tass--2020-07-24--Yerevan accuses Baku of masterminding attacks on Armenians abroad

YEREVAN , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Armenian foreign ministry has accused Azeri authorities of organizing violent attacks on Armenian diaspora representatives and diplomatic missions of Armenia overseas .
`` Lately , there have been recorded cases and attempts of violent attacks on Armenian citizens and members of Armenian communities in different countries around the world , '' the ministry said in a statement issued Friday .
It also highlights `` cases of obstructing work of Armenia ’ s diplomatic service agencies and Armenian communities abroad and deliberate destruction of their personal and government properties , '' accusing `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks .
`` We resolutely condemn practices of stoking inter-state clashes in various countries , '' the ministry underlined .
Tensions flared up on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on July 12 , when Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry said that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery systems .
Baku said twelve servicemen of Azerbaijan ’ s army , including a major general , died during the three days of battles .
Armenia , in turn , reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostilities , while nine more were wounded .
Both sides note that the situation along the border has been relatively calm since July 17 .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, July 24. /TASS/. The Armenian foreign ministry has accused Azeri authorities of organizing violent attacks on Armenian diaspora representatives and diplomatic missions of Armenia overseas.
"Lately, there have been recorded cases and attempts of violent attacks on Armenian citizens and members of Armenian communities in different countries around the world," the ministry said in a statement issued Friday. It also highlights "cases of obstructing work of Armenia’s diplomatic service agencies and Armenian communities abroad and deliberate destruction of their personal and government properties," accusing "Azeri state structures" of orchestrating the attacks. "We resolutely condemn practices of stoking inter-state clashes in various countries," the ministry underlined.
Tensions flared up on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on July 12, when Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said that Armenian army units had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions at the Tovuz section of the border with the use of artillery systems. Baku said twelve servicemen of Azerbaijan’s army, including a major general, died during the three days of battles. Armenia, in turn, reported that five servicemen were killed in the hostilities, while nine more were wounded. Both sides note that the situation along the border has been relatively calm since July 17.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-24--Chief sanitary doctor warns Russians about coronavirus risks during foreign travel

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The fact that Russia resumes international air travel does not mean that the @ @ @ @ @ become a matter of the past , but precautionary measures should remain in place , @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , said in @ @ @ @ @ ’ 24 channel on Friday .
`` I would like to draw your attention to @ @ @ @ @ of regular flights and the announced flights to Turkish resorts do not mean that the @ @ @ @ @ Not at all .
The virus stays with us and the virus is still rather @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We should follow the rules we have to live in under new conditions @ @ @ @ @ our health to break the rules .
However , only if we abide by those @ @ @ @ @ around the world , have holidays and lead a full life .
The main thing @ @ @ @ @ your health . ''

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. The fact that Russia resumes international air travel does not mean that the risk to contract coronavirus has become a matter of the past, but precautionary measures should remain in place, Anna Popova, head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, said in a televised interview on Rossiya’24 channel on Friday.
"I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the resumption of regular flights and the announced flights to Turkish resorts do not mean that the risks are all behind. Not at all. The virus stays with us and the virus is still rather active," Popova said. "We should follow the rules we have to live in under new conditions. It is risky for our health to break the rules. However, only if we abide by those rules, can we move around the world, have holidays and lead a full life. The main thing is to take care of your health."


tass--2020-07-24--Russia may soon lift quarantine for expatriation flight arrivals

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian authorities are considering the possibility of cancelling the compulsory quarantine soon for @ @ @ @ @ via expatriation flights , Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection @ @ @ @ @ told the Russia-24 TV channel .
`` We are considering today the possibility of changing @ @ @ @ @ order to evaluate all risk factors , all the possible consequences , we will need @ @ @ @ @ that the situation will allow us to cancel this requirement soon , '' she said @

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russian authorities are considering the possibility of cancelling the compulsory quarantine soon for those arriving in the country via expatriation flights, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova told the Russia-24 TV channel.
"We are considering today the possibility of changing this requirement. But in order to evaluate all risk factors, all the possible consequences, we will need some time. We hope that the situation will allow us to cancel this requirement soon," she said.


tass--2020-07-24--Russia likely to face minor outbreak of COVID-19 in September-October, says expert

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
A minor outbreak of the novel coronavirus might occur in September of October @ @ @ @ @ dachas ( a country house or cottage usually used in the summer as a second @ @ @ @ @ cities and towns , Yevgeny Timakov , a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases and vaccinology @ @ @ @ @ `` Despite the fact that all the people have been breaking the [ compulsory ] @ @ @ @ @ they have been gathering in shops contacting one another , we can not see a @ @ @ @ @ past quarantine periods .
It means that at present the virus transmission rate is lowering @ @ @ @ @ fewer susceptible people .
Yes , we expect a minor outbreak when people come back @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate at dachas will return in September and October , '' he said .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. A minor outbreak of the novel coronavirus might occur in September of October after Russians isolated at their dachas (a country house or cottage usually used in the summer as a second home) come back to cities and towns, Yevgeny Timakov, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases and vaccinology, said on Thursday.
"Despite the fact that all the people have been breaking the [compulsory] mask wearing requirements and that they have been gathering in shops contacting one another, we cannot see a spike in cases for the past quarantine periods. It means that at present the virus transmission rate is lowering, as there are much fewer susceptible people. Yes, we expect a minor outbreak when people come back from dachas. Those who self-isolate at dachas will return in September and October," he said.


tass--2020-07-24--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeding 66,800

MINSK , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 158 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases rising to 66,846 .
The daily death toll was five , the country ’ health ministry reported on Friday .
`` As many as 66,846 people ( out of the country ’ s population of 9.41 million - TASS ) have tested positive for COVID-19 .
A total of 524 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as 59,755 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease .
A total of 1,230,684 coronavirus tests have been conducted , including 10,979 in the past day .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
Currently , a presidential campaign is underway in the republic , with the elections scheduled for August 9 .
Belarus ’ authorities say the country has been demonstrating a stable positive dynamics , with the number of coronavirus cases having decreased by several times .
Nevertheless , the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a possible second wave of the infection .

MINSK, July 24. /TASS/. As many as 158 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases rising to 66,846. The daily death toll was five, the country’ health ministry reported on Friday.
"As many as 66,846 people (out of the country’s population of 9.41 million - TASS) have tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 524 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said.
According to the latest update, as many as 59,755 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease. A total of 1,230,684 coronavirus tests have been conducted, including 10,979 in the past day.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. Currently, a presidential campaign is underway in the republic, with the elections scheduled for August 9.
Belarus’ authorities say the country has been demonstrating a stable positive dynamics, with the number of coronavirus cases having decreased by several times. Nevertheless, the country’s healthcare system is getting prepared for a possible second wave of the infection.


tass--2020-07-24--Resumption of air travel to speed up return of stranded Russians, ministry says

`` This decision makes it possible to speed up the return of Russian citizens from abroad , '' the department noted .
MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The resumption of Russia ’ s international air travel with a number of countries on August 1 will accelerate the process of return of Russian citizens who got stuck overseas because of the coronavirus pandemic , the Russian foreign ministry ’ s consular department said in a statement published Friday on its Facebook page .
On Friday , the Russian government decided to resume the international air travel starting with August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic .
So far , flights will be cleared to fly to the United Kingdom , Turkey and Tanzania .
Since early April , Russia has enacted a mechanism of repatriation for Russian citizens stranded overseas due to the pandemic .
More than 60,000 people availed themselves of it .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 15,666,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 636,700 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 9,554,800 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 800,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 588,774 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"This decision makes it possible to speed up the return of Russian citizens from abroad," the department noted.
MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. The resumption of Russia’s international air travel with a number of countries on August 1 will accelerate the process of return of Russian citizens who got stuck overseas because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Russian foreign ministry’s consular department said in a statement published Friday on its Facebook page.
On Friday, the Russian government decided to resume the international air travel starting with August 1 that was suspended on March 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic. So far, flights will be cleared to fly to the United Kingdom, Turkey and Tanzania.
Since early April, Russia has enacted a mechanism of repatriation for Russian citizens stranded overseas due to the pandemic. More than 60,000 people availed themselves of it.
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 15,666,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 636,700 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 9,554,800 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 800,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 588,774 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 13,046 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-24--Gold price above $1,900/oz. first time from September 2011

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The gold price gained 0.6 % on the US-based Comex on Friday and @ @ @ @ @ Troy ounce , according to trading data .
The gold price was above the level @ @ @ @ @ ounce last time in September 2011 .
The price slightly declined later on to $ @ @ @ @ @ up 0.5 % .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. The gold price gained 0.6% on the US-based Comex on Friday and amounted to $1,902 per Troy ounce, according to trading data.
The gold price was above the level of $1,900 per Troy ounce last time in September 2011.
The price slightly declined later on to $1,899.3 per Troy ounce, up 0.5%.


tass--2020-07-24--Federation Council approves bill equaling alienation of territories to extremism

The law updates the definition of extremism by including alienation of Russian territories .
However , processes of delimitation , @ @ @ @ @ are not covered by this paper .
According to Andrey Klishas , chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ Building and Legislation , the constitutional amendment that forbids alienation of the Russian territories enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ of support of the public .
The senator also disclosed that amendments to Administrative and @ @ @ @ @ the penalties for violation of the law , are in already in discussion .
`` @ @ @ @ @ been sent to the Supreme Court .
We expect relevant rulings , '' Klishas said @ @ @ @ @ will clarify which actions are considered appropriate , and which are not .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russia’s Federation Council passed a bill equaling alienation of Russian territories to extremism, Friday.
The law updates the definition of extremism by including alienation of Russian territories. However, processes of delimitation, demarcation and re-demarcation of borders are not covered by this paper.
According to Andrey Klishas, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on State Building and Legislation, the constitutional amendment that forbids alienation of the Russian territories enjoyed one of the highest levels of support of the public.
The senator also disclosed that amendments to Administrative and Criminal codes that will determine the penalties for violation of the law, are in already in discussion.
"They [bills] have been sent to the Supreme Court. We expect relevant rulings," Klishas said, adding that the amendments will clarify which actions are considered appropriate, and which are not.


tass--2020-07-24--Aeroflot to resume flights to London and Istanbul from August 1

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s flagship air carrier Aeroflot said on Friday it will resume @ @ @ @ @ and Istanbul from August 1 .
`` The government ’ s decision to resume international @ @ @ @ @ and long-expected step towards resumption of regular air service .
Naturally , it will take @ @ @ @ @ to the full extent .
Nevertheless , Aeroflot has always maintained a high degree of @ @ @ @ @ On August 1 , we will fly to London and Istanbul and are waiting for @ @ @ @ @ Aeroflot spokesman Mikhail Demin told journalists .
Flights to the United Kingdom and Turkey were @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russia’s flagship air carrier Aeroflot said on Friday it will resume flights from Moscow to London and Istanbul from August 1.
"The government’s decision to resume international air service is a major and long-expected step towards resumption of regular air service. Naturally, it will take time to resume international flights to the full extent. Nevertheless, Aeroflot has always maintained a high degree of readiness for flight resumption. On August 1, we will fly to London and Istanbul and are waiting for further government decisions," Aeroflot spokesman Mikhail Demin told journalists.
Flights to the United Kingdom and Turkey were suspended in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-07-24--Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia officially opens doors to visitors

ISTANBUL , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Hagia Sophia officially welcomed all visitors today , as people are now allowed @ @ @ @ @ mosque and visit as tourists , TASS reports from the site .
The interiors of @ @ @ @ @ fully preserved , including frescos and icons .
They are currently hidden from visitors ’ @ @ @ @ @ are around 200-300 people in the mosque now , dozens are praying on carpets rolled @ @ @

ISTANBUL, July 24. /TASS/. Hagia Sophia officially welcomed all visitors today, as people are now allowed to pray in the newly-designated mosque and visit as tourists, TASS reports from the site.
The interiors of the place of worship are fully preserved, including frescos and icons. They are currently hidden from visitors’ eyes with curtains.
There are around 200-300 people in the mosque now, dozens are praying on carpets rolled out inside.


tass--2020-07-24--Putin discussed Armenia, Azerbaijan with Russia’s Security Council

`` During the meeting , Russia ’ s relations with the CIS countries were discussed , including Azerbaijan and Armenia , primarily in regards to the ongoing escalation at the border between the two republics , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation at the Azerbaijani-Armenian border with the Russian Security Council , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced Friday .
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishusin , speakers of both chambers of the Russian parliament - Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin ; Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anton Vaino ; Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev ; Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ; Federal Security Service head Alexander Bortnikov ; Foreign Intelligence Head Sergey Naryshkin ; and Special Presidential Representative on environmental protection , ecology and transportation Sergey Ivanov .
The situation at the border escalated on July 12 .
Azerbaijan claimed that Armenia attempted to attack its positions with artillery , while Armenia claimed that Azerbaijani troops attempted to cross the border .
Since the beginning of the conflict , Baku reported 12 dead servicemen , while Yerevan reported five dead and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported 45 shellings in the past 24 hours .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"During the meeting, Russia’s relations with the CIS countries were discussed, including Azerbaijan and Armenia, primarily in regards to the ongoing escalation at the border between the two republics," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation at the Azerbaijani-Armenian border with the Russian Security Council, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced Friday.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishusin, speakers of both chambers of the Russian parliament - Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin; Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev; head of the presidential administration Anton Vaino; Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev; Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; Federal Security Service head Alexander Bortnikov; Foreign Intelligence Head Sergey Naryshkin; and Special Presidential Representative on environmental protection, ecology and transportation Sergey Ivanov.
The situation at the border escalated on July 12. Azerbaijan claimed that Armenia attempted to attack its positions with artillery, while Armenia claimed that Azerbaijani troops attempted to cross the border.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Baku reported 12 dead servicemen, while Yerevan reported five dead and nine injured.
On July 24, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported 45 shellings in the past 24 hours.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-24--Russia will carefully monitor epidemiological situation when flights resume

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will carefully monitor epidemiological situation in the countries with which air connections @ @ @ @ @ Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Friday .
`` We will very carefully monitor the epidemiological @ @ @ @ @ in Russian cities where the flights traditionally arrive in order that the renewal of air @ @ @ @ @ to the growth of infections , '' she said to the Russia-24 TV channel .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russia will carefully monitor epidemiological situation in the countries with which air connections are resumed, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Friday.
"We will very carefully monitor the epidemiological situation in all countries, in Russian cities where the flights traditionally arrive in order that the renewal of air travel won’t lead to the growth of infections," she said to the Russia-24 TV channel.


tass--2020-07-24--Putin calls situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border very sensitive for Russia

NOVO-OGARYOVO , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the situation unfolding on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan very sensitive for Russia .
`` For us it is very sensitive - the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border , '' he said on Friday during a meeting with the permanent members of Russia ’ s Security Council .
According to Kremlin ’ s spokesman Dmitry Peskov , during the meeting `` Russia ’ s relations with the CIS countries were discussed , including Azerbaijan and Armenia , mainly in light of the continued escalation on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border escalated on July 12 .
Azerbaijan reported the attempt of the Armenian armed forces to attack the positions of Azerbaijan ’ s army using artillery , while Yerevan reported that the border situation has aggravated after a breakthrough attempt on the part of Azerbaijan .
Baku reported twelve Azerbaijani servicemen killed since the beginning of the conflict .
Yerevan reported five servicemen killed and nine wounded .
On July 24 , Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry reported 45 shootings upon its army positions along the line of contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia over the past 24 hours .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, July 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the situation unfolding on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan very sensitive for Russia.
"For us it is very sensitive - the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border," he said on Friday during a meeting with the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council.
According to Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, during the meeting "Russia’s relations with the CIS countries were discussed, including Azerbaijan and Armenia, mainly in light of the continued escalation on the border of these republics."
The situation on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border escalated on July 12. Azerbaijan reported the attempt of the Armenian armed forces to attack the positions of Azerbaijan’s army using artillery, while Yerevan reported that the border situation has aggravated after a breakthrough attempt on the part of Azerbaijan. Baku reported twelve Azerbaijani servicemen killed since the beginning of the conflict. Yerevan reported five servicemen killed and nine wounded. On July 24, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported 45 shootings upon its army positions along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and on the border with Armenia over the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-07-24--Russia ready to discuss space activity with US, UK

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to discuss the space issue with the US and the @ @ @ @ @ interested agencies and organizations , Russian Foreign Ministry said in its commentary Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ and British colleagues to display professionalism and , instead of propaganda fake news , to @ @ @ @ @ table and to join a substantial work .
We confirm our readiness to discuss all @ @ @ @ @ involvement of interested agencies and organizations , '' the Ministry said .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russia is ready to discuss the space issue with the US and the UK, with involvement of interested agencies and organizations, Russian Foreign Ministry said in its commentary Friday.
"We call on our American and British colleagues to display professionalism and, instead of propaganda fake news, to sit down at the negotiation table and to join a substantial work. We confirm our readiness to discuss all issues of space activity with involvement of interested agencies and organizations," the Ministry said.


tass--2020-07-28--Brazilian Deputy Defense Minister set to attend Russia’s Army-2020 forum next month

RIO DE JANEIRO , July 28 .
/TASS/ .
Brazilian Deputy Defense Minister Marcos Degaut will attend the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia on August 23-29 , the press service of the Brazilian Defense Ministry announced to TASS on Tuesday .
`` Secretary of Defense Products Marcos Degaut will be representing Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva [ during the Army-2020 ] , '' the ministry ’ s press service stated without giving details about the rest of the Brazilian delegation ’ s participants .
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum will run next month at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airfield , the Alabino and Ashuluk practice ranges and in Russia ’ s military districts .
The Army international military and technical forum has been held annually at the Patriot Park near Moscow since 2015 .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated last month at the ministry ’ s board meeting that the Army-2020 military-technical forum will be held this year in a new format .
Alongside the military-technical forum , the International Army Games will open and Tank Biathlon teams will start competing at the Alabino practice range outside Moscow , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the forum surpassed the previous event by an average of 15 % by all indicators , the defense chief said .
The Army-2019 forum gathered together over 1,300 enterprises that featured more than 27,000 items of armament and military hardware .
Nine foreign states held their national expositions , Defense Minister Shoigu stated last month .
At the Army-2019 forum , over 170 scientific and business events were held and 46 state contracts worth over 1 trillion rubles ( $ 14 billion in current prices ) were signed .
Large-scale shows of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Official representatives of 120 countries attended the Army-2019 forum , including over 40 high-level delegations .
Overall , over one million people visited the forum .

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 28. /TASS/. Brazilian Deputy Defense Minister Marcos Degaut will attend the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia on August 23-29, the press service of the Brazilian Defense Ministry announced to TASS on Tuesday.
"Secretary of Defense Products Marcos Degaut will be representing Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva [during the Army-2020]," the ministry’s press service stated without giving details about the rest of the Brazilian delegation’s participants.
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum will run next month at the Patriot military-patriotic park, the Kubinka airfield, the Alabino and Ashuluk practice ranges and in Russia’s military districts.
The Army international military and technical forum has been held annually at the Patriot Park near Moscow since 2015.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated last month at the ministry’s board meeting that the Army-2020 military-technical forum will be held this year in a new format. Alongside the military-technical forum, the International Army Games will open and Tank Biathlon teams will start competing at the Alabino practice range outside Moscow, according to the defense minister.
Last year, the forum surpassed the previous event by an average of 15% by all indicators, the defense chief said. The Army-2019 forum gathered together over 1,300 enterprises that featured more than 27,000 items of armament and military hardware. Nine foreign states held their national expositions, Defense Minister Shoigu stated last month.
At the Army-2019 forum, over 170 scientific and business events were held and 46 state contracts worth over 1 trillion rubles ($14 billion in current prices) were signed. Large-scale shows of the latest military hardware were held.
Official representatives of 120 countries attended the Army-2019 forum, including over 40 high-level delegations. Overall, over one million people visited the forum.


tass--2020-07-28--Brazil confirms more than 23,280 new cases of COVID-19 over past day

RIO DE JANEIRO , July 28 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 23,284 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil over the past 24 hours , bringing the country ’ s overall case count to 2,442,375 , the Brazilian health ministry reported late on Monday .
The country ’ s death toll , caused by the novel coronavirus , hit the figure of 87,618 as 614 more fatalities were reported in the past day .
A total of 1,667,667 people , who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil , have recovered from the disease , while a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the ministry ’ s data .
Brazil , where the first coronavirus case was confirmed on February 26 , is currently ranked second after the United States in terms of the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and fatalities .
According to the Brazilian Health Ministry ’ s earlier forecasts , the situation regarding the growing spread of the novel coronavirus in the country was likely to stabilize by July and would see a decline in August .
The Health Ministry also reported earlier that in June the country reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 28. /TASS/. A total of 23,284 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil over the past 24 hours, bringing the country’s overall case count to 2,442,375, the Brazilian health ministry reported late on Monday.
The country’s death toll, caused by the novel coronavirus, hit the figure of 87,618 as 614 more fatalities were reported in the past day.
A total of 1,667,667 people, who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil, have recovered from the disease, while a number of registered active cases still stands at 687,090, according to the ministry’s data.
Brazil, where the first coronavirus case was confirmed on February 26, is currently ranked second after the United States in terms of the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and fatalities.
According to the Brazilian Health Ministry’s earlier forecasts, the situation regarding the growing spread of the novel coronavirus in the country was likely to stabilize by July and would see a decline in August. The Health Ministry also reported earlier that in June the country reached a plateau in the number of fatalities.


tass--2020-07-28--Putin, Erdogan discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

MOSCOW , July 28 .
/TASS/ .
The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was among the topics discussed over the phone by Russian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
The two presidents stressed that there are no alternatives to diplomatic settlement of the conflict , the Kremlin press service said on Monday .
`` The presidents exchanged views on the situation in the South Caucasus in the context of the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border .
Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of prevention of any actions promoting further escalation .
Both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict situation only by peaceful means , through talks , '' it said .
The leaders expressed readiness to coordinate efforts to stabilize the situation in the region .
Putin and Erdogan also noted that `` there are no alternatives to political and diplomatic settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the principles of international law in the interests of the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan , '' the Kremlin said .
The presidents also touched upon a number of current issues of the bilateral agenda .
`` Thus , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combating the coronavirus infection , which has made it possible to partially resume regular air service between a number of Russian and Turkish cities from August 1 , '' the Kremlin said .
The Russian leader also congratulated his Turkish counterpart on the upcoming Kurban Bayrami holiday .
The conversation was initiated by the Turkish side .
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12 , when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions with use of artillery systems .
Armenia , in turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted attack .
The situation on the border has been relatively calm since July 17 , according to the sides .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

MOSCOW, July 28. /TASS/. The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was among the topics discussed over the phone by Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two presidents stressed that there are no alternatives to diplomatic settlement of the conflict, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.
"The presidents exchanged views on the situation in the South Caucasus in the context of the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of prevention of any actions promoting further escalation. Both sides said they are interested in settling the conflict situation only by peaceful means, through talks," it said.
The leaders expressed readiness to coordinate efforts to stabilize the situation in the region. Putin and Erdogan also noted that "there are no alternatives to political and diplomatic settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the principles of international law in the interests of the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan," the Kremlin said.
The presidents also touched upon a number of current issues of the bilateral agenda. "Thus, they gave a positive assessment of cooperation in combating the coronavirus infection, which has made it possible to partially resume regular air service between a number of Russian and Turkish cities from August 1," the Kremlin said.
The Russian leader also congratulated his Turkish counterpart on the upcoming Kurban Bayrami holiday.
The conversation was initiated by the Turkish side.
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12, when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions with use of artillery systems. Armenia, in turn, said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. The situation on the border has been relatively calm since July 17, according to the sides.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-28--Number of COVID-19 cases across globe up by over 254,000 in past day

GENEVA , July 28 .
/TASS/ .
More than 254,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 27 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 16.11 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Monday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 27 , as many as 16,114,449 novel coronavirus cases and 646,641 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 254,274 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,490 .
The WHO statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 8,610,134 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 150,089 and the number of deaths - by 3,715 and reached 337,439 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,234,043 and the number of fatalities is 210,518 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 17,409 and the number of deaths - by 257 .
Southeast Asia has 1,786,145 cases and 40,615 fatalities .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases grew by 53,897 and the number of deaths - by 829 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 4,148,011 ) , Brazil ( 2,394,513 ) , India ( 1,435,453 ) , Russia ( 818,120 ) , South Africa ( 445,433 ) , Mexico ( 385,036 ) , Peru ( 379,884 ) , Chile ( 345,790 ) , the United Kingdom ( 299,430 ) , and Iran ( 291,172 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus was reported in China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, July 28. /TASS/. More than 254,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 27, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 16.11 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Monday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 27, as many as 16,114,449 novel coronavirus cases and 646,641 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 254,274 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,490.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 8,610,134. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 150,089 and the number of deaths - by 3,715 and reached 337,439.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,234,043 and the number of fatalities is 210,518. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 17,409 and the number of deaths - by 257.
Southeast Asia has 1,786,145 cases and 40,615 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 53,897 and the number of deaths - by 829.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (4,148,011), Brazil (2,394,513), India (1,435,453), Russia (818,120), South Africa (445,433), Mexico (385,036), Peru (379,884), Chile (345,790), the United Kingdom (299,430), and Iran (291,172).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-28--Gazprom Export in touch with partners on gas pipeline accident

MOSCOW , July 28 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Export is in contact with its partners regarding the pipeline accident on @ @ @ @ @ Greece and expects an update on timing for completion of repair work from the Bulgarian @ @ @ @ @ s press service told TASS on Monday .
`` Gazprom Export is aware of the @ @ @ @ @ from Bulgaria to Greece and is in a continuous contact with its partners .
The @ @ @ @ @ the repair work completion time from the Bulgarian side , '' the company says .
@ @ @ @ @ morning on the pipeline between Bulgaria and Greece near Kulata settlement in the immediate vicinity @ @ @ @ @ 200 meters of the gas pipeline were damaged and the segment was isolated , the @ @ @ @ @ .
Wear and tear of the gas pipeline is the most probable cause of the @ @ @ @ @ Bulgaria Boyko Borisov said at the briefing .

MOSCOW, July 28. /TASS/. Gazprom Export is in contact with its partners regarding the pipeline accident on the border between Bulgaria and Greece and expects an update on timing for completion of repair work from the Bulgarian side, the company’s press service told TASS on Monday.
"Gazprom Export is aware of the situation at the gas pipeline from Bulgaria to Greece and is in a continuous contact with its partners. The company awaits an update on the repair work completion time from the Bulgarian side," the company says.
The accident occurred on Monday morning on the pipeline between Bulgaria and Greece near Kulata settlement in the immediate vicinity of the border. About 200 meters of the gas pipeline were damaged and the segment was isolated, the Energy Ministry of Bulgaria says.
Wear and tear of the gas pipeline is the most probable cause of the failure, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov said at the briefing.


tass--2020-07-28--Ten more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , July 28 .
/TASS/ .
Ten more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 4,420 the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday .
`` Ten @ @ @ @ @ have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ 4,421 .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow , which was the most serious in Russia @ @ @ @ @ By now , Moscow has reported 238,641 coronavirus cases , including 694 confirmed in the @ @ @ @ @ as 174,985 patients have recovered .
To date , 818,120 coronavirus cases have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ patients having recovered from the disease .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 28. /TASS/. Ten more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 4,420 the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday.
"Ten coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,421.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious in Russia, has visibly stabilized. By now, Moscow has reported 238,641 coronavirus cases, including 694 confirmed in the past day. As many as 174,985 patients have recovered.
To date, 818,120 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 603,329 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-27--Erdogan, Putin discuss situation in Syria and Libya

ANKARA , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Syria and Libya was among the topics discussed by Turkish @ @ @ @ @ Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin , over the phone , the Turkish president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ `` The presidents discussed steps to strengthen relations between Turkey and Russia , tensions between @ @ @ @ @ regional developments , including the situation in Syria and Libya , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ presidents `` agreed to continue dialogue and cooperate in the interests of further development of @ @ @ @ @ said .
Meanwhile , the Kremlin press service said that during the conversation with Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ of preventing further escalation of tension on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border .
The conversation was initiated @ @ @ @ @

ANKARA, July 27. /TASS/. The situation in Syria and Libya was among the topics discussed by Turkish and Russian Presidents, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, over the phone, the Turkish president’s office said on Monday.
"The presidents discussed steps to strengthen relations between Turkey and Russia, tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and regional developments, including the situation in Syria and Libya," it said.
Apart from that, the presidents "agreed to continue dialogue and cooperate in the interests of further development of bilateral relations," it said.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin press service said that during the conversation with Erdogan, Putin stressed the importance of preventing further escalation of tension on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The conversation was initiated by the Turkish side.


tass--2020-07-27--Lithuania urges EU to convince Belarus not to hurry with nuclear power plant start

VILNIUS , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called on the head of the European Council Charles Michel to convince President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko not to hurry with the launch of the nuclear power plant , which is under construction near the Lithuanian border .
This is according to a statement by the press service of the Lithuanian leader .
`` It is necessary to send a clear political signal to President Lukashenko with an insistence not to start operating the nuclear power plant until the issue of nuclear safety is resolved and recommendations following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nauseda said .
Lithuania criticizes the project of the Belarusian nuclear power plant ( BelNPP ) , which is under construction 50 km from Vilnius .
It constantly appeals to Brussels , arguing that the EU should oblige Minsk to fulfill Lithuanian requirements to the nuclear facility .
Lithuania claims that the plant is being built in violation of international requirements to nuclear energy .
The Seimas ( parliament ) of the Baltic republic declared the BelNPP a threat to national security and also legally prohibited the purchase and export of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , the Seimas called on the government to convince the EU to impose sanctions against the operator of the nuclear power plant , Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and other enterprises involved in the project .
At the end of June , Nauseda asked the European Commission to help organize a boycott of the BelNPP electricity .
In turn , Minsk states that Vilnius ’ claims to the BelNPP are politically motivated and the safety of the plant will be ensured in accordance with the highest standards .
The construction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rosatom , began in 2009 near the town of Ostrovets , Grodno Region .
The physical start-up of the first block of the plant is scheduled for early August .
Stress tests at BelNPP were carried out in 2016 and showed its resistance to extreme external conditions , in particular , the impact on the plant and its power units of natural factors ( earthquakes , flooding , extreme weather conditions and their combination ) .
The possible consequences of a power failure at the NPP were also analyzed .
The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Minsk jointly with the European Commission represented by the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group ( ENSREG ) in 2017-2018 .

VILNIUS, July 27. /TASS/. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called on the head of the European Council Charles Michel to convince President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko not to hurry with the launch of the nuclear power plant, which is under construction near the Lithuanian border. This is according to a statement by the press service of the Lithuanian leader.
"It is necessary to send a clear political signal to President Lukashenko with an insistence not to start operating the nuclear power plant until the issue of nuclear safety is resolved and recommendations following the results of stress tests are fulfilled," Nauseda said.
Lithuania criticizes the project of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP), which is under construction 50 km from Vilnius. It constantly appeals to Brussels, arguing that the EU should oblige Minsk to fulfill Lithuanian requirements to the nuclear facility. Lithuania claims that the plant is being built in violation of international requirements to nuclear energy. The Seimas (parliament) of the Baltic republic declared the BelNPP a threat to national security and also legally prohibited the purchase and export of its electricity through its power grids.
In May, the Seimas called on the government to convince the EU to impose sanctions against the operator of the nuclear power plant, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and other enterprises involved in the project. At the end of June, Nauseda asked the European Commission to help organize a boycott of the BelNPP electricity.
In turn, Minsk states that Vilnius’ claims to the BelNPP are politically motivated and the safety of the plant will be ensured in accordance with the highest standards.
The construction of the BelNPP, carried out with the participation of Rosatom, began in 2009 near the town of Ostrovets, Grodno Region. The physical start-up of the first block of the plant is scheduled for early August.
Stress tests at BelNPP were carried out in 2016 and showed its resistance to extreme external conditions, in particular, the impact on the plant and its power units of natural factors (earthquakes, flooding, extreme weather conditions and their combination). The possible consequences of a power failure at the NPP were also analyzed. The last inspection with subsequent recommendations was carried out by Minsk jointly with the European Commission represented by the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) in 2017-2018.


tass--2020-07-27--Erdogan: Hagia Sophia to be guarded by 500 Turkish security force officers

ANKARA , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
At least 500 security force officers will be instructed to guard Hagia Sophia , Istanbul ’ s iconic monument recently converted into a mosque , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a press conference in Ankara Monday .
`` We declared that Ayasofya [ Hagia Sophia ’ s official name - TASS ] would be open 24 hours a day .
Its security will be ensured by a service of 500 people .
I am grateful to the [ Turkish ] interior minister , '' the leader noted .
According to Erdogan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symbolizes a resurrection of the [ Turkish ] nation . ''
On July 10 , the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ’ s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status .
Later in the day , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship .
Local Orthodox Churches , including the Russian Orthodox Church , voiced their regret over the decision , along with UNESCO .
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument .
The cathedral was constructed between 532 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium .
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 , the cathedral was converted into a mosque .
In 1935 , following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , the founder of the modern Turkish state , the building was opened as a museum .
White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed .
In 1985 , the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

ANKARA, July 27. /TASS/. At least 500 security force officers will be instructed to guard Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s iconic monument recently converted into a mosque, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a press conference in Ankara Monday.
"We declared that Ayasofya [Hagia Sophia’s official name - TASS] would be open 24 hours a day. Its security will be ensured by a service of 500 people. I am grateful to the [Turkish] interior minister," the leader noted.
According to Erdogan, Hagia Sophia's opening for prayers "symbolizes a resurrection of the [Turkish] nation."
On July 10, the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status. Later in the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship. Local Orthodox Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, voiced their regret over the decision, along with UNESCO.
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument. The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. In 1935, following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state, the building was opened as a museum. White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed. In 1985, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.


tass--2020-07-27--Short circuit thought to have caused fire in women's detention center in Moscow

MOSCOW , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
A short circuit is viewed to be the main reason that caused a @ @ @ @ @ detention facility for women , law enforcement agencies told TASS .
`` According to preliminary @ @ @ @ @ could have caused the fire .
Other versions are also being looked at .
We @ @ @ @ @ about the precise reasons after the fire is fully put out and when inquiry officers @ @ @ @ @ the source said .
The information about a fire in the pre-trial detention facility at @ @ @ @ @ Street came at 16:17 Moscow time .
According to earlier data , 850 people had @ @ @ @ @ buildings .

MOSCOW, July 27. /TASS/. A short circuit is viewed to be the main reason that caused a fire in Moscow’s detention facility for women, law enforcement agencies told TASS.
"According to preliminary reports, a short circuit could have caused the fire. Other versions are also being looked at. We will be able to speak about the precise reasons after the fire is fully put out and when inquiry officers complete their job," the source said.
The information about a fire in the pre-trial detention facility at Moscow’s 92 Shosseinaya Street came at 16:17 Moscow time. According to earlier data, 850 people had to be evacuated to nearby buildings.


tass--2020-07-27--US P-8A Poseidon aircraft intercepted by Russian Su-27 fighter jet over Black Sea

MOSCOW , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
A US P-8A Poseidon surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft was intercepted by a Russian Su-27 fighter jet over the Black Sea , the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s National Defense Management Center said on Monday .
`` On July 27 , 2020 , Russian airspace control means spotted an aerial target approaching the Russian state border over the Black Sea neutral waters .
A Su-27 fighter jet of the Southern Military District ’ s air defense forces was scrambled to intercept the target , '' it said , adding that the fighter jet returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had made an U-turn off the Russian border .
`` The Su-27 plane ’ s flight was performed in strict compliance with international rules of the use of airspace .
The Russian border was not violated , '' the center stressed .
It was not the first such incident over the past week .
Thus , a Russian Su-27 fighter jet escorted a US P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane over the Black Sea ’ s neutral waters on July 24 .
The day before , the National Defense Management Center reported a similar incident @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 27. /TASS/. A US P-8A Poseidon surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft was intercepted by a Russian Su-27 fighter jet over the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry’s National Defense Management Center said on Monday.
"On July 27, 2020, Russian airspace control means spotted an aerial target approaching the Russian state border over the Black Sea neutral waters. A Su-27 fighter jet of the Southern Military District’s air defense forces was scrambled to intercept the target," it said, adding that the fighter jet returned to the base after the US plane had made an U-turn off the Russian border.
"The Su-27 plane’s flight was performed in strict compliance with international rules of the use of airspace. The Russian border was not violated," the center stressed.
It was not the first such incident over the past week. Thus, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet escorted a US P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane over the Black Sea’s neutral waters on July 24. The day before, the National Defense Management Center reported a similar incident over the Black Sea.


tass--2020-07-27--Turkey promises to discuss restoration of Hagia Sophia with UNESCO, says Russian official

PARIS , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Turkish authorities have assured the UNESCO leadership of their intention to work closely with the organization in carrying out the planned restoration work in the Hagia Sophia cathedral after its transformation into a mosque and promised to invite a delegation of experts to discuss the restoration plan , Alexander Kuznetsov , Russia 's permanent representative to UNESCO , told TASS on Monday .
`` After [ the decision to change the status of the cathedral ] , Permanent Representative of Turkey to UNESCO [ Altay Cengizer ] circulated a letter addressed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he assured that in between Muslim services , the Hagia Sophia will be open to people of all faiths , '' Kuznetsov said .
According to him , the Turkish side also promised to create a scientific council that will consider a number of restoration and infrastructure projects .
`` Now they have assured us that they will not do anything without consulting UNESCO specialists and promise to invite the organization 's experts to Istanbul in the near future , '' he said .
`` For UNESCO , this is especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time the Turkish authorities did not respond to the organization 's requests and did not consult with it before changing the status of the temple , '' the Russian permanent representative explained .
Kuznetsov added that the Turkish authorities sent this letter to UNESCO last week before the first Muslim worship took place within the walls of the cathedral since 1934 .
The official could not clarify what additional information UNESCO expects to receive from Turkey .
On Friday evening , a representative of the organization 's press service told TASS that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preservation of this historical heritage site from the Turkish side .
The Russian permanent representative added that representatives of the Turkish delegation had held many meetings recently , including with the director of the World Heritage Center and the assistant director general of UNESCO for Culture .
The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation expressed hope that the Turkish authorities , as stated by their representative at UNESCO , will strictly observe the provisions of the 1972 Convention on the Protection of World Heritage in relation to the Hagia Sophia .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ’ s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status .
Later in the day , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship .
Local Orthodox Churches , including the Russian Orthodox Church , voiced their regret over the decision , along with UNESCO .
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument .
The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium .
After the fall of Constantinople @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a mosque .
In 1935 , following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , the founder of the modern Turkish state , the building was opened as a museum .
White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed .
In 1985 , the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

PARIS, July 27. /TASS/. The Turkish authorities have assured the UNESCO leadership of their intention to work closely with the organization in carrying out the planned restoration work in the Hagia Sophia cathedral after its transformation into a mosque and promised to invite a delegation of experts to discuss the restoration plan, Alexander Kuznetsov, Russia's permanent representative to UNESCO, told TASS on Monday.
"After [the decision to change the status of the cathedral], Permanent Representative of Turkey to UNESCO [Altay Cengizer] circulated a letter addressed to the director general of the organization, in which he assured that in between Muslim services, the Hagia Sophia will be open to people of all faiths," Kuznetsov said.
According to him, the Turkish side also promised to create a scientific council that will consider a number of restoration and infrastructure projects. "Now they have assured us that they will not do anything without consulting UNESCO specialists and promise to invite the organization's experts to Istanbul in the near future," he said.
"For UNESCO, this is especially important <...> because for a long time the Turkish authorities did not respond to the organization's requests and did not consult with it before changing the status of the temple," the Russian permanent representative explained.
Kuznetsov added that the Turkish authorities sent this letter to UNESCO last week before the first Muslim worship took place within the walls of the cathedral since 1934. The official could not clarify what additional information UNESCO expects to receive from Turkey. On Friday evening, a representative of the organization's press service told TASS that UNESCO had not received all guarantees for the preservation of this historical heritage site from the Turkish side. The Russian permanent representative added that representatives of the Turkish delegation had held many meetings recently, including with the director of the World Heritage Center and the assistant director general of UNESCO for Culture.
The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation expressed hope that the Turkish authorities, as stated by their representative at UNESCO, will strictly observe the provisions of the 1972 Convention on the Protection of World Heritage in relation to the Hagia Sophia.
On July 10, the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status. Later in the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship. Local Orthodox Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, voiced their regret over the decision, along with UNESCO.
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument. The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. In 1935, following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state, the building was opened as a museum. White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed. In 1985, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.


tass--2020-07-27--Deputy chief of Russian Security Council dismisses G8 as ‘obsolete platform’

MOSCOW , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
The value of the G7 is questionable and there is no need to restore an `` obsolete platform '' such as the G8 , Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote on social media on Monday , commenting on foreign officials ’ statements about bringing Russia back to the G8 .
`` It has been said frequently that no one needs the G8 as it stands , that the world has changed a lot and nothing can be discussed without having China or India at the table , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in the G8 , there were attempts to engage these countries through what was called an outreach format , on an understanding that it was a necessity .
Otherwise , discussions would seem deficient , '' Medvedev added .
`` Overall , considering the existence of the G20 and other international frameworks , the G7 value is highly doubtful , '' he went on to say .
`` Nonetheless , they continue chanting their mantras about Crimea and Ukraine over and over again as a condition for restoring the G8 .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea has returned to Russia for good , while the settlement in the southeast is Ukraine ’ s business .
Besides , there is no need for Russia to revive obsolete platforms for discussing international matters .
You can not step into the same river twice , '' Medvedev emphasized .

MOSCOW, July 27. /TASS/. The value of the G7 is questionable and there is no need to restore an "obsolete platform" such as the G8, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote on social media on Monday, commenting on foreign officials’ statements about bringing Russia back to the G8.
"It has been said frequently that no one needs the G8 as it stands, that the world has changed a lot and nothing can be discussed without having China or India at the table," he pointed out. "When I took part in the G8, there were attempts to engage these countries through what was called an outreach format, on an understanding that it was a necessity. Otherwise, discussions would seem deficient," Medvedev added.
"Overall, considering the existence of the G20 and other international frameworks, the G7 value is highly doubtful," he went on to say. "Nonetheless, they continue chanting their mantras about Crimea and Ukraine over and over again as a condition for restoring the G8. At the same time, they realize that Crimea has returned to Russia for good, while the settlement in the southeast is Ukraine’s business. Besides, there is no need for Russia to revive obsolete platforms for discussing international matters. You cannot step into the same river twice," Medvedev emphasized.


tass--2020-07-27--Tu-95MS strategic bombers conduct mid-air refueling in Volga area drills

MOSCOW , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers practiced mid-air refueling from an @ @ @ @ @ training flights in the skies over the Saratov Region , the press office of Russia @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` The long-range aircraft took off from various airfields .
The mid-air @ @ @ @ @ daytime at altitudes of over 5,000 meters and at a speed of about 600 km/h @ @ @ @ @ planes was less than 30 meters , '' the press office said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ in the training flights , the statement says .
The Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bomber is @ @ @ @ @ of striking vital targets in remote military-geographical areas and deep in the rear of continental @ @ @ @ @ employing nuclear missile weapons .
A modernized bomber is furnished with a new control system @ @ @ @ @ that have proven their efficiency in Syria .

MOSCOW, July 27. /TASS/. The crews of Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers practiced mid-air refueling from an Il-78 aerial refueling tanker during training flights in the skies over the Saratov Region, the press office of Russia’s Aerospace Force reported on Monday.
"The long-range aircraft took off from various airfields. The mid-air refueling was conducted in the daytime at altitudes of over 5,000 meters and at a speed of about 600 km/h. The distance between the planes was less than 30 meters," the press office said in a statement.
Young officers took part in the training flights, the statement says.
The Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bomber is designated to accomplish the tasks of striking vital targets in remote military-geographical areas and deep in the rear of continental theaters of military operations, employing nuclear missile weapons. A modernized bomber is furnished with a new control system and hardpoints for Kh-101 missiles that have proven their efficiency in Syria.


tass--2020-07-27--Arctic Floating University 2020 closes online session

ARKHANGELSK , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Arctic Floating University 2020 , which this time was organized online , closed its annual session , the Northern Arctic Federal University in Arkhangelsk told TASS .
The University ’ s Arctic Center ’ s Director Alexander Saburov said the organizers had to reschedule to 2021 an expedition to the Arctic due to the pandemic .
The Arctic Floating University is a joint project of the University and the Hydrometeorology Service ’ s Northern Department .
Arctic expeditions , involving students and scientists from Russian and foreign universities , have been organized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive practical skills in working in high latitudes , and scientists present lectures on their studies .
`` It took us a year to organize the expedition , which was due in late July - we were to visit Novaya Zemlya ’ s northern edge and the Franz Josef Land Archipelago , '' Saburov said .
`` But the situation with the coronavirus infection developed so that the international expedition was out of question .
Thus we decided to use the online format for the Arctic Floating University .
Within one month our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspects , they study . ''
The scientists read 15 lectures , which were available for anyone .
The speakers were mostly participants in earlier expeditions , and the audience - Russian students , studying various aspects related to the Arctic .
In addition to the lectures , participants could take virtual classes .
The educational session featured more than 100 students from Russia , Belarus , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , the US and Finland .
`` All participants in the online lectures , who solved all the tasks , would receive certificates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive prizes , '' the scientist said .
The lectures were available online on the University ’ s Youtube channel .
The audience could ask questions .
All videos are stored , and though most of them were in narrow fields , the lectures have been viewed by 1,300 users .
The lectures were on different topics : Professor of the St. Petersburg University Alexander Sergunin spoke about international cooperation in the Arctic .
Viktor Merkulov of the Arctic and Antarctic Institute told about Arctic Ocean studies , and Deputy Rector of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had run a few earlier expeditions , presented Russia ’ s policy in the Arctic and told the audience about the interest to the region , which non-Arctic states demonstrate .
A separate session focused on the climate change in the polar latitudes : what processes and how influence birds and the Barents Sea ’ s invertebrates .
A separate topic was the North ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples .
Maria Tysyachnuk of the US Wisconsin-Madison University compared life of indigenous peoples in Russia and in Alaska , and analyzed how oil revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included `` a very interesting lecture by Maria Titova of the Museum of Arctic about expeditions of artist Alexander Borisov , '' Saburov added .
To learn what the Arctic is like Ludmila Drachkova of the Northern Arctic University told TASS quite often students do not know much about the region , where they plan to work .
`` Sometimes they would not know much about the Arctic ’ s geography , the climate changes or resources .
They may be specialists in their narrow fields , but may know only little about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We know cases , where during the Floating University onboard a vessel some students realized this topic is beyond them , '' she said .
According to her , the educational component is an important part of expeditions : students listen to lectures when a vessel sails or during breaks between going ashore and working there .
`` We also want to demonstrate what studies are promising in a particular region , what directions receive support .
Thus we want to our participants and all other people , who plan to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which direction they may target the scientific research , '' she added .
In 2020 , the organizers have invited hydrometeorology specialists from the Northern Division and from the Russian Arctic National Park .
`` The national park ’ s Deputy Director Andrei Kunnikov told the audience about tourism in the Arctic , '' Saburov said .
`` If this year the expedition happened as planned , the audience would have listened to this lecture at the Tikhaya Bay on Franz Josef Land . ''
Normally , lectures during the voyages are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classes were mostly for the Russian-speaking audience , and thus this tradition was not observed .
Organizers plan to record online lectures in future and to record the lectures , which scientists will read onboard the Professor Molchanov vessel .
However , those lectures most likely would be recorded additionally , as it is always noisy onboard the ship , and besides lectures are read even during storms .
`` A lecturer and the audience often have to hold on to something to keep the balance , '' the expert said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , 2021 .
`` Preference will be given to the participants who have been chosen for the voyage in 2020 , and we shall invite them for the voyage next year .
If for some reasons any places are vacated , we shall again announce a new competition , though first of all among those who had applied for the trip in 2020 but did not win , '' Saburov said .
The expedition in 2020 was supposed to feature experts and students from Switzerland , Iceland , China , Denmark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of them have confirmed they would want to join the expedition in 2021 .
The Arctic University continues to analyze materials , collected during earlier expeditions .
The university studies pollution in the Arctic region .
`` Experts from the Arctic Center focus not on traditional , well known pollutants , like heavy metals , for example , but on new substances , which may be identified with the equipment they have .
Those substances are quite numerous and the studies are time-consuming , '' Saburov added .

ARKHANGELSK, July 27. /TASS/. The Arctic Floating University 2020, which this time was organized online, closed its annual session, the Northern Arctic Federal University in Arkhangelsk told TASS. The University’s Arctic Center’s Director Alexander Saburov said the organizers had to reschedule to 2021 an expedition to the Arctic due to the pandemic.
The Arctic Floating University is a joint project of the University and the Hydrometeorology Service’s Northern Department. Arctic expeditions, involving students and scientists from Russian and foreign universities, have been organized since 2012. During voyages, students receive practical skills in working in high latitudes, and scientists present lectures on their studies.
"It took us a year to organize the expedition, which was due in late July - we were to visit Novaya Zemlya’s northern edge and the Franz Josef Land Archipelago," Saburov said. "But the situation with the coronavirus infection developed so that the international expedition was out of question. Thus we decided to use the online format for the Arctic Floating University. Within one month our participants and partners organized lectures on the aspects, they study."
The scientists read 15 lectures, which were available for anyone. The speakers were mostly participants in earlier expeditions, and the audience - Russian students, studying various aspects related to the Arctic. In addition to the lectures, participants could take virtual classes. The educational session featured more than 100 students from Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the US and Finland. "All participants in the online lectures, who solved all the tasks, would receive certificates, and the best of best will receive prizes," the scientist said.
The lectures were available online on the University’s Youtube channel. The audience could ask questions. All videos are stored, and though most of them were in narrow fields, the lectures have been viewed by 1,300 users. The lectures were on different topics: Professor of the St. Petersburg University Alexander Sergunin spoke about international cooperation in the Arctic. Viktor Merkulov of the Arctic and Antarctic Institute told about Arctic Ocean studies, and Deputy Rector of the Northern Arctic University Konstantin Zaikov, who had run a few earlier expeditions, presented Russia’s policy in the Arctic and told the audience about the interest to the region, which non-Arctic states demonstrate.
A separate session focused on the climate change in the polar latitudes: what processes and how influence birds and the Barents Sea’s invertebrates. A separate topic was the North’s low-numbered indigenous peoples. Maria Tysyachnuk of the US Wisconsin-Madison University compared life of indigenous peoples in Russia and in Alaska, and analyzed how oil revenues are divided there. The educational program included "a very interesting lecture by Maria Titova of the Museum of Arctic about expeditions of artist Alexander Borisov," Saburov added.
To learn what the Arctic is like
Ludmila Drachkova of the Northern Arctic University told TASS quite often students do not know much about the region, where they plan to work. "Sometimes they would not know much about the Arctic’s geography, the climate changes or resources. They may be specialists in their narrow fields, but may know only little about the region, where they will work. We know cases, where during the Floating University onboard a vessel some students realized this topic is beyond them," she said.
According to her, the educational component is an important part of expeditions: students listen to lectures when a vessel sails or during breaks between going ashore and working there. "We also want to demonstrate what studies are promising in a particular region, what directions receive support. Thus we want to our participants and all other people, who plan to work in the Arctic region, to realize in which direction they may target the scientific research," she added.
In 2020, the organizers have invited hydrometeorology specialists from the Northern Division and from the Russian Arctic National Park. "The national park’s Deputy Director Andrei Kunnikov told the audience about tourism in the Arctic," Saburov said. "If this year the expedition happened as planned, the audience would have listened to this lecture at the Tikhaya Bay on Franz Josef Land."
Normally, lectures during the voyages are presented in English, but this year the classes were mostly for the Russian-speaking audience, and thus this tradition was not observed. Organizers plan to record online lectures in future and to record the lectures, which scientists will read onboard the Professor Molchanov vessel. However, those lectures most likely would be recorded additionally, as it is always noisy onboard the ship, and besides lectures are read even during storms. "A lecturer and the audience often have to hold on to something to keep the balance," the expert said.
Arctic Floating University in 2021
Organizers have rescheduled the 2020 program for July, 2021. "Preference will be given to the participants who have been chosen for the voyage in 2020, and we shall invite them for the voyage next year. If for some reasons any places are vacated, we shall again announce a new competition, though first of all among those who had applied for the trip in 2020 but did not win," Saburov said.
The expedition in 2020 was supposed to feature experts and students from Switzerland, Iceland, China, Denmark, the UK, South Korea and Singapore. Most of them have confirmed they would want to join the expedition in 2021.
The Arctic University continues to analyze materials, collected during earlier expeditions. The university studies pollution in the Arctic region. "Experts from the Arctic Center focus not on traditional, well known pollutants, like heavy metals, for example, but on new substances, which may be identified with the equipment they have. Those substances are quite numerous and the studies are time-consuming," Saburov added.


tass--2020-07-27--Russia to have anti-COVID vaccine enough for mass vaccination in early 2021

MALENKOYE VILLAGE /Republic of Crimea/ , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will be able to manufacture anti-coronavirus vaccine enough to carry out mass vaccination by the beginning of 2021 , President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev said on Monday .
`` When we speak about mass vaccination of the population , about tens and hundreds of millions of vaccine doses , obviously , it will take time .
I would say that if everything is all right , as we plan and as big companies in other countries plan , it will probably be possible at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The scientist is very cautious about prospects of mass vaccination against the coronavirus infection .
`` Vaccine development is a long thing .
You see , if you want to prove that the candidate vaccine you have developed really works for , say , six months , then clinical tests of such a vaccine should take a long time , '' he stressed .
According to the academy president , it is necessary to monitor the vaccine-induced antibodies for at least six months .
`` Naturally , it terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary to do something quickly to protect risk groups , to protect doctors working in the so-called red zone , work can been accelerated , '' Sergeyev said .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 16,431,700 people have been infected worldwide and more than 652,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 10,056,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 818,120 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 603,329 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 13,354 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the @ @ @

MALENKOYE VILLAGE /Republic of Crimea/, July 27. /TASS/. Russia will be able to manufacture anti-coronavirus vaccine enough to carry out mass vaccination by the beginning of 2021, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev said on Monday.
"When we speak about mass vaccination of the population, about tens and hundreds of millions of vaccine doses, obviously, it will take time. I would say that if everything is all right, as we plan and as big companies in other countries plan, it will probably be possible at the beginning of next year," he said.
The scientist is very cautious about prospects of mass vaccination against the coronavirus infection. "Vaccine development is a long thing. You see, if you want to prove that the candidate vaccine you have developed really works for, say, six months, then clinical tests of such a vaccine should take a long time," he stressed.
According to the academy president, it is necessary to monitor the vaccine-induced antibodies for at least six months. "Naturally, it terms of some mobilization decisions, when it is necessary to do something quickly to protect risk groups, to protect doctors working in the so-called red zone, work can been accelerated," Sergeyev said.
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 16,431,700 people have been infected worldwide and more than 652,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 10,056,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 818,120 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 603,329 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 13,354 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-27--Terrorist eliminated in Russia’s Khimki planned terror attack in Moscow soon

MOSCOW , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
Tajik national Odil Kayumov was prepping to commit a terror attack in Moscow very soon before he was neutralized by security service officers , a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS .
`` Kayumov was planning to organize a terror attack in one of the capital ’ s crowded places very soon , the preparations were almost complete , '' the source said , failing to disclose any other details but adding that the man had a plan to flee to Turkey immediately after the terror attack .
In turn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently determining contacts of the terrorist .
`` Supposedly , he was looking for a safer place for a clandestine arsenal storage , '' TASS was told .
The Tajik citizen was staying in Russia legally , a law enforcement agency source told TASS .
`` According to preliminary information , Tajik citizen Odil Kayumov was in Russia legally and had a work permit , '' the source said .
He added that Kayumov previously was not targeted by law enforcement agencies .
Earlier , the FSB public relations center revealed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass shooting in Moscow and a trip to Syria to join terrorists there was eliminated .
The suspect was found around dilapidated garages in the Moscow Region ’ s Khimki .
When officers attempted to detain him , he opened fire and was killed .
When searching the site , an arms arsenal was seized : an AK-47 with a magazine case of 25 bullets , two extra magazines for it , two F-1 hand grenades and an RGD-1 grenade .
Criminal proceedings were launched on the count of attempt on law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also searched the flat that he rented to discover proof that he was indeed in contact with emissaries of a international terrorist group in Syria and was prepping for mass shooting .
His possible accomplices are being looked for now .

MOSCOW, July 27. /TASS/. Tajik national Odil Kayumov was prepping to commit a terror attack in Moscow very soon before he was neutralized by security service officers, a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS.
"Kayumov was planning to organize a terror attack in one of the capital’s crowded places very soon, the preparations were almost complete," the source said, failing to disclose any other details but adding that the man had a plan to flee to Turkey immediately after the terror attack.
In turn, another source told TASS that the investigation is currently determining contacts of the terrorist. "Supposedly, he was looking for a safer place for a clandestine arsenal storage," TASS was told.
The Tajik citizen was staying in Russia legally, a law enforcement agency source told TASS.
"According to preliminary information, Tajik citizen Odil Kayumov was in Russia legally and had a work permit," the source said. He added that Kayumov previously was not targeted by law enforcement agencies.
Earlier, the FSB public relations center revealed that a militant who had been preparing for mass shooting in Moscow and a trip to Syria to join terrorists there was eliminated. The suspect was found around dilapidated garages in the Moscow Region’s Khimki. When officers attempted to detain him, he opened fire and was killed. When searching the site, an arms arsenal was seized: an AK-47 with a magazine case of 25 bullets, two extra magazines for it, two F-1 hand grenades and an RGD-1 grenade. Criminal proceedings were launched on the count of attempt on law enforcement agent’s life. FSB officers also searched the flat that he rented to discover proof that he was indeed in contact with emissaries of a international terrorist group in Syria and was prepping for mass shooting. His possible accomplices are being looked for now.


tass--2020-07-27--Poroshenko before 'Maidan' asked Yanukovich to let him become Kiev mayor, ex-lawmaker says

KIEV , July 27 .
/TASS/ .
Former lawmaker of Ukraine ’ s Verkhovna Rada David Zhvania stated that in 2012-2013 Poroshenko asked Viktor Yanukovich , then Ukraine ’ s president , for permission to run for the post of mayor of Kiev .
Zhvania made this statement in his new YouTube address .
`` In 2012-2013 , before the 'Maidan , ' Pyotr Poroshenko really wanted to become the mayor of Kiev .
And he not only wanted it , but he also attempted to obtain a go-ahead from Viktor Yanukovich .
He wanted Yanukovich to make him first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration and then to allow him to stand for election , '' Zhvania said .
The politician insists that with this goal in mind Poroshenko was talking to Yanukovich ’ s retinue .
`` He was sitting humbly in the waiting rooms of [ Sergey ] Levochkin [ former head of the presidential administration in 2010-2014 - TASS ] and [ Andrey ] Klyuev [ former head of the presidential administration in 2014 - TASS ] .
He promised them to be a loyal soldier of Yanukovich and fulfill all orders from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kiev , '' he added .
The former lawmaker also said that he `` personally helped Poroshenko to conduct talks on this subject with the leadership of the Party of Regions . ''
However , according to Zhvania , Yanukovich turned Poroshenko down because he simply didn ’ t trust him .
`` Although Poroshenko was very upset , he agreed with Yanukovich ’ s decision .
He bore a grudge and waited for his chance .
He got his chance as early as in November .
The rest you know , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former lawmaker and Poroshenko ’ s closest associate addressed Ukraine ’ s Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova , claiming that he is ready to testify against himself and other politicians involved in the 2014 coup on condition that his safety is guaranteed , saying that he is scared that Poroshenko may order his assassination .
In the first video posted on YouTube on July 22 , the former lawmaker claimed that Poroshenko bribed a EU official to support him in the 2014 presidential election .

KIEV, July 27. /TASS/. Former lawmaker of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada David Zhvania stated that in 2012-2013 Poroshenko asked Viktor Yanukovich, then Ukraine’s president, for permission to run for the post of mayor of Kiev. Zhvania made this statement in his new YouTube address.
"In 2012-2013, before the 'Maidan,' Pyotr Poroshenko really wanted to become the mayor of Kiev. And he not only wanted it, but he also attempted to obtain a go-ahead from Viktor Yanukovich. He wanted Yanukovich to make him first head of Kiev’s city state administration and then to allow him to stand for election," Zhvania said.
The politician insists that with this goal in mind Poroshenko was talking to Yanukovich’s retinue. "He was sitting humbly in the waiting rooms of [Sergey] Levochkin [former head of the presidential administration in 2010-2014 - TASS] and [Andrey] Klyuev [former head of the presidential administration in 2014 - TASS]. He promised them to be a loyal soldier of Yanukovich and fulfill all orders from the presidential administration, if only he gets Kiev," he added. The former lawmaker also said that he "personally helped Poroshenko to conduct talks on this subject with the leadership of the Party of Regions." However, according to Zhvania, Yanukovich turned Poroshenko down because he simply didn’t trust him. "Although Poroshenko was very upset, he agreed with Yanukovich’s decision. He bore a grudge and waited for his chance. He got his chance as early as in November. The rest you know," the politician said.
Earlier, the former lawmaker and Poroshenko’s closest associate addressed Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova, claiming that he is ready to testify against himself and other politicians involved in the 2014 coup on condition that his safety is guaranteed, saying that he is scared that Poroshenko may order his assassination.
In the first video posted on YouTube on July 22, the former lawmaker claimed that Poroshenko bribed a EU official to support him in the 2014 presidential election.