tass--2020-05-25--Defense firm delivers over 2,000 Tigr armored vehicles to Russian, foreign customers

MOSCOW , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Military Industrial Company has delivered over 2,000 Tigr armored vehicles to domestic and foreign customers since 2005 , company CEO Alexander Krasovitsky told TASS on Monday .
`` Since the serial production of Tigr armored vehicles started at the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant [ part of the Military Industrial Company ] in 2005 , over 2,000 vehicles have been built in various configuration and delivered to Russia and 16 foreign countries , '' the chief executive said .
The Tigr family of armored vehicles currently includes the Tigr-M multi-purpose vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tigr automotive armored chassis and the Tigr special armored vehicle .
In addition to ready-made armored vehicles , the Military Industrial Company also delivers the Tigr self-propelled armored chassis for creating wheeled hardware on its basis , Krasovitsky added .
A wide range of various remote-controlled combat modules can also be mounted on Tigr armored vehicles , the chief executive said .
`` We installed the Israeli combat module with a large-caliber machine-gun , the French station with a 20mm gun and several Russian modules , including those with a 30mm automatic gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ module has been accepted in the Russian Army , specifically , the Arbalet-DM .
The Tigr with this module has been officially accepted for its delivery to the Russian Armed Forces and is being delivered to the troops , '' Krasovitsky said .

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russia’s Military Industrial Company has delivered over 2,000 Tigr armored vehicles to domestic and foreign customers since 2005, company CEO Alexander Krasovitsky told TASS on Monday.
"Since the serial production of Tigr armored vehicles started at the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant [part of the Military Industrial Company] in 2005, over 2,000 vehicles have been built in various configuration and delivered to Russia and 16 foreign countries," the chief executive said.
The Tigr family of armored vehicles currently includes the Tigr-M multi-purpose vehicle, the Tigr-M SpN special-purpose vehicle, the Tigr automotive armored chassis and the Tigr special armored vehicle. In addition to ready-made armored vehicles, the Military Industrial Company also delivers the Tigr self-propelled armored chassis for creating wheeled hardware on its basis, Krasovitsky added.
A wide range of various remote-controlled combat modules can also be mounted on Tigr armored vehicles, the chief executive said.
"We installed the Israeli combat module with a large-caliber machine-gun, the French station with a 20mm gun and several Russian modules, including those with a 30mm automatic gun. However, only one remote-controlled combat module has been accepted in the Russian Army, specifically, the Arbalet-DM. The Tigr with this module has been officially accepted for its delivery to the Russian Armed Forces and is being delivered to the troops," Krasovitsky said.
Tigr armored vehicles in hotspots


tass--2020-05-25--Putin approves draft of new CIS treaty on combating terrorism financing

MOSCOW , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a draft of a new CIS treaty @ @ @ @ @ incomes , financing terrorism and sponsoring proliferation of weapons of mass destruction , as follows @ @ @ @ @ the official website of legal information on Monday .
`` To accept the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ a treaty of the CIS member states on combating legalization ( laundry ) of criminal @ @ @ @ @ sponsoring the spread of weapons of mass destruction , '' the document reads .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the treaty at the top level . ''
According to earlier reports , the draft @ @ @ @ @ countries of the CIS .
The new document will supersede the current CIS treaty on @ @ @ @ @ and financing terrorism of 2007 .

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a draft of a new CIS treaty on combating legalization of criminal incomes, financing terrorism and sponsoring proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as follows from a document posted on the official website of legal information on Monday.
"To accept the Russian government’s proposal to sign a treaty of the CIS member states on combating legalization (laundry) of criminal incomes, financing terrorism and sponsoring the spread of weapons of mass destruction," the document reads. "It is expedient to sign the treaty at the top level."
According to earlier reports, the draft was preliminarily coordinated with other countries of the CIS. The new document will supersede the current CIS treaty on combating legalization of criminal proceeds and financing terrorism of 2007.


tass--2020-05-25--World witnessing US century ceding to Asian one, says EU foreign policy chief

BRUSSELS , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
The world is currently witnessing the end of the US century and the rise of an Asian one , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Monday .
`` First , we live in a leaderless world where Asia will be increasingly important - in economic , security and technological terms .
Analysts have long talked about the end of an American-led system and the arrival of an Asian century .
This is now happening in front of our eyes , '' he told a videoconference with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his words , the novel coronavirus pandemic can be seen as a kind of accelerator of this process .
`` If the 21st century turns out to be an Asian century , as the 20th was an American one , the pandemic may well be remembered as the turning point of this process , '' he explained .
`` Demand for multilateral cooperation has never been greater , '' Borrell noted .
`` But supply is falling behind .
This is the first major crisis in decades where the US is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t care , but everywhere we look we see increasing rivalries , especially between the US and China . ''
`` US-China rivalry is also having a major , often paralysing effect on the multilateral system : in the UN Security Council , the G20 , the WHO and elsewhere there are many more disagreements and vetoes and fewer agreements , '' he went on to say .

BRUSSELS, May 25. /TASS/. The world is currently witnessing the end of the US century and the rise of an Asian one, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Monday.
"First, we live in a leaderless world where Asia will be increasingly important - in economic, security and technological terms. Analysts have long talked about the end of an American-led system and the arrival of an Asian century. This is now happening in front of our eyes," he told a videoconference with heads of diplomatic missions in Germany.
In his words, the novel coronavirus pandemic can be seen as a kind of accelerator of this process. "If the 21st century turns out to be an Asian century, as the 20th was an American one, the pandemic may well be remembered as the turning point of this process," he explained.
"Demand for multilateral cooperation has never been greater," Borrell noted. "But supply is falling behind. This is the first major crisis in decades where the US is not leading the international response. Maybe they don’t care, but everywhere we look we see increasing rivalries, especially between the US and China."
"US-China rivalry is also having a major, often paralysing effect on the multilateral system: in the UN Security Council, the G20, the WHO and elsewhere there are many more disagreements and vetoes and fewer agreements," he went on to say.


tass--2020-05-25--Legendary Queen guitarist Brian May admits to ‘small’ heart attack

The 72-year-old musician said that the pain began shortly after he had ripped his gluteal muscles while gardening earlier this month .
LONDON , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Brian May , veteran guitarist from the renowned British rock band Queen , revealed that he had recently suffered a slight heart attack .
He opened up about the details with his followers on Instagram .
`` In the middle of the whole saga of the painful backside , I had a small heart attack .
I say small — it ’ s not something that did me any harm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the chest and tightness and that feeling in the arms and sweating , '' May told his followers in a video .
According to the Queen guitarist , an examination of his vessels showed that he had three arteries `` congested and in danger of blocking the supply of blood '' to his heart .
The musician added that doctors did not rule out the need for open-heart surgery , but it all ended up with the installation of three stents to expand the clogged sections of the arteries .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that he is fine and is `` ready to rock . ''
In a comment to his video , the guitarist also joked about the title of one of Queen ’ s early albums `` Sheer Heart Attack '' ( 1974 ) .
`` Hmm ... Sheer Heart Attack eh ?
Well , I think I always worried a little bit about that album title .
I wondered if it might upset some people who had actually had heart attacks .
I ’ m actually quite relieved now that I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t find it upsetting at all ! ''
he wrote .
Despite the death of their singer Freddie Mercury in 1991 , Queen still remains one of the biggest rock acts , playing sold out arenas .
Over the last 20 years , Queen ’ s two original members — guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor — had successfully toured the world with legendary British vocalist Paul Rogers and American singer Adam Lambert .
Apart from being a rock icon , Brian May is also an accomplished astrophysicist .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as foxes , badgers and other animals .
In his estate in Surrey , the musician set up a huge rescue center , where a number of animals in need go to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild .

The 72-year-old musician said that the pain began shortly after he had ripped his gluteal muscles while gardening earlier this month.
LONDON, May 25. /TASS/. Brian May, veteran guitarist from the renowned British rock band Queen, revealed that he had recently suffered a slight heart attack. He opened up about the details with his followers on Instagram.
"In the middle of the whole saga of the painful backside, I had a small heart attack. I say small — it’s not something that did me any harm. It was about 40 minutes of pain in the chest and tightness and that feeling in the arms and sweating," May told his followers in a video.
According to the Queen guitarist, an examination of his vessels showed that he had three arteries "congested and in danger of blocking the supply of blood" to his heart. The musician added that doctors did not rule out the need for open-heart surgery, but it all ended up with the installation of three stents to expand the clogged sections of the arteries.
In his video, May also reassured his followers saying that he is fine and is "ready to rock." In a comment to his video, the guitarist also joked about the title of one of Queen’s early albums "Sheer Heart Attack" (1974).
"Hmm ... Sheer Heart Attack eh ? Well, I think I always worried a little bit about that album title. I wondered if it might upset some people who had actually had heart attacks. I’m actually quite relieved now that I’m in that club — and I don’t find it upsetting at all!" he wrote.
Guitarist and animal activist
Despite the death of their singer Freddie Mercury in 1991, Queen still remains one of the biggest rock acts, playing sold out arenas. Over the last 20 years, Queen’s two original members — guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor — had successfully toured the world with legendary British vocalist Paul Rogers and American singer Adam Lambert.
Apart from being a rock icon, Brian May is also an accomplished astrophysicist. He is also known as a defender of hedgehogs, as well as foxes, badgers and other animals. In his estate in Surrey, the musician set up a huge rescue center, where a number of animals in need go to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.


tass--2020-05-25--Russia to allocate $9 million to WHO to fight maternal, infant mortality

MOSCOW , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed an order to allocate $ 9 @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) to implement measures aimed at providing help for countries to prevent @ @ @ @ @ mortalities , Russia ’ s official legal information website published the order Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of funds from the federal budget as a voluntary payment for the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ assistance to countries to increase the quality of healthcare provided in medical facilities to reduce @ @ @ @ @ mortality and boost achievement of healthcare tasks as part of the sustainable development goals for @ @ @ @ @ reads .
In 2020 , up to $ 3.5 million will be allocated , in @ @ @ @ @ 3.4 million and in 2022 - up to $ 2.1 million .
The health , @ @ @ @ @ ordered to inform WHO about the decision made .
Moreover , the finance ministry is @ @ @ @ @ funds are covered .

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed an order to allocate $9 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement measures aimed at providing help for countries to prevent maternal, infant and child mortalities, Russia’s official legal information website published the order Monday.
"To allocate $9 million of funds from the federal budget as a voluntary payment for the World Health Organization to implement measures to provide assistance to countries to increase the quality of healthcare provided in medical facilities to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality and boost achievement of healthcare tasks as part of the sustainable development goals for 2020-2022," the statement reads.
In 2020, up to $3.5 million will be allocated, in 2021 - up to $3.4 million and in 2022 - up to $2.1 million.
The health, foreign and finance ministries are ordered to inform WHO about the decision made. Moreover, the finance ministry is also instructed to ensure the funds are covered.


tass--2020-05-25--Putin, Iraqi PM discuss Syria, oil market stabilization

MOSCOW , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to discuss interaction to stabilize global hydrocarbon market , the Kremlin press service reported on Monday .
According to the Kremlin press service , the parties praised the agreements reached with the participation of Russia and Iraq in the OPEC+ format with the goal `` to overcome the acute phase of the oil crisis . ''
They also noted `` the importance of continuing effective joint efforts in this area , '' the Kremlin added .
The two leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on the Syrian settlement .
`` The sides agreed on further coordination of steps on ensuring a long-term normalization of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic , restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' the statement runs .
Putin also congratulated the Iraqi prime minister and the Iraqi people on Eid al-Fitr , a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month of fasting of Ramadan .
During the conversation , held at the Iraqi side ’ s initiative , an agreement was reached to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader also congratulated Mustafa al-Kadhimi on assuming the office of the Iraqi head of government on May 7 .
Putin earlier sent him a congratulatory message .
`` The sides expressed mutual intention to continue developing traditionally friendly relations between the two countries , '' according to the statement .
During the conversation , they hashed over a range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation in trade and economic and energy fields .

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to discuss interaction to stabilize global hydrocarbon market, the Kremlin press service reported on Monday.
According to the Kremlin press service, the parties praised the agreements reached with the participation of Russia and Iraq in the OPEC+ format with the goal "to overcome the acute phase of the oil crisis." They also noted "the importance of continuing effective joint efforts in this area," the Kremlin added.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the Syrian settlement. "The sides agreed on further coordination of steps on ensuring a long-term normalization of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement runs.
Putin also congratulated the Iraqi prime minister and the Iraqi people on Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month of fasting of Ramadan. During the conversation, held at the Iraqi side’s initiative, an agreement was reached to continue contacts at various levels.
The Russian leader also congratulated Mustafa al-Kadhimi on assuming the office of the Iraqi head of government on May 7. Putin earlier sent him a congratulatory message.
"The sides expressed mutual intention to continue developing traditionally friendly relations between the two countries," according to the statement. During the conversation, they hashed over a range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation in trade and economic and energy fields.


tass--2020-05-25--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan up by 149 in past day

BAKU , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 149 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the @ @ @ @ @ number to 4,271 , the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ 149 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day .
A total @ @ @ @ @ two died , '' it said .
According to the headquarters , the overall number @ @ @ @ @ .
Fifty-one coronavirus-related deaths have been reported .
A total of 1,479 coronavirus-positive patients are @ @ @ @ @ with 44 of them being in serious condition .
More than 273,000 tests for the @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .

BAKU, May 25. /TASS/. As many as 149 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day bringing the overall number to 4,271, the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Monday.
"As many as 149 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day. A total of 134 patients recovered and two died," it said.
According to the headquarters, the overall number of recoveries has reached 2,741. Fifty-one coronavirus-related deaths have been reported. A total of 1,479 coronavirus-positive patients are undergoing treatment at hospitals, with 44 of them being in serious condition. More than 273,000 tests for the coronavirus infection have been conducted nationwide.


tass--2020-05-25--Russian prosecutor demands 18-year sentence for US spy suspect Whelan

`` The state prosecutor has demanded that Whelan should be sentenced to 18 years in a maximum security colony , '' a spokesperson for the court said .
MOSCOW , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s public prosecutor demanded that US spy suspect Paul Whelan should be sentenced to 18 years in jail , the Moscow City Court ’ s press service told TASS on Monday .
According to Whelan ’ s attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov , the sentence will be announced at 11:00 a.m. on June 15 .
The lawyer asked the court to acquit Whelan saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also insists on a not-guilty verdict .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , is a global security chief at BorgWarner , a Michigan-based automotive components company .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said Whelan was detained on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of anywhere from 10 to 20 years behind bars .
Whelan denies committing the crime , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fabricated .
On May 14 , Moscow ’ s First Court of Appeal dismissed Whelan ’ s complaint against the Moscow City Court ’ s decision to extend his custody until September 13 .

"The state prosecutor has demanded that Whelan should be sentenced to 18 years in a maximum security colony," a spokesperson for the court said.
MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russia’s public prosecutor demanded that US spy suspect Paul Whelan should be sentenced to 18 years in jail, the Moscow City Court’s press service told TASS on Monday.
According to Whelan’s attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov, the sentence will be announced at 11:00 a.m. on June 15.
The lawyer asked the court to acquit Whelan saying that his guilt had not been proved. He also insists on a not-guilty verdict.
US citizen Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, is a global security chief at BorgWarner, a Michigan-based automotive components company. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Whelan was detained on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of anywhere from 10 to 20 years behind bars.
Whelan denies committing the crime, while his defense attorneys insist the case is fabricated. On May 14, Moscow’s First Court of Appeal dismissed Whelan’s complaint against the Moscow City Court’s decision to extend his custody until September 13.


tass--2020-05-25--Russian latest amphibious assault ship resumes trials in Baltic Sea

`` On May 23 , the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov returned to the Baltic Sea for completing the shipbuilders ’ sea trials .
Their final stage is due to last until the beginning of June , '' the spokesman said .
MOSCOW , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 11711 large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov has taken to the Baltic Sea to continue shipbuilders ’ sea trials , spokesman for the Yantar Shipyard Sergei Mikhailov told TASS on Monday .
The warship interrupted its trials in late March and returned to the Yantar Shipyard ( part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repair works , the spokesman said .
`` During the trials , a part of the ship ’ s hydraulic system components went out of order .
Now all the defects have been removed and the amphibious assault ship is currently at sea , '' Project 11711 Head Andrei Parfyonov said .
As the shipyard spokesman said , at the final stage of the shipbuilders ’ sea trials , the ship will conduct artillery firings .
The warship will switch over to state trials in early June , after which it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipbuilders ’ sea trials of the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov were earlier expected to resume in the second half of April and then in early May , following which the warship ’ s state trials were due to begin .
The warship was expected to be delivered to the Russian Navy in late May .
As the press office of the United Shipbuilding Corporation reported on March 31 , the program of the shipbuilders ’ sea trials was over 50 % fulfilled before the warship ’ s return to the Yantar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first serial-produced Project 11711 warship designed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau .
The contract on the warship ’ s construction was concluded with Russia ’ s Defense Ministry in September 2014 and the warship was laid down in June 2015 .
The Pyotr Morgunov is the largest in its class and displaces 5,000 tonnes .
The warship is expected to be accepted for service in the Russian Navy after all of its trials are over .
The Pyotr Morgunov will be able to take on its board 13 main battle tanks , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles .
An option is envisaged for taking a marine infantry battalion on its board .
The amphibious assault ship can also transport a reinforced marine infantry company with organic military hardware and land it with the use of pontoons .
The amphibious assault ship is armed with 30mm six-barrel artillery guns and two Kamov Ka-29 transport/attack helicopters in its deck hangars .
The Project ’ s lead ship Ivan Gren was floated out in Kaliningrad in May 2012 .
It was accepted for service in the Russian Navy on June 20 , @ @

"On May 23, the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov returned to the Baltic Sea for completing the shipbuilders’ sea trials. Their final stage is due to last until the beginning of June," the spokesman said.
MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. The Project 11711 large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov has taken to the Baltic Sea to continue shipbuilders’ sea trials, spokesman for the Yantar Shipyard Sergei Mikhailov told TASS on Monday.
The warship interrupted its trials in late March and returned to the Yantar Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) for repair works, the spokesman said.
"During the trials, a part of the ship’s hydraulic system components went out of order. Now all the defects have been removed and the amphibious assault ship is currently at sea," Project 11711 Head Andrei Parfyonov said.
As the shipyard spokesman said, at the final stage of the shipbuilders’ sea trials, the ship will conduct artillery firings. The warship will switch over to state trials in early June, after which it will be delivered to the Russian Navy.
The shipbuilders’ sea trials of the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov were earlier expected to resume in the second half of April and then in early May, following which the warship’s state trials were due to begin. The warship was expected to be delivered to the Russian Navy in late May.
As the press office of the United Shipbuilding Corporation reported on March 31, the program of the shipbuilders’ sea trials was over 50% fulfilled before the warship’s return to the Yantar Shipyard.
The Pyotr Morgunov is the first serial-produced Project 11711 warship designed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau. The contract on the warship’s construction was concluded with Russia’s Defense Ministry in September 2014 and the warship was laid down in June 2015.
The Pyotr Morgunov is the largest in its class and displaces 5,000 tonnes. The warship is expected to be accepted for service in the Russian Navy after all of its trials are over.
The Pyotr Morgunov will be able to take on its board 13 main battle tanks, or 36 armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles. An option is envisaged for taking a marine infantry battalion on its board.
The amphibious assault ship can also transport a reinforced marine infantry company with organic military hardware and land it with the use of pontoons.
The amphibious assault ship is armed with 30mm six-barrel artillery guns and two Kamov Ka-29 transport/attack helicopters in its deck hangars.
The Project’s lead ship Ivan Gren was floated out in Kaliningrad in May 2012. It was accepted for service in the Russian Navy on June 20, 2018.


tass--2020-05-25--Africa’s coronavirus infections top 110,000

PRETORIA , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 110,906 , while 3,300 patients died from the virus-related causes , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Monday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 22,583 ) and 429 deaths .
Egypt , meanwhile , reports the highest coronavirus death toll ( 735 ) and 16,513 infections .
Algeria recorded 600 fatalities and 8,306 cases , while Morocco identified 7,429 cases and 198 deaths .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is ranked second after South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 6,683 and 32 ) , Cameroon ( 4,400 and 159 ) , Guinea ( 3,275 and 20 ) , Senegal ( 3,047 and 35 ) , Ivory Coast ( 2,376 and 30 ) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( 2,141 and 62 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,513,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 346,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,309,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, May 25. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 110,906, while 3,300 patients died from the virus-related causes, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Monday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (22,583) and 429 deaths. Egypt, meanwhile, reports the highest coronavirus death toll (735) and 16,513 infections. Algeria recorded 600 fatalities and 8,306 cases, while Morocco identified 7,429 cases and 198 deaths.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second after South Africa with 7,839 coronavirus infections and 226 fatalities, followed by Ghana (6,683 and 32), Cameroon (4,400 and 159), Guinea (3,275 and 20), Senegal (3,047 and 35), Ivory Coast (2,376 and 30) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2,141 and 62).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,513,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 346,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,309,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-25--Hainan gets ready for launching its first ever underwater tunnel on the island

HAIKOU , May 25 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's administrative center Haikou has begun the final stage of construction of the first ever underwater tunnel under the island 's Nandu River and is preparing to launch it in the near future .
According to the Hainan Daily , the construction of the Dongyuejiang underwater fecility with a length of over 2.7 km has already been completed by 85 % .
`` By the second half of 2020 , we are going to finish work and open the tunnel for vehicles .
All efforts are now aimed at putting the facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Yan Xiaokun told reporters .
According to him , the construction is being carried out 24/7 in three shifts , at present , experts are lining the tunnel 's walls .
As the scale of the task is very serious , the authorities additionally mobilized the workers and involved special equipment , including from other regions of China .
“ The tunnel will connect the eastern bank of the river with the western and will significantly relieve the nearby Hainan automobile bridge [ the longest and largest in the province — TASS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Nandu River flows from the central part of the island in the Baisha-Li Autonomous County and exceeds 330 km in length , its basin area reaches 7,000 square kilometers .
This river supplies water resources to approximately 30 % of Hainan 's population .
Not so long ago , the Chinese authorities approved a special legislative act on environmental protection which stipulates that a fine of up to 100,000 yuan ( $ 14,000 ) will be imposed on those whose activities lead to the river 's pollution , and an enterprise violating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .

HAIKOU, May 25. /TASS/. Hainan's administrative center Haikou has begun the final stage of construction of the first ever underwater tunnel under the island's Nandu River and is preparing to launch it in the near future. According to the Hainan Daily, the construction of the Dongyuejiang underwater fecility with a length of over 2.7 km has already been completed by 85%.
"By the second half of 2020, we are going to finish work and open the tunnel for vehicles. All efforts are now aimed at putting the facility into operation on time," managing director Yan Xiaokun told reporters.
According to him, the construction is being carried out 24/7 in three shifts, at present, experts are lining the tunnel's walls. As the scale of the task is very serious, the authorities additionally mobilized the workers and involved special equipment, including from other regions of China.
“The tunnel will connect the eastern bank of the river with the western and will significantly relieve the nearby Hainan automobile bridge [the longest and largest in the province — TASS],” added the official.
The Nandu River flows from the central part of the island in the Baisha-Li Autonomous County and exceeds 330 km in length, its basin area reaches 7,000 square kilometers. This river supplies water resources to approximately 30% of Hainan's population. Not so long ago, the Chinese authorities approved a special legislative act on environmental protection which stipulates that a fine of up to 100,000 yuan ($ 14,000) will be imposed on those whose activities lead to the river's pollution, and an enterprise violating the environmental standards, should be shut down.


tass--2020-05-26--Lavrov: Coronavirus couldn’t stop post-Soviet bloc from widely celebrating Victory Day

`` This year is a special one - the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
I am glad to say that despite the coronavirus , this cherished date was celebrated widely and in various ways by our countries , '' the top diplomat emphasized .
MOSCOW , May 26./TASS/ .
The member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) were able to widely celebrate the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War despite the coronavirus pandemic , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told an online session of the CSTO Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanked the CSTO partners for assistance in arranging a joint online exhibition of archive documents and photos timed to mark the Victory anniversary .
`` We are planning a statement on the occasion of the 75th Victory anniversary .
I am grateful to you for the substantial contribution to work on that project , '' the Russian diplomat added .
Due to the pandemic , many events scheduled for that date in Russia and other former Soviet republics were postponed or were held online .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the latest statistics , over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .

"This year is a special one - the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. I am glad to say that despite the coronavirus, this cherished date was celebrated widely and in various ways by our countries," the top diplomat emphasized.
MOSCOW, May 26./TASS/. The member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) were able to widely celebrate the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War despite the coronavirus pandemic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told an online session of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers on Tuesday.
He thanked the CSTO partners for assistance in arranging a joint online exhibition of archive documents and photos timed to mark the Victory anniversary. "We are planning a statement on the occasion of the 75th Victory anniversary. I am grateful to you for the substantial contribution to work on that project," the Russian diplomat added.
Due to the pandemic, many events scheduled for that date in Russia and other former Soviet republics were postponed or were held online.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe. To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-26--OPEC+ deal helps avoid negative developments in energy markets — Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The negative developments in the global energy markets can be avoided largely thanks to the new OPEC+ deal , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
`` We pointed at the fact that this is a forward-looking transaction , whose effectiveness also tends to manifest itself in the future , '' he said .
He noted that the Kremlin considers the deal to be successful , recalling that Moscow had previously `` warned against hasty and emotional conclusions . ''
`` In any case , it can be stated that largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid a completely negative situation , a slump , in energy markets , '' he concluded .
When asked if the parties to the agreement need to make additional efforts to further stabilize the situation on the energy market , the Kremlin official noted that `` perhaps some elements related to reduced demand and overproduction can not be fully eliminated , because it is impossible to completely reverse the global situation . ''
`` But in general , it is obvious that the participating countries will monitor the way the situation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman recalled that `` the deal has its own time frame , clearly defined . ''
`` Russia is a responsible participant in international relations , including in such a crucially important and sensitive industry as energy markets , '' he said , answering the question whether Russia continues to act within the framework of the agreement .
OPEC+ countries finalized the agreement on crude output reduction at an extraordinary meeting on April 12 in a move to stabilize the situation on the oil market .
It came into effect on May 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2022 .
The agreement comprises several stages .
The first stage implies reduction of output by 23 countries in May-June by 9.7 mln barrels per day .
Russia and Saudi Arabia have the biggest reduction quotas — by 2.5 mln barrels per day , or by 23 % , to 8.5 mln barrels per day .
The total quota will decrease to 7.7 mln barrels per day starting July 2020 , and to 5.8 mln barrels per day starting 2021 .
The terms of the agreement can be revised in December 2021 @

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The negative developments in the global energy markets can be avoided largely thanks to the new OPEC+ deal, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"We pointed at the fact that this is a forward-looking transaction, whose effectiveness also tends to manifest itself in the future," he said.
He noted that the Kremlin considers the deal to be successful, recalling that Moscow had previously "warned against hasty and emotional conclusions."
"In any case, it can be stated that largely thanks to this transaction now they manage to avoid a completely negative situation, a slump, in energy markets," he concluded.
When asked if the parties to the agreement need to make additional efforts to further stabilize the situation on the energy market, the Kremlin official noted that "perhaps some elements related to reduced demand and overproduction cannot be fully eliminated, because it is impossible to completely reverse the global situation."
"But in general, it is obvious that the participating countries will monitor the way the situation is developing," Peskov added.
The spokesman recalled that "the deal has its own time frame, clearly defined." "Russia is a responsible participant in international relations, including in such a crucially important and sensitive industry as energy markets," he said, answering the question whether Russia continues to act within the framework of the agreement.
OPEC+ countries finalized the agreement on crude output reduction at an extraordinary meeting on April 12 in a move to stabilize the situation on the oil market. It came into effect on May 1 and will expire at the end of April 2022. The agreement comprises several stages.
The first stage implies reduction of output by 23 countries in May-June by 9.7 mln barrels per day. Russia and Saudi Arabia have the biggest reduction quotas — by 2.5 mln barrels per day, or by 23%, to 8.5 mln barrels per day. The total quota will decrease to 7.7 mln barrels per day starting July 2020, and to 5.8 mln barrels per day starting 2021. The terms of the agreement can be revised in December 2021.


tass--2020-05-26--Kremlin says coronavirus threat remains in Russia

`` The epidemiological threat is clearly still there , particularly for those in risk groups , and it will definitely remain for some time .
No one knows for how long , '' he said .
At the same time , in Peskov ’ s words , the latest figures `` are encouraging as they point to a downward trend . ''
`` However , if we ignore the trend , they [ the figures ] are still high .
It shows that anyone can get infected , '' the Russian presidential spokesman added .
He emphasized that people `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their loved ones . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,601,800 people have been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"The epidemiological threat is clearly still there, particularly for those in risk groups, and it will definitely remain for some time. No one knows for how long," he said.
At the same time, in Peskov’s words, the latest figures "are encouraging as they point to a downward trend." "However, if we ignore the trend, they [the figures] are still high. It shows that anyone can get infected," the Russian presidential spokesman added. He emphasized that people "need to take care of themselves and their loved ones."
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,381,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-26--Kremlin chides war of words between US, China

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin calls on the United States and China for cooperation as their @ @ @ @ @ appalling amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` In the light of common efforts to combat @ @ @ @ @ looks unpleasant , '' Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday when asked to @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Naturally , we would prefer to see interaction , cooperation and mutual assistance @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , adding that Russia is guided by these principles in its bilateral @ @ @ @ @ the United States .

"In the light of common efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic, it looks unpleasant," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday when asked to comment on the Washington-Beijing spat.
MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The Kremlin calls on the United States and China for cooperation as their exchange of accusatory rhetoric looks appalling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"Naturally, we would prefer to see interaction, cooperation and mutual assistance instead of these exchanges," he said, adding that Russia is guided by these principles in its bilateral relations with both China and the United States.
Peskov noted that Moscow develops close and partner relations with Beijing and will continue to do that. "We are cooperating and helping each other to combat the coronavirus infection, to develop vaccines. We exchange information," he said. "We also have contacts with the Americans. Naturally, we hail and are grateful for the assistance offered to us in terms of medical equipment. You know that the Russian side also demonstrated its readiness to extend such assistance at the previous stages of the anti-coronavirus efforts."
The United States has been claiming that China concealed information about the virus’ origin and the epidemic’s scope. Beijing, in turn, expressed regret that "some politicians are tending to use the situation with the virus to demonize China."


tass--2020-05-26--Intensified shellings in Lugansk republic mar settlement prospects, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
Intensified shellings on the contact line between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Lugansk People ’ s Republic ( LPR ) may undermine the prospects of a peaceful settlement , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday .
`` The Kremlin wants the parties to meet their commitments , first of all , on halting the shellings of territories where civilians live and in general the shellings of territories in the self-proclaimed republics , '' Peskov stressed .
`` We believe that this is unacceptable and this mainly mars the prospects of creating a predictable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Last week , head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People ’ s Republic Leonid Pasechnik warned that the LPR would be forced to take decisive measures and shift the line of contact with the Kiev-controlled territory if the Ukrainian side went ahead with its shelling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure .
In comment on this statement , Peskov said Moscow was `` concerned over the continuing shellings by the Ukrainian side . ''
`` We all saw the results of these shellings and we saw that unfortunately , these shellings tend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation that threatens the lives of residents of the self-proclaimed republics who live in the contact line zone .
Of course , this can not but cause general concern , '' he said .
Peskov also noted that against this background the harsh stance of the self-proclaimed republics was quite clear .
`` This situation is indeed turbulent , unstable and arouses concerns , '' he stated .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Intensified shellings on the contact line between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) may undermine the prospects of a peaceful settlement, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
"The Kremlin wants the parties to meet their commitments, first of all, on halting the shellings of territories where civilians live and in general the shellings of territories in the self-proclaimed republics," Peskov stressed.
"We believe that this is unacceptable and this mainly mars the prospects of creating a predictable situation in peaceful life," Peskov said.
Last week, head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik warned that the LPR would be forced to take decisive measures and shift the line of contact with the Kiev-controlled territory if the Ukrainian side went ahead with its shelling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
In comment on this statement, Peskov said Moscow was "concerned over the continuing shellings by the Ukrainian side." "We all saw the results of these shellings and we saw that unfortunately, these shellings tend to intensify. This directly creates a situation that threatens the lives of residents of the self-proclaimed republics who live in the contact line zone. Of course, this cannot but cause general concern," he said.
Peskov also noted that against this background the harsh stance of the self-proclaimed republics was quite clear. "This situation is indeed turbulent, unstable and arouses concerns," he stated.
Shellings in Lugansk republic


tass--2020-05-26--Peugeot, Citroen, Opel production in Kaluga planned in one shift five days a week

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Kaluga-based PSMA Rus ( a joint venture of Mitsubishi Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen ) car plant will operate in one shift five days per week in coming three months , while no downsizing of the workforce is planned , Russia ’ s automotive and agricultural engineering and machinery trade union at the enterprise said in a statement with reference to production director Azat Khusnulin on Tuesday .
`` As of today , no downsizing of plant personnel is planned .
< … > The enterprise has a production plan for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required five days a week to implement that production plan , which is why we plan to work in the current mode until the corporate vacation , '' the statement said .
The Kaluga-based Volkswagen car plant earlier shifted to a four-day work week and plans to cut workforce by around 300 people due to the crisis related to restrictive measures over the coronavirus infection spread .
A representative of the Kaluga Region ’ s Labor and Social Policy Ministry confirmed that information to TASS .
PSMA Rus is a joint venture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating in Kaluga since 2010 .
Production capacity of the enterprise allows making up to 125,000 cars per year .
Particularly , the plant produces Peugeot 408 , Citroen C4 Sedan and Mitsubishi Outlander .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The Kaluga-based PSMA Rus (a joint venture of Mitsubishi Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen) car plant will operate in one shift five days per week in coming three months, while no downsizing of the workforce is planned, Russia’s automotive and agricultural engineering and machinery trade union at the enterprise said in a statement with reference to production director Azat Khusnulin on Tuesday.
"As of today, no downsizing of plant personnel is planned. <…> The enterprise has a production plan for the next three months. One shift work is required five days a week to implement that production plan, which is why we plan to work in the current mode until the corporate vacation," the statement said.
The Kaluga-based Volkswagen car plant earlier shifted to a four-day work week and plans to cut workforce by around 300 people due to the crisis related to restrictive measures over the coronavirus infection spread. A representative of the Kaluga Region’s Labor and Social Policy Ministry confirmed that information to TASS.
PSMA Rus is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen operating in Kaluga since 2010. Production capacity of the enterprise allows making up to 125,000 cars per year. Particularly, the plant produces Peugeot 408, Citroen C4 Sedan and Mitsubishi Outlander.


tass--2020-05-26--Fund RC-Investments and Banca Intesa will jointly develop Russian regional projects

Moscow , May 26 .
Banca Intesa and the investment division of Roscongress Foundation - Fund RC-Investments - held their first working meeting within the framework of the joint project office for development of investment and business projects in the territory of the Russian Federation .
The parties agreed to actively cooperate in such important areas as selection , review and analysis of promising investment projects in the regions of the Russian Federation , as well as the selection of financial instruments and provision of advisory support for their implementation .
`` Creation of project offices together with foreign partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract the most effective support tools , to involve partner resources , to create and maintain a stable flow of real working projects .
The effect of this initiative is expressed in strengthening of partner relations between the countries-participants '' , - noted Anton Kobyakov , Adviser of the President of the Russian Federation .
Projects collected at the investment portal of Russian regions investinregions will be considered within the framework of the project office work .
The portal was launched by Roscongress Foundation together with its subsidiary - Fund RC-Investments - in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of the Russian Federation .
The resource publishes information on promising investment projects implemented in the regions of the Russian Federation , export producers and key social and economic indicators .
`` Just over a month has passed since the launch of the regional investment portal - and we can already see an impressive number of published projects and investment applications .
The combined base of promising investment projects is a tool that the market lacked .
Both entrepreneurs and investors need it .
For the former , it is a resource @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever-expanding functionality that allows not only to attract the attention of major investors , but also to involve other tools of the ecosystem of the Roscongress Foundation in the project implementation .
For investors , this is an opportunity to compare and select projects by a variety of indicators , get advice from the Fund 's partners and choose the right and profitable direction for investment , '' - commented Alexander Stuglev , Chairman of the Management Board and Director of Roscongress Foundation .
`` For many years Banca Intesa and Roscongress Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years we have successfully implemented many diverse and complex projects together , in particular , during preparation of the International Economic Forum in St.Petersbourg and the Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona .
The activities of the joint project office to develop investment and business projects in Russia are a new and important step in strengthening the partnership .
Banca Intesa is ready to take an active part in its work , '' - said Antonio Fallico , Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banca Intesa .
Currently 78 projects from 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portal .
The projects are implemented in such sectors as agriculture and forestry , industry , mining , construction , catering , leisure and entertainment and others .
More than a third of the projects ( 34 % ) are aimed at producing new products or launching new production facilities .
In particular , projects on production of pharmaceutical substances , chemical compounds , polymeric coatings , launch of new production at the plant of robotic systems , construction of a bakery , poultry complex , shops for processing of agricultural products and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the portal 's work , a unified and publicly available database of investment projects of Russian regions with ratings assigned to them will be formed , and in the future - a single ecosystem focused on the disclosure of economic and investment potential of the regions of the Russian Federation .
For more information , please visit the website .

Moscow, May 26. Banca Intesa and the investment division of Roscongress Foundation - Fund RC-Investments - held their first working meeting within the framework of the joint project office for development of investment and business projects in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The parties agreed to actively cooperate in such important areas as selection, review and analysis of promising investment projects in the regions of the Russian Federation, as well as the selection of financial instruments and provision of advisory support for their implementation.
"Creation of project offices together with foreign partners is an interaction mechanism that allows to attract the most effective support tools, to involve partner resources, to create and maintain a stable flow of real working projects. The effect of this initiative is expressed in strengthening of partner relations between the countries-participants", - noted Anton Kobyakov, Adviser of the President of the Russian Federation.
Projects collected at the investment portal of Russian regions investinregions .ru will be considered within the framework of the project office work. The portal was launched by Roscongress Foundation together with its subsidiary - Fund RC-Investments - in April 2020 to attract investment in the regions of the Russian Federation. The resource publishes information on promising investment projects implemented in the regions of the Russian Federation, export producers and key social and economic indicators.
"Just over a month has passed since the launch of the regional investment portal - and we can already see an impressive number of published projects and investment applications. The combined base of promising investment projects is a tool that the market lacked. Both entrepreneurs and investors need it. For the former, it is a resource with a clear set of tools and ever-expanding functionality that allows not only to attract the attention of major investors, but also to involve other tools of the ecosystem of the Roscongress Foundation in the project implementation. For investors, this is an opportunity to compare and select projects by a variety of indicators, get advice from the Fund's partners and choose the right and profitable direction for investment," - commented Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Management Board and Director of Roscongress Foundation.
"For many years Banca Intesa and Roscongress Foundation have established strong partnership relations, in recent years we have successfully implemented many diverse and complex projects together, in particular, during preparation of the International Economic Forum in St.Petersbourg and the Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona. The activities of the joint project office to develop investment and business projects in Russia are a new and important step in strengthening the partnership. Banca Intesa is ready to take an active part in its work," - said Antonio Fallico, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banca Intesa.
Currently 78 projects from 25 regions of Russia are presented on the portal. The projects are implemented in such sectors as agriculture and forestry, industry, mining, construction, catering, leisure and entertainment and others. More than a third of the projects (34%) are aimed at producing new products or launching new production facilities. In particular, projects on production of pharmaceutical substances, chemical compounds, polymeric coatings, launch of new production at the plant of robotic systems, construction of a bakery, poultry complex, shops for processing of agricultural products and others are presented.
As a result of the portal's work, a unified and publicly available database of investment projects of Russian regions with ratings assigned to them will be formed, and in the future - a single ecosystem focused on the disclosure of economic and investment potential of the regions of the Russian Federation.
For more information, please visit the website.
Age limitation 12+.


tass--2020-05-26--Russia sets new coronavirus daily recovery record

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients who recovered from coronavirus in Russia on Tuesday was bigger than the previous daily recovery record , TASS calculations based on anti-coronavirus crisis center data show .
In the past 24 hours , 12,331 people recovered , which is almost 40 % higher than the previous high set on May 20 .
The biggest influx of new infections was registered on May 11 ( 11,656 ) .
At the same time , Russia has been recording fewer than 10,000 new coronavirus cases for 11 days straight .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections , which is slightly lower than Monday ’ s figures .
In total , Russia has identified 362,342 coronavirus infections ( 247 per every 100,000 people ) .
Russia ranks third globally after the US and Brazil .
Overall , 131,129 people who tested positive for coronavirus recovered in Russia or 36.2 % of all infections .
The recovery share is speedily growing - last Tuesday , May 19 , it stood at 21 % .
Moscow also reported a record-breaking number of recoveries ( 8,033 ) , while the previous record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In total , 61,619 people recovered in the Russian capital ( 36.4 % of all infections ) .
Moscow passed Russia ’ s average share of recoveries back in mid-April .
The daily increase of infections in Russia has remained stable since mid-May even though the testing is ramped up .
On Tuesday , Russia ’ s consumer watchdog reported 215,000 tests carried out in one day , meaning that almost 25 tests were conducted per every identified coronavirus patient .
Overall , Russia performed more than 9 million tests .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.5 % compared to 2.6 % on Monday .
On average , this number was 2.7 % daily , while the infection increase rate stood at 3.7 % one week prior to that .
Moscow ’ s rate turned out even lower - 1.7 % ( 1.6 % on Monday ) .
There were almost three times fewer infections than recoveries ( 2,830 new cases ) .
The reproduction value of coronavirus in Russia and Moscow remains unchanged - 1 and 0.91 respectively .
When the R value drops below one , Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed to combat the spread of the virus .
In the past 24 hours , Russia registered the largest number of coronavirus-related fatalities ( 174 ) to date , breaking the previous record-high set on May 24 ( 153 ) .
In total , 3,807 people died from COVID-19 in Russia .
Nevertheless , the death rate stays relatively low ( 1.05 % ) , much lower than the global average .
Moscow ’ s numbers are a little higher ( 1.25 % ) since 2,110 people died there .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. The number of patients who recovered from coronavirus in Russia on Tuesday was bigger than the previous daily recovery record, TASS calculations based on anti-coronavirus crisis center data show. In the past 24 hours, 12,331 people recovered, which is almost 40% higher than the previous high set on May 20.
The biggest influx of new infections was registered on May 11 (11,656). At the same time, Russia has been recording fewer than 10,000 new coronavirus cases for 11 days straight. On Tuesday, the crisis center reported 8,915 new infections, which is slightly lower than Monday’s figures. In total, Russia has identified 362,342 coronavirus infections (247 per every 100,000 people). Russia ranks third globally after the US and Brazil. Recoveries soaring Overall, 131,129 people who tested positive for coronavirus recovered in Russia or 36.2% of all infections. The recovery share is speedily growing - last Tuesday, May 19, it stood at 21%. Moscow also reported a record-breaking number of recoveries (8,033), while the previous record was visibly lower (5,440). In total, 61,619 people recovered in the Russian capital (36.4% of all infections). Moscow passed Russia’s average share of recoveries back in mid-April. Infections climbing slowly The daily increase of infections in Russia has remained stable since mid-May even though the testing is ramped up. On Tuesday, Russia’s consumer watchdog reported 215,000 tests carried out in one day, meaning that almost 25 tests were conducted per every identified coronavirus patient. Overall, Russia performed more than 9 million tests.
Read also Moscow coronavirus recoveries hit record high of over 8,000 in past day


tass--2020-05-26--Number of COVID-19 cases in Africa tops 115,000

PRETORIA , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
More than 4,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered in African countries in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 115,000 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday .
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 115,237 , with 4,331 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 3,453 .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases — 23,615 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll is reported from Egypt — 735 .
The country has 16,513 coronavirus cases .
As many as 609 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria , which has 8,503 confirmed cases .
COVID-19 tally in Morocco is 7,429 , with 198 fatalities .
Sudan reports 3,634 confirmed cases and 146 deaths .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases and fatalities ( 8,068 and 233 , respectively ) .
Next are Ghana ( 6,808 and 32 ) , Cameroon ( 4,890 and 165 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Senegal ( 3,130 and 35 ) , Ivory Coast ( 2,423 and 30 ) , the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( 2,305 and 66 ) , and Gabon ( 2,135 and 14 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported .

PRETORIA, May 26. /TASS/. More than 4,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered in African countries in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 115,000, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 115,237, with 4,331 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 3,453.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases — 23,615, with 481 fatalities. The highest death toll is reported from Egypt — 735. The country has 16,513 coronavirus cases. As many as 609 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria, which has 8,503 confirmed cases. COVID-19 tally in Morocco is 7,429, with 198 fatalities. Sudan reports 3,634 confirmed cases and 146 deaths.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases and fatalities (8,068 and 233, respectively). Next are Ghana (6,808 and 32), Cameroon (4,890 and 165), Guinea (3,322 and 20), Senegal (3,130 and 35), Ivory Coast (2,423 and 30), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2,305 and 66), and Gabon (2,135 and 14).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,601,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 348,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-05-26--Russian Northern Fleet ships wrap up anti-submarine warfare drills in Barents Sea

MURMANSK , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ships completed anti-submarine warfare drills in the Barents Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
The drills that lasted several days involved the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov , the large anti-submarine warfare ship Severomorsk and small anti-subsurface ships from the water area protection brigade of the Northern Fleet ’ s Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces , the press office specified .
`` The ships ’ maneuvers lasted several days .
While searching for a notional enemy ’ s submarines in the close-in maritime zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warfare aviation .
At various stages of the exercise , the tasks in the Barents Sea were accomplished by the crews of Tu-142 , Il-38 and Ka-27PL anti-submarine warfare aircraft and helicopters , which operated from coastal aerodromes , '' the press office said in a statement .
Several submarines of the Kola Flotilla simulated the enemy force operating against the naval search and strike groups , the press office specified .
The anti-submarine warfare forces will practice the final stage of the drills on May 26 and return to their permanent bases @ @ @ @ @

MURMANSK, May 26. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet ships completed anti-submarine warfare drills in the Barents Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
The drills that lasted several days involved the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov, the large anti-submarine warfare ship Severomorsk and small anti-subsurface ships from the water area protection brigade of the Northern Fleet’s Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces, the press office specified.
"The ships’ maneuvers lasted several days. While searching for a notional enemy’s submarines in the close-in maritime zone, the naval sailors practiced inter-operability with anti-submarine warfare aviation. At various stages of the exercise, the tasks in the Barents Sea were accomplished by the crews of Tu-142, Il-38 and Ka-27PL anti-submarine warfare aircraft and helicopters, which operated from coastal aerodromes," the press office said in a statement.
Several submarines of the Kola Flotilla simulated the enemy force operating against the naval search and strike groups, the press office specified.
The anti-submarine warfare forces will practice the final stage of the drills on May 26 and return to their permanent bases, the statement says.


tass--2020-05-26--Press review: NATO to suffer from US Open Skies exit and Trump sees fraud in mail-in vote

Nezavisimaya Gazeta : NATO to face problems in wake of US exit from Open Skies Treaty US President Donald Trump 's move to pull out of the Treaty on Open Skies won ’ t have serious consequences for Washington or Moscow because although surveillance flights had some political importance , they were almost useless from a military standpoint .
Experts believe that by withdrawing from the treaty , the US is putting its NATO allies in danger , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Political scientist and Russian Academy of Sciences member Alexei Arbatov pointed out that `` Trump does not understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` It ’ s an absolute puzzle to him and he has no intention of sorting it out , '' he said .
According to Arbatov , the US presidential administration is equally irresponsible .
`` These people have inherited the results of a 50-year effort to build a system of global security but they are treating it all like contracts to supply food to supermarkets , '' the expert stressed .
Academy of Military Sciences Professor Vadim Kozyulin , in turn , noted that Washington ’ s NATO allies in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty .
`` They are the ones who believe that the ‘ Russian threat ’ is real .
Otherwise , why would Warsaw beg the White House to relocate its nuclear air bombs from Germany to Poland ?
In addition , the Polish authorities have purchased the F-35 Lightning aircraft and have given the go-ahead to establish a US missile defense base and launch ‘ Fort Trump ’ .
The same goes for the Baltic states , which desperately seek to become a World War III battlefield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military facilities on their soil , '' the expert emphasized .
However , Arbatov believes that Washington will eventually return to the negotiating table .
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg did not rule out that another agreement involving Russia could replace the Treaty on Open Skies .
Media : US can ’ t stop Beijing from adopting new national security law for Hong Kong A new wave of protests hit Hong Kong after the Chinese government had come up with a new national security law allowing Beijing to send law enforcement officers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , treason and subversive activities , Vedomosti wrote .
The United States has widely criticized Beijing 's initiative .
US President Donald Trump promised a tough response to the national security law .
The Chinese authorities , in turn , slammed Washington ’ s intention as interference in China ’ s domestic affairs .
Tim Summers , a lecturer in the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong , pointed out that some in the West were calling for targeting Chinese officials involved in the enforcement of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an unlikely option , whereas Washington could abandon special trade relations with Hong Kong .
This sort of development would cause serious harm to the region ’ s economic role and make it harder for the Chinese government to carry out foreign trade operations through Hong Kong , said Vasily Kashin , an expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies .
However , in his view , given the deterioration in economic relations between China and the US , `` it will be unpleasant but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Beijing believes it will survive the Trump administration ’ s decision .
This is illustrated by the fact that this time , the new law was initiated by the central government and not by the local authorities , Kashin pointed out .
`` Last time , the Chinese leadership did not expect a huge wave of protests , so the extradition law was eventually withdrawn but now , Beijing is clearly better prepared and will hardly back down .
As for Hong Kong , it may exacerbate its economic downturn , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kashin ’ s opinion , a thing to keep in mind is that neither China nor the West believes that Hongkongers belong with them , so in fact , no one truly cares about Hong Kong citizens amid the standoff between two superpowers , China and the United States .
US President Donald Trump believes that the Democratic Party ’ s push for mail-in voting is rife with corruption and experts say that the US will soon see an escalating debate over whether voters should go to polling stations in the November presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to US legislation , it is up to the state governments to decide on methods to hold elections and the president has no leverage over them .
Experts point out that Trump 's opponents are not only guided by concerns for people 's health .
The Democrats are likely to benefit from a mail-in ballot because they will be able to mobilize their voters who potentially outnumber Trump ’ s supporters .
Swing voters will be more willing to participate in a mail-in voting than go to polling stations , particularly if a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world in the fall .
Trump , in turn , is relying on the gradual lifting of lockdowns across the country .
A thing to note is that states less hit by the pandemic are those where most voters support the Republicans .
In addition , remote voting also involves the use of the Internet , and some states may prefer such an option .
`` Trump will strongly oppose this way of voting because it will leave behind voters who aren ’ t that Internet-savvy and very well educated , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , '' said Director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for United States Studies at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev .
`` At the same time , tech-savvy and well-educated Americans who can ’ t stand Trump will surely take part in such a voting , '' the expert emphasized .
Izvestia : Western banks expect new sanctions against Russia this fall As the US presidential election approaches , Washington may impose new sanctions on Russia , the Institute of International Finance ( IIF ) said .
However , Russia has been pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is prepared for any new restrictions even amid the crisis , Izvestia wrote , citing experts .
Sanctions against Russia will hardly be the focus of the US presidential campaign like it was in 2016 , said Alexander Deryugin , an expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration .
Even if the US introduces more restrictions , they will not be too harmful because Washington has no reason to impose serious sanctions .
On the other hand , restrictions against China pose a significant threat to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over who is to blame for the coronavirus pandemic will be the main tool of the US presidential campaign .
Any sanctions against China may turn out to be unprecedentedly tough , dealing a blow to Russia ’ s economy because China is Moscow ’ s major trade partner , the expert explained .
Meanwhile , IIF analysts point out that Russian sovereign bonds have become `` a safe haven '' for investors compared to bonds issued by other developing countries such as Mexico , India , Brazil , South Africa and Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attractive , Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich noted .
Moreover , investors ’ interest in these assets will grow in the near future because Russia ’ s Central Bank is likely to keep reducing the key rate .
A low key rate will facilitate efforts to resume business activities , which will add to the Russian market ’ s attractiveness , Freedom Finance expert Georgy Vashchenko said .
In his view , the main threat is from a weakening ruble .
However , the current macroeconomic situation will make it possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and geopolitical risks , which are key factors in determining the value of the national currency .
There is no magic drug to treat the coronavirus but the one that is undergoing trials in Russia may prove to be very effective , Russian Academy of Sciences member and the chief clinical researcher of the drug Dmitry Pushkar told Rossiyskaya Gazeta .
The drug ’ s active ingredient is called favipiravir .
According to Pushkar , it performed very well during preliminary research .
Favipiravir was developed in Japan several years ago and fitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral infections , including the most complicated ones .
`` During the weeks of quarantine , a group of our researchers — biologists , pharmacologists and clinical physicians — redefined treatment regimens for viral diseases , as well as dosage rates .
We have never used this substance before and now we have launched its production in Russia .
We are using it to develop a domestic drug , '' Pushkar said .
The academician pointed out that `` when it is about a new drug , even if it is urgently needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things because human lives are at stake . ''
The trials are expected to be completed in six to eight weeks .
Pushkar noted that Russia `` has always been prepared for such epidemics . ''
`` Such drugs are a safety umbrella that we need to think about at the moment because no one is safe from a second wave of the virus , which can also become a seasonal illness .
The important thing is that drugs are developed here , we don ’ t depend on anyone , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: NATO to face problems in wake of US exit from Open Skies Treaty
US President Donald Trump's move to pull out of the Treaty on Open Skies won’t have serious consequences for Washington or Moscow because although surveillance flights had some political importance, they were almost useless from a military standpoint. Experts believe that by withdrawing from the treaty, the US is putting its NATO allies in danger, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Political scientist and Russian Academy of Sciences member Alexei Arbatov pointed out that "Trump does not understand the value of existing international agreements." "It’s an absolute puzzle to him and he has no intention of sorting it out," he said. According to Arbatov, the US presidential administration is equally irresponsible. "These people have inherited the results of a 50-year effort to build a system of global security but they are treating it all like contracts to supply food to supermarkets," the expert stressed. Academy of Military Sciences Professor Vadim Kozyulin, in turn, noted that Washington’s NATO allies in Europe would face a major blow following the US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty. "They are the ones who believe that the ‘Russian threat’ is real. Otherwise, why would Warsaw beg the White House to relocate its nuclear air bombs from Germany to Poland? In addition, the Polish authorities have purchased the F-35 Lightning aircraft and have given the go-ahead to establish a US missile defense base and launch ‘Fort Trump’. The same goes for the Baltic states, which desperately seek to become a World War III battlefield, allowing NATO to set up its military facilities on their soil," the expert emphasized. However, Arbatov believes that Washington will eventually return to the negotiating table. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg did not rule out that another agreement involving Russia could replace the Treaty on Open Skies. Media: US can’t stop Beijing from adopting new national security law for Hong Kong
Read also Beijing says US backs criminals in Hong Kong, meddles in Chinese domestic affairs
A new wave of protests hit Hong Kong after the Chinese government had come up with a new national security law allowing Beijing to send law enforcement officers to Hong Kong and prosecute locals for separatism, treason and subversive activities, Vedomosti wrote. The United States has widely criticized Beijing's initiative. US President Donald Trump promised a tough response to the national security law. The Chinese authorities, in turn, slammed Washington’s intention as interference in China’s domestic affairs. Tim Summers, a lecturer in the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, pointed out that some in the West were calling for targeting Chinese officials involved in the enforcement of the new legislation. The expert believes that it is an unlikely option, whereas Washington could abandon special trade relations with Hong Kong. This sort of development would cause serious harm to the region’s economic role and make it harder for the Chinese government to carry out foreign trade operations through Hong Kong, said Vasily Kashin, an expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies. However, in his view, given the deterioration in economic relations between China and the US, "it will be unpleasant but not fatal." According to the expert, Beijing believes it will survive the Trump administration’s decision. This is illustrated by the fact that this time, the new law was initiated by the central government and not by the local authorities, Kashin pointed out. "Last time, the Chinese leadership did not expect a huge wave of protests, so the extradition law was eventually withdrawn but now, Beijing is clearly better prepared and will hardly back down. As for Hong Kong, it may exacerbate its economic downturn," the expert said. However, in Kashin’s opinion, a thing to keep in mind is that neither China nor the West believes that Hongkongers belong with them, so in fact, no one truly cares about Hong Kong citizens amid the standoff between two superpowers, China and the United States. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Trump suspects Democrats aim to rig elections
US President Donald Trump believes that the Democratic Party’s push for mail-in voting is rife with corruption and experts say that the US will soon see an escalating debate over whether voters should go to polling stations in the November presidential election, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. According to US legislation, it is up to the state governments to decide on methods to hold elections and the president has no leverage over them. Experts point out that Trump's opponents are not only guided by concerns for people's health. The Democrats are likely to benefit from a mail-in ballot because they will be able to mobilize their voters who potentially outnumber Trump’s supporters. Swing voters will be more willing to participate in a mail-in voting than go to polling stations, particularly if a new wave of the coronavirus pandemic hits the world in the fall. Trump, in turn, is relying on the gradual lifting of lockdowns across the country. A thing to note is that states less hit by the pandemic are those where most voters support the Republicans. In addition, remote voting also involves the use of the Internet, and some states may prefer such an option. "Trump will strongly oppose this way of voting because it will leave behind voters who aren’t that Internet-savvy and very well educated, and on whose votes the incumbent president counts on," said Director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for United States Studies at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev. "At the same time, tech-savvy and well-educated Americans who can’t stand Trump will surely take part in such a voting," the expert emphasized. Izvestia: Western banks expect new sanctions against Russia this fall
Read also Syrian diplomat slams US sanctions hindering medicine supplies as medical terrorism
As the US presidential election approaches, Washington may impose new sanctions on Russia, the Institute of International Finance (IIF) said. However, Russia has been pursuing a conservative economic policy for years and is prepared for any new restrictions even amid the crisis, Izvestia wrote, citing experts. Sanctions against Russia will hardly be the focus of the US presidential campaign like it was in 2016, said Alexander Deryugin, an expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Even if the US introduces more restrictions, they will not be too harmful because Washington has no reason to impose serious sanctions. On the other hand, restrictions against China pose a significant threat to the Russian economy. Deryugin is confident that debates over who is to blame for the coronavirus pandemic will be the main tool of the US presidential campaign. Any sanctions against China may turn out to be unprecedentedly tough, dealing a blow to Russia’s economy because China is Moscow’s major trade partner, the expert explained. Meanwhile, IIF analysts point out that Russian sovereign bonds have become "a safe haven" for investors compared to bonds issued by other developing countries such as Mexico, India, Brazil, South Africa and Turkey. Russian federal bonds indeed look very attractive, Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich noted. Moreover, investors’ interest in these assets will grow in the near future because Russia’s Central Bank is likely to keep reducing the key rate. A low key rate will facilitate efforts to resume business activities, which will add to the Russian market’s attractiveness, Freedom Finance expert Georgy Vashchenko said. In his view, the main threat is from a weakening ruble. However, the current macroeconomic situation will make it possible for Russia to overcome export, debt and geopolitical risks, which are key factors in determining the value of the national currency. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Russia begins clinical trials of coronavirus drug


tass--2020-05-26--Russia suggests post-Soviet security bloc boost biosecurity cooperation — Lavrov

Speaking at a meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers via a video link-up , Lavrov stressed that the coronavirus infection is a serious test for the entire system of international relations and a challenge for every state Speaking at a meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers via a video link-up , Lavrov stressed that the coronavirus infection is a serious test for the entire system of international relations and a challenge for every state and inter-state structures .
`` Today we have to carefully analyze what conclusions need to be drawn in relation to our organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is a demand to tap the CSTO ’ s potential for responding to such threats in the interests of ensuring the health and well-being of citizens of our countries .
Therefore , we offered today to consider priority measures for developing cooperation in biosecurity area , '' Lavrov said , opening the meeting .
The CSTO ’ s ministerial meeting is held in the format of a video conference for the first time ever , he noted .
`` Certainly , this format can not replace live communication , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today as always in a friendly manner and effectively , '' Lavrov said .
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , cooperating with the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) , the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) would bolster the effectiveness of the war on terror , the top diplomat stressed in his opening remarks at an online conference of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers on Tuesday .
`` It would be useful to synchronize the CSTO ’ s anti-terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CIS and SCO , to ensure the maximum consolidation of the organizations ’ potentials on that track .
We are planning to discuss this issue today , '' the top diplomat disclosed .
The CSTO must keep concentrating on identifying foreign terrorists , specifically natives of CIS member countries .
`` The creation of a reliable barrier would be facilitated by completing the effort on drawing up a single list of organizations that CSTO countries deem as terrorist , '' he pointed out .
Lavrov also threw the spotlight on the threat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving Afghan-produced drugs , whose profits are used to bankroll terrorist activity .
The foreign minister reiterated the important role of the CSTO ’ s Channel anti-drug operation in the battle against illegal drug trafficking .
`` We want Channel to continue expanding geographically and attract new participants .
This year , we will sum up the results of enacting the CSTO ’ s antidrug program for 2015-2020 , '' the Russian chief diplomat concluded .
The foreign ministers of Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) countries are working to create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions , Russian top diplomat Sergey Lavrov informed .
`` We believe that it is important for the CSTO to maintain dialogue on the entire range of security issues in the Euro-Atlantic region in order to coordinate approaches , '' he pointed out .
`` Efforts to boost the CSTO ’ s peacekeeping capacity require special attention , so today , we will continue to discuss ways to handle practical matters and improve the legal framework .
I am sure that it will allow CSTO units to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lavrov added .
The CSTO is a post-Soviet security bloc consisting of six member-states — Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Russia and Tajikistan .
Afghanistan and Serbia are observer states .

Speaking at a meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers via a video link-up, Lavrov stressed that the coronavirus infection is a serious test for the entire system of international relations and a challenge for every state
MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Russia has offered the countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a post-Soviet security bloc, to consider priority measures on fostering biosecurity cooperation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers via a video link-up, Lavrov stressed that the coronavirus infection is a serious test for the entire system of international relations and a challenge for every state and inter-state structures. "Today we have to carefully analyze what conclusions need to be drawn in relation to our organization’s activities. It is clear that there is a demand to tap the CSTO’s potential for responding to such threats in the interests of ensuring the health and well-being of citizens of our countries. Therefore, we offered today to consider priority measures for developing cooperation in biosecurity area," Lavrov said, opening the meeting. The CSTO’s ministerial meeting is held in the format of a video conference for the first time ever, he noted. "Certainly, this format cannot replace live communication, but it certainly will not prevent us from working today as always in a friendly manner and effectively," Lavrov said. Fighting terror
Read also Russia’s FSB shuts down one of the largest online drug trafficking stores
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, cooperating with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) would bolster the effectiveness of the war on terror, the top diplomat stressed in his opening remarks at an online conference of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers on Tuesday. "It would be useful to synchronize the CSTO’s anti-terrorism programs with the respective projects of the CIS and SCO, to ensure the maximum consolidation of the organizations’ potentials on that track. We are planning to discuss this issue today," the top diplomat disclosed. The CSTO must keep concentrating on identifying foreign terrorists, specifically natives of CIS member countries. "The creation of a reliable barrier would be facilitated by completing the effort on drawing up a single list of organizations that CSTO countries deem as terrorist," he pointed out. Lavrov also threw the spotlight on the threat of illegal drug trafficking, first of all involving Afghan-produced drugs, whose profits are used to bankroll terrorist activity. The foreign minister reiterated the important role of the CSTO’s Channel anti-drug operation in the battle against illegal drug trafficking. "We want Channel to continue expanding geographically and attract new participants. This year, we will sum up the results of enacting the CSTO’s antidrug program for 2015-2020," the Russian chief diplomat concluded. Participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions
Read also Tatiana Valovaya of Russia appointed Director-General of the United Nations Geneva Office


tass--2020-05-26--Volunteers for testing vaccine for COVID-19 to meet more than 20 requirements — expert

MOSCOW , May 26 .
/TASS/ .
There is a list of more than 20 restrictions for those who wish to participate in clinical tests against the novel coronavirus infection .
In particular , pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are banned from vaccine tests , the CEO of the research center of virology and biotechnology Vector , Rinat Maksyutov , told TASS in an interview .
`` Participating in clinical research will be volunteers officially recognized as healthy after a series of standard clinical , laboratory and instrumental examinations .
The body mass index will be taken into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are excluded from testing .
For vaccines against COVID-19 there exist 22 contraindications , such as pregnancy , breastfeeding , chronic diseases during the acute phase and some others , '' he said .
Earlier , Maksyutov said more than 300 volunteers had applied for participation in clinical tests , scheduled to begin at the end of June .
All volunteers give written consent to the related procedures .
`` According to the draft of the vaccination procedure the volunteers will be taken to the hospital for 24 hours and discharged the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After that all volunteers will stay under daily outpatient observation for a period of seven days .
Then they will be visiting the outpatient research center on certain dates after vaccination , '' Maksyutov said .
All vaccinated volunteers will be monitored by a medical researcher for possible undesirable reactions for a period of six months .
There are no plans for isolating the volunteers , Maksyutov stressed .
`` All those who participate in the clinical research will be paid a remuneration , '' he concluded .
To date , a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia , with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. There is a list of more than 20 restrictions for those who wish to participate in clinical tests against the novel coronavirus infection. In particular, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are banned from vaccine tests, the CEO of the research center of virology and biotechnology Vector, Rinat Maksyutov, told TASS in an interview.
"Participating in clinical research will be volunteers officially recognized as healthy after a series of standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations. The body mass index will be taken into account. Persons with contraindications to vaccination are excluded from testing. For vaccines against COVID-19 there exist 22 contraindications, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, chronic diseases during the acute phase and some others," he said.
Earlier, Maksyutov said more than 300 volunteers had applied for participation in clinical tests, scheduled to begin at the end of June. All volunteers give written consent to the related procedures.
"According to the draft of the vaccination procedure the volunteers will be taken to the hospital for 24 hours and discharged the next day if no undesirable phenomena occur. After that all volunteers will stay under daily outpatient observation for a period of seven days. Then they will be visiting the outpatient research center on certain dates after vaccination," Maksyutov said.
All vaccinated volunteers will be monitored by a medical researcher for possible undesirable reactions for a period of six months. There are no plans for isolating the volunteers, Maksyutov stressed.
"All those who participate in the clinical research will be paid a remuneration," he concluded.
To date, a total of 362,342 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 131,129 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,807 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.