tass--2020-07-03--No racial or gender discrimination in Russia, assures Putin

`` Russia has never had , nor does it have , nor will it ever have anything connected to restricting anyone ’ s rights based on sexual orientation , race or religious beliefs , '' Putin told an online meeting with the members of the working group that had drafted constitutional amendments .
The president also joked about the recent unveiling of a rainbow flag on the building of the US Embassy in Moscow late in June .
`` They [ embassy staff ] showed something about who works there [ in the US embassy ] , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had happened .
Touching on the restrictions in place in Russia , the president mentioned the ban on the promotion of homosexuality among minors .
`` Let a person first grow up , become an adult , and then let them decide on their own fate , '' Putin insisted , explaining the logic of the ban .
`` Nothing must be imposed , that ’ s what we are against , '' he said .
According to Putin , those who accuse Russia of violating the rights of sexual minorities , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall . ''
`` They ’ d be better off taking care of themselves , '' he said , reminding the audience about criminal persecution that people with non-traditional sexual orientations face in certain countries , including in the US , and even capital punishment is envisaged in some other countries .
`` So let them get their act together , and sort out their own business [ in their countries — TASS ] , '' the president stressed .
On June 25 , the US Embassy in Moscow unfurled a rainbow flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Embassy sources told TASS that the rainbow flag had been designed by US painter and activist Gilbert Baker , and was raised for the first time during the Gay Freedom Parade on June 25 , 1978 in San Francisco as a symbol of hope and diversity .
They also said that June is Pride Month , when Americans celebrate , `` that everyone deserves a life free from hatred , prejudice and persecution . ''

"Russia has never had, nor does it have, nor will it ever have anything connected to restricting anyone’s rights based on sexual orientation, race or religious beliefs," Putin told an online meeting with the members of the working group that had drafted constitutional amendments.
The president also joked about the recent unveiling of a rainbow flag on the building of the US Embassy in Moscow late in June. "They [embassy staff] showed something about who works there [in the US embassy]," he said, after hearing a story about what had happened.
Touching on the restrictions in place in Russia, the president mentioned the ban on the promotion of homosexuality among minors. "Let a person first grow up, become an adult, and then let them decide on their own fate," Putin insisted, explaining the logic of the ban. "Nothing must be imposed, that’s what we are against," he said.
According to Putin, those who accuse Russia of violating the rights of sexual minorities, "are simply knocking their heads against the wall." "They’d be better off taking care of themselves," he said, reminding the audience about criminal persecution that people with non-traditional sexual orientations face in certain countries, including in the US, and even capital punishment is envisaged in some other countries. "So let them get their act together, and sort out their own business [in their countries — TASS]," the president stressed.
On June 25, the US Embassy in Moscow unfurled a rainbow flag along the facade of its building. Embassy sources told TASS that the rainbow flag had been designed by US painter and activist Gilbert Baker, and was raised for the first time during the Gay Freedom Parade on June 25, 1978 in San Francisco as a symbol of hope and diversity. They also said that June is Pride Month, when Americans celebrate, "that everyone deserves a life free from hatred, prejudice and persecution."


tass--2020-07-03--Bolton distorts events in memoirs about dialogue with Russia’s defense chief — top brass

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton distorts information in his memoirs about a dialogue with Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty , Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said on Friday .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry paid attention to Bolton ’ s memoirs published last week where he comments , among other , on the situation with the INF Treaty and the discussion of this issue with Russian Defense Minister Army General Shoigu , the deputy defense minister said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted in the practice of negotiations to disclose the content of confidential discussions without the consent of the other side .
Considering that the author of the memoirs allowed himself to ignore these rules , it would be fair to comment on his pronouncements , all the more so as the evaluations he gives considerably distort real events , '' Fomin said .
`` He says that Russia allegedly supported the US deliberations that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty had lost its significance , especially due to the considerable development of China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , believe that the US exit from this treaty was planned in advance and the accusations that Russia breached it are unfounded , '' the deputy defense minister said .
As for Bolton ’ s claim about an increased threat from China , the Russian deputy defense minister characterized it as a banal ‘ manipulation ’ of facts .
`` We do not consider China ’ s activity in the missile sphere as a security threat and , all the more so , as a reason for dismantling the INF Treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Such an interpretation of facts suggests that the Russia-China strategic partnership that has currently reached the highest level in the entire history of bilateral relations causes the memoirs author `` heartburn , '' Fomin said .
The colonel-general stressed that `` the United States bears full responsibility for the treaty ’ s dismantling . ''
Over a long period of time , the United States has been persistently pursuing the policy of giving up its arms control commitments to ensure conditions for its military dominance , the Russian deputy defense minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ABM Treaty in 2002 and from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran in 2018 and , as you also know , the United States made a decision in 2019 to pull out from the INF Treaty and currently the US position threatens the Treaty on Open Skies ( the US announced its decision to quit it ) and the New START Treaty , '' the deputy defense minister said .
The Russian defense official also dwelt on the situation with the INF Treaty .
`` We view the US exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims the United States made to Russia as solely far-fetched , '' he said .
On August 2 , 2019 , the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty was officially terminated at the US initiative .
The US claimed that its actions were provoked by Russia ’ s refusal to comply with the American ultimatum-like demand to eliminate the new 9M729 cruise missiles , which , as Washington and its NATO allies believe , violate the INF Treaty .
Moscow rejected these accusations , saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the treaty and laying counterclaims to Washington .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton distorts information in his memoirs about a dialogue with Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin said on Friday.
Russia’s Defense Ministry paid attention to Bolton’s memoirs published last week where he comments, among other, on the situation with the INF Treaty and the discussion of this issue with Russian Defense Minister Army General Shoigu, the deputy defense minister said.
"In principle, it is not accepted in the practice of negotiations to disclose the content of confidential discussions without the consent of the other side. Considering that the author of the memoirs allowed himself to ignore these rules, it would be fair to comment on his pronouncements, all the more so as the evaluations he gives considerably distort real events," Fomin said.
"He says that Russia allegedly supported the US deliberations that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty had lost its significance, especially due to the considerable development of China’s missile and nuclear program. We, however, believe that the US exit from this treaty was planned in advance and the accusations that Russia breached it are unfounded," the deputy defense minister said.
As for Bolton’s claim about an increased threat from China, the Russian deputy defense minister characterized it as a banal ‘manipulation’ of facts.
"We do not consider China’s activity in the missile sphere as a security threat and, all the more so, as a reason for dismantling the INF Treaty," the deputy defense minister said.
Such an interpretation of facts suggests that the Russia-China strategic partnership that has currently reached the highest level in the entire history of bilateral relations causes the memoirs author "heartburn," Fomin said.
The colonel-general stressed that "the United States bears full responsibility for the treaty’s dismantling."
International treaties
Over a long period of time, the United States has been persistently pursuing the policy of giving up its arms control commitments to ensure conditions for its military dominance, the Russian deputy defense minister said.
"The US side withdrew from the ABM Treaty in 2002 and from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran in 2018 and, as you also know, the United States made a decision in 2019 to pull out from the INF Treaty and currently the US position threatens the Treaty on Open Skies (the US announced its decision to quit it) and the New START Treaty," the deputy defense minister said.
The Russian defense official also dwelt on the situation with the INF Treaty. "We view the US exit from this treaty as erroneous while the claims the United States made to Russia as solely far-fetched," he said.
On August 2, 2019, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was officially terminated at the US initiative. The US claimed that its actions were provoked by Russia’s refusal to comply with the American ultimatum-like demand to eliminate the new 9M729 cruise missiles, which, as Washington and its NATO allies believe, violate the INF Treaty. Moscow rejected these accusations, saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missiles were within the characteristics allowed by the treaty and laying counterclaims to Washington.


tass--2020-07-03--Putin assures Constitutional amendments serve to unify the nation

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 3./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his confidence on Friday that the constitutional amendments had been @ @ @ @ @ ’ s will .
`` The amendments are going into effect .
They were approved @ @ @ @ @ s will without any embellishment , '' the president stressed during an online conference with @ @ @ @ @ drafted the amendments .
`` The amendments to the Constitution concern everyone , and the @ @ @ @ @ with the citizens of Russia , '' Putin stressed .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 3./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his confidence on Friday that the constitutional amendments had been approved according to the people’s will.
"The amendments are going into effect. They were approved according to the people’s will without any embellishment," the president stressed during an online conference with the working group that had drafted the amendments.
"The amendments to the Constitution concern everyone, and the final say could be only with the citizens of Russia," Putin stressed.


tass--2020-07-03--No plans to replace traditional format of learning by online classes, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
There are no plans to replace traditional intramural format of learning by online @ @ @ @ @ Putin said on Friday .
`` Obviously , the regular way of learning , a @ @ @ @ @ can not be replaced by distance learning because direct communication , personal contacts between teachers @ @ @ @ @ of major importance , '' he said during a videoconference with the working group on @ @ @ @ @ We really have no plans to replace everything that goes on in the educational sphere @ @ @ @ @ he pledged .
He noted however that technical possibilities for and technologies of distance learning @ @ @ @ @ It is impossible to curb technological progress .
It is pointless and harmful to do @ @ @ @ @ substitute one for the other , '' Putin emphasized .
`` We are not going @ @ @ @ @ He also said he shared the view that distance learning should be under proper control @ @ @ @ @ fundamental and framework ones '' were needed to develop the educational system .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 3. /TASS/. There are no plans to replace traditional intramural format of learning by online classes, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
"Obviously, the regular way of learning, a natural process of obtaining knowledge cannot be replaced by distance learning because direct communication, personal contacts between teachers and pupils or students is of major importance," he said during a videoconference with the working group on the constitutional amendments.
"We really have no plans to replace everything that goes on in the educational sphere by distance learning," he pledged.
He noted however that technical possibilities for and technologies of distance learning were developing rapidly. "It is impossible to curb technological progress. It is pointless and harmful to do so but we should not substitute one for the other," Putin emphasized. "We are not going to do that."
He also said he shared the view that distance learning should be under proper control and "general rules, fundamental and framework ones" were needed to develop the educational system.


tass--2020-07-03--Over 600 regional laws need to be modified after constitutional vote, says Russian expert

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
At least 650 laws and regional charters will have to be modified following @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Constitution in a nationwide vote , Director of the Institute of Legislation and @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Federation Taliya Habrieva said on Friday .
`` Apart from federal laws @ @ @ @ @ needs to be reset because the amendments concern all levels of management and the government @ @ @ @ @ to estimates , if we take regional legislation , at least 650 regional laws and @ @ @ @ @ modified , '' Habrieva pointed out at a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and members @ @ @ @ @ had developed constitutional amendments .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. At least 650 laws and regional charters will have to be modified following the approval of amendments to the Russian Constitution in a nationwide vote, Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Taliya Habrieva said on Friday.
"Apart from federal laws, the entire legal system needs to be reset because the amendments concern all levels of management and the government’s functioning. According to estimates, if we take regional legislation, at least 650 regional laws and charters will need to be modified," Habrieva pointed out at a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and members of a working group that had developed constitutional amendments.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia developing radar for detecting hypersonic targets

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists are developing a new radar station Nioby for radio-technical troops that will be capable of detecting hypersonic targets at long ranges , Russia ’ s Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday .
`` Work is underway to develop a new radar station Nioby for radio-technical troops using the latest components .
The radar system ’ s technical characteristics will surpass the capabilities of the operational Nebo-M radar by the range of detecting various types of aircraft , including hypersonic targets , '' the general said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
Over the past five years , prefabricated radar stations of the missile attack early warning system have gone on combat duty in the cities of Orsk , Barnaul and Yeniseisk along with the Pritsel space control optical sighting system , the Peresvet special-purpose laser system and the first Container-3M over-the-horizon radar , he said .
The over-the-horizon radar that has gone on combat duty in the Republic of Mordovia in the Volga area has ensured airspace control over the entire territory of Europe and the Middle East , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making decisions on measures of response , the general said .
`` Also , the deployment of radio-technical troops on Arctic islands and archipelagoes has made it possible to extend the radar field in Arctic latitudes , '' he said .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russian specialists are developing a new radar station Nioby for radio-technical troops that will be capable of detecting hypersonic targets at long ranges, Russia’s Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday.
"Work is underway to develop a new radar station Nioby for radio-technical troops using the latest components. The radar system’s technical characteristics will surpass the capabilities of the operational Nebo-M radar by the range of detecting various types of aircraft, including hypersonic targets," the general said in an interview published in the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
Over the past five years, prefabricated radar stations of the missile attack early warning system have gone on combat duty in the cities of Orsk, Barnaul and Yeniseisk along with the Pritsel space control optical sighting system, the Peresvet special-purpose laser system and the first Container-3M over-the-horizon radar, he said.
The over-the-horizon radar that has gone on combat duty in the Republic of Mordovia in the Volga area has ensured airspace control over the entire territory of Europe and the Middle East, which has considerably extended the time of making decisions on measures of response, the general said.
"Also, the deployment of radio-technical troops on Arctic islands and archipelagoes has made it possible to extend the radar field in Arctic latitudes," he said.


tass--2020-07-03--Putin calls for public control over promotion of values non-traditional in Russia

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the public ’ s non-aggressive control that will help prevent propaganda of the values unconventional for Russia .
`` If there is a reason to believe that it is propaganda of the values non-traditional for us , the public organizations , which share the official stance of Russia ’ s authorities enshrined in the constitution and our legislation , should build up public control accordingly — but not aggressively , that is the most important thing , '' the president said at a video conference with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian constitution .
Nevertheless , Putin added , `` Of course , it is hard to keep up with everyone , [ to keep track of ] whatever label they could come up with . ''
Putin commented on a speech by Yekaterina Lakhova , chairwoman of the Union of Women of Russia , who asked the president to issue a corresponding instruction to the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications , Information Technology and Mass Media , complaining about cases of circumvention of the ban on promotion of unconventional sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , beautiful rainbow billboards are put up with beautiful words , and it looks inconspicuous .
Or ice cream named Rainbow is advertised and so on , '' Lakhova listed .
According to her , `` that implicitly makes [ Russian children ] get used to '' the rainbow flag of LGBT community .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the public’s non-aggressive control that will help prevent propaganda of the values unconventional for Russia.
"If there is a reason to believe that it is propaganda of the values non-traditional for us, the public organizations, which share the official stance of Russia’s authorities enshrined in the constitution and our legislation, should build up public control accordingly — but not aggressively, that is the most important thing," the president said at a video conference with the working group that drafted amendments to the Russian constitution.
Nevertheless, Putin added, "Of course, it is hard to keep up with everyone, [to keep track of] whatever label they could come up with."
Putin commented on a speech by Yekaterina Lakhova, chairwoman of the Union of Women of Russia, who asked the president to issue a corresponding instruction to the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, complaining about cases of circumvention of the ban on promotion of unconventional sexual relations, in her opinion.
"For example, beautiful rainbow billboards are put up with beautiful words, and it looks inconspicuous. Or ice cream named Rainbow is advertised and so on," Lakhova listed. According to her, "that implicitly makes [Russian children] get used to" the rainbow flag of LGBT community.


tass--2020-07-03--Hainan cuts jet fuel prices for Chinese and foreign airlines

HAIKOU , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities starting from July 1 reduced aviation fuel prices for Chinese and foreign airlines at island 's three airports , reported www.hinews.cn .
These are Meilan Airport in Haikou , Phoenix in Sanya and Boao in Qionghai .
At all these three airports , the price per tonne for Chinese aviation fuel was reduced by 50 yuan ( about $ 7 ) , and the cost of comprehensive maintenance of aviation fuel stored in customs warehouses was reduced by $ 100 per tonne .
Thus , the new outlet writes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel stored in customs warehouses .
Reducing the price of jet fuel will allow Chinese and foreign airlines to take advantage of the province 's free trade port .
In the near future , the website writes , Hainan will strengthen the interagency cooperation on controlling fuel prices and bringing the mechanism of their formation in line with international standards .
Air transport is the main means of transport for international traffic on the Island of Hainan .
Aviation plays a key role in building the free trade port in the province .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow airlines to cut operating costs for flights , which will contribute to the development of the air transportation market on Hainan .

HAIKOU, July 3. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities starting from July 1 reduced aviation fuel prices for Chinese and foreign airlines at island's three airports, reported www.hinews.cn.
These are Meilan Airport in Haikou, Phoenix in Sanya and Boao in Qionghai. At all these three airports, the price per tonne for Chinese aviation fuel was reduced by 50 yuan (about $ 7), and the cost of comprehensive maintenance of aviation fuel stored in customs warehouses was reduced by $ 100 per tonne. Thus, the new outlet writes, Hainan currently has the lowest price for fuel stored in customs warehouses.
Reducing the price of jet fuel will allow Chinese and foreign airlines to take advantage of the province's free trade port. In the near future, the website writes, Hainan will strengthen the interagency cooperation on controlling fuel prices and bringing the mechanism of their formation in line with international standards.
Air transport is the main means of transport for international traffic on the Island of Hainan. Aviation plays a key role in building the free trade port in the province. The reduction in aviation fuel prices will allow airlines to cut operating costs for flights, which will contribute to the development of the air transportation market on Hainan.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia to carry out three test-launches of Angara light carrier rocket

`` As part of the experimental design work , the flight tests of the Angara space rocket are taking place .
They envisage six launches of the Angara-A5 heavy rocket and three launches of the Angara-1.2 light carrier , '' Surovikin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
The flight tests of the latest Angara-1.2 light carrier rocket will require three test-launches , Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Sergei Surovikin said on Friday .
By now , two qualification test-launches have been carried out , he specified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a new qualification launch of the Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket is scheduled and the preparation for it has been organized in an established procedure , '' he explained .
The Angara is a family of next-generation Russian space rockets .
It consists of light , medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes .
The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components .
So far , Russia has carried out only two Angara launches , both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport : a light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its heavy version lifted off in December 2014 .
Spokesman for the Maximov Space Systems Research Institute ( a branch of the Khrunichev Space Center ) Yuri Klimenko earlier said that the Angara-A5 heavy rocket would be launched six times as part of its flight tests .

"As part of the experimental design work, the flight tests of the Angara space rocket are taking place. They envisage six launches of the Angara-A5 heavy rocket and three launches of the Angara-1.2 light carrier," Surovikin said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. The flight tests of the latest Angara-1.2 light carrier rocket will require three test-launches, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Sergei Surovikin said on Friday.
By now, two qualification test-launches have been carried out, he specified.
"Until the end of this year, a new qualification launch of the Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket is scheduled and the preparation for it has been organized in an established procedure," he explained.
The Angara is a family of next-generation Russian space rockets. It consists of light, medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes. The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components. So far, Russia has carried out only two Angara launches, both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport: a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off in December 2014.
Spokesman for the Maximov Space Systems Research Institute (a branch of the Khrunichev Space Center) Yuri Klimenko earlier said that the Angara-A5 heavy rocket would be launched six times as part of its flight tests.


tass--2020-07-03--This week in photos: tiger selfie, Taiwan parliament strife, and dining on Charles Bridge

Japan sticks to its position on Kurils in light of constitutional amendment in Russia The amendment to the Russian constitution @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s territories

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-07-03--Putin backs developing new measures to protect citizens who lost bank deposits

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the idea of developing new measures to protect @ @ @ @ @ bank deposits .
He said this on Friday at a meeting with members of the @ @ @ @ @ of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation .
`` Let ’ s work @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said in response to a proposal made at the meeting .
Putin @ @ @ @ @ already provides for a list of those `` who have the right to receive certain @ @ @ @ @ of withdrawal of licenses from banks ] . ''
`` But if such a problem @ @ @ @ @ let 's work it out , '' he concluded .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the idea of developing new measures to protect citizens who have lost their bank deposits. He said this on Friday at a meeting with members of the working group on the preparation of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
"Let’s work it out, I agree," he said in response to a proposal made at the meeting.
Putin recalled that the current legislation already provides for a list of those "who have the right to receive certain amounts [in the case of withdrawal of licenses from banks]."
"But if such a problem exists, I heard, let's work it out," he concluded.


tass--2020-07-03--Ban on alienation from Russia important for certain ‘sensitive territories’, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Adopting amendments to prohibit alienation of Russian territories is vital for a number of Russian regions , Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday at a meeting with the working group that drafted changes to the Russian constitution .
`` Your proposals perfectly met people ’ s expectations , '' Putin noted , emphasizing the initiative to ban cession of territories .
`` Importantly , that does not refer to just one or two territories but many more sensitive territories of Russia , '' he underlined .
As per earlier reports , a plate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on invariability of Russian territories was placed on the central square of Yuzhno-Kurilsk in Far Eastern Russia .
The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian constitution was completed across the whole country on Wednesday .
Even though the official vote day was set for July 1 by Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s order , citizens could take part in it throughout the seven-day period between June 25 and July 1 due to coronavirus precautions meant to eliminate the risk of transmission .
All votes cast throughout the voting period were tallied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolute majority of voters who cast their ballots should back the amendments for them to enter into force , a minimal turnout level was not set .
According to the Russian Central Election Commission , the changes were supported by 77.92 % of the voters at polling stations , while 21.27 % opposed them after 100 % of voting protocols were processed .
The official turnout was 67.97 % .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 3. /TASS/. Adopting amendments to prohibit alienation of Russian territories is vital for a number of Russian regions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday at a meeting with the working group that drafted changes to the Russian constitution.
"Your proposals perfectly met people’s expectations," Putin noted, emphasizing the initiative to ban cession of territories.
"Importantly, that does not refer to just one or two territories but many more sensitive territories of Russia," he underlined.
As per earlier reports, a plate with an engraving of the constitutional amendment on invariability of Russian territories was placed on the central square of Yuzhno-Kurilsk in Far Eastern Russia.
The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian constitution was completed across the whole country on Wednesday. Even though the official vote day was set for July 1 by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order, citizens could take part in it throughout the seven-day period between June 25 and July 1 due to coronavirus precautions meant to eliminate the risk of transmission. All votes cast throughout the voting period were tallied. According to the law, the absolute majority of voters who cast their ballots should back the amendments for them to enter into force, a minimal turnout level was not set. According to the Russian Central Election Commission, the changes were supported by 77.92% of the voters at polling stations, while 21.27% opposed them after 100% of voting protocols were processed. The official turnout was 67.97%.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia’s strategic bombers get latest data transfer systems

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Vega Group of Ruselectronics Holding Company ( part of the state hi-tech corporation @ @ @ @ @ latest R-097M telecode communications systems to Russia ’ s Aerospace Force for upgrading long-range aircraft @ @ @ @ @ reported on Friday .
`` Until the end of the year , we are planning @ @ @ @ @ R-097M systems to the Defense Ministry as part of the upgrade of long-range aircraft , @ @ @ @ @ Vega CEO Vyacheslav Mikheyev as saying .
The qualifying flight tests of aircraft with the @ @ @ @ @ been completed , he said .
The R-097M communications system has been developed by the @ @ @ @ @ Systems .
The patented technical solution has provided a principally new possibility for telecode communications @ @ @ @ @ data through lower bit rate channels .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Vega Group of Ruselectronics Holding Company (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) will deliver the latest R-097M telecode communications systems to Russia’s Aerospace Force for upgrading long-range aircraft, the Ruselectronics press office reported on Friday.
"Until the end of the year, we are planning to deliver a batch of R-097M systems to the Defense Ministry as part of the upgrade of long-range aircraft," the press office quoted Vega CEO Vyacheslav Mikheyev as saying.
The qualifying flight tests of aircraft with the installed communications systems have successfully been completed, he said.
The R-097M communications system has been developed by the Kaluga-based Research Institute of Telemechanic Systems. The patented technical solution has provided a principally new possibility for telecode communications to transfer large amounts of data through lower bit rate channels.


tass--2020-07-03--Russia develops VR-based system for operation at nuclear plants

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Avtomatika Concern , an affiliate of the Russian state-run corporation Rostec , developed @ @ @ @ @ robotic equipment control system to perform extreme tasks in the environment of radiation , high @ @ @ @ @ visibility with the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality ( VR ) technologies , @ @ @ @ @ `` The development can be used in mining , concentration , nuclear fuel production , @ @ @ @ @ reactors , radiation control in irradiated nuclear fuel storages , accident response in mines without @ @ @ @ @ other special tasks , '' the corporation said .
An operator remotely controls a drone @ @ @ @ @ a control panel .
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) technologies make it possible to automatically @ @ @ @ @ the robot ’ s work .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Avtomatika Concern, an affiliate of the Russian state-run corporation Rostec, developed the Gipnoz (Hypnosis) robotic equipment control system to perform extreme tasks in the environment of radiation, high and low temperatures and poor visibility with the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality (VR) technologies, Rostec said on Friday.
"The development can be used in mining, concentration, nuclear fuel production, maintenance of nuclear power plant reactors, radiation control in irradiated nuclear fuel storages, accident response in mines without human intervention and solution of other special tasks," the corporation said.
An operator remotely controls a drone using VR goggles connected to a control panel. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies make it possible to automatically identify and highlight targets for the robot’s work.


tass--2020-07-03--Dreame Announces the Launch of New Series of Home Cleaning Products on AliExpress

NEW YORK , July 3 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia 's leading smart home brand Dreame will be launching a @ @ @ @ @ products on AliExpress , which includes a cordless vacuum cleaner and its first smart vacuum @ @ @ @ @ The new vacuum cleaner will be equipped with a new generation of Dreame 's self-developed @ @ @ @ @ system , which will greatly extend the runtime of the product .
Both products will @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 exclusively on AliExpress with a $ 12 launch coupon .
Dreame Technology was @ @ @ @ @ goal of becoming one of the most well-known home-tech lifestyle brands in the world by @ @ @ @ @ cleaning technology at a competitive price .
The company is based in Asia and is @ @ @ @ @ chain of cutting-edge consumer technology products .
More information about the brand can be found @ @ @ @ @ .

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About Dreame
Dreame Technology was established in 2015 with the goal of becoming one of the most well-known home-tech lifestyle brands in the world by developing reliable, high-performing home cleaning technology at a competitive price. The company is based in Asia and is part of the Xiaomi ecological chain of cutting-edge consumer technology products.
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CONTACT: Tianshi Yuwen, +86-400-875-9511


tass--2020-07-03--Vladimir Pozner and Nik Gowing to discuss the problem of fake news at Cyber Polygon 2020

MOSCOW , Jule 03 .
Vladimir Pozner and Nik Gowing will discuss the problem of fake news at the next annual online Cyber Polygon training , which will be held on July 8 of this year .
The training is the official project organised by the World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity and Sberbank Group with the support of INTERPOL .
The problem of disinformation on the Internet has become extremely relevant in recent years : it is being discussed by world leaders ; in a number of countries , including Russia , special laws are being adopted ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google and others are uniting together to combat online fakes .
Fake news is causing serious damage to the world economy - according to experts , the global losses from such information attacks amounted to $ 78 billion in 2019 .
In Russia , this problem is also on the rise - according to a study by Medialogiya , in 2018 , reports of fake news increased by 33 % compared to 2017 , and the total number of publications containing inaccurate information reached almost 21,000 , which is 5,000 more than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of technologies such as deepfake , or falsified audio and video footage , may further escalate the situation - Forrester estimates that losses from these types of attacks alone could exceed $ 250 million in 2020 .
Vladimir Pozner , a renowned author with 50 years ' experience in TV journalism , will meet with BBC 's news presenter for 18 years and founder of Thinking the Unthinkable , Nik Gowing , at Cyber Polygon 2020 to discuss the impact of fake news on the wellbeing of businesses and entire nations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how disinformation will evolve and what needs to be done to address it .
In addition to the online stream , Cyber Polygon 2020 will also include a training exercise for technical specialists from major international corporations .
The participants will develop a variety of skills : mitigation of cyberattacks , incident investigation , checking the IT perimeter for vulnerabilities , as well as collecting information about the attacks to be passed on to law enforcement agencies .
BI.ZONE provides over 30 cybersecurity services , from cyber intelligence and consulting to incident investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products and automated solutions for IT-infrastructure and applications security .
BI.ZONE products help to automate detection and prevention of cyberattacks , while machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies allow to reveal attacks and fraud at an early stage .
Official website : .

MOSCOW, Jule 03. Vladimir Pozner and Nik Gowing will discuss the problem of fake news at the next annual online Cyber Polygon training, which will be held on July 8 of this year. The training is the official project organised by the World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity and Sberbank Group with the support of INTERPOL.
The problem of disinformation on the Internet has become extremely relevant in recent years: it is being discussed by world leaders; in a number of countries, including Russia, special laws are being adopted; and platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and others are uniting together to combat online fakes. Fake news is causing serious damage to the world economy - according to experts, the global losses from such information attacks amounted to $78 billion in 2019. In Russia, this problem is also on the rise - according to a study by Medialogiya, in 2018, reports of fake news increased by 33% compared to 2017, and the total number of publications containing inaccurate information reached almost 21,000, which is 5,000 more than the year before. Experts predict that the development of technologies such as deepfake, or falsified audio and video footage, may further escalate the situation - Forrester estimates that losses from these types of attacks alone could exceed $250 million in 2020.
Vladimir Pozner, a renowned author with 50 years' experience in TV journalism, will meet with BBC's news presenter for 18 years and founder of Thinking the Unthinkable, Nik Gowing, at Cyber Polygon 2020 to discuss the impact of fake news on the wellbeing of businesses and entire nations. They will also share their vision of how disinformation will evolve and what needs to be done to address it.
In addition to the online stream, Cyber Polygon 2020 will also include a training exercise for technical specialists from major international corporations. The participants will develop a variety of skills: mitigation of cyberattacks, incident investigation, checking the IT perimeter for vulnerabilities, as well as collecting information about the attacks to be passed on to law enforcement agencies.
About BI.ZONE


tass--2020-07-03--Russia content with Fatah, Hamas intent to act on PLO basis, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is content with the statement made by the Palestinian movements of Fatah and Hamas to pursue common interests on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO ) , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday at a meeting with President of the Libyan House of Representatives ( elected permanent parliament in the country ’ s east ) Aguila Saleh .
`` One of the key issues that need to be resolved for our common efforts to succeed is to restore the Palestinian unity .
In light of this we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fatah and Hamas representatives , as they announced the decision to jointly defend interests of the Palestinian state based on the Palestine Liberation Organization platform , '' Lavrov noted .
Russia hopes that `` all Arab representatives '' will actively back this trend , he added .
`` We believe that international community efforts are as necessary as ever to lay down conditions for immediate resumption and reboot of direct Israeli-Palestinian talks under the auspices of the international mediator quartet with an active participation of Arab states , '' the minister stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Israeli-Palestinian settlement `` will put an end to prospects of the two-state solution and will be fraught with most unpredictable ramifications for security across the whole region of the Middle East and North Africa , '' Lavrov emphasized .

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Russia is content with the statement made by the Palestinian movements of Fatah and Hamas to pursue common interests on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday at a meeting with President of the Libyan House of Representatives (elected permanent parliament in the country’s east) Aguila Saleh.
"One of the key issues that need to be resolved for our common efforts to succeed is to restore the Palestinian unity. In light of this we are satisfied with yesterday’s press conference of Fatah and Hamas representatives, as they announced the decision to jointly defend interests of the Palestinian state based on the Palestine Liberation Organization platform," Lavrov noted.
Russia hopes that "all Arab representatives" will actively back this trend, he added. "We believe that international community efforts are as necessary as ever to lay down conditions for immediate resumption and reboot of direct Israeli-Palestinian talks under the auspices of the international mediator quartet with an active participation of Arab states," the minister stressed.
Trampling the international law basis for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement "will put an end to prospects of the two-state solution and will be fraught with most unpredictable ramifications for security across the whole region of the Middle East and North Africa," Lavrov emphasized.


tass--2020-07-03--Over 20 Russian air regiments rearmed with latest aircraft in Russia in past five years

MOSCOW , July 3 .
/TASS/ .
Over 20 air regiments of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force were rearmed with @ @ @ @ @ past five years , Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ were rearmed with the latest aircraft , '' the general said in an interview published @ @ @ @ @ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
The structure of the Aerospace Force ’ s armament and @ @ @ @ @ over the past five years , he said .
Under the defense procurement plan , @ @ @ @ @ receiving advanced aircraft since 2015 , such as the latest Su-30SM , Su-34 , Su-35S @ @ @ @ @ , and also Ka-52 , Mi-28N , Mi-35M , Mi-8AMTSh and other combat helicopters , @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 3. /TASS/. Over 20 air regiments of Russia’s Aerospace Force were rearmed with the latest aircraft in the past five years, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Sergei Surovikin said on Friday.
"Over 20 air regiments were rearmed with the latest aircraft," the general said in an interview published in the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
The structure of the Aerospace Force’s armament and military hardware has changed substantially over the past five years, he said.
Under the defense procurement plan, air formations have been annually receiving advanced aircraft since 2015, such as the latest Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35S planes and upgraded MiG-31BM aircraft, and also Ka-52, Mi-28N, Mi-35M, Mi-8AMTSh and other combat helicopters, the commander said.


tass--2020-07-03--Turkish military hammers Iraq's north with airstrikes, reports say

TASS , July 3 .
The Turkish air forces have launched a series of strikes on northern Iraq , Sky @ @ @ @ @ , citing Kurdish sources .
According to the sources , the province of Duhok ( @ @ @ @ @ Kurdistan Region ) was attacked .
It is not specified what damage or casualties were @ @ @ @ @ that Ankara is going ahead with the land operation , as Turkish forces currently constructed @ @ @ @ @ Iraq .
On June 15 , Turkey launched an air operation dubbed Pence-Kartal , destroying @ @ @ @ @ Kurdistan Workers ’ Party banned in Turkey , including covers and hideouts .
On June @ @ @ @ @ to Baghdad Fatih Yildiz was summoned to the Iraqi foreign minister and was handed a @ @ @ @ @ , starting with June 17 , Turkish commandos were deployed in northern Iraq .
The @ @ @ @ @ was named Pence-Kaplan .
On June 18 , the Turkish ambassador was summoned once again @ @ @ @ @ protest in light of the operation .

TASS, July 3. The Turkish air forces have launched a series of strikes on northern Iraq, Sky News Arabia TV reported Friday, citing Kurdish sources.
According to the sources, the province of Duhok (part of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region) was attacked. It is not specified what damage or casualties were dealt.
The channel specified that Ankara is going ahead with the land operation, as Turkish forces currently constructed 24 military bases in north Iraq.
On June 15, Turkey launched an air operation dubbed Pence-Kartal, destroying 81 facilities belonging to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party banned in Turkey, including covers and hideouts.
On June 16, the Turkish envoy to Baghdad Fatih Yildiz was summoned to the Iraqi foreign minister and was handed a note of protest. However, starting with June 17, Turkish commandos were deployed in northern Iraq. The land phase of the operation was named Pence-Kaplan. On June 18, the Turkish ambassador was summoned once again to receive another note of protest in light of the operation.


tass--2020-07-04--Russia makes efforts to draw up the agenda of UN P5 summit - senior diplomat

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow continues to make diplomatic efforts to draw up the agenda of a @ @ @ @ @ Council ’ s five permanent members , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS @ @ @ @ @ continue our diplomatic efforts in order to draw up a generally acceptable agenda for that @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have submitted appropriate proposals to other partners in the P5 , and @ @ @ @ @ reaction . ''
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum on January 23 , Russian President @ @ @ @ @ summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020 .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ said that the five UN Security Council permanent members were looking at making a contribution @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
He explained that , in order to do so , these nations @ @ @ @ @ videoconference and were agreeing its date .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a videoconference @ @ @ @ @ hoped it would possible to hold the summit before the end of September .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Moscow continues to make diplomatic efforts to draw up the agenda of a summit of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday.
"We continue our diplomatic efforts in order to draw up a generally acceptable agenda for that event," he said. "We have submitted appropriate proposals to other partners in the P5, and we are waiting for their reaction."
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested organizing a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier said that the five UN Security Council permanent members were looking at making a contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. He explained that, in order to do so, these nations had agreed to organize a videoconference and were agreeing its date.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a videoconference on June 25 that he hoped it would possible to hold the summit before the end of September.


tass--2020-07-04--Senior Russian diplomat describes expanded G7 summit initiative as "flawed idea"

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
The idea to hold an expanded G7 summit is flawed , since it @ @ @ @ @ issues in the modern world without China , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told @ @ @ @ @ The idea of the so-called expanded G7 summit is flawed , because it is unclear @ @ @ @ @ of that initiative plan to consider the Chinese factor .
Without China , it is @ @ @ @ @ issues in the modern world , '' he stressed .
Ryabkov recalled Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council .
`` This is a @ @ @ @ @ believe that work in that format , including on the most pressing current issues , @ @ @ @ @ noted .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The idea to hold an expanded G7 summit is flawed, since it is impossible to discuss any issues in the modern world without China, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday.
"The idea of the so-called expanded G7 summit is flawed, because it is unclear to us how the authors of that initiative plan to consider the Chinese factor. Without China, it is just impossible to discuss certain issues in the modern world," he stressed.
Ryabkov recalled Russia’s initiative to hold a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. "This is a completely different format. We believe that work in that format, including on the most pressing current issues, is optimal," he noted.


tass--2020-07-04--US statements on voting in Russia mar prospects for mending ties, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Washington ’ s statements regarding the Russian authorities ’ alleged attempts to `` manipulate '' the outcome of the vote on the amendments to Russia 's Constitution complicate the prospects for normalizing bilateral relations , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday .
Commenting on remarks by US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus , Ryabkov admitted that Moscow was accustomed to all kinds of fake news regarding Russia ’ s domestic affairs .
`` All that has no impact whatsoever on strengthening the nationhood and improving the Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do hope that the US administration understands that such actions will not remain without consequences .
They also complicate the prospects for normalizing relations . ''
Russia ’ s nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments took place from June 25 to July 1 .
The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1 , but , due to the coronavirus situation , the voting period was extended for a week .
According to the Central Election Commission , 77.92 % of voters backed the constitutional amendments , while 21.27 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 67.97 % .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Washington’s statements regarding the Russian authorities’ alleged attempts to "manipulate" the outcome of the vote on the amendments to Russia's Constitution complicate the prospects for normalizing bilateral relations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday.
Commenting on remarks by US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, Ryabkov admitted that Moscow was accustomed to all kinds of fake news regarding Russia’s domestic affairs. "All that has no impact whatsoever on strengthening the nationhood and improving the Constitution," Ryabkov stressed. "Nevertheless, we do hope that the US administration understands that such actions will not remain without consequences. They also complicate the prospects for normalizing relations."
Russia’s nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments took place from June 25 to July 1. The official voting day under the presidential decree was July 1, but, due to the coronavirus situation, the voting period was extended for a week. According to the Central Election Commission, 77.92% of voters backed the constitutional amendments, while 21.27% voted against them. The voter turnout was 67.97%.


tass--2020-07-04--Other countries may leave Open Skies Treaty after US, says senior Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry does not rule out that other countries can exit the Treaty on Open Skies after the United States withdraws from it , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday .
`` The more substantive question is : what will happen to the treaty itself [ after the US withdraws from it ] ?
That depends on several factors .
To begin with , will some other countries follow in the United States ’ footsteps ?
Secondly , will we be provided guarantees of non-transfer by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the data that these allies collect during flights over our territory as part of Open Skies missions ?
We need solid guarantees of that , '' he said .
On May 21 , US President Donald Trump declared Washington ’ s intention to quit the Treaty on Open Skies , which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other ’ s territory to monitor military activity .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo explained in a written statement that this decision would take effect in six months ’ time after May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s alleged violations of the agreement were the reason .
Moscow rejected these accusations , saying that it is committed to the treaty and put forward counterclaims .
A conference of the signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies devoted to the United States ’ pullout from it will be held on July 6 .
The participants will discuss the prospects of that international agreement after the United States ’ statement on its plans to withdraw from the treaty .
Russia is absolutely sure that the United States will not change its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Open Skies despite the conference on the issue scheduled to be held on July 6 and other events , Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday .
`` We are absolutely sure that , in spite of any events due to be held before November 22 , which include a special conference scheduled to be held on Monday , a regular review conference on the accord due in early October and meetings of the Open Skies Consultative Commission in Vienna at the level of the delegations of the permanent missions , Washington will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty , '' he said .
Western countries should make every effort to ensure the viability of the Treaty on Open Skies , said Sergei Ryabkov .
`` We do not rule out any options for ourselves , '' he said .
`` We will make it abundantly clear to our colleagues on Monday [ at an online conference on the Open Skies Treaty ] so that they have no illusions . ''
`` If our counterparts are interested in preserving the treaty , they should make every effort to ensure its viability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States on the inadmissibility of further destructive steps by Washington , '' Ryabkov stressed .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry does not rule out that other countries can exit the Treaty on Open Skies after the United States withdraws from it, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday.
"The more substantive question is: what will happen to the treaty itself [after the US withdraws from it]? That depends on several factors. To begin with, will some other countries follow in the United States’ footsteps? Secondly, will we be provided guarantees of non-transfer by the United States’ allies in the treaty of the data that these allies collect during flights over our territory as part of Open Skies missions? We need solid guarantees of that," he said.
On May 21, US President Donald Trump declared Washington’s intention to quit the Treaty on Open Skies, which enables the signatories to perform flights over each other’s territory to monitor military activity. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo explained in a written statement that this decision would take effect in six months’ time after May 22. The US claimed that Russia’s alleged violations of the agreement were the reason. Moscow rejected these accusations, saying that it is committed to the treaty and put forward counterclaims.
A conference of the signatories to the Treaty on Open Skies devoted to the United States’ pullout from it will be held on July 6. The participants will discuss the prospects of that international agreement after the United States’ statement on its plans to withdraw from the treaty.
Decision to quit Open Skies Treaty
Russia is absolutely sure that the United States will not change its decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies despite the conference on the issue scheduled to be held on July 6 and other events, Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday.
"We are absolutely sure that, in spite of any events due to be held before November 22, which include a special conference scheduled to be held on Monday, a regular review conference on the accord due in early October and meetings of the Open Skies Consultative Commission in Vienna at the level of the delegations of the permanent missions, Washington will not deviate from the decision to leave the treaty," he said.
According to Ryabkov, the problem is "the United States systematically quits international arms control agreements and destroys the entire architecture in this area." "The withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies is just one of the elements of that policy. Accordingly, everything will be brought to the logical conclusion, and the United States will not be a signatory to the treaty on November 23," he said.
Exerting all efforts to salvage Open Skies Treaty
Western countries should make every effort to ensure the viability of the Treaty on Open Skies, said Sergei Ryabkov.
"We do not rule out any options for ourselves," he said. "We will make it abundantly clear to our colleagues on Monday [at an online conference on the Open Skies Treaty] so that they have no illusions."
"If our counterparts are interested in preserving the treaty, they should make every effort to ensure its viability, in particular, work with the United States on the inadmissibility of further destructive steps by Washington," Ryabkov stressed.


tass--2020-07-04--Russia’s coronavirus death toll surpasses 10,000

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus fatalities grew by 168 in the past 24 hours climbing to 10,027 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
The daily growth rate was 1.7 % , which is significantly less than in late May and early June .
The conditional mortality rate stands at 1.49 % , according to the data provided by the crisis center .
In particular , 31 fatalities were recorded in St. Petersburg in the past 24 hours , 25 in Moscow , 18 in the Krasnoyarsk Region , 8 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novgorod Region , while the Oryol and Tula regions reported four deaths each .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 6,632 in the past 24 hours , the daily growth is less than 7,000 for nine days , according to the data provided by the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
The total number of infections has climbed to 674,515 , the daily growth rate does not exceed 1 % for five days .
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Chukotka Region ( 0 % ) , Moscow ( 0.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) , North Ossetia ( 0.5 % ) , the Jewish Autonomous Region ( 0.5 % ) and Chechnya ( 0.5 % ) .
Another 680 cases were confirmed in Moscow , 275 in the Moscow Region , 273 in the Khanty-Mansi Region , 271 in St. Petersburg and 268 in the Sverdlovsk Region .
Currently , 217,609 people in Russia are undergoing treatment .
The number of recovered coronavirus patients in Russia grew by 8,986 in the past 24 hours , a total of 446,879 people have recovered from the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Saturday .
According to the crisis center , recoveries exceed 66.2 % of the total number of infected people in Russia .
In particular , 1,620 patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow , 458 in the Moscow Region , 448 in the Stavropol Region , 294 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 276 in the Rostov Region and 251 in St. Petersburg .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus fatalities grew by 168 in the past 24 hours climbing to 10,027, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
The daily growth rate was 1.7%, which is significantly less than in late May and early June.
The conditional mortality rate stands at 1.49%, according to the data provided by the crisis center.
In particular, 31 fatalities were recorded in St. Petersburg in the past 24 hours, 25 in Moscow, 18 in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 8 in the Moscow Region, 5 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, while the Oryol and Tula regions reported four deaths each.
New coronavirus cases
Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 6,632 in the past 24 hours, the daily growth is less than 7,000 for nine days, according to the data provided by the anti-coronavirus crisis center.
The total number of infections has climbed to 674,515, the daily growth rate does not exceed 1% for five days.
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Chukotka Region (0%), Moscow (0.3%), the Moscow Region (0.5%), North Ossetia (0.5%), the Jewish Autonomous Region (0.5%) and Chechnya (0.5%).
Another 680 cases were confirmed in Moscow, 275 in the Moscow Region, 273 in the Khanty-Mansi Region, 271 in St. Petersburg and 268 in the Sverdlovsk Region.
Currently, 217,609 people in Russia are undergoing treatment.
The number of recovered coronavirus patients
The number of recovered coronavirus patients in Russia grew by 8,986 in the past 24 hours, a total of 446,879 people have recovered from the disease so far, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
According to the crisis center, recoveries exceed 66.2% of the total number of infected people in Russia.
In particular, 1,620 patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow, 458 in the Moscow Region, 448 in the Stavropol Region, 294 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 276 in the Rostov Region and 251 in St. Petersburg.


tass--2020-07-04--Over 280,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
About 280,400 citizens remain under medical supervision in Russia due to being suspected @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ [ A total of ] 280,415 people remain under medical supervision in Russia , '' @ @ @ @ @ According to the watchdog , more than 20.7 million coronavirus tests have been conducted so @ @ @ @ @ conducted in the past 24 hours .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. About 280,400 citizens remain under medical supervision in Russia due to being suspected of having contracted the novel coronavirus, the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on Saturday.
"[A total of ] 280,415 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," its press service said.
According to the watchdog, more than 20.7 million coronavirus tests have been conducted so far, with 301,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-07-04--Amendments to Russian Constitution take effect July 4

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
A package of amendments to Russia ’ s Constitution , approved in a nationwide popular vote , officially take effect on July 4 , as follows from a decree President Vladimir Putin signed on Friday , the Kremlin ’ s press-service has said .
Putin proposed a number of amendments to the fundamental law to adjust it to the modern realities and build up from the achieved results in a message to the Federal Assembly in January .
Since then he has said more than once that the amendments would take effect only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
A special working group analyzed hundreds of proposed amendments .
The final version of the bill on the proposed changes was adopted by the State Duma on March 11 .
Later in the same day it was approved by the Federation Council .
Their endorsement by the legislative assemblies of all of Russia ’ s regions followed .
The Federation Council then adopted a special resolution on the issue on March 14 and sent it to the president .
A total of 206 amendments to the fundamental law have been introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantees , expand the powers of parliament , impose certain restrictions senior officials are obliged to meet , establish the Russian Constitution ’ s supremacy over international legislation , describe the role and status of the State Council and prohibit the same person from being elected president more than twice , with a reservation , though , that the current head of state will be able to be elected again after the amendments take effect .
On the voting and amendments to laws Russia ’ s nationwide popular vote on amendments to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 1 , the latter being the main polling day .
The voting procedure was allowed to last for several days as an extra precaution amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Central Election Commission met in session on Friday to adopt a resolution to authorize the results of the voting .
The amendments were supported by 77.92 % of those who cast their ballots , while 21.27 % opposed them .
The turnout was as high as 67.97 % .
The co-chairperson of the working group on amendments , director of the Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khabriyeva , told Putin on Friday that after the amendments to the Constitution no less than 650 laws and charters of regions would have to be edited .
Also , the amendments will require corrections to no less than 150 government resolutions .
The group ’ s another co-chairperson , head of the Federation Council ’ s constitutional legislation and statehood committee , Andrei Klishas , said the bills required for implementing the upgraded Constitution `` are ready by and large and will be submitted to the State Duma in the near future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head of the State Duma ’ s committee for statehood and legislation , Pavel Krasheninnikov , said the amendments to Russian legislation would concern the social sphere , the health service , science and culture , public administration , civil and municipal services , election legislation , defense , security , inviolability of territories and also the development of enterprise , non-commercial activity and civil society .
He said that `` concerted action by the entire system of public administration will be needed to translate the amendments into life .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. A package of amendments to Russia’s Constitution, approved in a nationwide popular vote, officially take effect on July 4, as follows from a decree President Vladimir Putin signed on Friday, the Kremlin’s press-service has said.
Putin proposed a number of amendments to the fundamental law to adjust it to the modern realities and build up from the achieved results in a message to the Federal Assembly in January. Since then he has said more than once that the amendments would take effect only after their approval in a nationwide popular vote.
A special working group analyzed hundreds of proposed amendments. The final version of the bill on the proposed changes was adopted by the State Duma on March 11. Later in the same day it was approved by the Federation Council. Their endorsement by the legislative assemblies of all of Russia’s regions followed. The Federation Council then adopted a special resolution on the issue on March 14 and sent it to the president.
A total of 206 amendments to the fundamental law have been introduced. They concern a number of social guarantees, expand the powers of parliament, impose certain restrictions senior officials are obliged to meet, establish the Russian Constitution’s supremacy over international legislation, describe the role and status of the State Council and prohibit the same person from being elected president more than twice, with a reservation, though, that the current head of state will be able to be elected again after the amendments take effect.
On the voting and amendments to laws
Russia’s nationwide popular vote on amendments to the Constitution was held on June 25 to July 1, the latter being the main polling day. The voting procedure was allowed to last for several days as an extra precaution amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Central Election Commission met in session on Friday to adopt a resolution to authorize the results of the voting. The amendments were supported by 77.92% of those who cast their ballots, while 21.27% opposed them. The turnout was as high as 67.97%.
The co-chairperson of the working group on amendments, director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law, Taliya Khabriyeva, told Putin on Friday that after the amendments to the Constitution no less than 650 laws and charters of regions would have to be edited. Also, the amendments will require corrections to no less than 150 government resolutions.
The group’s another co-chairperson, head of the Federation Council’s constitutional legislation and statehood committee, Andrei Klishas, said the bills required for implementing the upgraded Constitution "are ready by and large and will be submitted to the State Duma in the near future."
The group’s co-chairperson, head of the State Duma’s committee for statehood and legislation, Pavel Krasheninnikov, said the amendments to Russian legislation would concern the social sphere, the health service, science and culture, public administration, civil and municipal services, election legislation, defense, security, inviolability of territories and also the development of enterprise, non-commercial activity and civil society. He said that "concerted action by the entire system of public administration will be needed to translate the amendments into life.".


tass--2020-07-04--COVID-19 claims 25 lives in Moscow on Friday

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus infection claimed another 25 lives in Moscow on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
`` In Moscow , 25 patients diagnosed with pneumonia and coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ task force said .
Moscow ’ s overall death toll from the pandemic is up @ @ @ @ @ s COVID-19 situation has been the most complicated in Russia all along .
Now it @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 223,530 COVID-19 cases have been identified in the city so far @ @ @ @ @ past day .
By now , 154,839 have recovered .
The daily rate of recoveries @ @ @ @ @ newly-identified infections again .
The largest number of those discharged from hospitals in Moscow ( @ @ @ @ @ 26 .
A massive campaign for voluntary tests for antibodies to the coronavirus infection is @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus infection claimed another 25 lives in Moscow on Friday, the anti-virus task force said on Saturday.
"In Moscow, 25 patients diagnosed with pneumonia and coronavirus infection have died," the task force said. Moscow’s overall death toll from the pandemic is up to 3,929.
Moscow’s COVID-19 situation has been the most complicated in Russia all along. Now it has shown signs of improvement. A total of 223,530 COVID-19 cases have been identified in the city so far, including 659 over the past day. By now, 154,839 have recovered. The daily rate of recoveries (1,591) outnumbered the newly-identified infections again. The largest number of those discharged from hospitals in Moscow (8,033) was on May 26. A massive campaign for voluntary tests for antibodies to the coronavirus infection is in progress in the city.


tass--2020-07-05--Systemic racism in US has a history of over 200 years — Biden

NEW YORK , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The systemic racism has existed in the United States for more than 200 years and continues to have a destructive effect on the US society , US presidential candidate Joe Biden said in his Fourth of July message , published on Twitter .
According to Biden , the US has never lived up to its founding principle that all men are created equal .
However , the idea survived `` more than 200 years of systemic racism '' in the country , he added .
`` American history isn ’ t a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this nation has been a constant push-and-pull for more than 240 years .
But it ’ s a battle we can and will win — together , '' he said .
The issue of systemic racism in US law enforcement was brought into the spotlight following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
A police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him during his arrest .
Floyd later died in a local Minneapolis hospital .
All officers involved in the fatal incident were fired and are now facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Derek Chauvin , is being charged with second-degree murder .
Shortly after , protests against racial discrimination and police misconduct and brutality flared up in the US and many other countries , including the United Kingdom , Germany , Canada and France .

NEW YORK, July 5. /TASS/. The systemic racism has existed in the United States for more than 200 years and continues to have a destructive effect on the US society, US presidential candidate Joe Biden said in his Fourth of July message, published on Twitter.
According to Biden, the US has never lived up to its founding principle that all men are created equal. However, the idea survived "more than 200 years of systemic racism" in the country, he added.
"American history isn’t a fairytale. The battle for the soul of this nation has been a constant push-and-pull for more than 240 years. But it’s a battle we can and will win — together," he said.
The issue of systemic racism in US law enforcement was brought into the spotlight following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A police officer kneeled on his neck and choked him during his arrest. Floyd later died in a local Minneapolis hospital. All officers involved in the fatal incident were fired and are now facing criminal charges. The patrolman in question, Derek Chauvin, is being charged with second-degree murder.
Shortly after, protests against racial discrimination and police misconduct and brutality flared up in the US and many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and France.


tass--2020-07-05--Neptune anti-ship missile systems to enter service with Ukrainian Navy in 2021

KIEV , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Ukrainian Navy will receive Neptune anti-ship missile systems next year and deploy @ @ @ @ @ Azov seas , Ukrainian Navy Commander Alexei Neizhpapa told the Ukrainian Radio Liberty on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ question of when - next year , I think .
As to how many , @ @ @ @ @ will be three divisions of coastal missile battalions : two in the Black Sea and @ @ @ @ @ Azov , '' he said .
`` The main task now is to get the @ @ @ @ @ and to use them wisely , '' the official added .
In late July , @ @ @ @ @ test-launched its R-360 Neptune missile at a proving ground in the southern Odessa region .
@ @ @ @ @ by Neptune , is a slight modification of the Soviet Union ’ s Kh-35 missile @ @ @ @ @ the Kiev-based Luch Design Bureau .
Depending on the modification , the missile 's operational @ @ @ @ @ km , and its warhead weights up to 150 kg .

KIEV, July 5. /TASS/. The Ukrainian Navy will receive Neptune anti-ship missile systems next year and deploy them in the Black and Azov seas, Ukrainian Navy Commander Alexei Neizhpapa told the Ukrainian Radio Liberty on Saturday.
"As to the question of when - next year, I think. As to how many, I would say that there will be three divisions of coastal missile battalions: two in the Black Sea and one in the Sea of Azov," he said.
"The main task now is to get the Neptunes as soon as possible and to use them wisely," the official added.
In late July, Neizhpapa said that Ukraine successfully test-launched its R-360 Neptune missile at a proving ground in the southern Odessa region.
The R-360 missile, used by Neptune, is a slight modification of the Soviet Union’s Kh-35 missile, developed by designers of the Kiev-based Luch Design Bureau. Depending on the modification, the missile's operational range is up to 280 km, and its warhead weights up to 150 kg.


tass--2020-07-05--Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship to remain in service until 2040 — source

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Black Sea Fleet ’ s flagship , the Guards missile cruiser Moskva , will remain in service until 2040 , a source in the Russian defense industry told TASS on Saturday .
The warship was placed in the dock of the 13th Ship Repair Plant in Sevastopol on April 22 .
The dockside repairs proceeded along with the cruiser ’ s maintenance , which was also done by the shipyard ’ s specialists .
The vessel was brought out of the dock on July 2-3 .
`` According to expert evaluations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow the ship to remain in service for at least 20 more years , '' the source said .
`` It will be a record of the overall time of service among Russian 1st rank warships . ''
TASS was unable to officially confirm the information at the time of the publication .
In late summer , the Moskva cruiser will head to the Mediterranean , to join the Russian Navy task force there .
The cruiser Moskva is the Project 1164 ‘ Atlant ’ lead ship .
It entered service in 1983 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warship carries 16 launchers of P-1000 Vulkan missiles .
In the second half of 2015 , the cruiser led the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean task force , shielding Russia ’ s Hmeymim airbase in Syria with its air defense weapons .
On July 22 , 2016 , the cruiser Moskva was awarded the naval Order of Nakhimov .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. The Russian Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, the Guards missile cruiser Moskva, will remain in service until 2040, a source in the Russian defense industry told TASS on Saturday.
The warship was placed in the dock of the 13th Ship Repair Plant in Sevastopol on April 22. The dockside repairs proceeded along with the cruiser’s maintenance, which was also done by the shipyard’s specialists. The vessel was brought out of the dock on July 2-3.
"According to expert evaluations, the repairs <…> will allow the ship to remain in service for at least 20 more years," the source said. "It will be a record of the overall time of service among Russian 1st rank warships."
TASS was unable to officially confirm the information at the time of the publication.
In late summer, the Moskva cruiser will head to the Mediterranean, to join the Russian Navy task force there.
The cruiser Moskva is the Project 1164 ‘Atlant’ lead ship. It entered service in 1983. As its main armament, the warship carries 16 launchers of P-1000 Vulkan missiles.
In the second half of 2015, the cruiser led the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean task force, shielding Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in Syria with its air defense weapons. On July 22, 2016, the cruiser Moskva was awarded the naval Order of Nakhimov.


tass--2020-07-05--Russian Orthodox Church concerned by fate of Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The preservation of Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul ’ s Hagia Sophia will be brought into question if the historical monument , which is now a museum , is turned into a mosque , Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate 's Department for External Church Relations Metropolitan Hilarion said .
Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral built in AD 532-537 in Constantinople ( now Istanbul , Turkey ) .
It was turned into an Ottoman imperial mosque in 1453 , after the fall of the Byzantine Empire , and is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its huge dome , is a UNESCO World Heritage site .
`` If the decision [ to turn the museum into a mosque ] is made , it will cause huge grief among Orthdox Christians all over the world .
Hagia Sophia is a pan-Christian holy site , '' Metropolitan Hilarion said .
`` Those mosaics were preserved by miracle , because plaster was put on them .
They were discovered only recently .
What will the fate of those mosaics be , if the building is once again turned into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no respect for the feelings of millions of Christians , millions of Orthodox believers ? ''
the Russian cleric said .
Earlier CNN Turk reported that Turkey ’ s State Council discussed the matter on July 2 , upon instructions from the country ’ s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
The debate lasted 17 minutes , and the decision is expected to be published within the next 15 days .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. The preservation of Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia will be brought into question if the historical monument, which is now a museum, is turned into a mosque, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations Metropolitan Hilarion said.
Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral built in AD 532-537 in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). It was turned into an Ottoman imperial mosque in 1453, after the fall of the Byzantine Empire, and is now a museum. The building, famous for its huge dome, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
"If the decision [to turn the museum into a mosque] is made, it will cause huge grief among Orthdox Christians all over the world. Hagia Sophia is a pan-Christian holy site," Metropolitan Hilarion said.
"Those mosaics were preserved by miracle, because plaster was put on them. They were discovered only recently. What will the fate of those mosaics be, if the building is once again turned into a mosque? Why does the Turkish government have no respect for the feelings of millions of Christians, millions of Orthodox believers?" the Russian cleric said.
Earlier CNN Turk reported that Turkey’s State Council discussed the matter on July 2, upon instructions from the country’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The debate lasted 17 minutes, and the decision is expected to be published within the next 15 days.


tass--2020-07-05--Asylum seeker from Russia shot dead in Austria — police

VIENNA , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
An asylum seeker from Russia was shot dead on Saturday in the Austrian @ @ @ @ @ capital Vienna , the Austrian police told TASS on Sunday .
`` A 43-year-old asylum @ @ @ @ @ Russia , was killed .
Prior to that , a shooting occurred .
The circumstances @ @ @ @ @ Lower Austria region ’ s police spokesman Walter Schwarzenecker said .
According to the official @ @ @ @ @ murder is yet unknown .
An investigation is under way and forensics are working at @ @ @

VIENNA, July 5. /TASS/. An asylum seeker from Russia was shot dead on Saturday in the Austrian town of Gerasdorf near the capital Vienna, the Austrian police told TASS on Sunday.
"A 43-year-old asylum seeker, a citizen of Russia, was killed. Prior to that, a shooting occurred. The circumstances are being established," Lower Austria region’s police spokesman Walter Schwarzenecker said.
According to the official, the motive behind the murder is yet unknown. An investigation is under way and forensics are working at the scene.


tass--2020-07-05--Russian diplomat says some members of US intelligence involved in Afghan drug trafficking

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Some members of the US intelligence , which accuses Russia of conspiring with Taliban members , are involved in drug trafficking from Afghanistan , said Russian president ’ s special envoy for Afghanistan affairs , Zamir Kabulov .
`` Those wonderful US intelligence officers , who accuse us of different things , are involved in drug trafficking .
Their planes from Kandahar , from Bagram [ airfield near Kabul ] are flying wherever they want to - to Germany , to Romania - without any inspections , '' he said .
`` Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , everyone is ready to talk about that . ''
On June 26 , The New York Times ran a story claiming that an unidentified unit of the Russian military intelligence allegedly offered bounties to Taliban ( outlawed in Russia ) militants to kill US soldiers and other coalition troops in Afghanistan .
On June 29 , Dmitry Peskov , the Kremlin spokesman , castigated these reports as fabrications and an `` elaborate hoax . ''
On June 27 , the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the initial publication on this issue as intentionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Twitter post on June 28 that US intelligence did not find this information credible .
On February 14 , 2003 , the Russian Supreme Court declared the Taliban a terrorist organization .
The extremist organization ’ s activities are outlawed in Russia .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Some members of the US intelligence, which accuses Russia of conspiring with Taliban members, are involved in drug trafficking from Afghanistan, said Russian president’s special envoy for Afghanistan affairs, Zamir Kabulov.
"Those wonderful US intelligence officers, who accuse us of different things, are involved in drug trafficking. Their planes from Kandahar, from Bagram [airfield near Kabul] are flying wherever they want to - to Germany, to Romania - without any inspections," he said. "Every citizen of Kabul will tell you that, everyone is ready to talk about that."
On June 26, The New York Times ran a story claiming that an unidentified unit of the Russian military intelligence allegedly offered bounties to Taliban (outlawed in Russia) militants to kill US soldiers and other coalition troops in Afghanistan. On June 29, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, castigated these reports as fabrications and an "elaborate hoax." On June 27, the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the initial publication on this issue as intentionally false.
US President Donald Trump said in a Twitter post on June 28 that US intelligence did not find this information credible.
On February 14, 2003, the Russian Supreme Court declared the Taliban a terrorist organization. The extremist organization’s activities are outlawed in Russia.


tass--2020-07-05--WHO halts hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir hospital therapy for COVID-19

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) discontinues the clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ and lopinavir/ritonavir ( antiretroviral drugs ) in therapy of hospitalized coronavirus patients , WHO said @ @ @ @ @ .
The WHO ’ s decision was based on the recommendation issued by the Solidarity @ @ @ @ @ Committee , established by WHO to find an effective COVID-19 treatment .
The solidarity trial @ @ @ @ @ two drugs on mortality rates from the disease caused by the virus with the provided @ @ @ @ @ trial results show that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir produce little or no reduction in the mortality @ @ @ @ @ compared to standard of care .
Solidarity trial investigators will interrupt the trials with immediate @ @ @ @ @ says .
The WHO added that the decision applies only to hospitalized patients and does @ @ @ @ @ in other studies of hydroxychloroquine or lopinavir/ritonavir in non-hospitalized patients .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) discontinues the clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial drug) and lopinavir/ritonavir (antiretroviral drugs) in therapy of hospitalized coronavirus patients, WHO said in a statement on Saturday.
The WHO’s decision was based on the recommendation issued by the Solidarity Trial’s International Steering Committee, established by WHO to find an effective COVID-19 treatment. The solidarity trial compared the impact of the two drugs on mortality rates from the disease caused by the virus with the provided standard-of-care.
"These interim trial results show that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir produce little or no reduction in the mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients when compared to standard of care. Solidarity trial investigators will interrupt the trials with immediate effect," the statement says.
The WHO added that the decision applies only to hospitalized patients and does not affect the possible evaluation in other studies of hydroxychloroquine or lopinavir/ritonavir in non-hospitalized patients.


tass--2020-07-05--UN humanitarian affairs office should discuss deconfliction directly with Syria — Moscow

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( UN OCHA ) should discuss the deconfliction of civilian facilities in Syria in direct cooperation with the Damascus government , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday .
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry , the humanitarian deconfliction mechanism in Syria was established in 2014 .
`` In fact , it is a unilateral initiative by UN OCHA , not based on the international humanitarian law or a UN Security Council resolution .
At the same time , the guideline document on the functioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not legally binding , and participation in it is purely voluntary .
It also says that lists of civilian facilities are sent to representatives of Russia , the United States and Turkey on a notification basis , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` The Syrian government was left aside in this effort .
However , UN OCHA has signed some kind of declaration with militants of Syrian illegal armed groups , about observing the international humanitarian law and rendering humanitarian assistance , '' the ministry said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving the ‘ protected ’ status to facilities in Idlib is inadmissible .
The UN has no access to them , and , therefore , can not establish whether those facilities are being used for the intended purpose or had been captured by terrorists and turned into military facilities , '' the statement says .
The Russian Foreign Ministry also criticized the UK foreign secretary for describing Russia 's withdrawal from the mechanism as unjustifiable and unacceptable , and for saying that the move violates the norms of international humanitarian law .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a representative of the country whose armed forces carried out more than 4,500 airstrikes on the territory of Syria and Iraq .
The August 2017 airstrike on Raqqa alone left dozens of civilians dead , and this fact was confirmed by the command of the international anti-ISIS [ Islamic State terrorist group , outlawed in Russia ] coalition .
However , London gave the following explanation : the risk of unintended killings of civilians can not be ruled out , mainly due to inhumane conduct of the adversary , who uses civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .
`` Apparently , UK representatives believe that civilians from Raqqa and Idlib are different , and terrorists are also different , even despite the fact that they had been designated as such by the UN Security Council .
However , those circumstances did not prevent the UN OCHA from signing declarations with them , ignoring the Syrian government , '' it continued .
`` All those facts once again confirm that the Syrian humanitarian dossier has been overtly politicized , and that there is a clear desire to use it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection of civilians , '' the ministry added .
UN Under-Secretary General Mark Lowcock said on June 29 that Russia had withdrawn from the humanitarian deconflictation mechanism on June 23 .
Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at a meeting of the UN Security Council on June 29 that Moscow had decided to quit the United Nations system of humanitarian deconflictation in Syria because some this system ’ s facilities were used by terrorists .
`` This mechanism operated on a voluntary basis and was not fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally binding documents , '' Nebenzya said .
`` Our probes repeatedly demonstrated that some of the deconflictation facilities were actually used as terrorists ’ headquarters , so they could not be granted a humanitarian status .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) should discuss the deconfliction of civilian facilities in Syria in direct cooperation with the Damascus government, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the humanitarian deconfliction mechanism in Syria was established in 2014.
"In fact, it is a unilateral initiative by UN OCHA, not based on the international humanitarian law or a UN Security Council resolution. At the same time, the guideline document on the functioning of this mechanism clearly says that it is not legally binding, and participation in it is purely voluntary. It also says that lists of civilian facilities are sent to representatives of Russia, the United States and Turkey on a notification basis," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The Syrian government was left aside in this effort. However, UN OCHA has signed some kind of declaration with militants of Syrian illegal armed groups, about observing the international humanitarian law and rendering humanitarian assistance," the ministry said.
"We have repeatedly pointed out that giving the ‘protected’ status to facilities in Idlib is inadmissible. The UN has no access to them, and, therefore, cannot establish whether those facilities are being used for the intended purpose or had been captured by terrorists and turned into military facilities," the statement says.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also criticized the UK foreign secretary for describing Russia's withdrawal from the mechanism as unjustifiable and unacceptable, and for saying that the move violates the norms of international humanitarian law.
"It is striking that it was said by a representative of the country whose armed forces carried out more than 4,500 airstrikes on the territory of Syria and Iraq. The August 2017 airstrike on Raqqa alone left dozens of civilians dead, and this fact was confirmed by the command of the international anti-ISIS [Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in Russia] coalition. However, London gave the following explanation: the risk of unintended killings of civilians cannot be ruled out, mainly due to inhumane conduct of the adversary, who uses civilians as a human shield," the ministry said.
"Apparently, UK representatives believe that civilians from Raqqa and Idlib are different, and terrorists are also different, even despite the fact that they had been designated as such by the UN Security Council. However, those circumstances did not prevent the UN OCHA from signing declarations with them, ignoring the Syrian government," it continued.
"All those facts once again confirm that the Syrian humanitarian dossier has been overtly politicized, and that there is a clear desire to use it for purposes that are far from real protection of civilians," the ministry added.
UN Under-Secretary General Mark Lowcock said on June 29 that Russia had withdrawn from the humanitarian deconflictation mechanism on June 23.
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at a meeting of the UN Security Council on June 29 that Moscow had decided to quit the United Nations system of humanitarian deconflictation in Syria because some this system’s facilities were used by terrorists. "This mechanism operated on a voluntary basis and was not fixed by any Security Council resolutions or other legally binding documents," Nebenzya said. "Our probes repeatedly demonstrated that some of the deconflictation facilities were actually used as terrorists’ headquarters, so they could not be granted a humanitarian status.".