tass--2020-09-21--Two Russian fighters scrambled to intercept British reconnaissance plane over Barents Sea

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets of the Northern Fleet were scrambled to intercept @ @ @ @ @ the Russian border over the Barents Sea , Russia ’ s National Defense Management Center @ @ @ @ @ to the Center , Russian airspace control systems detected an aerial target over the neutral @ @ @ @ @ approaching Russia ’ s state border .
`` Two MiG-31 fighters from the Northern Fleet @ @ @ @ @ reaction alert forces were scrambled to intercept the target , '' the Center said .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian fighter approached the aerial target at a safe distance , identified it as a @ @ @ @ @ reconnaissance aircraft and escorted it over the Barents Sea . ''
The Russian border was @ @ @ @ @ British plane moved away from Russia ’ s state border , the Russian fighters safely @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The entire flight of the Russian MiG-31 fighters proceeded in strict compliance with @ @ @ @ @ the airspace , '' the Center stressed .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets of the Northern Fleet were scrambled to intercept a British reconnaissance aircraft approaching the Russian border over the Barents Sea, Russia’s National Defense Management Center reported on Monday.
According to the Center, Russian airspace control systems detected an aerial target over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea approaching Russia’s state border. "Two MiG-31 fighters from the Northern Fleet’s air defense quick reaction alert forces were scrambled to intercept the target," the Center said. "The crew of the Russian fighter approached the aerial target at a safe distance, identified it as a British Air Force R-1 Sentinel reconnaissance aircraft and escorted it over the Barents Sea."
The Russian border was not violated. After the British plane moved away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighters safely returned to their home airfield.
"The entire flight of the Russian MiG-31 fighters proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace," the Center stressed.


tass--2020-09-21--Yakutia sets up school districts in its Arctic zone

YAKUTSK , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Yakutia ’ s Arctic zone saw opening of school districts under the Arctic Teacher project to improve the education quality and to keep teachers on the payroll in the North , the region ’ s First Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mikhail Prisyazhny told TASS .
`` In the Arctic zone , more than 10,000 students study at 95 schools , where about 1,900 teachers work , '' he said .
`` A few Arctic districts form a school district to monitor the education quality , exchange teachers and organize competitions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ training college working in the region . ''
The experience of regional school districts is widely used in Alaska , he added .
Inside districts , a reserve of teachers in different subjects is being formed .
Teacher teams are being set up to enhance staff capacities .
`` A teacher team unites experienced teachers , who are research- and project-minded , participants in the federal programs Village Teacher and Arctic Teacher as well as < ... > young and creative-minded teacher innovators , '' the first deputy minister said .
Yakutia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training classes to promote school teacher profession among students of the last three years .
`` In the past , we had a system of distributing graduates to work in the North , which envisioned higher wages to attract highly qualified staff , but this system is not working now , '' the official said .
`` Presently , support measures fall within the purview of the regional authorities .
Neither the Village Teacher program nor targeted training of staff can fully meet the current demand for teachers in the Arctic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant across the Russian Arctic zone , as all the regions there face shortage of teachers , expert Alexander Vorotnikov , a coordinator of the Project Office for the Development of the Arctic said .
`` It is important to pay attention to ways of educating the Arctic peoples .
When speaking about their education , we should focus on the educational process , on holiday terms and on the diet .
We should initiate and develop state programs for educating the indigenous peoples , as we need specialists , who will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and life in the Arctic .
This education should cover all its levels , '' the expert said .
In addition to that , the expert continued , it is important to form business competence among the Arctic ’ s indigenous peoples .
`` Nowadays , we should teach Arctic entrepreneurship to the natives .
Special educational programs for the people , living in the Arctic regions , should be aimed at teaching business , financial and legal aspects .
Under the Arctic Teacher program , the specialists should have wide competence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to the positive experience of boarding schools in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region , where the educational system reflects the traditions , lifestyle and culture of the North ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples .
`` It is important that teachers with state-of-the-art , digital competence come to teach in the Arctic regions .
Quite often school students in the Arctic do not have the opportunities , which students on the ‘ mainland ’ may have .
Here , the Quantorium Techno Park ’ s mobile complexes , which can work in the Extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote and hard-to-reach settlements , '' he added .
According to the scientist , the training should include both the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and those living in the central regions , who will move to the Arctic to work there upon completion of the course .
`` There are a few educational centers in the Arctic zone , which could teach representatives of the low-numbered indigenous peoples upon requests from regional administrations or from the local communities , '' the expert said .
Investments in the Arctic Teacher project in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 164,000 ) .
Yakutia ’ s authorities report that 48 of the region ’ s 120 students undergoing a teacher training course at the North-Eastern Federal University study under the Arctic Teacher program .
By 2024 , the region will employ 450 teachers , pay 80 municipal allowances and provide post-graduate professional training for 330 Arctic teachers .

YAKUTSK, September 21. /TASS/. Yakutia’s Arctic zone saw opening of school districts under the Arctic Teacher project to improve the education quality and to keep teachers on the payroll in the North, the region’s First Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mikhail Prisyazhny told TASS.
"In the Arctic zone, more than 10,000 students study at 95 schools, where about 1,900 teachers work," he said. "A few Arctic districts form a school district to monitor the education quality, exchange teachers and organize competitions. Each district is affiliated with a teacher training college working in the region."
The experience of regional school districts is widely used in Alaska, he added.
Inside districts, a reserve of teachers in different subjects is being formed. Teacher teams are being set up to enhance staff capacities. "A teacher team unites experienced teachers, who are research- and project-minded, participants in the federal programs Village Teacher and Arctic Teacher as well as <...> young and creative-minded teacher innovators," the first deputy minister said.
Yakutia’s schools and colleges will open teacher training classes to promote school teacher profession among students of the last three years.
"In the past, we had a system of distributing graduates to work in the North, which envisioned higher wages to attract highly qualified staff, but this system is not working now," the official said. "Presently, support measures fall within the purview of the regional authorities. Neither the Village Teacher program nor targeted training of staff can fully meet the current demand for teachers in the Arctic."
Expert’s opinion
Yakutia's Arctic Teacher project will be relevant across the Russian Arctic zone, as all the regions there face shortage of teachers, expert Alexander Vorotnikov, a coordinator of the Project Office for the Development of the Arctic said.
"It is important to pay attention to ways of educating the Arctic peoples. When speaking about their education, we should focus on the educational process, on holiday terms and on the diet. We should initiate and develop state programs for educating the indigenous peoples, as we need specialists, who will be ready for the uneasy conditions of work and life in the Arctic. This education should cover all its levels," the expert said.
In addition to that, the expert continued, it is important to form business competence among the Arctic’s indigenous peoples. "Nowadays, we should teach Arctic entrepreneurship to the natives. Special educational programs for the people, living in the Arctic regions, should be aimed at teaching business, financial and legal aspects. Under the Arctic Teacher program, the specialists should have wide competence and knowledge," he said.
He pointed to the positive experience of boarding schools in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, where the educational system reflects the traditions, lifestyle and culture of the North’s low-numbered indigenous peoples. "It is important that teachers with state-of-the-art, digital competence come to teach in the Arctic regions. Quite often school students in the Arctic do not have the opportunities, which students on the ‘mainland’ may have. Here, the Quantorium Techno Park’s mobile complexes, which can work in the Extreme North, could be very helpful in remote and hard-to-reach settlements," he added.
According to the scientist, the training should include both the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and those living in the central regions, who will move to the Arctic to work there upon completion of the course. "There are a few educational centers in the Arctic zone, which could teach representatives of the low-numbered indigenous peoples upon requests from regional administrations or from the local communities," the expert said.
Arctic Teacher project
Investments in the Arctic Teacher project in 2020 will make more than 12.5 million rubles ($164,000). Yakutia’s authorities report that 48 of the region’s 120 students undergoing a teacher training course at the North-Eastern Federal University study under the Arctic Teacher program.
By 2024, the region will employ 450 teachers, pay 80 municipal allowances and provide post-graduate professional training for 330 Arctic teachers.


tass--2020-09-21--Gazprom Neft for the first time used heavy drone on Arctic field

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Neft completed the first successful test in Russia for a heavy helicopter @ @ @ @ @ and gas condensate field in the Arctic , the Russian oil producer says on Monday @ @ @ @ @ kg of cargo at a distance of 130 kilometers , the company says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ technical capabilities in the polar environment .
The second phase of tests at the Vostochno-Messoyakhskoe @ @ @ @ @ 2020 : aircraft system developers and oil producers intend to test the drone in Arctic @ @ @ @ @ Neft says .
The goal of tasks was to confirm the potential of unmanned technologies @ @ @ @ @ of independent northern fields with essential items .
The helicopter drone testing has become the @ @ @ @ @ in logistics for Gazprom Neft .
`` According to results , the company will expedite @ @ @ @ @ solutions in its logistical process and will continue to proactively participate in forming the regulatory @ @ @ @ @ transportation means in Russian oilfields , '' Gazprom Neft noted .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Gazprom Neft completed the first successful test in Russia for a heavy helicopter drone on the Vostochno-Messoyakhskoe oil and gas condensate field in the Arctic, the Russian oil producer says on Monday. The drone delivered 150 kg of cargo at a distance of 130 kilometers, the company says.
"The machine has demonstrated high technical capabilities in the polar environment. The second phase of tests at the Vostochno-Messoyakhskoe Field is planned in December 2020: aircraft system developers and oil producers intend to test the drone in Arctic winter conditions," Gazprom Neft says.
The goal of tasks was to confirm the potential of unmanned technologies for prompt and safe support of independent northern fields with essential items.
The helicopter drone testing has become the third test of drone technologies in logistics for Gazprom Neft. "According to results, the company will expedite the process of implementing drone solutions in its logistical process and will continue to proactively participate in forming the regulatory base governing application of unmanned transportation means in Russian oilfields," Gazprom Neft noted.


tass--2020-09-21--Shipments of Coronavir drug begin to major Russian cities

`` We can talk about the beginning of sales .
The shipments began to the following cities : Moscow , St. Petersburg , Nizhny Novgorod , Rostov , Krasnodar , Yekaterinburg , Perm , Krasnoyarsk , Khabarovsk , '' the company ’ s official representative said .
MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Shipments of the Coronavir drug for the treatment of the novel coronavirus infection ( international nonproprietary name ( INN ) - favipiravir ) have started to the major Russian cities , the press service of the R-Pharm group which manufactures the drug told TASS .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to name the delivery volumes and the pharmacies which will receive the shipments .
However , the press service of eApteka , one of the largest internet pharmacies , announced the beginning of the Coronavir sales .
The medication will be sold by prescription , ordered online with the delivery to the nearest pharmacy and payment upon receipt .
Earlier the press service of the R-Pharm group reported that the Coronavir retail price will begin at 11,550 rubles ( about $ 150 - TASS ) per package containing 50 pills 200 mg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Healthcare Ministry allowed to use Coronavir and Areplivir for the outpatient treatment of the COVID-19 .
Favipiravir was developed in Japan as a flu medicine and was approved for use in 2014 .
Preparations on its basis are produced under Avigan , Areplivir , or Favilavir brand names .
In Russia , it is known as Avifavir .
Avifavir was officially registered by the Russian Healthcare Ministry as the first drug against the coronavirus at the end of May 2020 .
It has also become the first registered anti-coronaviral drug worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action which disrupts the mechanisms of the coronavirus propagation has demonstrated high effectiveness during clinical trials .

"We can talk about the beginning of sales. The shipments began to the following cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Krasnoyarsk, Khabarovsk," the company’s official representative said.
MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Shipments of the Coronavir drug for the treatment of the novel coronavirus infection (international nonproprietary name (INN) - favipiravir) have started to the major Russian cities, the press service of the R-Pharm group which manufactures the drug told TASS.
He added that the company is not ready yet to name the delivery volumes and the pharmacies which will receive the shipments. However, the press service of eApteka, one of the largest internet pharmacies, announced the beginning of the Coronavir sales. The medication will be sold by prescription, ordered online with the delivery to the nearest pharmacy and payment upon receipt.
Earlier the press service of the R-Pharm group reported that the Coronavir retail price will begin at 11,550 rubles (about $150 - TASS) per package containing 50 pills 200 mg each.
On September 17, Russia’s Healthcare Ministry allowed to use Coronavir and Areplivir for the outpatient treatment of the COVID-19.
Favipiravir was developed in Japan as a flu medicine and was approved for use in 2014. Preparations on its basis are produced under Avigan, Areplivir, or Favilavir brand names. In Russia, it is known as Avifavir. Avifavir was officially registered by the Russian Healthcare Ministry as the first drug against the coronavirus at the end of May 2020. It has also become the first registered anti-coronaviral drug worldwide. This preparation of a direct antiviral action which disrupts the mechanisms of the coronavirus propagation has demonstrated high effectiveness during clinical trials.


tass--2020-09-21--Russia looks forward to success of talks on Cuba’s EAEU observer status

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia looks forward to the success of the Moscow consultations on providing Cuba with observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) , Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) Valentina Matviyenko said at a meeting with Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas on Monday .
`` While in Moscow , you will to take part in consultations on Cuba ’ s observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union and meetings with the chairman of the EAEU board and other senior officials .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks , '' Matviyenko pointed out .
She congratulated Cuba ’ s Ambassador to Russia Julio Garmendia Pena on his appointment to the position and wished him success .
`` I hope that you will pay much attention to enhancing ties between Russian and Cuban lawmakers , '' the Russian senate speaker pointed out .
Matviyenko also thanked the Cuban delegation for visiting Russia `` at a difficult time when international transport services are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic . ''
`` The move shows that our Cuban friends seek to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosting relations between the two countries , '' the Russian senate speaker noted .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Russia looks forward to the success of the Moscow consultations on providing Cuba with observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Valentina Matviyenko said at a meeting with Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas on Monday.
"While in Moscow, you will to take part in consultations on Cuba’s observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union and meetings with the chairman of the EAEU board and other senior officials. We are fully interested in the success of these talks," Matviyenko pointed out.
She congratulated Cuba’s Ambassador to Russia Julio Garmendia Pena on his appointment to the position and wished him success. "I hope that you will pay much attention to enhancing ties between Russian and Cuban lawmakers," the Russian senate speaker pointed out.
Matviyenko also thanked the Cuban delegation for visiting Russia "at a difficult time when international transport services are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic." "The move shows that our Cuban friends seek to maintain dialogue with Russia and are interested in boosting relations between the two countries," the Russian senate speaker noted.


tass--2020-09-21--Germany says still processing Russia’s second query over Navalny

BERLIN , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
The German authorities are still processing Russia ’ s second request for legal assistance over the incident with Russian blogger Alexey Navalny , German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Adebahr told a news briefing in Berlin in reply to a TASS question .
`` The second query is still worked on .
It is being checked , '' she said .
Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office ( PGO ) Spokesman Andrei Ivanov said last week the PGO had sent a new request to Germany for legal assistance in the Navalny affair .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nearly 20 questions concerning the patient ’ s treatment , diagnosis and the results of forensic examinations , as well as a copy of the medical record and biomaterial for comparative analysis .
Germany ’ s Justice Ministry forwarded that query to the authorities of the federal state of Berlin - the German capital ’ s Federal Office of Justice , which replied that the answers to all these questions could be provided only on the condition of the patient ’ s consent .
The German authorities confirmed the receipt of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Ministry ’ s official was unable to explain to journalists why its consideration required so much time .
German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Steffen Seibert told a news briefing , `` Russia has everything necessary for the investigation , in the first place , the test samples taken from Navalny . ''
Also , he remarked he was ignorant of the content of the second query .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident .

BERLIN, September 21. /TASS/. The German authorities are still processing Russia’s second request for legal assistance over the incident with Russian blogger Alexey Navalny, German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Adebahr told a news briefing in Berlin in reply to a TASS question.
"The second query is still worked on. It is being checked," she said.
Russian Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) Spokesman Andrei Ivanov said last week the PGO had sent a new request to Germany for legal assistance in the Navalny affair. In its first query the PGO requested answers to nearly 20 questions concerning the patient’s treatment, diagnosis and the results of forensic examinations, as well as a copy of the medical record and biomaterial for comparative analysis. Germany’s Justice Ministry forwarded that query to the authorities of the federal state of Berlin - the German capital’s Federal Office of Justice, which replied that the answers to all these questions could be provided only on the condition of the patient’s consent.
The German authorities confirmed the receipt of the second query on September 16. The Justice Ministry’s official was unable to explain to journalists why its consideration required so much time.
German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Steffen Seibert told a news briefing, "Russia has everything necessary for the investigation, in the first place, the test samples taken from Navalny." Also, he remarked he was ignorant of the content of the second query.
Navalny case
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident.


tass--2020-09-21--Russia to embark on digitalizing, translating all vital records dating back to 1926

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/ TASS / .
Russia is going to pour roughly 1.7 bln rubles ( $ 22 million ) into a project to digitalize and translate all of the Russian public ’ s vital records dating back to 1926 , according to the draft of a decree by the Ministers Cabinet made available to TASS on Monday .
`` In a number of Russian constituent entities , there are civil status records drawn up in languages other than Russian ( national , foreign ) .
In this regard , to convert these civil status records into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Russian is required , '' the statement said .
`` The draft order provides for the clarification of the volume of budgetary allocations allocated to the Russian Ministry of Finance from the reserve fund in 2020 , taking into account its increase by 1.75 billion rubles , '' the draft states .
According to the document , there is a need to translate documents from the registry office , in particular , from Arabic , Tatar and Old Mongolian languages .
`` The indicated civil status records can be translated by specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign language , '' it says .
The calculation of the required additional volume of subventions is based on the average cost of translation services for one act entry , approved by the Russian Ministry of Justice .
According to the draft decree , the act records `` drawn up on paper and stored in the registry office since 1926 '' are subject to translation .
Taking into account the historical significance of the documents , the special regime and the terms of their storage , the cost of the translator 's visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the calculation of the amount of subventions .
Earlier , the deputy head of the Federal Tax Service Vitaly Kolesnikov said that the Unified State Register of Civil Status Acts would be the basis of the federal register being created , containing information about the population of the country .

MOSCOW, September 21. / TASS /. Russia is going to pour roughly 1.7 bln rubles ($22 million) into a project to digitalize and translate all of the Russian public’s vital records dating back to 1926, according to the draft of a decree by the Ministers Cabinet made available to TASS on Monday.
"In a number of Russian constituent entities, there are civil status records drawn up in languages other than Russian (national, foreign). In this regard, to convert these civil status records into an electronic document, their preliminary translation into Russian is required," the statement said.
"The draft order provides for the clarification of the volume of budgetary allocations allocated to the Russian Ministry of Finance from the reserve fund in 2020, taking into account its increase by 1.75 billion rubles," the draft states.
According to the document, there is a need to translate documents from the registry office, in particular, from Arabic, Tatar and Old Mongolian languages. "The indicated civil status records can be translated by specialist translators with professional knowledge of the relevant foreign language," it says.
The calculation of the required additional volume of subventions is based on the average cost of translation services for one act entry, approved by the Russian Ministry of Justice. According to the draft decree, the act records "drawn up on paper and stored in the registry office since 1926" are subject to translation. Taking into account the historical significance of the documents, the special regime and the terms of their storage, the cost of the translator's visit to the registry office is also included in the calculation of the amount of subventions.
Earlier, the deputy head of the Federal Tax Service Vitaly Kolesnikov said that the Unified State Register of Civil Status Acts would be the basis of the federal register being created, containing information about the population of the country.


tass--2020-09-21--EU foreign ministers fail to agree on sanctions against Belarus

BRUSSELS , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
The foreign ministers of the European Union ’ s 27 member countries at a meeting on Monday failed to agree on a list of Belarusian officials who would face Brussels ’ sanctions to be levied on the suspicion of election rigging , the use of violence and human rights violations .
Cyprus continues to block the decision , because it wants the EU to impose sanctions on Turkey for its policies in the Mediterranean , a source in a European country ’ s delegation to the EU Council told TASS .
`` Cyprus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ministers failed to agree a blacklist .
The issue has now been postponed till the summit meeting due at the end of this week , '' he said .
The diplomat said it was easy to predict the Council ’ s meeting would produce no agreement .
`` The ambassador level meetings over the past weeks showed that the situation is no simple .
As you may know , the ambassadors ’ latest meeting was on Friday and it ended inconclusively , so it was very easy to predict there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session on Monday .
Now the issue will be discussed at the summit meeting on Thursday and Friday , '' the source explained .
The EU foreign ministers met urgently on August 14 to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials and instructed the diplomatic services concerned to draw up a corresponding blacklist .
However , it is for more than a month now that the EU has been unable to produce a decision , because Cyprus demands sanctions against Turkey due to its policies in the Mediterranean .
Originally , it was expected that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassador level by the EU Council ’ s session on September 21 and the ministers would merely approve it .
However , at their latest meeting on Friday the diplomats failed to persuade Cyprus , so the blacklist had remained unauthorized by the time the foreign ministers gathered on Monday .
The diplomats say that on the proposed blacklist there are 40 Belarusian officials , but it may still be changed before the final decision is made .

BRUSSELS, September 21. /TASS/. The foreign ministers of the European Union’s 27 member countries at a meeting on Monday failed to agree on a list of Belarusian officials who would face Brussels’ sanctions to be levied on the suspicion of election rigging, the use of violence and human rights violations. Cyprus continues to block the decision, because it wants the EU to impose sanctions on Turkey for its policies in the Mediterranean, a source in a European country’s delegation to the EU Council told TASS.
"Cyprus remains committed to its original stance. The ministers failed to agree a blacklist. The issue has now been postponed till the summit meeting due at the end of this week," he said.
The diplomat said it was easy to predict the Council’s meeting would produce no agreement. "The ambassador level meetings over the past weeks showed that the situation is no simple. As you may know, the ambassadors’ latest meeting was on Friday and it ended inconclusively, so it was very easy to predict there will be no agreement at the Council’s session on Monday. Now the issue will be discussed at the summit meeting on Thursday and Friday," the source explained.
The EU foreign ministers met urgently on August 14 to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials and instructed the diplomatic services concerned to draw up a corresponding blacklist. However, it is for more than a month now that the EU has been unable to produce a decision, because Cyprus demands sanctions against Turkey due to its policies in the Mediterranean.
Originally, it was expected that the blacklist would be agreed at the ambassador level by the EU Council’s session on September 21 and the ministers would merely approve it. However, at their latest meeting on Friday the diplomats failed to persuade Cyprus, so the blacklist had remained unauthorized by the time the foreign ministers gathered on Monday. The diplomats say that on the proposed blacklist there are 40 Belarusian officials, but it may still be changed before the final decision is made.


tass--2020-09-21--Some 200 people interviewed on Navalny case, probe continues

NOVOSIBIRSK , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
About 200 people have been interviewed as part of a pre-investigation probe into the incident with opposition blogger Alexey Navalny .
The probe is continued , the press service of the transport police department of the Russian interior ministry ’ s division for the Siberian Federal District .
`` Transport police have taken a range of investigative measures during the probe .
About 200 people have been interviewed to gather information that can help reconstruct the incident .
These were people who had contacted with Navalny or witnessed his stay in Tomsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the passengers who were onboard the same flight with Navalny .
Investigators are currently analyzing their explanations , expert conclusions and other data and documents .
The pre-investigation probe continues , '' it said .
According to the press service , the police are re-interviewing the staff of the Anti-Corruption Foundation who accompanied Navalny during his trip .
The Tomsk division of the Russian interior ministry has issued inquiries for legal assistance to Germany , Sweden , and France .
No response has come so far .
Navalny was rushed to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .

NOVOSIBIRSK, September 21. /TASS/. About 200 people have been interviewed as part of a pre-investigation probe into the incident with opposition blogger Alexey Navalny. The probe is continued, the press service of the transport police department of the Russian interior ministry’s division for the Siberian Federal District.
"Transport police have taken a range of investigative measures during the probe. About 200 people have been interviewed to gather information that can help reconstruct the incident. These were people who had contacted with Navalny or witnessed his stay in Tomsk and the Tomsk region as well as some of the passengers who were onboard the same flight with Navalny. Investigators are currently analyzing their explanations, expert conclusions and other data and documents. The pre-investigation probe continues," it said.
According to the press service, the police are re-interviewing the staff of the Anti-Corruption Foundation who accompanied Navalny during his trip. The Tomsk division of the Russian interior ministry has issued inquiries for legal assistance to Germany, Sweden, and France. No response has come so far.
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.


tass--2020-09-21--Russian Supreme Court abolishes opposition figure Alexey Navalny’s political party

Russian senior diplomat slams US approach to Navalny case as destructive and politicized MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation abolished the Russia of the Future political party , founded by blogger Alexey @ @ @ @ @ TASS Monday .
`` The Court has satisfied the Ministry of Justice ’ s request @ @ @ @ @ of the Future political party , '' the court press service said .
One year @ @ @ @ @ Justice denied registration for the Russia of the Future political party , arguing that this @ @ @ @ @ by another political organization .

Russian senior diplomat slams US approach to Navalny case as destructive and politicized
MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation abolished the Russia of the Future political party, founded by blogger Alexey Navalny, the court told TASS Monday.
"The Court has satisfied the Ministry of Justice’s request on abolishment of the Russia of the Future political party," the court press service said.
One year ago, the Ministry of Justice denied registration for the Russia of the Future political party, arguing that this name was already in use by another political organization.


tass--2020-09-21--Russia’s Northern Fleet conducts naval landing on Chukotka’s Pacific coast

MURMANSK , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Arctic group of Russia ’ s Northern Fleet conducted a landing operation at the Pacific coast of the Chukotka Peninsula , the Fleet 's press service announced Monday .
`` Today , the Arctic group of the Northern fleet conducted naval landing at the Pacific coast of the Chukotka Peninsula .
Earlier on September 20 , a group of the Northern Fleet 's military and supply ships navigated from the Arctic Ocean into the Pacific through the Bering Strait .
For the first time in history , a naval landing has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Providence Bay in the Gulf of Anadyr of the Bering Sea , '' the statement runs .
The landing took place from the Kondopoga landing ship ; following the landing , the marines headed for the designated site on BTR-82A armored personnel carriers and the DT-10P Vityaz two-section tracked all-terrain vehicles .
At the exercise site , the marines practiced raids and elimination of militants with live firing .
In the coming days , the marines will also practice interaction with border control forces and other national security forces in order to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic .

MURMANSK, September 21. /TASS/. The Arctic group of Russia’s Northern Fleet conducted a landing operation at the Pacific coast of the Chukotka Peninsula, the Fleet's press service announced Monday.
"Today, the Arctic group of the Northern fleet conducted naval landing at the Pacific coast of the Chukotka Peninsula. Earlier on September 20, a group of the Northern Fleet's military and supply ships navigated from the Arctic Ocean into the Pacific through the Bering Strait. For the first time in history, a naval landing has been conducted on an unprepared coast of the Providence Bay in the Gulf of Anadyr of the Bering Sea," the statement runs.
The landing took place from the Kondopoga landing ship; following the landing, the marines headed for the designated site on BTR-82A armored personnel carriers and the DT-10P Vityaz two-section tracked all-terrain vehicles. At the exercise site, the marines practiced raids and elimination of militants with live firing.
In the coming days, the marines will also practice interaction with border control forces and other national security forces in order to protect Russian territory and resolve crisis situations in the Arctic.


tass--2020-09-21--RevitaLash Cosmetics Announces New Additions to Annual Program Benefiting

VENTURA , California , Sept. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to their ongoing year-round support and commitment to breast cancer awareness , RevitaLash® Cosmetics announces its annual Pink Program for 2020 beginning August 1st running through October 31st .
In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness , the brand will launch new and existing initiatives including limited-edition product offerings and global philanthropic programming .
Through the brand 's continued support of the Breast Cancer Awareness cause , RevitaLash Cosmetics founder and CEO , Michael Brinkenhoff , M.D.
, honors and continues the legacy of his late wife , Gayle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer at 32 , and for whom the company was founded .
RevitaLash Cosmetics has made it its mission to donate a portion of the proceeds from product sales to Breast Cancer Awareness year-round .
`` As a global brand in over 70 countries , we 're proud to expand our philanthropic efforts through our 2020 Pink Program , '' says Dariel Sidney , Vice President of Philanthropy and Gayle Brinkenhoff 's oldest daughter .
`` The RevitaLash Cosmetics family sees Breast Cancer Awareness as an evergreen cause with the common goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difﬁcult diagnosis , and eradicating breast cancer . ''
RevitaLash Cosmetics is also growing their philanthropic footprint , supporting the brand 's 24/7/365 Global search for a cure to women 's cancers .
For each and every Pink Sleeve RevitaLash® Advanced ( 3.5mL/2.0mL ) and RevitaBrow® Advanced ( 3.0 mL ) purchased from September 1st through October 31st , 2020 RevitaLash Cosmetics will donate $ 2 to breast cancer charities around the world , up to a maximum of $ 120,000 .
These limited edition , award winning products will be housed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor the cause .
Included within this global initiative , RevitaLash Cosmetics introduces the International Greater Giving Program .
Working with distribution partners , RevitaLash Cosmetics will tap into a network of other like-minded philanthropists to donate to breast cancer research and support organizations all over the world .
For each charitable organization the program partners choose to benefit , RevitaLash Cosmetics will pledge $ 7,000 to the cause .
Additionally , during October , the brand will execute their 5th annual One4One campaign , which has had a 32 % donation growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase of any lash or brow conditioner on Revitalash.com , the brand will donate a RevitaBrow Advanced ( 3.0mL ) to City of Hope 's Positive Image Center , up to 1,600 units .
The limited-edition offers are available in select spas , salons and specialty retailers and online at Revitalash.com , beginning September 1st .
RevitaLash Cosmetics is a worldwide leader in developing advanced lash , brow and hair beautification products .
Established in 2006 , the collection includes award-winning RevitaLash® Advanced Eyelash Conditioner and RevitaBrow® Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , salons , and specialty retailers across 70 countries .
A supporter of non-profit breast cancer initiatives , RevitaLash Cosmetics donates a portion of proceeds to research and education initiatives , giving back to the breast cancer community year-round , not just in October .
For information : www.revitalash.com .
[ RevitaLash Advanced is not available in California ] .

VENTURA, California, Sept. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In addition to their ongoing year-round support and commitment to breast cancer awareness, RevitaLash® Cosmetics announces its annual Pink Program for 2020 beginning August 1st running through October 31st. In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness, the brand will launch new and existing initiatives including limited-edition product offerings and global philanthropic programming.
Through the brand's continued support of the Breast Cancer Awareness cause, RevitaLash Cosmetics founder and CEO, Michael Brinkenhoff, M.D., honors and continues the legacy of his late wife, Gayle, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 32, and for whom the company was founded. RevitaLash Cosmetics has made it its mission to donate a portion of the proceeds from product sales to Breast Cancer Awareness year-round.
"As a global brand in over 70 countries, we're proud to expand our philanthropic efforts through our 2020 Pink Program," says Dariel Sidney, Vice President of Philanthropy and Gayle Brinkenhoff's oldest daughter. "The RevitaLash Cosmetics family sees Breast Cancer Awareness as an evergreen cause with the common goal of directly improving lives of those dealing with a difﬁcult diagnosis, and eradicating breast cancer."
RevitaLash Cosmetics is also growing their philanthropic footprint, supporting the brand's 24/7/365 Global search for a cure to women's cancers. For each and every Pink Sleeve RevitaLash® Advanced (3.5mL/2.0mL) and RevitaBrow® Advanced (3.0 mL) purchased from September 1st through October 31st, 2020 RevitaLash Cosmetics will donate $2 to breast cancer charities around the world, up to a maximum of $120,000. These limited edition, award winning products will be housed in premium, celebratory pink sleeves to honor the cause.
Included within this global initiative, RevitaLash Cosmetics introduces the International Greater Giving Program. Working with distribution partners, RevitaLash Cosmetics will tap into a network of other like-minded philanthropists to donate to breast cancer research and support organizations all over the world. For each charitable organization the program partners choose to benefit, RevitaLash Cosmetics will pledge $7,000 to the cause.
Additionally, during October, the brand will execute their 5th annual One4One campaign, which has had a 32% donation growth each year since inception. With the purchase of any lash or brow conditioner on Revitalash.com, the brand will donate a RevitaBrow Advanced (3.0mL) to City of Hope's Positive Image Center, up to 1,600 units.
The limited-edition offers are available in select spas, salons and specialty retailers and online at Revitalash.com, beginning September 1st.
About RevitaLash ® Cosmetics
RevitaLash Cosmetics is a worldwide leader in developing advanced lash, brow and hair beautification products. Established in 2006, the collection includes award-winning RevitaLash® Advanced Eyelash Conditioner and RevitaBrow® Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, and is available in physician's offices, spas, salons, and specialty retailers across 70 countries. A supporter of non-profit breast cancer initiatives, RevitaLash Cosmetics donates a portion of proceeds to research and education initiatives, giving back to the breast cancer community year-round, not just in October. For information: www.revitalash.com. [RevitaLash Advanced is not available in California].
CONTACT: revitalash@berhmanpr.com


tass--2020-09-21--Russia won’t need a new coronavirus lockdown, official says

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
The growth of identified coronavirus cases in Russia is linked to the beginning of an epidemiological season in autumn and winter , head of Russia ’ s consumer watchdog Anna Popova told reporters Monday , adding that the situation is stable in general and no new restrictions will be required .
`` Today , the epidemiological situation is generally stable in the country , the growth we are recording is connected to the beginning of the respiratory [ illness ] season in the country .
We spoke about it repeatedly that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
They are there today , each case that we identify now is clear epidemiologically .
There is nothing unclear in today ’ s situation .
In light of this , there is no need or demand to impose any new restrictions , '' she said , following a meeting with World Health Organization ( WHO ) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge .
Popova stressed that citizens should remember about the simple rules which will allow them to protect their health and prevent the spread of the virus .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around [ people ] and masks .
It is inevitable currently but will also protect health , '' she concluded .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest statistics , over 31,259,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 965,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 22,842,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the world .
To date , 1,109,595 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 911,973 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 19,489 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. The growth of identified coronavirus cases in Russia is linked to the beginning of an epidemiological season in autumn and winter, head of Russia’s consumer watchdog Anna Popova told reporters Monday, adding that the situation is stable in general and no new restrictions will be required.
"Today, the epidemiological situation is generally stable in the country, the growth we are recording is connected to the beginning of the respiratory [illness] season in the country. We spoke about it repeatedly that we will see significant numbers between September 10 and 20. They are there today, each case that we identify now is clear epidemiologically. There is nothing unclear in today’s situation. In light of this, there is no need or demand to impose any new restrictions," she said, following a meeting with World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge.
Popova stressed that citizens should remember about the simple rules which will allow them to protect their health and prevent the spread of the virus. "These are clean hands, surfaces and objects around [people] and masks. It is inevitable currently but will also protect health," she concluded.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 31,259,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 965,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 22,842,600 individuals have recovered from the illness across the world.
To date, 1,109,595 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 911,973 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 19,489 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-21--Russia provides coronavirus testing systems to nearly 40 countries - watchdog

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human @ @ @ @ @ provided free coronavirus testing systems to nearly 40 countries , the service ’ s head @ @ @ @ @ a meeting with the World Health Organization ’ s Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge @ @ @ @ @ would like to point out that since early February , Rospotrebnadzor has provided free coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ research center Vektor to nearly 40 counties , which are enough to conduct over one @ @ @ @ @ as all the necessary supplies , '' she said .
Popova specified that those countries @ @ @ @ @ of Independence States ( CIS ) , Central and South American nations and African states @ @ @ @ @ others , including Italy and Vietnam .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) has provided free coronavirus testing systems to nearly 40 countries, the service’s head Anna Popova told reporters following a meeting with the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge on Monday.
"I would like to point out that since early February, Rospotrebnadzor has provided free coronavirus testing systems produced by our research center Vektor to nearly 40 counties, which are enough to conduct over one million tests, as well as all the necessary supplies," she said.
Popova specified that those countries included members of the Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS), Central and South American nations and African states, as well as some others, including Italy and Vietnam.


tass--2020-09-21--Germany extradites three charged with grave crimes to Russia

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Germany extradited three people charged with grave crimes to Russia , the Prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ Russia told TASS Monday .
`` In accordance with the request of the Russian Prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ German authorities extradited Anton Pozov , charged with attempted bribery mediation , to Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ charged with [ murder ] and Dumitru Popa , charged with [ collection of confidential @ @ @ @ @ and an attempted theft ] , were extradited as well , '' the office said @ @ @ @ @ , Pozov was a middleman during a bribery of a Federal Agency for State Property @ @ @ @ @ a portion of the bribe of 800,000 rubles , and was about to be apprehended @ @ @ @ @ thereafter , but managed to escape .
In December 2018 , he was found in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office issued an extradition request that has been satisfied .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Germany extradited three people charged with grave crimes to Russia, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia told TASS Monday.
"In accordance with the request of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, German authorities extradited Anton Pozov, charged with attempted bribery mediation, to Russia. Besides, Rustam-Bek Kurbanov, charged with [murder] and Dumitru Popa, charged with [collection of confidential banking data; theft; and an attempted theft], were extradited as well," the office said.
According to the investigation, Pozov was a middleman during a bribery of a Federal Agency for State Property Management official. He received a portion of the bribe of 800,000 rubles, and was about to be apprehended by the law enforcement shortly thereafter, but managed to escape. In December 2018, he was found in Germany. Russian Prosecutor General’s Office issued an extradition request that has been satisfied.


tass--2020-09-21--Soyuz rockets to put in space OneWeb satellites in 2020-2022

The first launch of the OneWeb communications satellites from the Vostochny spaceport is scheduled for December 2020 , according to the press service of France 's Arianespace MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
The first launch of the OneWeb communications satellites from the Vostochny spaceport is scheduled for December 2020 , the statement by the press service of Arianespace made public on Monday said .
`` The next Soyuz launch for OneWeb is targeted as soon as December 2020 , '' the statement reads .
The launch will take place at the Vostochny spaceport with 36 satellites aboard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the contract with OneWeb , 16 launches of Russia ’ s Soyuz rockets with Britain ’ s OneWeb satellites are due from the Kourou , Vostochny and Baikonur spaceports in 2020-2022 , Arianespace said in a news release on Monday .
We will resume launch operations to continue deploying the @ OneWebSatellit1 constellation !
The next # Soyuz launch for OneWeb is targeted as soon as December 2020 , with a total of 16 missions to be performed through 2022 from the Kourou , Baikonur and Vostochny spaceports .
— Arianespace ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France ’ s Arianespace is the customer of Russian launches in the interests of OneWeb .
At the moment , OneWeb has 74 satellites in low stationary orbits and plans to launch hundreds of others .
In March , the British company had to declare bankruptcy and reorganization after failing to raise about $ 2 billion from a group of investors , including Japan ’ s SoftBank .
In April , OneWeb asked the British government for a 500-million-pound ( $ 645 million ) loan within the framework of a wider ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private investors .
London refused , but in July made a decision to invest in the company to establish control over it .
It is expected that the British government and India ’ s Bharti Global company will spend $ 500 million dollars each to acquire stakes in OneWeb .

The first launch of the OneWeb communications satellites from the Vostochny spaceport is scheduled for December 2020, according to the press service of France's Arianespace
MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. The first launch of the OneWeb communications satellites from the Vostochny spaceport is scheduled for December 2020, the statement by the press service of Arianespace made public on Monday said.
Read also Soyuz-2.1b rocket launches OneWeb satellites from Baikonur space port
"The next Soyuz launch for OneWeb is targeted as soon as December 2020," the statement reads. The launch will take place at the Vostochny spaceport with 36 satellites aboard. In all, in accordance with amendments to the contract with OneWeb, 16 launches of Russia’s Soyuz rockets with Britain’s OneWeb satellites are due from the Kourou, Vostochny and Baikonur spaceports in 2020-2022, Arianespace said in a news release on Monday.
We will resume launch operations to continue deploying the @OneWebSatellit1 constellation! The next #Soyuz launch for OneWeb is targeted as soon as December 2020, with a total of 16 missions to be performed through 2022 from the Kourou, Baikonur and Vostochny spaceports. — Arianespace (@Arianespace) September 21, 2020


tass--2020-09-21--‘We’re not going to satisfy swindlers from abroad’: Lukashenko nixes privatization notions

MINSK , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus will not carry out any across-the-board privatization campaigns just to please ‘ swindlers ’ from overseas , said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday , as quoted by the BelTA news agency .
According to the report , the president `` claimed that Belarus will not privatize anything and everything just to ‘ satisfy swindlers from abroad ’ . ''
`` Why do I take these enterprises so seriously ?
It ’ s not because I don ’ t understand that private property can and must exist .
Nowhere , not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbiased privatization ever taken place before .
If we want to plunge our country and 10 million people into the deep end , and then keep moaning and groaning about how we ’ ve ended up in the wrong place , then count me out , that won ’ t be with me , and I ’ m certain , nor with you all , as well , '' BelTA quoted Lukashenko as saying .
The Belarusian president added that `` you can ’ t just take what had been built by millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away to a single investor . ''
`` Thus , I would very much like for Belaz to operate reliably .
Our vehicles outshine foreign competition as far as quality and price go .
This is our advantage , and we must maintain it on international markets , '' Lukashenko emphasized , as he appointed Sergey Nikoforovich to the post of CEO of Belaz JSC - the managing company of Belaz-Holding .

MINSK, September 21. /TASS/. Belarus will not carry out any across-the-board privatization campaigns just to please ‘swindlers’ from overseas, said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday, as quoted by the BelTA news agency.
According to the report, the president "claimed that Belarus will not privatize anything and everything just to ‘satisfy swindlers from abroad’."
"Why do I take these enterprises so seriously? It’s not because I don’t understand that private property can and must exist. Nowhere, not in any single country has a fair or unbiased privatization ever taken place before. If we want to plunge our country and 10 million people into the deep end, and then keep moaning and groaning about how we’ve ended up in the wrong place, then count me out, that won’t be with me, and I’m certain, nor with you all, as well," BelTA quoted Lukashenko as saying.
The Belarusian president added that "you can’t just take what had been built by millions of people from society and give it away to a single investor."
"Thus, I would very much like for Belaz to operate reliably. Our vehicles outshine foreign competition as far as quality and price go. This is our advantage, and we must maintain it on international markets," Lukashenko emphasized, as he appointed Sergey Nikoforovich to the post of CEO of Belaz JSC - the managing company of Belaz-Holding.


tass--2020-09-21--Russia maintains working dialogue on Belarus with US

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia maintains working dialogue with the on Belarus , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We continue the dialogue on this issue in a working mode at the @ @ @ @ @ diplomat said .
There have been no bilateral contacts or visits between Russia and the @ @ @ @ @ announced '' yet , the Deputy Foreign Minister said .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Russia maintains working dialogue with the on Belarus, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS Monday.
"We continue the dialogue on this issue in a working mode at the embassy level," the diplomat said.
There have been no bilateral contacts or visits between Russia and the US "that could be announced" yet, the Deputy Foreign Minister said.


tass--2020-09-21--Second stage of Slavic Brotherhood drills to be held on September 22-25

MINSK , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
The second stage of the joint Belarus-Russia military drills Slavic Brotherhood 2020 will take place in western Belarus on September 22-25 , the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram on Monday .
`` The second stage , an operational and tactical exercise , will be held on September 22-25 .
The main goal is to practice joint activities aimed at ensuring the country ’ s military security .
Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister Major General Sergei Potapenko will lead the exercise , '' the statement reads .
Belarus ’ Western Operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units , air forces , air defense forces and missile formations , as well as Russian airborne troop units , will take part in the second stage of the drills .
`` Practical action will involve about 6,000 troops and over 500 pieces of military equipment .
Russia will be represented by about 1,000 troops and up to 100 pieces of military hardware , '' the Belarusian Defense Ministry added .
According to the ministry , the Slavic Brotherhood drills are solely defensive and aim to practice joint military activities in accordance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as to further boost integration processes and the defense capabilities of the Union State .
The Slavic Brotherhood 2020 drills are taking place in Belarus on September 14-25 .
Russia is represented by troops from a guards air assault regiment of the Pskov airborne guards .
The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier that the exercise was being held for counter-terrorism purposes and was not directed against other countries .

MINSK, September 21. /TASS/. The second stage of the joint Belarus-Russia military drills Slavic Brotherhood 2020 will take place in western Belarus on September 22-25, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram on Monday.
"The second stage, an operational and tactical exercise, will be held on September 22-25. The main goal is to practice joint activities aimed at ensuring the country’s military security. Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister Major General Sergei Potapenko will lead the exercise," the statement reads.
Belarus’ Western Operational Command’s troops, special forces units, air forces, air defense forces and missile formations, as well as Russian airborne troop units, will take part in the second stage of the drills. "Practical action will involve about 6,000 troops and over 500 pieces of military equipment. Russia will be represented by about 1,000 troops and up to 100 pieces of military hardware," the Belarusian Defense Ministry added.
According to the ministry, the Slavic Brotherhood drills are solely defensive and aim to practice joint military activities in accordance with the existing agreements between Belarus and Russia, as well as to further boost integration processes and the defense capabilities of the Union State.
The Slavic Brotherhood 2020 drills are taking place in Belarus on September 14-25. Russia is represented by troops from a guards air assault regiment of the Pskov airborne guards. The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier that the exercise was being held for counter-terrorism purposes and was not directed against other countries.


tass--2020-09-21--Seoul seeks Russia’s cooperation in Korean Peninsula settlement, minister says

SEOUL , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
South Korea ’ s authorities have called for Russia ’ s constructive cooperation in the peaceful settlement on the Korean Peninsula , South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young told a meeting with Russia ’ s Ambassador to Seoul Andrei Kulik on Monday .
`` I appreciate the friendship and solidarity that [ Russia ] has shown so far and ask for constructive cooperation for peace on the Korean Peninsula , '' Lee said , according to Yonhap news agency .
`` I believe that the three-way cooperation involving the South , the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can contribute to peace and co-prosperity in the Northeast Asian and Eurasian regions , '' he added .
The minister highlighted the importance of continuing humanitarian projects with North Korea .
According to him , `` consistent efforts on such a small-scale approach could lead to the time of trust and faith . ''
`` In this process , cooperation from the international community , especially from Russia , is a must , '' Lee stressed , noting the importance of bilateral cooperation between Seoul and Moscow ahead of the 30th anniversary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian diplomatic mission said on its Facebook page that Ambassador Andrei Kulik in his turn stressed the importance of dialogue between the South and the North for the sake of ensuring peace and security in the region and searching for solutions to the existing problems by peaceful , political and diplomatic means .
The meeting with the Russian envoy to South Korea was the first for Lee In-young since he assumed office as South Korea ’ s unification minister in late July 2020 .
According to the South Korean ministry , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the efforts on improving inter-Korean relations could bring peace and stability in the region and also agreed to continue further contacts .

SEOUL, September 21. /TASS/. South Korea’s authorities have called for Russia’s constructive cooperation in the peaceful settlement on the Korean Peninsula, South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young told a meeting with Russia’s Ambassador to Seoul Andrei Kulik on Monday.
"I appreciate the friendship and solidarity that [Russia] has shown so far and ask for constructive cooperation for peace on the Korean Peninsula," Lee said, according to Yonhap news agency. "I believe that the three-way cooperation involving the South, the North and Russia is an important matter that can contribute to peace and co-prosperity in the Northeast Asian and Eurasian regions," he added.
The minister highlighted the importance of continuing humanitarian projects with North Korea. According to him, "consistent efforts on such a small-scale approach could lead to the time of trust and faith."
"In this process, cooperation from the international community, especially from Russia, is a must," Lee stressed, noting the importance of bilateral cooperation between Seoul and Moscow ahead of the 30th anniversary of establishing Russian-S. Korean diplomatic relations.
The Russian diplomatic mission said on its Facebook page that Ambassador Andrei Kulik in his turn stressed the importance of dialogue between the South and the North for the sake of ensuring peace and security in the region and searching for solutions to the existing problems by peaceful, political and diplomatic means.
The meeting with the Russian envoy to South Korea was the first for Lee In-young since he assumed office as South Korea’s unification minister in late July 2020. According to the South Korean ministry, at the talks the sides shared the opinion that the efforts on improving inter-Korean relations could bring peace and stability in the region and also agreed to continue further contacts.
Russia and South Korea established diplomatic relations on September 30, 1990.


tass--2020-09-21--Russian senior diplomat slams US approach to Navalny case as destructive and politicized

`` The entire situation is being politicized by the Western group , including the United States , '' he said .
`` I can not say what kind of contacts the Americans have on this matter and why , but I can say without reservation that that their approach in dialogue with us is totally politicized and , to a larger extent , destructive . ''
According to the Russian senior diplomat , Western players are seeking to forge all types of coalitions on a purely anti-Russian basis .
`` Some are seeking to win points from this affair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet another case of the use of algorithms exploited more than once in the past .
And it is sad . ''
`` We need information from the German side about what is going on there , but we see no readiness for cooperation , '' Ryabkov said .
`` We don ’ t lose hope that the colleagues in Berlin will finally give a clear answer to our numerous questions .
The same goes for the colleagues in Paris and Stockholm . ''
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident .

"The entire situation is being politicized by the Western group, including the United States," he said. "I cannot say what kind of contacts the Americans have on this matter and why, but I can say without reservation that that their approach in dialogue with us is totally politicized and, to a larger extent, destructive."
According to the Russian senior diplomat, Western players are seeking to forge all types of coalitions on a purely anti-Russian basis. "Some are seeking to win points from this affair," he noted. "This is yet another case of the use of algorithms exploited more than once in the past. And it is sad."
"We need information from the German side about what is going on there, but we see no readiness for cooperation," Ryabkov said. "We don’t lose hope that the colleagues in Berlin will finally give a clear answer to our numerous questions. The same goes for the colleagues in Paris and Stockholm."
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident.


tass--2020-09-21--Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development may provide $500 mln loan to Minsk shortly

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow expects the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development to provide a $ @ @ @ @ @ shortly , Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So far we expect the following sequence : the Eurasian Fund may extend @ @ @ @ @ in the near future .
For doing that , it is necessary to obtain the @ @ @ @ @ s member states , '' he said .
`` We submitted proposals on voting for @ @ @ @ @ to all members of the Fund today .
Hopefully that will be done quickly , @ @ @ @ @ Russia will grant the loan to Belarus in two stages - $ 1 bln in @ @ @ @ @ mln in 2021 .
Meanwhile , one half of the loan ( $ 500 mln @ @ @ @ @ 2020 through the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development , whereas the second half - @ @ @ @ @ interstate loan .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Moscow expects the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development to provide a $500 mln loan to Belarus shortly, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news channel on Monday.
"So far we expect the following sequence: the Eurasian Fund may extend a $500 mln loan in the near future. For doing that, it is necessary to obtain the consent of that Fund’s member states," he said.
"We submitted proposals on voting for that loan to be provided to all members of the Fund today. Hopefully that will be done quickly," the minister added.
Russia will grant the loan to Belarus in two stages - $1 bln in 2020 and another $500 mln in 2021. Meanwhile, one half of the loan ($500 mln) will be provided in 2020 through the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, whereas the second half - with the help of an interstate loan.


tass--2020-09-21--Russian, Armenian military begin joint exercise Kavkaz-2020 in Armenia

ALAGYZ PROVING GROUND , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Armenian military units have begun joint drills at the Alagyaz proving ground in Armenia within the framework of the command and staff exercise Kavkaz-2020 , which commenced on Monday , the Russian Defense Ministry said .
`` Participating in the exercise scheduled to last September 21-September 26 are mechanized infantry , air force and air defense units of the Southern Military District and Armenia ’ s Armed Forces under the commander of the combined military group Tigran Parvanyan , '' the Defense Ministry ’ s news release runs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern Military District 's forces for localizing and resolving armed conflicts connected with resistance to terrorism , as well as the protection of interests and security of the two countries .
More than 1,500 officers and men and 300 pieces of military equipment , including tactical and army aviation and drones are involved in the exercise .
The Kavaz-2020 military exercise is being held on September 21-September 26 in the Southern Military district , and the Black and Caspian seas under the command of the chief of Russia ’ s General Staff Valery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80,000 military servicemen , Emergencies Ministry and national guard Rosgvardiya personnel and up to 1,000 troops from Armenia , Belarus , Iran , China , Myanmar and Pakistan are taking part .
The drills falling under the restrictions of the 2011 Vienna document on confidence-building measures will involve no more than 12,900 troops .

ALAGYZ PROVING GROUND, September 21. /TASS/. Russian and Armenian military units have begun joint drills at the Alagyaz proving ground in Armenia within the framework of the command and staff exercise Kavkaz-2020, which commenced on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"Participating in the exercise scheduled to last September 21-September 26 are mechanized infantry, air force and air defense units of the Southern Military District and Armenia’s Armed Forces under the commander of the combined military group Tigran Parvanyan," the Defense Ministry’s news release runs.
The command will evaluate the readiness of Southern Military District's forces for localizing and resolving armed conflicts connected with resistance to terrorism, as well as the protection of interests and security of the two countries.
Strict coronavirus pandemic requirements are observed.
More than 1,500 officers and men and 300 pieces of military equipment, including tactical and army aviation and drones are involved in the exercise.
The Kavaz-2020 military exercise is being held on September 21-September 26 in the Southern Military district, and the Black and Caspian seas under the command of the chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov. All in all, about 80,000 military servicemen, Emergencies Ministry and national guard Rosgvardiya personnel and up to 1,000 troops from Armenia, Belarus, Iran, China, Myanmar and Pakistan are taking part. The drills falling under the restrictions of the 2011 Vienna document on confidence-building measures will involve no more than 12,900 troops.


tass--2020-09-21--Putin’s video address to UNGA to be aired Tuesday after 18:00 Moscow time

MOSCOW , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s video address to 75th session of the @ @ @ @ @ expected to be aired on Tuesday , September 22 , after 18:00 Moscow time , @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
According to Peskov , the video was made on @ @ @ @ @ video address has already been referred to New York and we can expect it to @ @ @ @ @ after 18:00 Moscow time , '' he said .
The UNGA High-level Week will be @ @ @ @ @ September 29 , 2020 .
As many as 119 leaders of world nations and 54 @ @ @ @ @ to address the Assembly .
Most of them will do it in a video format @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s video address to 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in expected to be aired on Tuesday, September 22, after 18:00 Moscow time, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
According to Peskov, the video was made on September 18.
"This video address has already been referred to New York and we can expect it to be aired on Tuesday, after 18:00 Moscow time," he said.
The UNGA High-level Week will be held from September 22 through September 29, 2020. As many as 119 leaders of world nations and 54 heads of government are expected to address the Assembly. Most of them will do it in a video format because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-09-21--Welcome to the "Chinese Bridge" and to Hainan to Feel the Island Charm

HAIKOU , China , Sept. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 19th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students and the 13th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students will be held in Beijing from September to December 2020 .
In 2020 , Hainan Province that has been innovative in promoting culture and tourism development , leverages the `` Chinese Bridge '' competition to promote cultural , art and technological exchanges between Hainan and its foreign counterparts and attract outstanding young foreign students proficient in Chinese to pursue a career in Hainan .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture , Radio , Television and Sports has , based on the `` Chinese Bridge '' competition , taken measures to promote the province overseas .
It put multi-linguistic pamphlets , videos and special pages about Hainan on the official website of the competition and the related mobile platform , showcasing the picturesque view and the advantageous business environment of the province as the only duty-free island in China to attract the world 's attention .
In addition , the province sponsored the competition 's finalists from the seven countries of Malaysia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan , Kazakhstan and Thailand and offered them a free trip to Hainan where they can experience the appeal of the Chinese language and culture as well as the charm of Hainan .
`` Chinese Bridge '' , Chinese proficiency competition for foreign students , has been held for 18 consecutive years since 2002 .
More than 1.4 million students from over 150 countries have participated in the competition .
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the competitions for foreign college and secondary school students have been moved online .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has drawn attention of more than 1.5 million people from around the world .
The competitions held by the Chinese embassies and consulates as well centers for language education and cooperation in foreign countries are attended and addressed by political dignitaries .
This year , Hainan has ushered in a new mission of building itself into a free trade port .
In this context Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism , Culture , Radio , Television and Sports has taken advantage of the unique and powerful channels and influence of the `` Chinese Bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural brands overseas ; and has enhanced Hainan 's international reputation in an innovative and targeted manner and opened a window for the outside world to know about Hainan , a free trade port with Chinese characteristics .
All these efforts have boosted inbound tourism in Hainan .

HAIKOU, China, Sept. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 19th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students and the 13th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students will be held in Beijing from September to December 2020.
In 2020, Hainan Province that has been innovative in promoting culture and tourism development, leverages the "Chinese Bridge" competition to promote cultural, art and technological exchanges between Hainan and its foreign counterparts and attract outstanding young foreign students proficient in Chinese to pursue a career in Hainan.
This year, Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports has, based on the "Chinese Bridge" competition, taken measures to promote the province overseas. It put multi-linguistic pamphlets, videos and special pages about Hainan on the official website of the competition and the related mobile platform, showcasing the picturesque view and the advantageous business environment of the province as the only duty-free island in China to attract the world's attention. In addition, the province sponsored the competition's finalists from the seven countries of Malaysia, Germany, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, Kazakhstan and Thailand and offered them a free trip to Hainan where they can experience the appeal of the Chinese language and culture as well as the charm of Hainan.
"Chinese Bridge", Chinese proficiency competition for foreign students, has been held for 18 consecutive years since 2002. More than 1.4 million students from over 150 countries have participated in the competition. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competitions for foreign college and secondary school students have been moved online. However, the enthusiasm of competitors continues as the event has drawn attention of more than 1.5 million people from around the world. The competitions held by the Chinese embassies and consulates as well centers for language education and cooperation in foreign countries are attended and addressed by political dignitaries.
This year, Hainan has ushered in a new mission of building itself into a free trade port. In this context Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports has taken advantage of the unique and powerful channels and influence of the "Chinese Bridge" competition to promote the province's cultural brands overseas; and has enhanced Hainan's international reputation in an innovative and targeted manner and opened a window for the outside world to know about Hainan, a free trade port with Chinese characteristics. All these efforts have boosted inbound tourism in Hainan.
CONTACT: Ms. Zhu, +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-09-21--Over 400 people detained at Sunday’s rallies in Belarus

MINSK , September 21 .
/TASS/ .
Some 442 people were detained on Sunday for violating the law on mass events in Belarus , including 266 of them in Minsk , the Belarusian Interior Ministry said on Monday .
`` A total of 442 citizens were detained yesterday for violating the law on mass events , '' the ministry said on its Telegram channel .
Some 266 people were held in Minsk and 76 people in six cities in the Grodno Region .
The Interior Ministry noted that 330 people had been placed in pre-trial detention centers until the hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, September 21. /TASS/. Some 442 people were detained on Sunday for violating the law on mass events in Belarus, including 266 of them in Minsk, the Belarusian Interior Ministry said on Monday.
"A total of 442 citizens were detained yesterday for violating the law on mass events," the ministry said on its Telegram channel. Some 266 people were held in Minsk and 76 people in six cities in the Grodno Region.
The Interior Ministry noted that 330 people had been placed in pre-trial detention centers until the hearing of cases on administrative offences in court.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania.
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.