tass--2020-08-13--Russia’s compliance with OPEC+ deal higher compared with OPEC states in July, says IEA

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Compliance with the crude production cut agreement by OPEC+ countries went down in July to 89 % of the planned volume from 108 % in June due to growth of output in certain OPEC states , whereas Russia ’ s compliance turned out higher than that of the United Arab Emirates and Iraq , for example , the International Energy Agency said in its Oil Market Report on Thursday .
OPEC countries boosted crude oil production by 1.23 mln barrels per day in July , due to which their compliance dropped to 87 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The high result of the summer ’ s first month was due to the fact that Saudi Arabia , the UAE and Kuwait additionally reduced 1.1 mln barrels per day to offset the weak compliance of other states .
However , they did not keep those additional volumes in July and restored output .
Particularly , Saudi Arabia increased production by 0.89 mln barrels per day to 8.44 mln barrels per day ( the kingdom ’ s compliance equals 102 % ) and the UEA boosted output by almost 0.3 mln barrels per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( compliance level fell to 23 % ) .
Compliance of Iraq , Congo and Gabon amounted to 85 % , 47 % , and 40 % , respectively , according to the IEA .
Russia ’ s compliance amounted to 96 % of the planned volume totaling 8.6 mln barrels per day , while all in all non-OPEC countries ’ compliance was 92 % in July .
The revised OPEC+ agreement on crude output cuts came into force on May 1 .
The alliance ’ s countries reduced oil production by 9.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of July with the quota of each country slashed by 23 % of the basic level .
Starting August , the cuts were eased , with only 7.7 mln barrels per day to be reduced by the end of the year .
Russia , which cut production by 2.5 mln barrels per day in May-June , may boost it by 0.5 mln barrels per day from August .
However , the country 's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that real growth would total 0.4 mln barrels per day .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Compliance with the crude production cut agreement by OPEC+ countries went down in July to 89% of the planned volume from 108% in June due to growth of output in certain OPEC states, whereas Russia’s compliance turned out higher than that of the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, for example, the International Energy Agency said in its Oil Market Report on Thursday.
OPEC countries boosted crude oil production by 1.23 mln barrels per day in July, due to which their compliance dropped to 87% from 112% in June. The high result of the summer’s first month was due to the fact that Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait additionally reduced 1.1 mln barrels per day to offset the weak compliance of other states. However, they did not keep those additional volumes in July and restored output. Particularly, Saudi Arabia increased production by 0.89 mln barrels per day to 8.44 mln barrels per day (the kingdom’s compliance equals 102%) and the UEA boosted output by almost 0.3 mln barrels per day to 3 mln barrels per day (compliance level fell to 23%). Compliance of Iraq, Congo and Gabon amounted to 85%, 47%, and 40%, respectively, according to the IEA.
Russia’s compliance amounted to 96% of the planned volume totaling 8.6 mln barrels per day, while all in all non-OPEC countries’ compliance was 92% in July.
The revised OPEC+ agreement on crude output cuts came into force on May 1. The alliance’s countries reduced oil production by 9.7 mln barrels per day until the end of July with the quota of each country slashed by 23% of the basic level. Starting August, the cuts were eased, with only 7.7 mln barrels per day to be reduced by the end of the year. Russia, which cut production by 2.5 mln barrels per day in May-June, may boost it by 0.5 mln barrels per day from August. However, the country's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said earlier that real growth would total 0.4 mln barrels per day.


tass--2020-08-13--Protesters being released from Belarus detention facilities

Over 150 people left the detention facility in Zhodino , 60 kilometers from Minsk , during the night , and tens of people were released in Minsk .
Volunteers meet them to take home and render other assistance .
Some protesters have also been set free in other cities .
Human rights activists say that it is not yet clear whether this is because the Belarusian detention facilities are overcrowded , or there are other factors behind .
The Interior Ministry is not commenting on the situation .
MINSK , August 13./TASS/ .
Protesters detained in Belarus after the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the list uploaded to the Telegram channel of the Viasna Human Rights Center , as well as to reports from the people set free earlier .
It has also been reported that a volunteer center has been set up in Minsk to help lawyers provide legal assistance to all Belarusian citizens who need it .
An entrepreneur , who took part in protests in Minsk on August 11 and was released , has told TASS that the cells of the detention center he was an inmate of are overcrowded two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said inmates were treated harshly and no parcels were accepted .
According to eyewitnesses , three prison buses with released protesters have been seen leaving the Okrestina detention facility in Minsk .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , suggesting Lukashenko ’ s landslide victory , many cities and towns across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned into clashes with the police .
Protests have continued since then .
The national Interior Ministry said some 6,000 people had been detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
Tikhanovskaya challenged the results , refused to recognize them and said that she believes herself to be the elected president .
She also filed a complaint with the national election commission .
Tikhanovskaya then left the country and is now in Lithuania .

Over 150 people left the detention facility in Zhodino, 60 kilometers from Minsk, during the night, and tens of people were released in Minsk. Volunteers meet them to take home and render other assistance. Some protesters have also been set free in other cities. Human rights activists say that it is not yet clear whether this is because the Belarusian detention facilities are overcrowded, or there are other factors behind. The Interior Ministry is not commenting on the situation.
MINSK, August 13./TASS/. Protesters detained in Belarus after the presidential election are being released from remand centers, according to the list uploaded to the Telegram channel of the Viasna Human Rights Center, as well as to reports from the people set free earlier.
It has also been reported that a volunteer center has been set up in Minsk to help lawyers provide legal assistance to all Belarusian citizens who need it.
An entrepreneur, who took part in protests in Minsk on August 11 and was released, has told TASS that the cells of the detention center he was an inmate of are overcrowded two or three times beyond their capacity. He said inmates were treated harshly and no parcels were accepted. According to eyewitnesses, three prison buses with released protesters have been seen leaving the Okrestina detention facility in Minsk.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09%
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, suggesting Lukashenko’s landslide victory, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. Protests have continued since then. The national Interior Ministry said some 6,000 people had been detained and dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. Tikhanovskaya challenged the results, refused to recognize them and said that she believes herself to be the elected president. She also filed a complaint with the national election commission. Tikhanovskaya then left the country and is now in Lithuania.


tass--2020-08-13--Over 60 journalists detained after election in Belarus

MINSK , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian security agencies have detained 64 journalists covering protests following the August 9 presidential election , the Belarusian Association of Journalists said on Thursday .
According to the NGO , 24 reporters were held on August 9 , 20 others on August 10 , 12 more on August 11 and another eight on August 12 .
Among those detained are representatives of the Belarusian media as well as journalists from other countries , including Russia and Ukraine .
Some media representatives have already been released and deported from the country .
Some anchors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tendered resignation .
They announced this on their accounts in social networks .
The most famous of them are anchor of Belarus 1 news channel Yevgeny Perlin , political observer at ONT Dmitry Semchenko , anchor at CTV Tatyana Borodkina and radio host Alexander Shuster .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to preliminary data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.08 % of the vote .
His key rival Svetlana Tihanovskaya garnered 10.09 % of the vote .
After the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
Since Sunday , people have been taking to the streets for demonstrations .
According to the Interior Ministry , more than 6,000 were detained and dozens of police and protesters were injured .
On August 12 , Belarusian Interior Minister Yuri Karayev ordered `` not to touch '' journalists at mass protests , except for the cases when they stand between the violators and the law enforcement officers .

MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. Belarusian security agencies have detained 64 journalists covering protests following the August 9 presidential election, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said on Thursday.
According to the NGO, 24 reporters were held on August 9, 20 others on August 10, 12 more on August 11 and another eight on August 12. Among those detained are representatives of the Belarusian media as well as journalists from other countries, including Russia and Ukraine. Some media representatives have already been released and deported from the country.
Some anchors and journalists working for state Belarusian media have tendered resignation. They announced this on their accounts in social networks. The most famous of them are anchor of Belarus 1 news channel Yevgeny Perlin, political observer at ONT Dmitry Semchenko, anchor at CTV Tatyana Borodkina and radio host Alexander Shuster.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to preliminary data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.08% of the vote. His key rival Svetlana Tihanovskaya garnered 10.09% of the vote.
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with the police. Since Sunday, people have been taking to the streets for demonstrations. According to the Interior Ministry, more than 6,000 were detained and dozens of police and protesters were injured.
On August 12, Belarusian Interior Minister Yuri Karayev ordered "not to touch" journalists at mass protests, except for the cases when they stand between the violators and the law enforcement officers.


tass--2020-08-13--Expert: New construction technologies minimize impact from permafrost thawing in summer

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
The permafrost ’ s thawing in summer is not hazardous if modern technologies are used in construction , Director of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch Mikhail Zheleznyak said in an interview with TASS .
The Academy ’ s continuing Big Norilsk Expedition will , among other , test durability of buildings and condition of land beneath them .
The experts will analyze whether the spill of fuel in Norilsk was caused by the permafrost thawing .
“ We have new materials and new forms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Nowadays , builders use corrugated stilts that have larger areas of freezing with the ground than smooth stilts at the same depth .
They also use various insulation materials.
” Climate and ground conditions differ in the Extreme North ’ s districts , and thus solutions should be different for every specific area , he added .
“ While 40 years ago in Yakutsk builders used 10-meter stilts , which were considered deep , nowadays stilts go down 15 or 16 meters , depending on weights , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between stilts and the ground , we minimize the risk of destruction.
” Another major problem for the construction in the conditions of the North is concrete , which crumbles from significant temperature fluctuations .
In stilts and other reinforced concrete structures iron fittings rust , which is dangerous .
Russia has been working on new grades of concrete , the scientist said .
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years heads for the Taimyr Peninsula at the invitation of Nornickel .
The big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later on scientists will present suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic , on how to preserve the nature .
The expedition ’ s key points will be watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino .
The expedition will work for five months – from July to November .
It will feature experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch .
By the end of August , they will collect samples of soils , plants and sediments and then will begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be available in November-December 2020 .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The permafrost’s thawing in summer is not hazardous if modern technologies are used in construction, Director of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch Mikhail Zheleznyak said in an interview with TASS.
The Academy’s continuing Great Norilsk Expedition will, among other, test durability of buildings and condition of land beneath them. The experts will analyze whether the spill of fuel in Norilsk was caused by the permafrost thawing.
“We have new materials and new forms of stilts,” the scientist said. “Nowadays, builders use corrugated stilts that have larger areas of freezing with the ground than smooth stilts at the same depth. They also use various insulation materials.”
Climate and ground conditions differ in the Extreme North’s districts, and thus solutions should be different for every specific area, he added.
“While 40 years ago in Yakutsk builders used 10-meter stilts, which were considered deep, nowadays stilts go down 15 or 16 meters, depending on weights,” he said. “By having a bigger area of freezing between stilts and the ground, we minimize the risk of destruction.”
Another major problem for the construction in the conditions of the North is concrete, which crumbles from significant temperature fluctuations. In stilts and other reinforced concrete structures iron fittings rust, which is dangerous. Russia has been working on new grades of concrete, the scientist said.
About expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years heads for the Taimyr Peninsula at the invitation of Nornickel. The big scientific expedition will study the peninsula and later on scientists will present suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic, on how to preserve the nature.
The expedition’s key points will be watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino. The expedition will work for five months – from July to November. It will feature experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch. By the end of August, they will collect samples of soils, plants and sediments and then will begin working at labs. The first results may be available in November-December 2020.


tass--2020-08-13--Russian vaccine will protect from COVID-19 for at least two years, developer says

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Protective properties of Russian vaccine against the coronavirus will be intact for at @ @ @ @ @ administration , Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Effective period of the vaccine , its protective properties will last not @ @ @ @ @ half a year - one year but for at least two years , '' he @ @ @ @ @ the 60 minutes show on the Russia-1 TV channel .
Earlier Russia ’ s Healthcare @ @ @ @ @ of use of vector vaccines with the Gamaleya Center ’ s development being one of @ @ @ @ @ immunity is preserved for up to two years .
On August 11 , Russia became @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine against the coronavirus .
The Gamaleya Center , as its director stated earlier @ @ @ @ @ months .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Protective properties of Russian vaccine against the coronavirus will be intact for at least two years after its administration, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Alexander Gintsburg said.
"Effective period of the vaccine, its protective properties will last not during a short term, half a year - one year but for at least two years," he said in an interview with the 60 minutes show on the Russia-1 TV channel.
Earlier Russia’s Healthcare Ministry said that the experience of use of vector vaccines with the Gamaleya Center’s development being one of them, shows that the immunity is preserved for up to two years.
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus. The Gamaleya Center, as its director stated earlier, developed it in five months.


tass--2020-08-13--Unknown armed men raid Yandex, Uber offices in Minsk

Earlier , a source close to the company said unknown men dressed in black and carrying weapons had raided the @ @ @ @ @ capital .
`` The offices are blocked , including several staff , who are inside @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Unknown armed men have blocked the @ @ @ @ @ corporation Yandex and Uber taxi aggregator , Yandex press service told TASS on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmed this statement .
`` We are clarifying the details . ''
Earlier reports in @ @ @ @ @ Minsk office of Yandex unknown people dressed in dark clothes and masks came to the @ @ @ @ @ belongs to a joint venture of Yandex.Taxi and Uber ) .
Since late on August @ @ @ @ @ other cities have been hit by mass protests , which spiraled into clashes with police @ @ @ @ @ have been taking to streets for demonstrations .
According to the Interior Ministry , nearly @ @ @ @ @ dozens of police and protesters were injured .

Earlier, a source close to the company said unknown men dressed in black and carrying weapons had raided the Yandex offices in the Belarusian capital. "The offices are blocked, including several staff, who are inside," the source told TASS.
MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Unknown armed men have blocked the Minsk offices of Russian multinational corporation Yandex and Uber taxi aggregator, Yandex press service told TASS on Thursday.
The press service of Yandex confirmed this statement. "We are clarifying the details."
Earlier reports in Telegram channels said besides the Minsk office of Yandex unknown people dressed in dark clothes and masks came to the Uber office (this brand belongs to a joint venture of Yandex.Taxi and Uber).
Since late on August 9, Minsk and several other cities have been hit by mass protests, which spiraled into clashes with police. Since Sunday, people have been taking to streets for demonstrations. According to the Interior Ministry, nearly 6,000 people were detained and dozens of police and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--Lukashenko backed by over 64% of voters in Minsk — Central Election Commission

MINSK , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has a strong lead of 64.49 % after the vote in Minsk , according to preliminary data of the Belarusian Central Election Commission .
According to the data , published on the CEC ’ s website , Lukashenko ’ s key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 14.92 % of the vote in the capital .
Andrei Dmitriev won 1.93 % , Anna Kanopatskaya 3.2 % and Sergei Cherechen 2.05 % .
Some 10.01 % of citizens voted against all candidates .
Lukashenko gained the biggest support in the Mogilev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
Earlier reports said according to preliminary data he secured 80.08 % and Tikhanovskaya 10.09 % .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
After the results of exit polls were announced in the evening , mass protests flared up in Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
The protests continued at nights on August 10 and August 11 .
According to the Interior Ministry , several thousand people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
One person was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosive device at the law enforcement officers , but it blew up in his hand .
Tikhanovskaya fled the country and has been staying in Lithuania since Tuesday .

MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. Incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has a strong lead of 64.49% after the vote in Minsk, according to preliminary data of the Belarusian Central Election Commission.
According to the data, published on the CEC’s website, Lukashenko’s key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 14.92% of the vote in the capital. Andrei Dmitriev won 1.93%, Anna Kanopatskaya 3.2% and Sergei Cherechen 2.05%. Some 10.01% of citizens voted against all candidates.
Lukashenko gained the biggest support in the Mogilev Region, winning 88.06% of the vote. Earlier reports said according to preliminary data he secured 80.08% and Tikhanovskaya 10.09%.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. After the results of exit polls were announced in the evening, mass protests flared up in Minsk and other cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. The protests continued at nights on August 10 and August 11. According to the Interior Ministry, several thousand people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. One person was killed when he tried to throw an unidentified explosive device at the law enforcement officers, but it blew up in his hand. Tikhanovskaya fled the country and has been staying in Lithuania since Tuesday.


tass--2020-08-13--Belarusian Investigative Committee searches for coordinators of mass turmoil

`` During examining of the video surveillance footage the investigators came to the conclusion that coordinators were professionally organizing the crowd and instigated the citizens to aggressive actions , '' the investigation representatives noted .
MINSK , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian Investigative Committee addressed the citizens asking for assistance in search for coordinators of actions of participants of mass disturbances , the BelTA news agency reported on Thursday , quoting the representatives of the investigative agency .
The committee also reported that `` there were people planted in the crowd who were instigating the violence against the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forceful measures while they themselves during these actions were walking away from the sites of confrontation between the citizens and the riot police . ''
In that respect , the Investigative Committee addressed the eyewitnesses of these events .
`` If you have video footage or photographs of these individuals or if you possess the information important for the investigation on the identities of instigators and coordinators , please report this to the operative duty services of the Minsk directorate of the Investigative Committee , '' the committee noted .
`` Only together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turmoil , to ensure security for everyone and to bring back peace to our native land , '' the agency said .
The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9 .
According to the preliminary data of the Central Election Committee , incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.08 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent , was second with 10.09 % .
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .
As a result , according to the republic ’ s Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people were detained , dozens of policemen and protesters were injured .

"During examining of the video surveillance footage the investigators came to the conclusion that coordinators were professionally organizing the crowd and instigated the citizens to aggressive actions," the investigation representatives noted.
MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. Belarusian Investigative Committee addressed the citizens asking for assistance in search for coordinators of actions of participants of mass disturbances, the BelTA news agency reported on Thursday, quoting the representatives of the investigative agency.
The committee also reported that "there were people planted in the crowd who were instigating the violence against the law enforcement officials thus provoking the implementation of forceful measures while they themselves during these actions were walking away from the sites of confrontation between the citizens and the riot police."
In that respect, the Investigative Committee addressed the eyewitnesses of these events. "If you have video footage or photographs of these individuals or if you possess the information important for the investigation on the identities of instigators and coordinators, please report this to the operative duty services of the Minsk directorate of the Investigative Committee," the committee noted. "Only together we are able to stop the mass turmoil, to ensure security for everyone and to bring back peace to our native land," the agency said.
The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9. According to the preliminary data of the Central Election Committee, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.08% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.09%. After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. As a result, according to the republic’s Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people were detained, dozens of policemen and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--Community Health Workers Can Build Health and Equity During Pandemic & Beyond

WASHINGTON , Aug. 13 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orb Media reporting and data analysis of child mortality rates in 160 countries reveals the versatile and affordable role community health workers ( CHWs ) play in improving community health .
New global model highlights surprising alternatives Orb Media 's new statistical model compares a country 's actual child mortality rate vs. its `` expected '' rate , based on financial and health infrastructure factors .
By examining the practices of outlier countries , Orb identified the global role that CHWs can play in making a more equitable and healthful society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are people from local communities who are enlisted by peers , the government , nonprofits , and/or NGOs to provide vital health services to those who might otherwise go without .
In a short period of time , they can be mobilized to meet many of their community 's most pressing needs and are extremely effective at reaching underserved populations .
• Flexible deployment in the face of COVID-19 Orb Media 's research shows CHWs are adaptable and adept at providing both mental health services and behavioral support , calling for a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed today to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic .
• Vital health services to underserved populations CHWs ' key advantage is that they come from the communities which they serve , with unparalleled ability to understand the challenges faced by their patients .
They are equipped to both contextually listen and educate the people they serve in ways that are beyond the grasp of well-credentialed outsiders .
These programs present an opportunity to deploy and continually improve service to underserved populations , such as immigrant and migrant communities , in countries whose formal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
Orb Media is pleased to publish this story alongside members of the , a group of global agenda-setting media who together reach hundreds of millions of people around the world and includes , , , , , , , , , , and others .
About Orb Media unearths global insights on how our world can forge a more sustainable future .
We use journalistic craft , data analysis and networks to transform global , long-term issues of social and environmental sustainability into locally actionable information .

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orb Media reporting and data analysis of child mortality rates in 160 countries reveals the versatile and affordable role community health workers (CHWs) play in improving community health.
New global model highlights surprising alternatives
Orb Media's new statistical model compares a country's actual child mortality rate vs. its "expected" rate, based on financial and health infrastructure factors.
By examining the practices of outlier countries, Orb identified the global role that CHWs can play in making a more equitable and healthful society.
CHWs an underappreciated health support
CHWs are people from local communities who are enlisted by peers, the government, nonprofits, and/or NGOs to provide vital health services to those who might otherwise go without. In a short period of time, they can be mobilized to meet many of their community's most pressing needs and are extremely effective at reaching underserved populations.
Flexible deployment in the face of COVID-19
Orb Media's research shows CHWs are adaptable and adept at providing both mental health services and behavioral support, calling for a global conversation of how they might be best deployed today to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Orb Media's research shows CHWs are adaptable and adept at providing both mental health services and behavioral support, calling for a global conversation of how they might be best deployed today to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Vital health services to underserved populations
CHWs' key advantage is that they come from the communities which they serve, with unparalleled ability to understand the challenges faced by their patients. They are equipped to both contextually listen and educate the people they serve in ways that are beyond the grasp of well-credentialed outsiders.
These programs present an opportunity to deploy and continually improve service to underserved populations, such as immigrant and migrant communities, in countries whose formal healthcare systems still present a gap in care.
Orb Media is pleased to publish this story alongside members of the Orb Media Network , a group of global agenda-setting media who together reach hundreds of millions of people around the world and includes BBC , CBC , Die Zeit , SVT , Tempo.co , YLE , Dhaka Tribune , Folha de S.Paulo , The Hindu , Jagran New Media , The Express Tribune and others.


tass--2020-08-13--Press review: Minsk steps up repressions and Macron accused of trying to reconquer Lebanon

`` The strikes have not yet entered a massive scale , the protesters neither have a leader nor a clear plan .
That ’ s why obviously , Lukashenko will retain power because he has the power resource and the elites are not split , '' Alexei Makarkin , First Vice President of the Center for Political Technologies , told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
Meanwhile , the image of Belarus in the public mind has changed .
`` Now the entire world sees its president , who is retaining power by force , and riot police , who are harshly beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lukashenko will face problems with the current presidential term and in the long-term prospect , it will be hard for him to keep power .
`` It is possible that the elites will be split and discontent will grow in the Belarusian society , and Lukashenko ’ s image as a ‘ father ’ is changing to that of a dictator . ''
The European Union has already reacted to harsh actions of the Belarusian authorities .
All 27 EU member-states have described the August 9 presidential election as neither free nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Kommersant that Belarus could face sanctions .
`` For the first time in his career , Lukashenko has lost the election .
His rule is not going to be the same , '' the source told the paper .
Political observer and journalist of Belsat channel Igor Ilyash noted that the prospect of improving the relations between Belarus and the West was now a thing of the past , and this issue would not be raised while Lukashenko is still in power .
`` There won ’ t be a rapprochement now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Minsk and the fact that this was done defiantly and in a frightening way shows that there is no going back , '' the expert said .
Meanwhile , Lukashenko ’ s victory is turning Russia into a hostage of its unpredictable neighbor and the Union State remains the tool of exerting Moscow ’ s influence on Minsk , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Obviously , uncertainty in Russian-Belarusian relations is expected to last .
The situation is reminiscent of the Russian-Ukrainian ties before the 2014 Maidan protests , the newspaper notes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trying to reconquer Lebanon French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s plans to provide assistance to Lebanon hit by the deadly blast at Beirut ’ s port have been denounced as a neocolonialist attempt to restore sway over a troubled Middle Eastern land , Izvestia writes , adding that the French leader , who came to Beirut last week and visited the tragedy scene , was dubbed Bonaparte by the media .
While promising assistance , Macron emphasized that it should be provided on condition of transparency and must not end up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded political and economic reforms .
Given the challenging situation in Lebanon , where damages from the explosions at Beirut 's port on August 4 exceeded $ 15 bln , many viewed this symbolic visit of Macron ’ s more than just a gesture of solidarity and support , Izvestia writes .
Others criticized Macron for going to Lebanon while France is facing its own problems such as the coronavirus spread and wildfires in the south .
Amid this criticism , Macron was forced to convince everyone that he had no plans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He explained the move by `` friendship and support '' rather than the desire to meddle in the country ’ s affairs .
Meanwhile , Moscow warns about dangerous influence of external factors on the developments in Lebanon .
`` There should not be any attempts to substitute the goals of reforms by the demands [ first of all the US ] concerning Hezbollah and limiting its role and so on , '' Russia ’ s Ambassador to Beirut Alexander Zasypkin told Izvestia .
`` This is actually interference in domestic affairs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions in the country and Moscow is calling on all sides to prevent deterioration , the diplomat said .
There is not much hope that Lebanon will be able to overcome the current situation alone , and there are many regional powers seeking to help the country .
`` Politics in Lebanon has discredited itself , '' expert of the Russian International Affairs Council Grigory Lukyanov noted .
`` The system is very closed in the country and does not imply any rotation .
This has been so for nearly 100 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the same rules which led it to a civil war in the 1970s . ''
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Biden to keep lead over Trump with surprise VP pick Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , has picked Senator Kamala Harris of California as his vice-presidential running mate .
According to experts this was a good choice signaling that the Democrats are pursuing the goal of keeping their supporters rather than attracting swing voters and Donald Trump ’ s backers , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Biden , who is 77 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire five-year-presidential term given his age , '' the paper adds , `` so , by supporting him at the election , Americans obviously understand that they are choosing Harris , 55 '' .
According to Chief Researcher at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies Vladimir Vasilyev , Biden ’ s decision came after a spat among leaders in the Democratic Party .
Barack Obama wanted Biden to pick Susan Rice , who was national security advisor from 2013 to 2017 .
However , Biden believed that the vice president should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris is a newcomer Senator .
She was elected in 2016 and is not related to the Obama administration , '' the expert noted .
Biden ’ s choice is very unusual .
Harris is a person of color who has an Indian mother and a Jamaican father .
By betting on the Californian Senator , Biden has acknowledged the new reality that now the states of the Western coast are the Democrats ' key stronghold .
According to Vasilyev , Biden views Harris as a person who won ’ t attract new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his current supporters , and their votes could be enough for victory .
Opinion polls show that Biden currently has a lead over Trump .
In 2033-2040 , the total oil output on Russia ’ s Arctic and Pacific shelf could reach 313 mln tonnes , and given the preferential taxation , this could rake in up to 657 bln rubles ( $ 8.9 bln ) , according to the Ministry for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic .
The ministry prepared its economic justification for a bill on developing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pacific Ocean .
The document stipulates the creation of a state agent , which will develop the shelf in a consortium with companies - both state ( like now ) and private firms , including foreign ones , Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes .
The ministry stresses that the nearest project could be launched not earlier than in 10 years , and the estimations on its economic effectiveness could be changed .
`` In the past 23 years , taxation in the field of hydrocarbon production changed 11 times and this shows that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the document reads .
The development of Russia ’ s Arctic shelf was stalled after oil prices plunged in late 2014 .
Besides , US and EU sanctions ban foreign companies from taking part in producing oil in the Russian Arctic shelf and sharing technologies for these works .
However , since then the cost of developing maritime resources significantly declined while other players have emerged on the market , the paper says .
`` The long-term oil price could be put at $ 55- $ 65 and this price along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic shelf and make these projects attractive for foreign investors , '' said Vasily Tanurkov , director of ACRA corporate ratings group .
Russia ’ s net public debt has expanded amid the coronavirus pandemic , reaching 1.55 trillion rubles ( $ 21 bln ) as of July 1 , 2020 , RBC writes citing the statistics of the Russian Finance Ministry and the Central Bank .
According to the newspaper , the federal government ’ s debt reached 14.77 trillion rubles ( $ 201 bln ) as of July 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 180 bln ) .
The Finance Ministry explained that the key factor behind the shrinking state deposits was the government ’ s purchase of a controlling stake at Sberbank from the Central Bank in April for 2.14 trln rubles ( $ 29 bln ) .
In September 2019 , RBC wrote citing the data of the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank that the net public debt became negative for the first time after the introduction of sanctions and the falling oil prices in 2014 .
The newspaper writes that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget this year .
The Finance Ministry was forced to compensate for the falling oil and gas revenues and increase spending beyond its limits defined by the budget rule .
Besides , the debt is growing because of the government ’ s support measures during the crisis .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Media: Belarus steps up repressions as mass protests continue Protests after the presidential election in Belarus have been ongoing for the fourth day, but the authorities have not voiced plans to enter dialogue with the rioters. On the contrary, violence has been on the rise. The security forces continue arrests, which trigger new protests.
Read also Belarus women form human chains in solidarity with protesters
"The strikes have not yet entered a massive scale, the protesters neither have a leader nor a clear plan. That’s why obviously, Lukashenko will retain power because he has the power resource and the elites are not split," Alexei Makarkin, First Vice President of the Center for Political Technologies, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Meanwhile, the image of Belarus in the public mind has changed. "Now the entire world sees its president, who is retaining power by force, and riot police, who are harshly beating the protesters." In the future, Lukashenko will face problems with the current presidential term and in the long-term prospect, it will be hard for him to keep power. "It is possible that the elites will be split and discontent will grow in the Belarusian society, and Lukashenko’s image as a ‘father’ is changing to that of a dictator." The European Union has already reacted to harsh actions of the Belarusian authorities. All 27 EU member-states have described the August 9 presidential election as neither free nor fair. A diplomatic source in Brussels told Kommersant that Belarus could face sanctions. "For the first time in his career, Lukashenko has lost the election. His rule is not going to be the same," the source told the paper. Political observer and journalist of Belsat channel Igor Ilyash noted that the prospect of improving the relations between Belarus and the West was now a thing of the past, and this issue would not be raised while Lukashenko is still in power. "There won’t be a rapprochement now. Blood was shed on the streets of Minsk and the fact that this was done defiantly and in a frightening way shows that there is no going back," the expert said. Meanwhile, Lukashenko’s victory is turning Russia into a hostage of its unpredictable neighbor and the Union State remains the tool of exerting Moscow’s influence on Minsk, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Obviously, uncertainty in Russian-Belarusian relations is expected to last. The situation is reminiscent of the Russian-Ukrainian ties before the 2014 Maidan protests, the newspaper notes. Izvestia: ‘Bonaparte Macron’ accused of trying to reconquer Lebanon French President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to provide assistance to Lebanon hit by the deadly blast at Beirut’s port have been denounced as a neocolonialist attempt to restore sway over a troubled Middle Eastern land, Izvestia writes, adding that the French leader, who came to Beirut last week and visited the tragedy scene, was dubbed Bonaparte by the media. While promising assistance, Macron emphasized that it should be provided on condition of transparency and must not end up in the hands of corrupt officials, and demanded political and economic reforms.
Given the challenging situation in Lebanon, where damages from the explosions at Beirut's port on August 4 exceeded $15 bln, many viewed this symbolic visit of Macron’s more than just a gesture of solidarity and support, Izvestia writes. Others criticized Macron for going to Lebanon while France is facing its own problems such as the coronavirus spread and wildfires in the south. Amid this criticism, Macron was forced to convince everyone that he had no plans on restoring the French mandate in Lebanon. He explained the move by "friendship and support" rather than the desire to meddle in the country’s affairs. Meanwhile, Moscow warns about dangerous influence of external factors on the developments in Lebanon. "There should not be any attempts to substitute the goals of reforms by the demands [first of all the US] concerning Hezbollah and limiting its role and so on," Russia’s Ambassador to Beirut Alexander Zasypkin told Izvestia. "This is actually interference in domestic affairs." The blast at the port increased tensions in the country and Moscow is calling on all sides to prevent deterioration, the diplomat said. There is not much hope that Lebanon will be able to overcome the current situation alone, and there are many regional powers seeking to help the country. "Politics in Lebanon has discredited itself," expert of the Russian International Affairs Council Grigory Lukyanov noted. "The system is very closed in the country and does not imply any rotation. This has been so for nearly 100 years. In fact, Lebanon has been living by the same rules which led it to a civil war in the 1970s." Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Biden to keep lead over Trump with surprise VP pick Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has picked Senator Kamala Harris of California as his vice-presidential running mate. According to experts this was a good choice signaling that the Democrats are pursuing the goal of keeping their supporters rather than attracting swing voters and Donald Trump’s backers, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Biden, who is 77, "may not be able to serve the entire five-year-presidential term given his age," the paper adds, "so, by supporting him at the election, Americans obviously understand that they are choosing Harris, 55".
Read also US will soon defeat radical left inside the country — Trump
According to Chief Researcher at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies Vladimir Vasilyev, Biden’s decision came after a spat among leaders in the Democratic Party. Barack Obama wanted Biden to pick Susan Rice, who was national security advisor from 2013 to 2017. However, Biden believed that the vice president should not be linked to Obama. "Harris is a newcomer Senator. She was elected in 2016 and is not related to the Obama administration," the expert noted. Biden’s choice is very unusual. Harris is a person of color who has an Indian mother and a Jamaican father. By betting on the Californian Senator, Biden has acknowledged the new reality that now the states of the Western coast are the Democrats' key stronghold. According to Vasilyev, Biden views Harris as a person who won’t attract new voters, but won’t split his current supporters, and their votes could be enough for victory. Opinion polls show that Biden currently has a lead over Trump. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Russia could let foreign companies develop Arctic shelf In 2033-2040, the total oil output on Russia’s Arctic and Pacific shelf could reach 313 mln tonnes, and given the preferential taxation, this could rake in up to 657 bln rubles ($8.9 bln), according to the Ministry for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic. The ministry prepared its economic justification for a bill on developing the continental shelf of the Arctic and the Pacific Ocean. The document stipulates the creation of a state agent, which will develop the shelf in a consortium with companies - both state (like now) and private firms, including foreign ones, Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes.
Read also Russia will respond to encroachment on national interests in Arctic — senior diplomat


tass--2020-08-13--Russian Navy upgraded missile frigate takes to sea for trials

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Pacific Fleet ’ s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov capable of employing Kalibr and Uran cruise missiles after its upgrade took to the Sea of Japan for continuing shipbuilders ’ sea trials , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` The crew and specialists of the Dalzavod Ship Repair Center checked the operation of the ship ’ s main propulsion unit , systems and mechanisms in various modes , including at the maximum speed .
Following the results of its deployment to the sea , a decision will be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages of trials , in particular , the take-offs and landings of shipborne Ka-27 helicopters on the frigate ’ s deck , '' the press office said in a statement .
Also on August 13 , the Marshal Shaposhnikov was placed on the stand for checking the ship ’ s physical fields , the statement says .
The ship ’ s repairs with its upgrade are underway at the Dalzavod Ship Repair Center in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East .
Shipbuilders repaired the frigate ’ s sea valves and hull structures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-submarine warfare and air defense capabilities , the frigate received Kalibr-NK and Uran cruise missile launchers and advanced artillery armament .
The frigate is set to rejoin the Pacific Fleet by the end of this year .
The Marshal Shaposhnikov entered service with the Russian Navy as a large anti-submarine warfare ship .
Its upgrade involved installing standardized shipborne launchers for Kalibr-NK and Oniks missiles , which boosted its combat capabilities and allowed it to be qualified as a frigate .
In the future , the frigate will get Tsirkon hypersonic missiles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all the Project 1155 other seven ships are slated for their modernization .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The Pacific Fleet’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov capable of employing Kalibr and Uran cruise missiles after its upgrade took to the Sea of Japan for continuing shipbuilders’ sea trials, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"The crew and specialists of the Dalzavod Ship Repair Center checked the operation of the ship’s main propulsion unit, systems and mechanisms in various modes, including at the maximum speed. Following the results of its deployment to the sea, a decision will be made on the timeframe of holding the next stages of trials, in particular, the take-offs and landings of shipborne Ka-27 helicopters on the frigate’s deck," the press office said in a statement.
Also on August 13, the Marshal Shaposhnikov was placed on the stand for checking the ship’s physical fields, the statement says.
The ship’s repairs with its upgrade are underway at the Dalzavod Ship Repair Center in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. Shipbuilders repaired the frigate’s sea valves and hull structures and installed new equipment. In addition to anti-submarine warfare and air defense capabilities, the frigate received Kalibr-NK and Uran cruise missile launchers and advanced artillery armament. The frigate is set to rejoin the Pacific Fleet by the end of this year.
The Marshal Shaposhnikov entered service with the Russian Navy as a large anti-submarine warfare ship. Its upgrade involved installing standardized shipborne launchers for Kalibr-NK and Oniks missiles, which boosted its combat capabilities and allowed it to be qualified as a frigate. In the future, the frigate will get Tsirkon hypersonic missiles.
Following the upgrade of the Marshal Shaposhnikov, all the Project 1155 other seven ships are slated for their modernization.


tass--2020-08-13--Russia reports drop in prison population for the first time

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
The number of inmates in penal colonies and pre-trial detention facilities in Russia has reached a record low of less than 500,000 , the Federal Penitentiary Service ( FSIN ) told TASS on Thursday .
`` Today , there are 496,791 people in the correctional facilities .
These are both citizens , who are in pre-trial detention facilities on suspicion of committing crimes , and convicts in penal colonies , '' the federal prison authority said .
The number of convicts in penal colonies totaled 391,614 versus 463,000 early last year .
Lately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stable decline in the number of individuals kept behind bars .
`` This is linked to a broad use of alternative penalty without imprisonment and the liberalization of the penal and correctional policy in general , '' the FSIN explained .
In the past several years , the share of alternative penalty reached more than 70 % of the total number of rulings on criminal cases .
In the past five years , the number of inmates in penal colonies with two , three or more convictions has declined by one-third .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend concerning individuals convicted for the first time .
The number of these people in penal colonies dropped 26 % since 2015 .
Meanwhile , the number of individuals who are on file in the corrective services is on the rise , the FSIN said .
Since 2018 , this figure has exceeded 1 mln per year and it keeps growing .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The number of inmates in penal colonies and pre-trial detention facilities in Russia has reached a record low of less than 500,000, the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) told TASS on Thursday.
"Today, there are 496,791 people in the correctional facilities. These are both citizens, who are in pre-trial detention facilities on suspicion of committing crimes, and convicts in penal colonies," the federal prison authority said.
The number of convicts in penal colonies totaled 391,614 versus 463,000 early last year.
Lately, Russia has seen a trend of a stable decline in the number of individuals kept behind bars. "This is linked to a broad use of alternative penalty without imprisonment and the liberalization of the penal and correctional policy in general," the FSIN explained.
In the past several years, the share of alternative penalty reached more than 70% of the total number of rulings on criminal cases. In the past five years, the number of inmates in penal colonies with two, three or more convictions has declined by one-third. The federal prison authority notes a positive trend concerning individuals convicted for the first time. The number of these people in penal colonies dropped 26% since 2015.
Meanwhile, the number of individuals who are on file in the corrective services is on the rise, the FSIN said. Since 2018, this figure has exceeded 1 mln per year and it keeps growing.


tass--2020-08-13--S7 signs contract on supply of two Boeing 737-800BC freighters

MOSCOW , August 13 /TASS/ .
S7 has signed a contract with leasing company GECAS for supply of two Boeing 737-800BCF air freighters , the Russian air carrier said on Thursday .
These are the first airplanes fully focused on freight transportation only in the airline fleet .
S7 Airlines `` plans to receive two Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft in freight configuration in November 2020 and in January 2021 .
These will be the first planes in the S7 Airlines fleet fully focused on freight carriage over midrange routes .
S7 Cargo , the master agent for sales of freight transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement commercial management of cargo traffic , '' the company said .
`` The extra capacities will be engaged in destinations with high demand and limited capacities of freight compartments of passenger aircraft .
The wide geography of S7 Airlines ’ flights , cooperation with leading logistical companies and branched network of agents enable us to carry various categories of goods and mail within short terms and support efficient loading of aircraft .
According to our estimate , new airplanes will enable increasing the volume of transported cargo and mail by 30 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a comment .
Lifting capacity of airplanes is 23.9 tonnes .
The flight range is up to 3,750 km .

MOSCOW, August 13 /TASS/. S7 has signed a contract with leasing company GECAS for supply of two Boeing 737-800BCF air freighters, the Russian air carrier said on Thursday. These are the first airplanes fully focused on freight transportation only in the airline fleet.
S7 Airlines "plans to receive two Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft in freight configuration in November 2020 and in January 2021. These will be the first planes in the S7 Airlines fleet fully focused on freight carriage over midrange routes. S7 Cargo, the master agent for sales of freight transportation by S7 Group of Companies, will implement commercial management of cargo traffic," the company said.
"The extra capacities will be engaged in destinations with high demand and limited capacities of freight compartments of passenger aircraft. The wide geography of S7 Airlines’ flights, cooperation with leading logistical companies and branched network of agents enable us to carry various categories of goods and mail within short terms and support efficient loading of aircraft. According to our estimate, new airplanes will enable increasing the volume of transported cargo and mail by 30%," S7 Cargo CEO Ilya Yaroslavtsev said in a comment.
Lifting capacity of airplanes is 23.9 tonnes. The flight range is up to 3,750 km.


tass--2020-08-13--About 700 people detained in Belarus over 24 hours for unauthorized rallies

MINSK , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcement has detained about 700 people over the past 24 hours for participation in unauthorized rallies , the Interior Ministry of the republic reported on Thursday .
`` About 700 people have been detained for participation in unauthorized mass rallies .
Turmoil in the country is not as massive but the level of aggression towards the law enforcement remains high , '' the statement said .
According to the Interior Ministry , as a result of illegal actions of citizens on August 9 - 13 , 103 members of the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized .
The agency pointed out that on Wednesday facts and attempts of blocking the central Independence Avenue were registered near the TsUM shopping center , in the Malinovka and Serebryanka subdivisions , along Surganova Street and in other areas which led to disruption of public transit .
The ministry also reported that in Minsk and in Baranovichi on August 12 , members of traffic police were again intentionally ran over with automobiles .
In order to stop the offenders the law enforcement members used weapons .
Additionally , in Minsk riot police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 who were filling bottles with incendiary liquid .
The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9 .
According to the preliminary data of the Central Election Committee , incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.08 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent , was second with 10.09 % .
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the republic ’ s Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people were detained , dozens of policemen and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 13. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement has detained about 700 people over the past 24 hours for participation in unauthorized rallies, the Interior Ministry of the republic reported on Thursday.
"About 700 people have been detained for participation in unauthorized mass rallies. Turmoil in the country is not as massive but the level of aggression towards the law enforcement remains high," the statement said.
According to the Interior Ministry, as a result of illegal actions of citizens on August 9 - 13, 103 members of the law enforcement were injured with 28 of them hospitalized.
The agency pointed out that on Wednesday facts and attempts of blocking the central Independence Avenue were registered near the TsUM shopping center, in the Malinovka and Serebryanka subdivisions, along Surganova Street and in other areas which led to disruption of public transit. The ministry also reported that in Minsk and in Baranovichi on August 12, members of traffic police were again intentionally ran over with automobiles. In order to stop the offenders the law enforcement members used weapons. Additionally, in Minsk riot police arrested two young men aged 18 and 19 who were filling bottles with incendiary liquid.
The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9. According to the preliminary data of the Central Election Committee, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.08% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.09%. After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. As a result, according to the republic’s Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people were detained, dozens of policemen and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-13--No meeting with Lukashenko on Putin’s agenda, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is not scheduled on the agenda of @ @ @ @ @ Putin , the Kremlin press service told TASS on Thursday .
`` There is no @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service said .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 @ @ @ @ @ data made public by the Central Election Committee on Monday , incumbent president of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ of the vote , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya got 9.90 % .
The other three candidates got @ @ @ @ @ the vote .
Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Lukashenko .
After exit poll results @ @ @ @ @ of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country @ @ @ @ @ protesters and law enforcement forces .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is not scheduled on the agenda of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin press service told TASS on Thursday.
"There is no such meeting in his schedule," the press service said.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the preliminary data made public by the Central Election Committee on Monday, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko won 80.23% of the vote, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya got 9.90%. The other three candidates got less than 2% of the vote. Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Lukashenko.
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces.


tass--2020-08-13--Russia reports over 5,000 new coronavirus cases

According to its data , the daily growth rate in the past 11 days did not exceed 0.6 % .
MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s COVID-19 cases grew by 5,057 in the past day and the total caseload in the country reached 907,758 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday .
Some new 692 cases of the coronavirus infection were recorded in Moscow , 162 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 160 in St. Petersburg , 148 in the Moscow Region and 130 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
The lowest daily growth rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 0.0 % ) , the Nenets Autonomous Region ( 0.0 % ) , the Smolensk Region ( 0.2 % ) , the Moscow Region ( 0.2 % ) , North Ossetia ( 0.2 % ) , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % ) , Moscow ( 0.3 % ) , the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic ( 0.3 % ) , the Karachay-Cherkess Republic ( 0.3 % ) , the Vladimir Region and the Lipetsk Region ( 0.3 % ) .
Currently , some 175,978 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia .

According to its data, the daily growth rate in the past 11 days did not exceed 0.6%.
MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Russia’s COVID-19 cases grew by 5,057 in the past day and the total caseload in the country reached 907,758, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.
Some new 692 cases of the coronavirus infection were recorded in Moscow, 162 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 160 in St. Petersburg, 148 in the Moscow Region and 130 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The lowest daily growth rate was registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0.0%), the Nenets Autonomous Region (0.0%), the Smolensk Region (0.2%), the Moscow Region (0.2%), North Ossetia (0.2%), the Chechen Republic (0.2%), Moscow (0.3%), the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (0.3%), the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (0.3%), the Vladimir Region and the Lipetsk Region (0.3%).
Currently, some 175,978 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia.


tass--2020-08-13--Tikhanovskaya needs time to decide on her further activities, Lithuanian top diplomat says

`` Let ’ s give her the time she needs after the experienced stress to make a decision which she ’ ll tell about herself , '' he noted .
VILNIUS , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who left for Lithuania on Tuesday needs some time to make a decision on her further activities which she will then announce herself , Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said in an interview with the Ziniu radijas radio station on Thursday .
According to the diplomat , the need for a pause for Tikhanovskaya is caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances .
`` Tikhanovskaya is not a politician as she stated herself , a huge burden fell on her shoulders that she , possibly , wasn ’ t ready for , '' he said .
The minister called Tikhanovskaya a `` symbol of the elections '' and thinks that her activity `` gave an impulse to the realization that a civic society should be formed in Belarus . ''
According to the top diplomat , currently Tikhanovskaya is undergoing a 14-day self-isolation compulsory for those entering Lithuania from Belarus .
`` She is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no exceptions , '' he said .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the vote , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % .
Tikhanovskaya challenged the results , refusing to recognize them .
She also filed a complaint with the national election commission .
Tikhanovskaya then left the country and has been in Lithuania since Tuesday .

"Let’s give her the time she needs after the experienced stress to make a decision which she’ll tell about herself," he noted.
VILNIUS, August 13. /TASS/. Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who left for Lithuania on Tuesday needs some time to make a decision on her further activities which she will then announce herself, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said in an interview with the Ziniu radijas radio station on Thursday.
According to the diplomat, the need for a pause for Tikhanovskaya is caused by the fact that she found herself in difficult circumstances. "Tikhanovskaya is not a politician as she stated herself, a huge burden fell on her shoulders that she, possibly, wasn’t ready for," he said. The minister called Tikhanovskaya a "symbol of the elections" and thinks that her activity "gave an impulse to the realization that a civic society should be formed in Belarus."
According to the top diplomat, currently Tikhanovskaya is undergoing a 14-day self-isolation compulsory for those entering Lithuania from Belarus. "She is in self-isolation according to the rules. There are no exceptions," he said.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09%. Tikhanovskaya challenged the results, refusing to recognize them. She also filed a complaint with the national election commission. Tikhanovskaya then left the country and has been in Lithuania since Tuesday.


tass--2020-08-13--Damage from blast in Beirut port surpasses $15 bln, Lebanon’s president says

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Damage from the powerful explosion on August 4 in the port district of Beirut has been estimated as over $ 15 bln , Lebanese President Michel Aoun said in a phone conversation with Felipe VI of Spain .
`` President Aoun noted that according to the preliminary estimates the damage suffered by Lebanon exceeds $ 15 bln , '' the statement of the Lebanese president ’ s press service published on its website on Wednesday said .
It is noted that the King of Spain expressed condolences and solidarity with the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary aid .
As a result of a blast on August 4 at a warehouse in the Beirut port district , 171 people were killed , over 6,000 were injured , dozens are listed as missing .
According to Lebanon ’ s Interior Ministry , a fire was started by welding work and caused the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , which had been stored in the port for six years after being seized by the customs service .
Insurance companies ’ preliminary estimates place the damage caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Governor of Beirut Marwan Abboud earlier stated that from $ 12 bln to $ 15 bln will be needed to restore the city .
As the Internal Security Forces Directorate of Lebanon reported on Wednesday , about 4,000 buildings were partially or completely destroyed by the blast .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Damage from the powerful explosion on August 4 in the port district of Beirut has been estimated as over $15 bln, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said in a phone conversation with Felipe VI of Spain.
"President Aoun noted that according to the preliminary estimates the damage suffered by Lebanon exceeds $15 bln," the statement of the Lebanese president’s press service published on its website on Wednesday said. It is noted that the King of Spain expressed condolences and solidarity with the people of Lebanon as well as readiness to provide the necessary aid.
As a result of a blast on August 4 at a warehouse in the Beirut port district, 171 people were killed, over 6,000 were injured, dozens are listed as missing. According to Lebanon’s Interior Ministry, a fire was started by welding work and caused the detonation of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which had been stored in the port for six years after being seized by the customs service.
Insurance companies’ preliminary estimates place the damage caused by the explosion at $3 bln. Governor of Beirut Marwan Abboud earlier stated that from $12 bln to $15 bln will be needed to restore the city. As the Internal Security Forces Directorate of Lebanon reported on Wednesday, about 4,000 buildings were partially or completely destroyed by the blast.


tass--2020-08-13--Over 233,000 people in Russia remain under medical supervision due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Moe than 233,000 people in Russia remain under medical supervision due to being @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on @ @ @ @ @ total of ] 233,812 people remain under medical supervision in Russia , '' its press @ @ @ @ @ the watchdog , more than 31.5 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted nationwide , with @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Moe than 233,000 people in Russia remain under medical supervision due to being suspected of having COVID-19, the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Thursday.
"[A total of] 233,812 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," its press service said.
According to the watchdog, more than 31.5 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted nationwide, with 290,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-08-13--Israel strikes Hamas targets in response to incendiary balloon attacks

MOSCOW , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Israel Defense Forces have carried out several strikes on military targets of @ @ @ @ @ the Gaza Strip in response to the launching of balloons carrying explosives across the border @ @ @ @ @ informed .
The Israel Defense Forces attacked several targets of Hamas on the territory of @ @ @ @ @ press service informed .
The attack was carried out in response to the launch of @ @ @ @ @ Gaza Strip on the territory of Israel within the past week , the press release @ @ @ @ @ Forces informs .
Israel has hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip four times this @ @ @ @ @ , 9 , 12 and 13 ) in response to the fire balloon attacks .

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces have carried out several strikes on military targets of the Hamas radical movement in the Gaza Strip in response to the launching of balloons carrying explosives across the border, the Israeli Defense Ministry informed.
The Israel Defense Forces attacked several targets of Hamas on the territory of the Gaza Strip, the press service informed. The attack was carried out in response to the launch of balloons carrying explosives from the Gaza Strip on the territory of Israel within the past week, the press release published by the Israel Defense Forces informs.
Israel has hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip four times this month (on August 6, 9, 12 and 13) in response to the fire balloon attacks.


tass--2020-08-13--Hainan's e-commerce revenue increases by 60% in half a year

HAIKOU , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
Sales of Hainan 's e-commerce companies from January to June increased by 60 % year-on-year to 49.8 billion yuan ( about $ 7.2 billion ) , announced the regional Department of Industry and IT .
`` Thus , we are confidently moving towards the target of 100 billion yuan ( approximately $ 14.5 billion ) per year , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The authorities note that over the recent years this sector of the economy , with which online production and training technologies , research programs , real estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and entertainment are closely linked , has been dynamically developing .
According to the statement , 12 key enterprises were set up on Hainan , which play a key role in creating high-quality products and services with high added value .
According to the department , over the recent years an increasingly important role in the development of the Internet industry in the region has been assigned to special innovative sites — an eco- friendly industrial park for the development of RSC software in the city of Chengmai in the north of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located 30 km to the north-east .
Moreover , nearby there is a new facility owned by telecommunications corporation Tencent , with investments exceeding 10 billion yuan ( $ 1.5 billion ) .
`` Fullsing is home to Alibaba and ByteDance 's TouTiao division .
In addition , there is a subsidiary of the largest national VOD service — iQIYI , China 's MeeLive streaming platform , '' Ma Liang , deputy general director of the industrial zone , told reporters .
`` They represent Hainan 's internet industry . ''
He specified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 hectares and will officially open in the second half of 2021 .
At the same time , more than 5,800 companies are already operating on the territory of RSC , the revenue of which over six months exceeded 31.5 billion yuan ( more than $ 4.5 billion ) .
These enterprises account for about 85 % of Hainan 's Internet industry , of which one in four is engaged in the creation of a variety of digital content , including the development of computer games .

HAIKOU, August 12. /TASS/. Sales of Hainan's e-commerce companies from January to June increased by 60% year-on-year to 49.8 billion yuan (about $ 7.2 billion), announced the regional Department of Industry and IT.
"Thus, we are confidently moving towards the target of 100 billion yuan (approximately $ 14.5 billion) per year," the ministry said in a statement.
The authorities note that over the recent years this sector of the economy, with which online production and training technologies, research programs, real estate projects, as well as cultural leisure and entertainment are closely linked, has been dynamically developing. According to the statement, 12 key enterprises were set up on Hainan, which play a key role in creating high-quality products and services with high added value.
According to the department, over the recent years an increasingly important role in the development of the Internet industry in the region has been assigned to special innovative sites — an eco- friendly industrial park for the development of RSC software in the city of Chengmai in the north of the island and the Fullsing industrial zone, located 30 km to the north-east. Moreover, nearby there is a new facility owned by telecommunications corporation Tencent, with investments exceeding 10 billion yuan ($ 1.5 billion).
"Fullsing is home to Alibaba and ByteDance's TouTiao division. In addition, there is a subsidiary of the largest national VOD service — iQIYI, China's MeeLive streaming platform," Ma Liang, deputy general director of the industrial zone, told reporters. "They represent Hainan's internet industry."
He specified that Fullsing occupies an area of about 17 hectares and will officially open in the second half of 2021. At the same time, more than 5,800 companies are already operating on the territory of RSC, the revenue of which over six months exceeded 31.5 billion yuan (more than $ 4.5 billion). These enterprises account for about 85% of Hainan's Internet industry, of which one in four is engaged in the creation of a variety of digital content, including the development of computer games.


tass--2020-08-13--Venezuela ready to test Russian COVID-19 vaccine

RIO DE JANEIRO , August 13 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuela is ready to take part in the clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine and , if the trials are successful , use it and promote it on the local market , Russian Ambassador to Venezuela Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Even before Sputnik V ( the name of the Russian vaccine - TASS ) was registered , we had received an offer from our Venezuelan partners to take part in the clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine under development with the prospects of further vaccination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local market , '' the diplomat said , adding that Venezuela has welcomed the news on the registration of the Russian vaccine .
However , it is too early to discuss the concrete dates for the supply of COVID-19 drugs and vaccine to Venezuela .
`` Unfortunately , the unilateral restrictive measures in violation of international law introduced by the US and several Western states against Caracas are stopping the legitimate Venezuelan government from ensuring that its people have everything they need despite the pandemic .
The accounts are simply blocked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , active work is underway , the ambassador pointed out .
`` We hope to see Venezuela among the first states where the achievements of Russian medicine will prove their unquestionable effectiveness , '' he concluded .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine , which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been used for the development of a number of other vaccines .
According to the Russian Health Ministry , experience shows that such vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years .
Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received applications for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries .

RIO DE JANEIRO, August 13. /TASS/. Venezuela is ready to take part in the clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine and, if the trials are successful, use it and promote it on the local market, Russian Ambassador to Venezuela Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov told TASS on Wednesday.
"Even before Sputnik V (the name of the Russian vaccine - TASS) was registered, we had received an offer from our Venezuelan partners to take part in the clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine under development with the prospects of further vaccination of the population and its joint promotion on the local market," the diplomat said, adding that Venezuela has welcomed the news on the registration of the Russian vaccine.
However, it is too early to discuss the concrete dates for the supply of COVID-19 drugs and vaccine to Venezuela. "Unfortunately, the unilateral restrictive measures in violation of international law introduced by the US and several Western states against Caracas are stopping the legitimate Venezuelan government from ensuring that its people have everything they need despite the pandemic. The accounts are simply blocked," the diplomat said.
Despite this, active work is underway, the ambassador pointed out. "We hope to see Venezuela among the first states where the achievements of Russian medicine will prove their unquestionable effectiveness," he concluded.
On August 11, Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials. It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines. According to the Russian Health Ministry, experience shows that such vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years. Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received applications for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries.


tass--2020-08-12--Remembering the Kursk nuclear-powered submarine disaster

MOSCOW , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
August 12 , 2020 marks 20 years since the sinking of the Russian nuclear-powered submarine The Kursk .
This disaster was the gravest , and the loss of life it caused , the heaviest in the post-war history of the nation ’ s submarine fleet .
The Kursk was a nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of project 949A Antei , which the Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering Rubin in Leningrad ( currently St. Petersburg ) developed at the end of the 1970s - early 1980s .
The 154-meter long and 18.2-meter wide submarine had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was equipped with a 98,000-horsepower nuclear power plant .
The Kursk carried 12 twin missile launchers P-700 Granit ( 24 missiles in all ) and six 650 mm and 533 mm torpedo tubes ( 28 torpedoes ) .
A total of eleven Antei submarines were built in 1982-1996 .
According to open sources , five remain in service and two are undergoing overhaul and upgrade .
The keel-laying ceremony for The Kursk took place at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise ( currently JSC PO Sevmash in Severodvinsk , the Arkhangelsk Region ) on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1993 it was named The Kursk in honor of the Red Army ’ s victory in the Battle of Kursk .
The submarine was launched in May 1994 and went operational on December 30 , 1994 .
On March 1 , 1995 The Kursk was put on the list of ships of Russia ’ s Northern Fleet and became part of the 7th division of the 1st submarine flotilla ( based in Vidyayevo , the Murmansk Region ) .
On August 12 , 2000 the nuclear-powered submarine K-141 The Kursk was participating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Fleet in the Barents Sea under the command of Captain 1st Class Gennady Lyachin .
The submarine carried a standard crew , a group of officers from the division ’ s headquarters , and civilian specialists from the industrial plant Dagdizel ( based in Kaspiysk , Dagestan ) - in all , 118 men .
At 11:28 and 11:30 am Moscow time two underwater explosions were identified .
No contact could be established with the submarine for several hours .
A search and rescue operation was launched .
On August 13 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruiser spotted the Kursk submarine on the sea floor at a depth of 108 meters .
A rescue operation began , but all attempts to dock rescue vehicles with the disabled submarine failed .
Stormy weather , a strong underwater current and poor visibility intervened with the effort .
On August 19 , the operation became international , when two Norwegian ships , The Seaway Eagle and The Normand Pioneer carrying a British rescue craft , joined in .
On August 21 , Norwegian divers managed to open the lower hatch of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those on board the submarine were dead .
August 23 , 2000 was declared Russia ’ s national day of mourning .
On August 26 , 2000 President Vladimir Putin issued a decree to award the title of the Hero of Russia posthumously to the submarine ’ s commander , Gennady Lyachin .
The 117 crewmembers and specialists were posthumously awarded The Order of Courage .
In October-November 2000 twelve bodies were brought to the surface from the wreck .
Another 103 bodies were recovered later .
The remains of three people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the submarine began on July 15 , 2001 .
The first compartment was separated and left on the seabed for some time ( its fragments were recovered a year later ) .
On October 8 , 2001 , the submarine was raised to the surface and in April 2002 sent to the Nerpa shipyards for disposal .
Mass media came up with many speculations , including the weirdest suspicions , as to what happened .
On July 26 , 2002 , Prosecutor-General Vladimir Ustinov told a news conference the probe into the Kursk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that first there was an explosion in torpedo tube No.4 due to a leak of hydrogen peroxide through a microcrack in the hull of a training torpedo ; this caused the detonation of other torpedoes in stock .
Twenty-three surviving crewmembers retreated into the 9th compartment , where they died the next day .
The Kursk disaster resulted in the demotion and eventual resignation of the Northern Fleet ’ s commander , Admiral Vyacheslav Popov , chief of the Northern Fleet ’ s staff , Vice-Admiral Mikhail Motsak and commander of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 14 senior naval officers were dismissed or demoted .
On June 15 , 2009 the front part of the submarine ’ s deck cabin was placed near Murmansk ’ s Church of the Savior on Waters .
It is part of a memorial honoring Sailors who Died in Peacetime .
Monuments and memorial plaques in honor of The Kursk ’ s sailors have since been unveiled in Severodvinsk , St. Petersburg , Moscow , Kursk , Kotlas , Yekaterinburg , Veliky Novgorod , Nizhny Novgorod , Sevastopol , Zaozyorsk , Severomorsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Marganets ( the Dnepropetrovsk Region of Ukraine ) .
The names of The Kursk submarine ’ s sailors have been given to schools in St. Petersburg , Volgograd , Belgorod , Lipetsk , Kirovsk ( the Leningrad Region ) and the village of Bagayevskaya ( the Rostov Region ) .
The Kursk submarine disaster has become a theme of Russian and foreign documentaries , television programs , books and music pieces and the feature film entitled Kursk ( a Belgian-Luxembourgian drama by Thomas Vinterberg ) .

MOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. August 12, 2020 marks 20 years since the sinking of the Russian nuclear-powered submarine The Kursk. This disaster was the gravest, and the loss of life it caused, the heaviest in the post-war history of the nation’s submarine fleet.
Antei project submarine
The Kursk was a nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of project 949A Antei, which the Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering Rubin in Leningrad (currently St. Petersburg) developed at the end of the 1970s - early 1980s. The 154-meter long and 18.2-meter wide submarine had a full displacement of 24,000 tonnes and was equipped with a 98,000-horsepower nuclear power plant. The Kursk carried 12 twin missile launchers P-700 Granit (24 missiles in all) and six 650 mm and 533 mm torpedo tubes (28 torpedoes). A total of eleven Antei submarines were built in 1982-1996. According to open sources, five remain in service and two are undergoing overhaul and upgrade.
The keel-laying ceremony for The Kursk took place at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (currently JSC PO Sevmash in Severodvinsk, the Arkhangelsk Region) on March 22, 1990. On April 6, 1993 it was named The Kursk in honor of the Red Army’s victory in the Battle of Kursk. The submarine was launched in May 1994 and went operational on December 30, 1994. On March 1, 1995 The Kursk was put on the list of ships of Russia’s Northern Fleet and became part of the 7th division of the 1st submarine flotilla (based in Vidyayevo, the Murmansk Region).
Emergency in the Barents Sea
On August 12, 2000 the nuclear-powered submarine K-141 The Kursk was participating in a combined naval exercise of the Northern Fleet in the Barents Sea under the command of Captain 1st Class Gennady Lyachin. The submarine carried a standard crew, a group of officers from the division’s headquarters, and civilian specialists from the industrial plant Dagdizel (based in Kaspiysk, Dagestan) - in all, 118 men. At 11:28 and 11:30 am Moscow time two underwater explosions were identified. No contact could be established with the submarine for several hours. A search and rescue operation was launched.
Rescue operation, wreck recovery, investigation findings
On August 13, the hydroacoustic instruments of the Pyotr Velikiy cruiser spotted the Kursk submarine on the sea floor at a depth of 108 meters. A rescue operation began, but all attempts to dock rescue vehicles with the disabled submarine failed. Stormy weather, a strong underwater current and poor visibility intervened with the effort. On August 19, the operation became international, when two Norwegian ships, The Seaway Eagle and The Normand Pioneer carrying a British rescue craft, joined in. On August 21, Norwegian divers managed to open the lower hatch of the ninth compartment to find out that all those on board the submarine were dead. August 23, 2000 was declared Russia’s national day of mourning.
On August 26, 2000 President Vladimir Putin issued a decree to award the title of the Hero of Russia posthumously to the submarine’s commander, Gennady Lyachin. The 117 crewmembers and specialists were posthumously awarded The Order of Courage.
In October-November 2000 twelve bodies were brought to the surface from the wreck. Another 103 bodies were recovered later. The remains of three people were not found. The operation to recover the submarine began on July 15, 2001. The first compartment was separated and left on the seabed for some time (its fragments were recovered a year later). On October 8, 2001, the submarine was raised to the surface and in April 2002 sent to the Nerpa shipyards for disposal.
Mass media came up with many speculations, including the weirdest suspicions, as to what happened. On July 26, 2002, Prosecutor-General Vladimir Ustinov told a news conference the probe into the Kursk disaster was over. The investigators found out that first there was an explosion in torpedo tube No.4 due to a leak of hydrogen peroxide through a microcrack in the hull of a training torpedo; this caused the detonation of other torpedoes in stock. Twenty-three surviving crewmembers retreated into the 9th compartment, where they died the next day.
The Kursk disaster resulted in the demotion and eventual resignation of the Northern Fleet’s commander, Admiral Vyacheslav Popov, chief of the Northern Fleet’s staff, Vice-Admiral Mikhail Motsak and commander of the submarine flotilla Vice-Admiral Oleg Burtsev. A total of 14 senior naval officers were dismissed or demoted.
Commemoration
On June 15, 2009 the front part of the submarine’s deck cabin was placed near Murmansk’s Church of the Savior on Waters. It is part of a memorial honoring Sailors who Died in Peacetime.
Monuments and memorial plaques in honor of The Kursk’s sailors have since been unveiled in Severodvinsk, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kursk, Kotlas, Yekaterinburg, Veliky Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Sevastopol, Zaozyorsk, Severomorsk, Kopeisk (the Chelyabinsk Region) and Marganets (the Dnepropetrovsk Region of Ukraine). The names of The Kursk submarine’s sailors have been given to schools in St. Petersburg, Volgograd, Belgorod, Lipetsk, Kirovsk (the Leningrad Region) and the village of Bagayevskaya (the Rostov Region).
The Kursk submarine disaster has become a theme of Russian and foreign documentaries, television programs, books and music pieces and the feature film entitled Kursk (a Belgian-Luxembourgian drama by Thomas Vinterberg).


tass--2020-08-14--Authorities start releasing people detained in Belarusian protests

MINSK , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
Employees of a pre-trial detention center in the Belarusian capital of Minsk have @ @ @ @ @ during protests .
According to the tut.by news outlet , Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov @ @ @ @ @ and said that all those who had been brought there would be released by 6:00 @ @ @ @ @ .
Interior Minister Yuri Karayev said on Thursday evening that he had ordered to release @ @ @ @ @ held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to preliminary results from the Central @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko received 80.08 % of the vote , his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered @ @ @ @ @ three presidential candidates gained less than 2 % .
Protests erupted in Minsk and several @ @ @ @ @ vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ thousand people have been detained during protests , dozens of demonstrators and law enforcement officers @ @ @ @ @ , Tihkanovskaya left the country for Lithuania .

MINSK, August 14. /TASS/. Employees of a pre-trial detention center in the Belarusian capital of Minsk have started to release those detained during protests.
According to the tut.by news outlet, Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov arrived in the detention center and said that all those who had been brought there would be released by 6:00 am (03:00 GMT).
Interior Minister Yuri Karayev said on Thursday evening that he had ordered to release all those detained.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.08% of the vote, his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.09% and the other three presidential candidates gained less than 2%. Protests erupted in Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, several thousand people have been detained during protests, dozens of demonstrators and law enforcement officers have suffered injuries. Meanwhile, Tihkanovskaya left the country for Lithuania.


tass--2020-08-14--Several people detained during protest in front of Belarusian embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 14 .
/TASS/ .
Police have detained about eight people during a protest in front of the @ @ @ @ @ a TASS correspondent reported from the scene .
There were up to 300 people in @ @ @ @ @ the height of the protests .
Protesters turned on the flashlight app on their cell @ @ @ @ @ passing cars honking in their support .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 @ @ @ @ @ from the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.08 % of the @ @ @ @ @ Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.09 % and the other three presidential candidates gained less than 2 @ @ @ @ @ Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters @ @ @ @ @ According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry , about 6,000 people have been detained during protests @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement officers have suffered injuries .

MOSCOW, August 14. /TASS/. Police have detained about eight people during a protest in front of the Belarusian embassy in Moscow, a TASS correspondent reported from the scene.
There were up to 300 people in front of the embassy at the height of the protests.
Protesters turned on the flashlight app on their cell phones and clapped to thank passing cars honking in their support.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.08% of the vote, his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.09% and the other three presidential candidates gained less than 2%. Protests erupted in Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, about 6,000 people have been detained during protests, dozens of demonstrators and law enforcement officers have suffered injuries.