used in the criminal activity. Operational search and investigative measures continue, the FSB said.


tass--2020-07-29--Russians from ‘PMC Wagner’ apprehended in Belarus, BelTA report says

MINSK , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus are employees of the `` Wagner Private Military Company , '' BelTA state news agency reports , citing law enforcement agencies of the republic .
Presidential election campaign kicks off in Belarus According to the news agency , 32 people , whom BelTA calls private military company employees , were apprehended in a holiday center in Belarus Wednesday ; one more man was detained in southern Belarus , the report says .
An inspection into the apprehended is underway .
According to the report , the group arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and settled in one of the Minsk District holiday centers on July 27 .
They were spotted for their military-style clothing and `` behavior , uncharacteristic of Russian tourists . ''
The guests drank no alcohol , visited no entertainment venues and stayed detached .
The news agency claims that the law enforcement agencies received a tip about arrival of over 200 `` militants '' who allegedly sought to destabilize the situation ahead of the August 9 presidential election .
BelTA published a list of the names of the detained .
The sate-run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian citizens ’ apprehension .
Currently , TASS has no comments either from the Russian side , or from the Belarusian law enforcement agencies .

MINSK, July 29. /TASS/. Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus are employees of the "Wagner Private Military Company," BelTA state news agency reports, citing law enforcement agencies of the republic.
Presidential election campaign kicks off in Belarus
According to the news agency, 32 people, whom BelTA calls private military company employees, were apprehended in a holiday center in Belarus Wednesday; one more man was detained in southern Belarus, the report says. An inspection into the apprehended is underway.
According to the report, the group arrived in Minsk early on July 25, and settled in one of the Minsk District holiday centers on July 27. They were spotted for their military-style clothing and "behavior, uncharacteristic of Russian tourists." The guests drank no alcohol, visited no entertainment venues and stayed detached.
The news agency claims that the law enforcement agencies received a tip about arrival of over 200 "militants" who allegedly sought to destabilize the situation ahead of the August 9 presidential election.
BelTA published a list of the names of the detained. The sate-run Belarus-1 TV channel aired footage of the Russian citizens’ apprehension.
Currently, TASS has no comments either from the Russian side, or from the Belarusian law enforcement agencies.


tass--2020-07-29--Oil price will be about $45/bbl in 2021, Fitch says

MOSCOW , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil prices can grow to about $ 45 per barrel in average over the year in 2021 and to $ 53 per barrel in 2022 , Fitch Ratings says in its research on Wednesday .
It is expected to be about $ 45 per barrel in 2020 and at the level of $ 55 a barrel after 2022 , the Agency reports .
WTI oil will be traded at a price of $ 3/barrel below Brent in each year , the company says .
Crude oil prices will largely grow owing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fitch noted .
`` We expect OPEC+ to continue to periodically adjust the two-year deal reached in April 2020 to avoid large production surpluses or deficits , which supports our expectations of a gradual oil price , '' the company noted .
Fitch expects some rebalancing in the European gas market in the next few months owing to a combination of reduced LNG volumes from the US , lower pipeline imports from Russia and growing seasonal consumption in the fourth quarter of this year .
`` A full recovery can only be driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia .
We assume that prices will remain low in 2021 by historical standards , '' the agency noted .

MOSCOW, July 29. /TASS/. Brent oil prices can grow to about $45 per barrel in average over the year in 2021 and to $53 per barrel in 2022, Fitch Ratings says in its research on Wednesday. It is expected to be about $45 per barrel in 2020 and at the level of $55 a barrel after 2022, the Agency reports.
WTI oil will be traded at a price of $3/barrel below Brent in each year, the company says.
Crude oil prices will largely grow owing to the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement, Fitch noted. "We expect OPEC+ to continue to periodically adjust the two-year deal reached in April 2020 to avoid large production surpluses or deficits, which supports our expectations of a gradual oil price," the company noted.
Fitch expects some rebalancing in the European gas market in the next few months owing to a combination of reduced LNG volumes from the US, lower pipeline imports from Russia and growing seasonal consumption in the fourth quarter of this year.
"A full recovery can only be driven by substantially improved demand, particularly in Asia. We assume that prices will remain low in 2021 by historical standards," the agency noted.


tass--2020-07-29--24% of COVID-19 patients in Russia develop pneumonia, 37% show no symptoms

MOSCOW , July 29 .
/TASS/ .
About 24 % of COVID-19 patients develop pneumonia , while 37 % develop @ @ @ @ @ Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said during a meeting attended by President Putin Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ structure of all registered coronavirus infection cases , 24 % percent developed pneumonia ; acute @ @ @ @ @ % , while another 37 % are cases without clinical symptoms , '' Golikova said @ @ @ @ @ statistics , over 16,908,600 people have been infected worldwide and more than 663,000 deaths have @ @ @ @ @ , 828,990 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 620,333 patients having recovered @ @ @ @ @ ’ s latest data indicates 13,673 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, July 29. /TASS/. About 24% of COVID-19 patients develop pneumonia, while 37% develop no symptoms at all, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said during a meeting attended by President Putin Wednesday.
"In the overall structure of all registered coronavirus infection cases, 24% percent developed pneumonia; acute respiratory infections make up 37%, while another 37% are cases without clinical symptoms," Golikova said.
According to the latest statistics, over 16,908,600 people have been infected worldwide and more than 663,000 deaths have been reported. To date, 828,990 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 620,333 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 13,673 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-07-31--Coronavirus response requires international cooperation - US Academy of Sciences

WASHINGTON , July 31 .
/TASS/ .
Effective coronavirus response requires the highest levels of international scientific cooperation , Senior Media Officer at the US National Academy of Sciences ( NAS ) Sara Frueh told TASS , commenting on an agreement on cooperation in coronavirus research , signed by Russian Academy of Sciences ( RAS ) President Alexander Sergeyev and National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt .
`` The global spread of COVID-19 threatens all people around the world , and effective response and future preparedness requires the highest levels of international scientific cooperation based on principles of openness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she pointed out .
`` Building on the foundation provided by the Agreement on Cooperation between US National Academies of Sciences , Engineering , and Medicine ( NASEM ) and the Russian Academy of Sciences ( RAS ) , first signed in 1959 , and the long-term tradition of cooperation between the academic communities of the United States and Russia , the Presidents of the NASEM and RAS emphasize their readiness for common efforts in uniting our knowledge and experience in combating the global coronavirus pandemic and its effects , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation in epidemiological and molecular biological research related to COVID-19 , the mathematical modelling and computer simulation of the pandemic ’ s spread , the social , economic and psychological consequences of the pandemic , efforts to boost global security and respond to biological threats .

WASHINGTON, July 31. /TASS/. Effective coronavirus response requires the highest levels of international scientific cooperation, Senior Media Officer at the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Sara Frueh told TASS, commenting on an agreement on cooperation in coronavirus research, signed by Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) President Alexander Sergeyev and National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt.
"The global spread of COVID-19 threatens all people around the world, and effective response and future preparedness requires the highest levels of international scientific cooperation based on principles of openness and solidarity in various areas of research," she pointed out.
"Building on the foundation provided by the Agreement on Cooperation between US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), first signed in 1959, and the long-term tradition of cooperation between the academic communities of the United States and Russia, the Presidents of the NASEM and RAS emphasize their readiness for common efforts in uniting our knowledge and experience in combating the global coronavirus pandemic and its effects," Frueh added.
The agreement provides for cooperation in epidemiological and molecular biological research related to COVID-19, the mathematical modelling and computer simulation of the pandemic’s spread, the social, economic and psychological consequences of the pandemic, efforts to boost global security and respond to biological threats.


tass--2020-07-31--Diplomat describes Russia-US expert consultations as specific, professional

MOSCOW , July 31 .
/TASS/ .
The Vienna-hosted Russia-US expert consultations on strategic stability turned out to be specific and professional , Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Department of Information and Press Alexei Zaitsev said at a briefing .
`` The conversation turned out to be specific and professional .
The parties will need to conduct an in-depth analysis of its results .
Russia is ready to continue dialogue with Washington on various stability issues , '' he pointed out .
According to Zaitsev , Moscow believes that dialogue `` is highly important for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this area . ''
`` At the same time , we are determined to build relations with the US in the arms control area on the principles of parity and mutual respect for each other ’ s interests and concerns , '' the Russian diplomat added .
Zaitsev emphasized that the US had initially proposed to focus on issues related to nuclear warheads but Russia suggested discussing all weapons that could be used for strategic purposes and influence strategic stability .
`` In fact , the two countries ’ experts discussed three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doctrines and potentials , transparency and verification , '' he said .

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. The Vienna-hosted Russia-US expert consultations on strategic stability turned out to be specific and professional, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and Press Alexei Zaitsev said at a briefing.
"The conversation turned out to be specific and professional. The parties will need to conduct an in-depth analysis of its results. Russia is ready to continue dialogue with Washington on various stability issues," he pointed out.
According to Zaitsev, Moscow believes that dialogue "is highly important for the prevention of further violations of international agreements in this area." "At the same time, we are determined to build relations with the US in the arms control area on the principles of parity and mutual respect for each other’s interests and concerns," the Russian diplomat added.
Zaitsev emphasized that the US had initially proposed to focus on issues related to nuclear warheads but Russia suggested discussing all weapons that could be used for strategic purposes and influence strategic stability. "In fact, the two countries’ experts discussed three groups of topics, including space security, doctrines and potentials, transparency and verification," he said.


tass--2020-07-31--Russian, US academies of sciences to cooperate in fight against pandemic

MOSCOW , July 31 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Academy of Sciences ( RAS ) and the US National Academy @ @ @ @ @ will cooperate in coronavirus research , according to an agreement that RAS President Alexander Sergeyev @ @ @ @ @ signed via video call .
`` Leading experts in our countries are looking into various @ @ @ @ @ but most forecasts say that we will face a global economic recession and it will @ @ @ @ @ way out of the situation , '' Sergeyev pointed out .
`` This is why @ @ @ @ @ for joint research on which we will focus .
They include the preservation of life @ @ @ @ @ , as well as economic recovery and development , '' he added .
McNutt , @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic had affected everyone and it was important to boost US-Russia research cooperation .

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. The Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) will cooperate in coronavirus research, according to an agreement that RAS President Alexander Sergeyev and NAS President Marcia McNutt signed via video call.
"Leading experts in our countries are looking into various scenarios regarding economic development, but most forecasts say that we will face a global economic recession and it will take long to find a way out of the situation," Sergeyev pointed out. "This is why we have determined several areas for joint research on which we will focus. They include the preservation of life and health of our people, as well as economic recovery and development," he added.
McNutt, in turn, said that the pandemic had affected everyone and it was important to boost US-Russia research cooperation.


tass--2020-07-31--Proton-M carrier rocket with Express telecom satellites launched from Baikonur

MOSCOW , July 31 .
/TASS/ .
A Proton-M carrier rocket with a Briz-M booster , carrying Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , has been launched from Site No .
200 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome .
The @ @ @ @ @ Roscosmos State Space Agency ’ s website .
The Express-80 and Express-103 satellites , built @ @ @ @ @ Company , are based on the standardized Express-1000 medium-class platform developed by the Reshetnev Information @ @ @ @ @ satellites are designed to provide fixed and mobile communications , digital television and radio broadcasting @ @ @ @ @ , as well as to transmit on the territory of Russia and the Commonwealth of @ @ @ @ @ in the C- , Ku- and L-bands .
The payload will include 38 ( for @ @ @ @ @ ( for the Express-103 ) basic transponders .
The satellites will have an active service @ @ @ @ @ The Russian Satellite Communications Company said earlier that the satellites were expected to be put @ @ @ @ @ February 2021 .

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. A Proton-M carrier rocket with a Briz-M booster, carrying Russia’s Express-80 and Express-103 telecom satellites, has been launched from Site No. 200 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The launch was broadcast on the Roscosmos State Space Agency’s website.
The Express-80 and Express-103 satellites, built for the Russian Satellite Communications Company, are based on the standardized Express-1000 medium-class platform developed by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company.
The satellites are designed to provide fixed and mobile communications, digital television and radio broadcasting services and high-speed Internet access, as well as to transmit on the territory of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in the C-, Ku- and L-bands. The payload will include 38 (for the Express-80) and 37 (for the Express-103) basic transponders. The satellites will have an active service life of 15 years. The Russian Satellite Communications Company said earlier that the satellites were expected to be put into operation in January or February 2021.


tass--2020-07-31--Over 253,000 coronavirus cases recorded worldwide in 24 hours

GENEVA , July 31 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 253,793 to 16,812,755 in the past day , according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
The global death toll passed 662,000 .
As of 11:00 am on July 29 , there were 16,558,289 confirmed cases worldwide and 656,093 fatalities .
The WHO statistics is based on official information provided by governments .
The Americas account for the majority of cases ( 8,980,181 ) .
As many as 139,657 new cases were recorded in the region in 24 hours , and the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 3,307,388 cases and 212,079 deaths have so far been confirmed in Europe .
Southeast Asia is the third hardest-hit region , where the number of infections has reached 1,949,850 and 43,117 fatalities have been confirmed .
The United States has the highest number of cases in the world ( 4,323,160 ) , followed by Brazil ( 2,483,191 ) , India ( 1,583,792 ) , Russia ( 834,499 ) , South Africa ( 471,123 ) , Mexico ( 402,697 ) , Peru ( 395,005 ) , Chile ( 351,575 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ( 298,909 ) .

GENEVA, July 31. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 253,793 to 16,812,755 in the past day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The global death toll passed 662,000.
As of 11:00 am on July 29, there were 16,558,289 confirmed cases worldwide and 656,093 fatalities.
The WHO statistics is based on official information provided by governments.
The Americas account for the majority of cases (8,980,181). As many as 139,657 new cases were recorded in the region in 24 hours, and the death toll rose by 3,919 to 346,554. A total of 3,307,388 cases and 212,079 deaths have so far been confirmed in Europe.
Southeast Asia is the third hardest-hit region, where the number of infections has reached 1,949,850 and 43,117 fatalities have been confirmed.
The United States has the highest number of cases in the world (4,323,160), followed by Brazil (2,483,191), India (1,583,792), Russia (834,499), South Africa (471,123), Mexico (402,697), Peru (395,005), Chile (351,575), the United Kingdom (301,459) and Iran (298,909).


tass--2020-07-31--US elections postponement unfeasible - expert

MOSCOW , July 31 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump ’ s proposal to postpone the November election aims to find a topic for restoration of the lost political positions , says Fyodor Lukyanov , Science Director of the Valdai discussion club .
`` This is a trial balloon of a sort .
Its main goal is to discourage voting by mail , bring it to a minimum .
Trump suspects that voting by mail will be unfavorable for him , so a game of a sort begins , '' he said .
`` Postponing the elections will mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a topic that would help him to boost himself a bit , because he clearly lags behind by all polls .
He lags behind in the most important swing states , such as Florida .
He currently loses in all three states that secured his victory four years ago , where he won unexpectedly last time [ Arizona , Michigan and Florida ] . ''
The US President `` generously pours gasoline to the raging pyre of Washington political struggle , '' Lukyanov says , adding that , since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Dems that Trump will try to compensate his falling ratings with manipulations of this kind .
`` It is unclear whether this is true , but such [ Trump ’ s ] statements fuel such conspiracy theories well .
Within a couple of days , everyone will stigmatize this , will once again say that he will do anything to stay in power . ''
Speaking about Trump ’ s allegations of fraudulency of voting by mail , the expert noted that many still consider that the US democratic institutions `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works .
`` Still , I believe there is faith in electoral procedures in America .
People believe that their votes matter , '' he added .
On the other hand , Lukyanov continued , this image paled significantly .
`` The US system endures a heavy crisis of identity and perception .
This is why , apparently , Trump will push the idea that everything works wrong , that everything is controlled by the deep state and the Democratic establishment .
This could be pushed , but how efficient that would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , the Democratic hysteria , connected to the alleged Russian meddling in the US elections , could have undermined the voters ’ `` confidence that the US system works perfectly . ''
On Thursday , US President Donald Trump proposed to look into postponing the elections over the coronavirus situation in the country .
According to Trump , considering voting by mail , which he repeatedly criticized , these elections might become the most fraudulent and corrupt in the US history .

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump’s proposal to postpone the November election aims to find a topic for restoration of the lost political positions, says Fyodor Lukyanov, Science Director of the Valdai discussion club.
"This is a trial balloon of a sort. Its main goal is to discourage voting by mail, bring it to a minimum. Trump suspects that voting by mail will be unfavorable for him, so a game of a sort begins," he said. "Postponing the elections will mostly likely be unfeasible, but Trump tries to find a topic that would help him to boost himself a bit, because he clearly lags behind by all polls. He lags behind in the most important swing states, such as Florida. He currently loses in all three states that secured his victory four years ago, where he won unexpectedly last time [Arizona, Michigan and Florida]."
The US President "generously pours gasoline to the raging pyre of Washington political struggle," Lukyanov says, adding that, since the beginning of the pandemic, rumors circulated among the US Dems that Trump will try to compensate his falling ratings with manipulations of this kind.
"It is unclear whether this is true, but such [Trump’s] statements fuel such conspiracy theories well. Within a couple of days, everyone will stigmatize this, will once again say that he will do anything to stay in power."
Speaking about Trump’s allegations of fraudulency of voting by mail, the expert noted that many still consider that the US democratic institutions "are a solid thing" that always works.
"Still, I believe there is faith in electoral procedures in America. People believe that their votes matter," he added.
On the other hand, Lukyanov continued, this image paled significantly.
"The US system endures a heavy crisis of identity and perception. This is why, apparently, Trump will push the idea that everything works wrong, that everything is controlled by the deep state and the Democratic establishment. This could be pushed, but how efficient that would be?," the analyst speculated.
At the same time, the Democratic hysteria, connected to the alleged Russian meddling in the US elections, could have undermined the voters’ "confidence that the US system works perfectly."
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump proposed to look into postponing the elections over the coronavirus situation in the country. According to Trump, considering voting by mail, which he repeatedly criticized, these elections might become the most fraudulent and corrupt in the US history.


tass--2020-07-30--Vital to verify Belarus detentions aren’t made as provocations - Russian MP

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The situation that emerged after Russian citizens were detained in Belarus requires a balanced approach , as it is important to make sure that the events are not staged as a provocation , Chair of the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told TASS Thursday .
`` We need to get to the bottom of this story .
Russians are accused of intending to destabilize brotherly Belarus .
It has been repeatedly said that Russian is not interfering in electoral processes of other states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more so when it is about our allies .
It is simply impossible , '' he noted .
`` Therefore , everything should be carefully weighed in here to understand which way the wind blows , as they say , and [ make sure ] that it is not a provocation .
We are expecting clarifications , '' he added .
Earlier , Belarus reported that 33 Russian citizens were detained in the early hours of July 29 , Minsk described most of them as employees of a foreign private military company .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Ambassador Dmitry Mezentsev regarding the aims for their arrival in the country .
The ministry also invited acting head of the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk Pyotr Vrublevsky `` considering the confirmed information that some detainees were fighting in Ukraine ’ s Donetsk and Lugansk Regions .
Following the meeting , the sides agreed to boost monitoring over the border section between the two states .
Meanwhile , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow was yet to receive full information about the events , including any illegal actions that prompted the detentions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not recognize Ukrainian citizenships of some of these people .
Additionally , Peskov slammed claims of any links between these events and the upcoming presidential election in Belarus as speculations .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. The situation that emerged after Russian citizens were detained in Belarus requires a balanced approach, as it is important to make sure that the events are not staged as a provocation, Chair of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told TASS Thursday.
"We need to get to the bottom of this story. Russians are accused of intending to destabilize brotherly Belarus. It has been repeatedly said that Russian is not interfering in electoral processes of other states in any shape or form, even more so when it is about our allies. It is simply impossible," he noted.
"Therefore, everything should be carefully weighed in here to understand which way the wind blows, as they say, and [make sure] that it is not a provocation. We are expecting clarifications," he added.
Earlier, Belarus reported that 33 Russian citizens were detained in the early hours of July 29, Minsk described most of them as employees of a foreign private military company.
The Belarusian foreign ministry demanded explanations from Russian Ambassador Dmitry Mezentsev regarding the aims for their arrival in the country. The ministry also invited acting head of the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk Pyotr Vrublevsky "considering the confirmed information that some detainees were fighting in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Lugansk Regions. Following the meeting, the sides agreed to boost monitoring over the border section between the two states.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow was yet to receive full information about the events, including any illegal actions that prompted the detentions. According to him, Moscow does not recognize Ukrainian citizenships of some of these people. Additionally, Peskov slammed claims of any links between these events and the upcoming presidential election in Belarus as speculations.


tass--2020-07-30--Russia didn’t threaten Donbass advisor talks withdrawal - source

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The letter of Dmitry Kozak , Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian President , to his counterparts in the Normandy Four ( Russia , France , Germany , Ukraine ) does not contain suggestions that Russian can quit negotiations on settlement in Donbass , a source close to the talks on the Russian side told TASS Thursday .
`` Indeed , Kozak sent a letter to his Normandy Four counterparts , '' he noted .
`` It talks about the inefficiency of the negotiations by political advisors but does not contain suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contrary , Russia consistently offers a range of specific measures to enhance efficiency of the negotiating process to implement the Minsk Agreements and [ achieve ] political settlement of the conflict in east Ukraine . ''
Earlier on Thursday , Ukrainian media outlets reported that Kozak wrote a letter to his counterparts on the Normandy Four consultations and Ukrainian President ’ s Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak in particular .
In the letter , he blasted the advisor-level talks on Donbass as pointless and suggested abandoning them altogether .
As an example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donbass that , according to him , was adopted practically without France and Germany and was fully based on Russian proposals .
Kiev interpreted the criticism as Russia ’ s unwillingness to carry on with the talks , involving the Ukrainian president ’ s chief of staff .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. The letter of Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian President, to his counterparts in the Normandy Four (Russia, France, Germany, Ukraine) does not contain suggestions that Russian can quit negotiations on settlement in Donbass, a source close to the talks on the Russian side told TASS Thursday.
"Indeed, Kozak sent a letter to his Normandy Four counterparts," he noted. "It talks about the inefficiency of the negotiations by political advisors but does not contain suggestions that Russian can quit them. On the contrary, Russia consistently offers a range of specific measures to enhance efficiency of the negotiating process to implement the Minsk Agreements and [achieve] political settlement of the conflict in east Ukraine."
Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian media outlets reported that Kozak wrote a letter to his counterparts on the Normandy Four consultations and Ukrainian President’s Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak in particular. In the letter, he blasted the advisor-level talks on Donbass as pointless and suggested abandoning them altogether. As an example, Kozak cited the agreement on ceasefire in Donbass that, according to him, was adopted practically without France and Germany and was fully based on Russian proposals. Kiev interpreted the criticism as Russia’s unwillingness to carry on with the talks, involving the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff.


tass--2020-07-30--Moscow reports 14 more coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities rose by 14 in Moscow in the past 14 hours , the city anti-coronavirus crisis center said Thursday .
`` 14 patients with confirmed pneumonia and positive tests for coronavirus died in Moscow , '' the center noted .
Overall , 4,460 people died from the virus in the city .
As of July 30 , Moscow identified almost 241,000 coronavirus cases , while 178,000 patients recovered from the virus .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 17,201,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 670,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 10,716,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the world .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 629,655 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 13,802 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities rose by 14 in Moscow in the past 14 hours, the city anti-coronavirus crisis center said Thursday.
"14 patients with confirmed pneumonia and positive tests for coronavirus died in Moscow," the center noted.
Overall, 4,460 people died from the virus in the city. As of July 30, Moscow identified almost 241,000 coronavirus cases, while 178,000 patients recovered from the virus.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 17,201,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 670,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 10,716,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the world.
To date, 834,499 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 629,655 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 13,802 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-30--Uniper calls US pressure on Nord Stream 2 interference in European sovereignty

BERLIN , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
One of the European participants in the Nord Stream 2 project , Uniper , is in contact with official agencies about pressure from the United States and considers sanctions to interfere in European sovereignty , the company ’ s representative told TASS .
`` Uniper is currently exchanging information with important government agencies regarding updated regulation of the Department of State , '' the company said .
No details were given , citing the confidentiality of the negotiations .
`` Uniper regrets that the United States ... continues to try to stop an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our opinion , is important for the energy security of Europe .
This is a clear interference with European sovereignty , '' the company said .
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said earlier that the European Union firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and threats of sanctions by the United States , as they affect the interests of European companies , including Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream gas pipelines .
Such measures go against international law .
The Nord Stream 2 project includes construction of two lines of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 bln cubic meters per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
At the moment , the project is 93 % complete .
The halt in the project was due to the fact that in December 2019 , due to US sanctions , Swiss company Allseas stopped work on the pipeline ’ s construction .

BERLIN, July 30. /TASS/. One of the European participants in the Nord Stream 2 project, Uniper, is in contact with official agencies about pressure from the United States and considers sanctions to interfere in European sovereignty, the company’s representative told TASS.
"Uniper is currently exchanging information with important government agencies regarding updated regulation of the Department of State," the company said. No details were given, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations.
"Uniper regrets that the United States ... continues to try to stop an important infrastructure project, which, in our opinion, is important for the energy security of Europe. This is a clear interference with European sovereignty," the company said.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said earlier that the European Union firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and threats of sanctions by the United States, as they affect the interests of European companies, including Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream gas pipelines. Such measures go against international law.
The Nord Stream 2 project includes construction of two lines of a gas pipeline with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany. At the moment, the project is 93% complete. The halt in the project was due to the fact that in December 2019, due to US sanctions, Swiss company Allseas stopped work on the pipeline’s construction.


tass--2020-07-30--Russian detainees had permits to work in Belarus - envoy

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian citizens detained in Belarus showed their documents clearing them to work in the country when crossing the Belarusian border , Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev said .
`` A Belarusian citizen acted as partner for these people .
They had signed work contracts with a firm that the embassy knows about .
There is nothing unlawful about it .
They crossed the border by showing the documents allowing them to work in the country to border control officers , '' he said .
Earlier , Belarus reported that 33 Russian citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 29 , Minsk described most of them as employees of a foreign private military company .
The Belarusian foreign ministry demanded explanations from Russian Ambassador Dmitry Mezentsev regarding the aims for their arrival in the country .
The ministry also invited acting head of the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk Pyotr Vrublevsky `` considering the confirmed information that some detainees were fighting in Ukraine ’ s Donetsk and Lugansk Regions .
Following the meeting , the sides agreed to boost monitoring over the border section between the two states .
Meanwhile , Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to receive full information about the events , including any illegal actions that prompted the detentions .
According to him , Moscow does not recognize Ukrainian citizenships of some of these people .
Additionally , Peskov slammed claims of any links between these events and the upcoming presidential election in Belarus as speculations .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. Russian citizens detained in Belarus showed their documents clearing them to work in the country when crossing the Belarusian border, Russian Ambassador to Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev said.
"A Belarusian citizen acted as partner for these people. They had signed work contracts with a firm that the embassy knows about. There is nothing unlawful about it. They crossed the border by showing the documents allowing them to work in the country to border control officers," he said.
Earlier, Belarus reported that 33 Russian citizens were detained in the early hours of July 29, Minsk described most of them as employees of a foreign private military company.
The Belarusian foreign ministry demanded explanations from Russian Ambassador Dmitry Mezentsev regarding the aims for their arrival in the country. The ministry also invited acting head of the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk Pyotr Vrublevsky "considering the confirmed information that some detainees were fighting in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Lugansk Regions. Following the meeting, the sides agreed to boost monitoring over the border section between the two states.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow was yet to receive full information about the events, including any illegal actions that prompted the detentions. According to him, Moscow does not recognize Ukrainian citizenships of some of these people. Additionally, Peskov slammed claims of any links between these events and the upcoming presidential election in Belarus as speculations.


tass--2020-07-30--Russia prepares joint investment projects for China worth $20 blb

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia within interdepartmental working group considered six new investment projects for joint implementation @ @ @ @ @ of $ 20 bln , the Ministry of Economic Development said on Thursday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ joint projects worth $ 20 bln , '' the statement said .
It was noted @ @ @ @ @ meeting of the working group in 2020 .
The Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission for Investment Cooperation @ @ @ @ @ the initiative of the heads of state .
It aims to coordinate and strengthen cooperation @ @ @ @ @ investment field .
The Commission is co-chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov and @ @ @ @ @ Council of China Han Zheng .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. Russia within interdepartmental working group considered six new investment projects for joint implementation with China in the amount of $20 bln, the Ministry of Economic Development said on Thursday.
"Russia will offer China new joint projects worth $20 bln," the statement said.
It was noted that this was the first meeting of the working group in 2020.
The Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission for Investment Cooperation was established in 2014 at the initiative of the heads of state. It aims to coordinate and strengthen cooperation between the countries in the investment field.
The Commission is co-chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov and Vice Premier of the State Council of China Han Zheng.


tass--2020-07-30--Russian Foreign Ministry calls on Minsk to stop escalating negative emotions

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow calls on Minsk to stop escalating unnecessary negative emotions ahead of presidential elections , Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement , published on its website Thursday .
`` It is necessary to stop the escalation of unnecessary - especially ahead of the presidential elections - negative emotions , '' the statement says .
Moscow counts on Minsk ’ s measured and objective approach to the investigation of all circumstances regarding the Russian citizens , apprehended in Belarus earlier , Russian Foreign Ministry said .
`` The attempt to present the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s affairs causes bewilderment , at the very least , '' the statement says .
`` The Belarusian authorities , including the air transport ones , have all papers , required to determine the truth. ''
.
According to the Ministry , Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus on Wednesday were travelling to Istanbul through Belarus , with all required papers on their hands .
`` The odious interpretation of the apprehension of 33 Russian citizens , provided by the Belarusian side , withstands no scrutiny .
We currently know that the mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having all necessary papers on their hands , including plane tickets .
All logistics on the Belarusian territory was provided by a Belarusian company , '' the Ministry said .
`` For unknown reasons , the group was unable to board its Minsk-Istanbul flight and had to stay in Belarus until new plane tickets could be purchased by the Belarusian company .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. Moscow calls on Minsk to stop escalating unnecessary negative emotions ahead of presidential elections, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, published on its website Thursday.
"It is necessary to stop the escalation of unnecessary - especially ahead of the presidential elections - negative emotions," the statement says.
Moscow counts on Minsk’s measured and objective approach to the investigation of all circumstances regarding the Russian citizens, apprehended in Belarus earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"The attempt to present the incident as a foreign meddling in the republic’s affairs causes bewilderment, at the very least," the statement says. "The Belarusian authorities, including the air transport ones, have all papers, required to determine the truth.".
According to the Ministry, Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus on Wednesday were travelling to Istanbul through Belarus, with all required papers on their hands.
"The odious interpretation of the apprehension of 33 Russian citizens, provided by the Belarusian side, withstands no scrutiny. We currently know that the mentioned group travelled to Istanbul through Minsk, having all necessary papers on their hands, including plane tickets. All logistics on the Belarusian territory was provided by a Belarusian company," the Ministry said. "For unknown reasons, the group was unable to board its Minsk-Istanbul flight and had to stay in Belarus until new plane tickets could be purchased by the Belarusian company.".


tass--2020-07-30--Moscow urges restraint in conflict between Armenia, Azerbaijan

`` Naturally , we are carefully watching what ’ s happening in the region , especially considering the recent Armenian-Azeri border conflict , and emphatically urge all parties to exercise restraint , particularly in their current military activities , '' he said when asked by TASS about Baku ’ s intention to hold joint drills with Turkey on the border with Armenia in particular .
The diplomat stressed that Azerbaijan is hosting joint planned military exercises with Turkish armed forces between July 29 and August 10 in accordance with the current agreement on military cooperation between these countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units of military armored vehicles , up to 150 units of artillery and air defense systems and up to 30 jets , helicopters and drones .
Tensions flared up on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on July 12 , when Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry said that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery systems .
Baku said twelve servicemen of Azerbaijan ’ s army , including a major general , died during the three days of battles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ five servicemen were killed in the hostilities , while nine more were wounded .
Both sides note that the situation along the border has been relatively calm since July 17 .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"Naturally, we are carefully watching what’s happening in the region, especially considering the recent Armenian-Azeri border conflict, and emphatically urge all parties to exercise restraint, particularly in their current military activities," he said when asked by TASS about Baku’s intention to hold joint drills with Turkey on the border with Armenia in particular.
The diplomat stressed that Azerbaijan is hosting joint planned military exercises with Turkish armed forces between July 29 and August 10 in accordance with the current agreement on military cooperation between these countries. The drills feature around 5,000 servicemen, 150 units of military armored vehicles, up to 150 units of artillery and air defense systems and up to 30 jets, helicopters and drones.
Tensions flared up on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on July 12, when Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery systems. Baku said twelve servicemen of Azerbaijan’s army, including a major general, died during the three days of battles. Armenia, in turn, reported that five servicemen were killed in the hostilities, while nine more were wounded. Both sides note that the situation along the border has been relatively calm since July 17.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-30--Rossiya Airlines to open two daily flights to Antalya from August 10

ST. PETERSBURG , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Rossiya Airlines will open two daily flights to Antalya ( Turkey ) @ @ @ @ @ for the first flights are almost sold out , the company ’ s press service @ @ @ @ @ the first time , Rossiya Airlines opens two daily regular flights to Antalya from August @ @ @ @ @ the first flights is already close to 100 % .
The delayed demand of passengers @ @ @ @ @ during their summer holidays had a great impact on sales , '' the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines was registered in St. Petersburg in 1994 .

ST. PETERSBURG, July 30. /TASS/. Rossiya Airlines will open two daily flights to Antalya (Turkey) from August 10, tickets for the first flights are almost sold out, the company’s press service told TASS.
"For the first time, Rossiya Airlines opens two daily regular flights to Antalya from August 10. The loading of the first flights is already close to 100%. The delayed demand of passengers who traditionally vacationed in Turkey during their summer holidays had a great impact on sales," the company’s representative said.
Rossiya Airlines was registered in St. Petersburg in 1994.


tass--2020-07-30--WHO says youth to blame for coronavirus outbreaks in some countries

`` Evidence suggests that spikes of cases in some countries are being driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer , '' he said .
The WHO chief underlined , `` young people must take the same precautions to protect themselves and protect others as everyone else '' because they `` an be infected '' , `` can die '' and `` can transmit the virus to others . ''
GENEVA , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Resurgence of coronavirus in a number of countries can be explained in particular by insufficiently careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flout or ignore measures to protect themselves from the infection , Director General of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Thursday .
He then also recommended that everyone `` learn to live with the virus , and to take the steps necessary to live our lives , while protecting ourselves and others - especially those at highest risk of COVID-19 . ''
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recalled that many countries have more than 40 % of coronavirus-related deaths reported from long-term care facilities , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
`` Today I ’ m proud to announce that WHO has created a Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health , '' he said , explaining that it is important to understand how people make decisions to predict them .
`` The technical advisory group consists of 22 outside experts from 16 countries , with expertise in areas including psychology , anthropology , health promotion , neuroscience , behavioral economics , social marketing and more .
This new group will advise WHO on how to increase and improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a range of health areas , including COVID-19 . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 17,201,200 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 670,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 10,716,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"Evidence suggests that spikes of cases in some countries are being driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer," he said. The WHO chief underlined, "young people must take the same precautions to protect themselves and protect others as everyone else" because they "an be infected", "can die" and "can transmit the virus to others."
GENEVA, July 30. /TASS/. Resurgence of coronavirus in a number of countries can be explained in particular by insufficiently careful behavior of younger people as they sometimes flout or ignore measures to protect themselves from the infection, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing in Geneva Thursday.
He then also recommended that everyone "learn to live with the virus, and to take the steps necessary to live our lives, while protecting ourselves and others - especially those at highest risk of COVID-19." Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recalled that many countries have more than 40% of coronavirus-related deaths reported from long-term care facilities, while this figure reaches 80% in certain states.
"Today I’m proud to announce that WHO has created a Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health," he said, explaining that it is important to understand how people make decisions to predict them. "The technical advisory group consists of 22 outside experts from 16 countries, with expertise in areas including psychology, anthropology, health promotion, neuroscience, behavioral economics, social marketing and more. This new group will advise WHO on how to increase and improve the use of behavioral and social sciences in a range of health areas, including COVID-19."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 17,201,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 670,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 10,716,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-30--Envoy to Minsk urges media not to spread unproven facts harming bilateral relations

`` We believe that the journalists will refrain from presenting the arisen circumstances in a form that could harm the allied relations of our countries and will rule out use of unproven facts , as well as refrain from accusative tone in their further coverage of the situation , '' Mezentsev said .
MINSK , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev urged the media not to spread unconfirmed information that may harm the Russian-Belarusian relations in his Thursday commentary on the apprehension of 33 Russian citizens in the republic .
Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says envoy According to the envoy , it is necessary to understand that `` the scale , the historic importance of bilateral relations ; the mutual intent to widen cooperation on many and many fields ; the importance of the Union agreement are enduring values for our brotherly peoples . ''
`` To doubt it is unacceptable , especially based on the arisen episode , which requires joint thorough analysis and inspection , '' the diplomat noted .
Mezentsev also added that `` wearing camouflage clothes , as well as unwillingness to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unreadiness ’ to ‘ raise a cup ’ for friends - during a stay in any Belarusian sanatorium - do not appear as a reason for such close media attention . ''
On July 29 , Belarus announced apprehension of 33 Russian citizens , most of whom Minsk calls employees of the `` Wagner private military company . ''
They are suspected of preparing mass riots in Belarus .
Belarusian military reports pointed out what they called a strange behavior for Russian tourists - they were dressed in military-styled clothes , did not @ @ @ @ @ @

"We believe that the journalists will refrain from presenting the arisen circumstances in a form that could harm the allied relations of our countries and will rule out use of unproven facts, as well as refrain from accusative tone in their further coverage of the situation," Mezentsev said.
MINSK, July 30. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev urged the media not to spread unconfirmed information that may harm the Russian-Belarusian relations in his Thursday commentary on the apprehension of 33 Russian citizens in the republic.
Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus were en route to third country, says envoy
According to the envoy, it is necessary to understand that "the scale, the historic importance of bilateral relations; the mutual intent to widen cooperation on many and many fields; the importance of the Union agreement are enduring values for our brotherly peoples."
"To doubt it is unacceptable, especially based on the arisen episode, which requires joint thorough analysis and inspection," the diplomat noted.
Mezentsev also added that "wearing camouflage clothes, as well as unwillingness to support the hospitable Slavic traditions, the ‘unreadiness’ to ‘raise a cup’ for friends - during a stay in any Belarusian sanatorium - do not appear as a reason for such close media attention."
On July 29, Belarus announced apprehension of 33 Russian citizens, most of whom Minsk calls employees of the "Wagner private military company." They are suspected of preparing mass riots in Belarus.
Belarusian military reports pointed out what they called a strange behavior for Russian tourists - they were dressed in military-styled clothes, did not drink alcohol and behaved quietly.


tass--2020-07-30--Russia still hoping OPCW will be depoliticized

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is hoping that acknowledging that facts about the incident in Syria ’ s Douma in April 2018 were manipulated will pave the way to depoliticize the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , the Russian foreign ministry said in a comment issued Thursday .
The statement comes as US The Nation oldest weekly magazine published an article on July 24 which , the ministry noted , `` in much detail reconstructed the real picture about the manipulations '' that the OPCW special mission for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its report .
`` Despite the fact that all these facts are rather widely known already , they made their way onto the pages of such a reputable western publication for the first time , '' the ministry added .
`` We are hoping that this very unpleasant story will be resolved to return the work of the OPCW to the professional , depoliticized and technical sphere , as it is stipulated by the Chemical Weapons Convention . ''
The diplomatic agency pointed out that the manipulations described have been much talked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public and political figures and media representatives for the second year running .
`` It even came down to a collective appeal to the parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention and personally to the UN Secretary-General as its depositary , containing a call to get to the bottom of the situation and adopt urgent measures to recover trust in the OPCW Technical Secretariat , '' the foreign ministry recalled .
Russia and like-minded countries are constantly raising this issue in the OPCW , the comment says , however , no intelligible reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It seems that they are simply trying to hush up the problem , to prevent this unsightly story from developing further , as it proves that OPCW specialist reports are deliberately distorted to particularly justify actions of the US , the UK and France who launched missile strikes against a sovereign state in violation of the UN Charter and universally accepted international law .
Iraq and Libya , for example , serve as great examples of what comes out of such military and political provocations and adventures , '' the text reads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White Helmets , alleged that chemical weapons were used in Douma , Eastern Ghouta , on April 7 , 2018 .
According to a statement on the organization ’ s website , chlorine bombs had been dropped on the city , which caused dozens of fatalities .
Many other civilians were rumored to have been taken to hospital .
Representatives of the Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria investigated Douma but did not find any traces of chemical weapons .
On April 14 , 2018 , the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile strikes at targets in Syria without the UN Security Council ’ s mandate .
The scientific and research center in Damascus , the Syrian Republican Guard headquarters , an air defense base , a few military airfields and army warehouses came under attack .
According to the Russian Defense Ministry information , Syria managed to shoot down 71 cruise missiles out of 103 that were launched on April 14 to hit targets in Syria .
Washington , London and Paris claimed the strikes had come as a response to an alleged use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPCW Fact-Finding Mission ( FFM ) issued a 100-page final report on March 1 , concluding that chlorine was used during the attack in Syria ’ s Douma on April 7 , 2018 .
The report was submitted to the United Nations Security Council through the UN secretary general and specifically states that the cylinders containing chemicals that were found at the incident site were airdropped .
However , a new report signed by OPCW expert Ian Henderson emerged on the Internet in May , stating that both cylinders were likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airdropped .
These conclusions support Russia and Syria ’ s version that the incident was staged , however , they were not included in the final report of the organization .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. Russia is hoping that acknowledging that facts about the incident in Syria’s Douma in April 2018 were manipulated will pave the way to depoliticize the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Russian foreign ministry said in a comment issued Thursday.
The statement comes as US The Nation oldest weekly magazine published an article on July 24 which, the ministry noted, "in much detail reconstructed the real picture about the manipulations" that the OPCW special mission for the Douma chemical incident resorted to when drafting its report.
"Despite the fact that all these facts are rather widely known already, they made their way onto the pages of such a reputable western publication for the first time," the ministry added. "We are hoping that this very unpleasant story will be resolved to return the work of the OPCW to the professional, depoliticized and technical sphere, as it is stipulated by the Chemical Weapons Convention."
The diplomatic agency pointed out that the manipulations described have been much talked about by a lot of international independent experts, public and political figures and media representatives for the second year running. "It even came down to a collective appeal to the parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention and personally to the UN Secretary-General as its depositary, containing a call to get to the bottom of the situation and adopt urgent measures to recover trust in the OPCW Technical Secretariat," the foreign ministry recalled.
Russia and like-minded countries are constantly raising this issue in the OPCW, the comment says, however, no intelligible reaction to the numerous appeals followed.
"It seems that they are simply trying to hush up the problem, to prevent this unsightly story from developing further, as it proves that OPCW specialist reports are deliberately distorted to particularly justify actions of the US, the UK and France who launched missile strikes against a sovereign state in violation of the UN Charter and universally accepted international law. Iraq and Libya, for example, serve as great examples of what comes out of such military and political provocations and adventures," the text reads.
Douma incident
A number of non-governmental organizations, including the White Helmets, alleged that chemical weapons were used in Douma, Eastern Ghouta, on April 7, 2018. According to a statement on the organization’s website, chlorine bombs had been dropped on the city, which caused dozens of fatalities. Many other civilians were rumored to have been taken to hospital. Representatives of the Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria investigated Douma but did not find any traces of chemical weapons.
On April 14, 2018, the US, the UK and France delivered massive missile strikes at targets in Syria without the UN Security Council’s mandate. The scientific and research center in Damascus, the Syrian Republican Guard headquarters, an air defense base, a few military airfields and army warehouses came under attack. According to the Russian Defense Ministry information, Syria managed to shoot down 71 cruise missiles out of 103 that were launched on April 14 to hit targets in Syria. Washington, London and Paris claimed the strikes had come as a response to an alleged use of chemical weapons in Douma.
The OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) issued a 100-page final report on March 1, concluding that chlorine was used during the attack in Syria’s Douma on April 7, 2018. The report was submitted to the United Nations Security Council through the UN secretary general and specifically states that the cylinders containing chemicals that were found at the incident site were airdropped.
However, a new report signed by OPCW expert Ian Henderson emerged on the Internet in May, stating that both cylinders were likely to be placed at the incident site rather than airdropped. These conclusions support Russia and Syria’s version that the incident was staged, however, they were not included in the final report of the organization.


tass--2020-07-30--Russian Su-27 jet scrambles to intercept two US planes over Black Sea

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Su-27 jet fighter scrambled to intercept two US military planes .
They @ @ @ @ @ approached , Russian National Defense Center announced Thursday .
According to the military , two @ @ @ @ @ were discovered over neutral waters of the Black Sea .
The Su-27 jet took off @ @ @ @ @ The crew of the Russian jet fighter approached the air targets at a safe distance @ @ @ @ @ US RC-135 US Air Force recon plane and a P-8A US Navy patrol plane , @ @ @ @ @ After the US planes turned back , Russian jet returned to its home airbase .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. Russian Su-27 jet fighter scrambled to intercept two US military planes. They turned away when the fighter approached, Russian National Defense Center announced Thursday.
According to the military, two air targets approaching Russian borders were discovered over neutral waters of the Black Sea. The Su-27 jet took off to intercept them.
"The crew of the Russian jet fighter approached the air targets at a safe distance and identified them as a US RC-135 US Air Force recon plane and a P-8A US Navy patrol plane," the Center said.
After the US planes turned back, Russian jet returned to its home airbase.


tass--2020-07-30--Ukraine’s Zelensky appoints Leonid Kravchuk head of delegation to Contact group on Donbass

KIEV , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky replaced former president Leonid Kuchma , 81 , with former president Leonid Kravchuk , 86 , as the head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Contact Group on Donbass peace settlement .
Zelensky ’ s order was published on the president ’ s official website Thursday .
`` Introduce Leonid Kravchuk - president of Ukraine between 1991 and 1994 - to the Ukrainian delegation to the trilateral Contact Group , defining him as the head of the delegation ; withdraw Leonid Kuchma from the delegation membership , freeing him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation , '' the order says .
The order enters force since the day of its publishing .
Presidential administration announced Thursday that Zelensky decided to appoint Kravchuk as the plenipotentiary representative to the Contact Group , because he `` has experience , necessary for engaging in negotiations at such level . ''
Besides , the administration noted that the new delegation head will `` actively explain the decisions , discussed and made within the group , to the Ukrainian society . ''
Earlier on Thursday , Kravchuk , 86 , announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ukrainian delegation to the Contact group and promised to do everything necessary for establishment of peace in the region .
On July 28 , the administration announced Kuchma ’ s decision to end his work in the Contact Group .

KIEV, July 30. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky replaced former president Leonid Kuchma, 81, with former president Leonid Kravchuk, 86, as the head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Contact Group on Donbass peace settlement. Zelensky’s order was published on the president’s official website Thursday.
"Introduce Leonid Kravchuk - president of Ukraine between 1991 and 1994 - to the Ukrainian delegation to the trilateral Contact Group, defining him as the head of the delegation; withdraw Leonid Kuchma from the delegation membership, freeing him of obligations as the head of the delegation," the order says. The order enters force since the day of its publishing.
Presidential administration announced Thursday that Zelensky decided to appoint Kravchuk as the plenipotentiary representative to the Contact Group, because he "has experience, necessary for engaging in negotiations at such level."
Besides, the administration noted that the new delegation head will "actively explain the decisions, discussed and made within the group, to the Ukrainian society."
Earlier on Thursday, Kravchuk, 86, announced that he agreed to become a new head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Contact group and promised to do everything necessary for establishment of peace in the region.
On July 28, the administration announced Kuchma’s decision to end his work in the Contact Group.


tass--2020-07-30--China’s DiDi plans to enter Russian express delivery service, says source

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
China ’ s DiDi , which plans launching a taxi service in Russia @ @ @ @ @ option of acquiring the Russian business of Dostavista company , a source on the market @ @ @ @ @ , including DiDi , show interest in the Dostavista business functioning in tern countries , @ @ @ @ @ Russian business of Dostavista is valued at about 5-6 bln rubles ( $ 68-81.6 bln @ @ @ @ @ .
Mikhail Alexandrovsky , one of Dostavista founders , told TASS its owners are indeed @ @ @ @ @ transaction .
The company is in talks with several strategic investors , including from Asia @ @ @ @ @ naming participants in talks .
DiDi ’ s press service did not comment on the @ @ @ @ @ Dostavista to TASS .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. China’s DiDi, which plans launching a taxi service in Russia, is also eyeing an option of acquiring the Russian business of Dostavista company, a source on the market told TAS.
Several companies, including DiDi, show interest in the Dostavista business functioning in tern countries, the source says. The Russian business of Dostavista is valued at about 5-6 bln rubles ($68-81.6 bln), the source adds.
Mikhail Alexandrovsky, one of Dostavista founders, told TASS its owners are indeed considering different options of the transaction. The company is in talks with several strategic investors, including from Asia, Alexandrovsky said, without naming participants in talks.
DiDi’s press service did not comment on the company’s interest in Dostavista to TASS.


tass--2020-07-30--US intends to leave Afghanistan by May 2021, says Pompeo

WASHINGTON , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is planning to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by next @ @ @ @ @ peace agreement signed with the Taliban earlier , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ US Senate Foreign Relations Committee .
`` We ’ ve entered into agreement [ with @ @ @ @ @ will go to zero [ US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan ] , we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ there .
I think it ’ s May of next year , '' the US @ @ @ @ @ about the withdrawal of US troops from the country .

WASHINGTON, July 30. /TASS/. The United States is planning to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by next May as part of the peace agreement signed with the Taliban earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, speaking at the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"We’ve entered into agreement [with the Taliban]. We will go to zero [US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan], we’ll get our forces out of there. I think it’s May of next year," the US diplomacy chief said when asked about the withdrawal of US troops from the country.


tass--2020-07-30--Baiterek project to contribute to Baikonur spaceport’s revival. says Roscosmos

NUR-SULTAN , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The project of creating the Baiterek rocket compound will contribute to the new stage of the Baikonur spaceport ’ s development , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Representative in Kazakhstan Anatoly Krasnikov said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` For the Baikonur Cosmodrome , for the Baikonur compound , this is a very landmark project .
This is the bright and understandable future the heads of the Russian space industry spoke about .
It is clear for us that this compound will help the spaceport get its second birth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin and new jobs will be created , '' Krasnikov said , replying to a question about the significance of the Baiterek project .
Today Russia ’ s Energia Space Rocket Corporation signed a contract on creating the Baiterek launch compound for Soyuz-5 next-generation carrier rockets at the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan , he recalled .
The Baiterek project envisages creating the rocket compound on the basis of the Zenit-M launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome for the launches of next-generation Soyuz-5 medium carrier rockets , he specified .
`` Today the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement on concluding a contract on creating the Baiterek rocket compound was signed .
By signing this document , we are transferring the Baiterek project implementation into its practical phase , '' the Roscosmos representative said .
Russia and Kazakhstan signed a protocol in 2018 on making amendments to the inter-governmental agreement of December 22 , 2004 on creating the Baiterek compound at the Baikonur Cosmodrome .
It defines the parties ’ commitments under the project , the withdrawal of the Zenit-M ground-based space infrastructure facilities from the lease and their transfer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Kazakh side is responsible for creating the ground-based infrastructure of the Baiterek space rocket compound by upgrading the available Zenit-M launch site .
Russia is responsible for developing Soyuz-5 and Soyuz-6 carrier rockets for their launch from the Baiterek compound at the Baikonur spaceport .
The first launch is planned for 2023 .
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested naming the launch compound being built for next-generation Soyuz-5 and Soyuz-6 rockets in honor of Kazakhstan ’ s first President Nursultan Nazarbayev .
The launch compound was named the Nazarbayev Start .
The Soyuz-5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being developed by Energia Space Rocket Corporation .
The new rocket ’ s elements and technologies are planned to be used in the first stage of a super-heavy rocket , which Russia is developing for launches from the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East .

NUR-SULTAN, July 30. /TASS/. The project of creating the Baiterek rocket compound will contribute to the new stage of the Baikonur spaceport’s development, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Representative in Kazakhstan Anatoly Krasnikov said at a briefing on Thursday.
"For the Baikonur Cosmodrome, for the Baikonur compound, this is a very landmark project. This is the bright and understandable future the heads of the Russian space industry spoke about. It is clear for us that this compound will help the spaceport get its second birth and a new stage of its life will begin and new jobs will be created," Krasnikov said, replying to a question about the significance of the Baiterek project.
Today Russia’s Energia Space Rocket Corporation signed a contract on creating the Baiterek launch compound for Soyuz-5 next-generation carrier rockets at the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan, he recalled.
The Baiterek project envisages creating the rocket compound on the basis of the Zenit-M launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome for the launches of next-generation Soyuz-5 medium carrier rockets, he specified.
"Today the first executive document of this project - an agreement on concluding a contract on creating the Baiterek rocket compound was signed. By signing this document, we are transferring the Baiterek project implementation into its practical phase," the Roscosmos representative said.
Baiterek project and Soyuz-5 carrier rocket
Russia and Kazakhstan signed a protocol in 2018 on making amendments to the inter-governmental agreement of December 22, 2004 on creating the Baiterek compound at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It defines the parties’ commitments under the project, the withdrawal of the Zenit-M ground-based space infrastructure facilities from the lease and their transfer to the Kazakh side for the upgrade.
The Kazakh side is responsible for creating the ground-based infrastructure of the Baiterek space rocket compound by upgrading the available Zenit-M launch site. Russia is responsible for developing Soyuz-5 and Soyuz-6 carrier rockets for their launch from the Baiterek compound at the Baikonur spaceport. The first launch is planned for 2023.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested naming the launch compound being built for next-generation Soyuz-5 and Soyuz-6 rockets in honor of Kazakhstan’s first President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The launch compound was named the Nazarbayev Start.
The Soyuz-5 (Irtysh) medium-class carrier rocket is being developed by Energia Space Rocket Corporation. The new rocket’s elements and technologies are planned to be used in the first stage of a super-heavy rocket, which Russia is developing for launches from the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East.


tass--2020-07-30--Trump proposes postponing presidential elections over COVID-19 spread

WASHINGTON , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump proposed to look into postponement of presidential elections over the coronavirus spread in the country Thursday .
`` With Universal Mail-In Voting ( not Absentee Voting , which is good ) , 2020 will be the most inaccurate and fraudulent election in history .
It will be a great embarrassment to the USA .
Delay the Election until people can properly , securely and safely vote ?
?
?
, '' the president , who recently repeatedly criticized the mailed voting , tweeted .
The option of voting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus infection .
According to the Johns Hopkins University data , over 4.4 million cases were registered in the US , while over 150,700 people died of COVID-19 .
On Tuesday , US Attorney General William Barr said during congressional hearing that mailed vote may lead to falsification of the outcome .
He was also asked whether the US President has the authority to postpone the Election Day .
`` I 've never been asked the question before , I 've never looked into it , '' Barr , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among other things , confessed .
Earlier , Trump also said that voting by mail may lead to the most corrupt elections in the US history .
He also noted that he is not ready to recognize any outcome of the upcoming election in advance .

WASHINGTON, July 30. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump proposed to look into postponement of presidential elections over the coronavirus spread in the country Thursday.
"With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most inaccurate and fraudulent election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???," the president, who recently repeatedly criticized the mailed voting, tweeted.
The option of voting in person is currently complicated by the wide spread of the coronavirus infection. According to the Johns Hopkins University data, over 4.4 million cases were registered in the US, while over 150,700 people died of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, US Attorney General William Barr said during congressional hearing that mailed vote may lead to falsification of the outcome. He was also asked whether the US President has the authority to postpone the Election Day.
"I've never been asked the question before, I've never looked into it," Barr, whose agency is tasked with electoral rights, among other things, confessed.
Earlier, Trump also said that voting by mail may lead to the most corrupt elections in the US history. He also noted that he is not ready to recognize any outcome of the upcoming election in advance.


tass--2020-07-30--Russian citizens apprehended in Belarus were en route to third country, says envoy

The Russians did not intend to stay in the republic and were about to fly from Minsk to Istanbul , the envoy added .
`` The Russian citizens , who arrived to the Belorusochka sanatorium near Minsk , had to do that because they were late to a flight from the Minsk National Airport to a third country , '' the diplomat noted .
MINSK , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian citizens , apprehended in Belarus , were en route to the third country , and they have a labor contract with a commercial company , registered in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement Thursday .
`` They planned to depart from Minsk to Istanbul on July 25 and they did not intend to stay in the republic for any prolonged period of time ; they planned to return to the Russian capital from another state much later , also by plane , bypassing the Belarusian territory , '' he said .
The envoy underscored that the reason why the Russians came to Belarus was `` a contract , signed with one of commercial companies , registered here in Belarus , '' adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labor contract with this company . ''
Mezentsev disclosed that , according to the information which is yet to be clarified , `` the Russian citizens may be employees of a private security company , contracted with protection of energy infrastructure and resources abroad - not in Belarus . ''
According to reports from the Belarusian side , early on July 29 , 32 Russian citizens were apprehended near Minsk , and one more was apprehended in Southern Belarus .
They are suspected of preparing mass riots .
The Belarusian Foreign Ministry summoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d ’ affairs , `` considering confirmed information about involvement of some of the apprehended in combat in Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine . ''
Belarus and Ukraine agreed to tighten border control following the meeting .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier , that Moscow still does not have full information about the incident , including any unlawful actions that could have provoked the apprehension .
According to Peskov , Moscow does not recognize Ukrainian citizenship of a part of the apprehended people .
Peskov called any statements regarding the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections in Belarus `` speculations .
`` .

The Russians did not intend to stay in the republic and were about to fly from Minsk to Istanbul, the envoy added.
"The Russian citizens, who arrived at the Belorusochka sanatorium near Minsk, had to do that because they were late to a flight from the Minsk National Airport to a third country," the diplomat noted.
MINSK, July 30. /TASS/. Russian citizens, apprehended in Belarus, were en route to the third country, and they have a labor contract with a commercial company, registered in Belarus, Russian Ambassador in Minsk Dmitry Mezentsev said in a statement Thursday.
"They planned to depart from Minsk to Istanbul on July 25 and they did not intend to stay in the republic for any prolonged period of time; they planned to return to the Russian capital from another state much later, also by plane, bypassing Belarusian territory," he said.
The envoy underscored that the reason why the Russians came to Belarus was "a contract, signed with one of commercial companies, registered here in Belarus," adding that "each of them had a labor contract with this company."
Mezentsev disclosed that, according to the information which is yet to be clarified, "the Russian citizens may be employees of a private security company, contracted with protection of energy infrastructure and resources abroad - not in Belarus."
According to reports from the Belarusian side, early on July 29, thirty-two Russian citizens were apprehended near Minsk, and another was apprehended in southern Belarus. They are suspected of plotting mass unrest. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry summoned Russian envoy Dmitry Mezentsev and the Ukrainian charge d’affairs, "given the confirmed information that some of those in custody had been previously involved in combat in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine."
Belarus and Ukraine agreed to tighten border control following the meeting.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier, that Moscow still did not have thorough information about the incident, including any unlawful actions that could have triggered the dozens of detentions. According to Peskov, Moscow does not recognize the Ukrainian citizenship that some of those presently in custody hold. Peskov called any statements regarding the incident’s connections to the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus "theories."


tass--2020-07-30--Four Russians, intelligence center targeted by EU cyber attack sanctions

BRUSSELS , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Main Centre for Special Technologies of the Russian Main Directorate of the @ @ @ @ @ Forces and four Russian citizens have been targeted by the European Union ’ s sanctions @ @ @ @ @ the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber attacks established @ @ @ @ @ never been applied before , reads the EU Official Journal where the legal acts were @ @ @ @ @ claims that the center allegedly `` is responsible for cyber-attacks with a significant effect originating @ @ @ @ @ constituting an external threat to the Union or its Member States and for cyber-attacks with @ @ @ @ @ States , including the cyber-attacks publicly known as `` NotPetya '' or `` EternalPetya '' @ @ @ @ @ cyber-attacks directed at an Ukrainian power grid in the winter of 2015 and 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ also lists the four Russians the EU claims are responsible for the attacks .

BRUSSELS, July 30. /TASS/. The Main Centre for Special Technologies of the Russian Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and four Russian citizens have been targeted by the European Union’s sanctions imposed in the framework allowing the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber attacks established a year ago that has never been applied before, reads the EU Official Journal where the legal acts were published Thursday.
The EU claims that the center allegedly "is responsible for cyber-attacks with a significant effect originating from outside the Union and constituting an external threat to the Union or its Member States and for cyber-attacks with a significant effect against third States, including the cyber-attacks publicly known as "NotPetya" or "EternalPetya" in June 2017 and the cyber-attacks directed at an Ukrainian power grid in the winter of 2015 and 2016."
Moreover, the journal also lists the four Russians the EU claims are responsible for the attacks.


tass--2020-07-30--Next BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting to be held in India in 2021

MOSCOW , July 30 .
/TASS/ .
The next Environment Ministers Meeting of BRICS countries will be held in India @ @ @ @ @ of Environment Protection Dmitry Kobylkin told reporters .
`` We will most probably have the @ @ @ @ @ year , '' the Russian Minister said after the 6th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting .
@ @ @ @ @ highly of cooperation among countries in this format .

MOSCOW, July 30. /TASS/. The next Environment Ministers Meeting of BRICS countries will be held in India in 2021, Russian Minister of Environment Protection Dmitry Kobylkin told reporters.
"We will most probably have the next meeting in India next year," the Russian Minister said after the 6th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting.
Kobylkin noted that he thinks highly of cooperation among countries in this format.