tass--2020-07-17--Risen Energy inks EPC contract for a 250 MW project in Vietnam

NINGBO , China , July 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Risen Energy Co. , Ltd. ( SZSE:300118 ) recently announced that the company will provide EPC services for Xinghai Group 's 4/5 project ( totaling 250 MW ) in Loc Ninh , Vietnam , and is expected to complete shipment this December .
The facility , one of the largest privately-funded EPC projects worldwide , will help the company further improve its competitiveness in the Vietnamese market once it has been successfully connected to the grid .
With direct sunlight generally available between 2,000 and 2,500 hours per year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia best placed to take advantage of solar energy .
However , the country 's hot and humid environment raises the criteria for the stable operation of components .
To ensure success , Risen Energy will provide high-efficient Jaeger components for the project , which are more resistant to LID and LeTID .
In addition , the components are expected to lower LCOE and increase revenue from the facility 's power generation .
As one of the first PV companies entering the Vietnamese market , Risen Energy quickly implemented a strategy focusing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and establishing local branches .
The approach went a long way in helping the firm garner a number of project orders .
The company has expanded its presence globally , with completed projects in Europe , Asia , North America , South America and Australia .
Most notable are the excellent results in markets benefiting from the Chinese government 's Belt and Road Initiative , including Nepal , Bangladesh , Kazakhstan and Malaysia .
Commenting on the cooperation , Risen Energy said : `` We are very delighted to partner with Xinghai Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only further consolidate the company 's market position in Vietnam , but also drive development of the clean energy sector in Vietnam and Southeast Asia .
We will continue to make full use of our advantages to meet the diversified needs of customers worldwide and provide them with higher-quality PV products and services '' .

NINGBO, China, July 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Risen Energy Co., Ltd. (SZSE:300118) recently announced that the company will provide EPC services for Xinghai Group's 4/5 project (totaling 250 MW) in Loc Ninh, Vietnam, and is expected to complete shipment this December. The facility, one of the largest privately-funded EPC projects worldwide, will help the company further improve its competitiveness in the Vietnamese market once it has been successfully connected to the grid.
With direct sunlight generally available between 2,000 and 2,500 hours per year, Vietnam is among the countries in Southeast Asia best placed to take advantage of solar energy. However, the country's hot and humid environment raises the criteria for the stable operation of components. To ensure success, Risen Energy will provide high-efficient Jaeger components for the project, which are more resistant to LID and LeTID. In addition, the components are expected to lower LCOE and increase revenue from the facility's power generation.
As one of the first PV companies entering the Vietnamese market, Risen Energy quickly implemented a strategy focusing on resource localization, recruiting local talents, and establishing local branches. The approach went a long way in helping the firm garner a number of project orders. The company has expanded its presence globally, with completed projects in Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australia. Most notable are the excellent results in markets benefiting from the Chinese government's Belt and Road Initiative, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
Commenting on the cooperation, Risen Energy said: "We are very delighted to partner with Xinghai Group on this project. The collaboration will not only further consolidate the company's market position in Vietnam, but also drive development of the clean energy sector in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. We will continue to make full use of our advantages to meet the diversified needs of customers worldwide and provide them with higher-quality PV products and services".
CONTACT: Tina Feng, +86-574-59953077


tass--2020-07-17--Moscow city officials act to resuscitate tourism to Russia’s capital

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow authorities are doing their best to help the Russian capital ’ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus pandemic , Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya @ @ @ @ @ if there is a serious decline this year , I hope that this business will @ @ @ @ @ our part , are doing everything for that , '' the mayor said .
The @ @ @ @ @ flow of foreign tourists will resume this fall or this winter .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. The Moscow authorities are doing their best to help the Russian capital’s travel industry recover from the novel coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda radio.
"Even if there is a serious decline this year, I hope that this business will rebound. We, on our part, are doing everything for that," the mayor said.
The Moscow mayor expects that the flow of foreign tourists will resume this fall or this winter.


tass--2020-07-17--Russia hopes for businesslike discussion in OSCE under Sweden’s presidency — envoy

VIENNA , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia hopes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe would demonstrate a businesslike approach to discussions during Sweden ’ s presidency in the organization in 2021 , Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said .
The Russian diplomat said during the organization ’ s Permanent Council meeting in Vienna on Thursday that the return of normal dialogue should become the main goal of the next year ’ s presidency , especially when the military and political situation in the Euro-Atlantic region is rapidly becoming more and more unpredictable and uncontrolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being destroyed .
The NATO policy of deterring Russia and boosting military infrastructure near our borders continues to provoke tensions and loss of confidence , '' Lukashevich said .
`` We hope that the Swedish presidency will manage to discuss even the most difficult issues in a businesslike and non-conflict manner .
This particularly applies to our cooperation within the framework of the Forum for Security Co-operation , which should be prevented from turning into a fruitless confrontation , '' the Russian envoy continued .
In his words , a search for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goal , instead of attempts to sow discord and draw dividing lines .
Sweden will assume the rotating OSCE presidency on January 1 , 2021 .
The country ’ s envoy to OSCE presented the presidency ’ s priorities to the Permanent Council via a video linkup on Thursday .

VIENNA, July 17. /TASS/. Russia hopes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe would demonstrate a businesslike approach to discussions during Sweden’s presidency in the organization in 2021, Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said.
The Russian diplomat said during the organization’s Permanent Council meeting in Vienna on Thursday that the return of normal dialogue should become the main goal of the next year’s presidency, especially when the military and political situation in the Euro-Atlantic region is rapidly becoming more and more unpredictable and uncontrolled.
"International instruments of arms control are being destroyed. The NATO policy of deterring Russia and boosting military infrastructure near our borders continues to provoke tensions and loss of confidence," Lukashevich said.
"We hope that the Swedish presidency will manage to discuss even the most difficult issues in a businesslike and non-conflict manner. This particularly applies to our cooperation within the framework of the Forum for Security Co-operation, which should be prevented from turning into a fruitless confrontation," the Russian envoy continued.
In his words, a search for points of convergence and compromises should become the goal, instead of attempts to sow discord and draw dividing lines.
Sweden will assume the rotating OSCE presidency on January 1, 2021. The country’s envoy to OSCE presented the presidency’s priorities to the Permanent Council via a video linkup on Thursday.


tass--2020-07-17--US quits Open Skies Treaty in bid to fully control space - Russian defense official

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The reasons for the United States to withdraw from the multilateral Open Skies Treaty include Washington ’ s desire to gain full control of the outer space , chief of the Russian National Centre for Nuclear Risk Reduction Sergei Ryzhkov said in an interview published by the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday .
`` The first [ reason ] is the Americans ’ desire to gain full control of space ( systems of communication , navigation , space junk control , remote sensing of the earth and so on ) and to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant products , '' he said .
In his opinion , the second reason for the US unwillingness to let Russian military inspections on its territory is the fact that Russia ’ s surveillance and data collection capacities have seriously increased since the adoption of the treaty .
According to Ryzhkov , Russia ’ s current technologies used during the Open Skies Treaty implementation are seven years ahead of those of its rivals .
`` It has become evident that in the area of introducing advanced technologies into the Open Skies Treaty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our rivals , '' Ryzhkov said .
He said that the issue was first raised back in 2010s , when a group of congressmen from both the Democrats and the Republicans requested then US President Barack Obama to prevent Russia from using its new equipment for ‘ spying ’ on the US territory .
Developed with Moscow ’ s active participation , the Treaty on Open Skies was signed in 1992 and came into force in 2002 .
It currently has 34 member states .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its participants .
Observation flights are made over the territories of the United States , Canada , European countries , and Russia .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .
In practical terms , the treaty allows signatory states to perform observation flights over any part of the observed state party ’ s territory to monitor military activities in conformity with the agreed quotas of such missions .
The treaty regulates observation flights procedures , establishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sets requirements to the aircraft and observation equipment .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. The reasons for the United States to withdraw from the multilateral Open Skies Treaty include Washington’s desire to gain full control of the outer space, chief of the Russian National Centre for Nuclear Risk Reduction Sergei Ryzhkov said in an interview published by the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Friday.
"The first [reason] is the Americans’ desire to gain full control of space (systems of communication, navigation, space junk control, remote sensing of the earth and so on) and to make good profit in the future by selling relevant products," he said.
In his opinion, the second reason for the US unwillingness to let Russian military inspections on its territory is the fact that Russia’s surveillance and data collection capacities have seriously increased since the adoption of the treaty.
According to Ryzhkov, Russia’s current technologies used during the Open Skies Treaty implementation are seven years ahead of those of its rivals.
"It has become evident that in the area of introducing advanced technologies into the Open Skies Treaty, we are approximately 6-7 years ahead of our rivals," Ryzhkov said.
He said that the issue was first raised back in 2010s, when a group of congressmen from both the Democrats and the Republicans requested then US President Barack Obama to prevent Russia from using its new equipment for ‘spying’ on the US territory.
Developed with Moscow’s active participation, the Treaty on Open Skies was signed in 1992 and came into force in 2002. It currently has 34 member states. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Observation flights are made over the territories of the United States, Canada, European countries, and Russia. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.
In practical terms, the treaty allows signatory states to perform observation flights over any part of the observed state party’s territory to monitor military activities in conformity with the agreed quotas of such missions. The treaty regulates observation flights procedures, establishes a mechanism of control over its observance, and sets requirements to the aircraft and observation equipment.


tass--2020-07-17--Human rights situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate — Moscow

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has systemic problems in the human rights domain , but its government is reluctant to fix the existing violations , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report on the issue .
`` The human rights situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate .
Kiev is adopting legislative acts that run counter to the national legislation and international obligations , '' the ministry said in the document , released on Thursday .
`` Rights activists report systemic violations of basic human rights and freedoms .
Political opponents , independent journalists and media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of favor with the authorities are being persecuted , and the need to counter the ‘ Russian aggression ’ and separatism is cited as a reason , '' the document said .
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry , the rights of internally displaced persons , Russian-speaking people and national minorities are violated in Ukraine .
Priests and followers of the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church are subjected to persecution .
`` The right for freedom and personal security is not being observed .
Numerous cases of unlawful detention , torture , intimidation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including with an aim to coerce a person into [ falsely ] admitting the guilt or cooperating - are taking place in the country , '' the report ’ s authors said .
The ministry said that the numerous human rights issues existing in Ukraine have also been noted by many international human rights organizations , as well as international and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations .
`` All those bodies noted the systemic nature of human rights issues in Ukraine and stated with concern that the exposed problems require most careful attention on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort in order to be solved .
However , the way the events unfold demonstrates the Ukrainian government ’ s reluctance to engage in fixing the existing serious violations in the human rights domain , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Ukraine has systemic problems in the human rights domain, but its government is reluctant to fix the existing violations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report on the issue.
"The human rights situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. Kiev is adopting legislative acts that run counter to the national legislation and international obligations," the ministry said in the document, released on Thursday.
"Rights activists report systemic violations of basic human rights and freedoms. Political opponents, independent journalists and media outlets, members of public organizations who are out of favor with the authorities are being persecuted, and the need to counter the ‘Russian aggression’ and separatism is cited as a reason," the document said.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the rights of internally displaced persons, Russian-speaking people and national minorities are violated in Ukraine. Priests and followers of the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church are subjected to persecution.
"The right for freedom and personal security is not being observed. Numerous cases of unlawful detention, torture, intimidation, cruel treatment and sexual violence - including with an aim to coerce a person into [falsely] admitting the guilt or cooperating - are taking place in the country," the report’s authors said.
The ministry said that the numerous human rights issues existing in Ukraine have also been noted by many international human rights organizations, as well as international and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations.
"All those bodies noted the systemic nature of human rights issues in Ukraine and stated with concern that the exposed problems require most careful attention on behalf of the authorities, and most serious effort in order to be solved. However, the way the events unfold demonstrates the Ukrainian government’s reluctance to engage in fixing the existing serious violations in the human rights domain," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.


tass--2020-07-17--Russia may finish first in race for coronavirus vaccine, says expert

MOSCOW , July 16./TASS/ .
The final , phase 3 , trials of a Russian vaccine against coronavirus developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology may be completed quicker than in other countries , the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund , Kirill Dmitriev , told the Vesti news program on Rossiya-1television on Thursday .
`` This is the final phase that is necessary to put the vaccine into active use .
And we believe that Russia will possibly go through this phase quicker than other countries , '' Dmitriev said .
He noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large-scale human trials .
Human trials will involve thousands of people in Moscow , `` and we will also start conducting phase 3 in other countries , '' the head of the Direct Investment Fund said .
Phase 2 trials of this vaccine will be completed on August 3 , Dmitriev said on Thursday .
According to him , regulatory approval of the Russian vaccine for the use is expected in August-September .
According to forecasts from the Direct Investment Fund , 30 million doses of the vaccine will be produced in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if necessary .
The vaccination of Russian nationals may be completed early in 2021 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 752,797 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 531,692 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 11,937 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, July 16./TASS/. The final, phase 3, trials of a Russian vaccine against coronavirus developed by the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology may be completed quicker than in other countries, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, told the Vesti news program on Rossiya-1television on Thursday.
"This is the final phase that is necessary to put the vaccine into active use. And we believe that Russia will possibly go through this phase quicker than other countries," Dmitriev said.
He noted that phase 3 trials implied switching over to large-scale human trials. Human trials will involve thousands of people in Moscow, "and we will also start conducting phase 3 in other countries," the head of the Direct Investment Fund said.
Phase 2 trials of this vaccine will be completed on August 3, Dmitriev said on Thursday. According to him, regulatory approval of the Russian vaccine for the use is expected in August-September.
According to forecasts from the Direct Investment Fund, 30 million doses of the vaccine will be produced in Russia in 2020, or even 50 million if necessary. The vaccination of Russian nationals may be completed early in 2021.
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 13,717,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 587,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,172,400 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 752,797 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 531,692 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 11,937 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-07-17--Moscow court arrests four more suspects in baby trade scandal

MOSCOW , July 16 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court arrested three more people involved in the case of trading in toddlers of surrogate mothers , while putting the fourth under house arrest , court spokeswoman Irina Morozova told TASS .
The newly arrested include a gynecologist , an interpreter and a surrogate motherhood center CEO .
`` The court satisfied the request of the investigation , and put Roman Yemashev , Vladislav Melnikov and Kirill Anisimov into custody , and put Tatiana Blinova under house arrest .
All suspects will remain in custody until September 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court arrested four more gynecologists within this case .
A criminal case was launched in January this year , after the body of a newborn male was discovered in a settlement in the suburban region outside Moscow .
The case , initially classified as involuntary manslaughter , was later upped with heavier counts .
The suspects are now being charged in several cases of illicit baby trafficking .
According to the investigation , the deceased toddler , born in December 2019 , was being looked after by a babysitter , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrogate mothers .
Detectives believe that the children stayed there while their biological parents - foreign citizens – filled out the paperwork to relocate the newborn children abroad .
The preliminary forensic examination indicates that the toddler died from sudden infant death syndrome , or SIDS .
The detectives looking into the case requested all relevant documents from the law firm that handled the surrogate motherhood programs .
The three other toddlers were taken away and placed in a local infant hospital .

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. Moscow’s Basmanny Court arrested three more people involved in the case of trading in toddlers of surrogate mothers, while putting the fourth under house arrest, court spokeswoman Irina Morozova told TASS.
The newly arrested include a gynecologist, an interpreter and a surrogate motherhood center CEO.
"The court satisfied the request of the investigation, and put Roman Yemashev, Vladislav Melnikov and Kirill Anisimov into custody, and put Tatiana Blinova under house arrest. All suspects will remain in custody until September 14," the spokeswoman said.
Previously, the court arrested four more gynecologists within this case.
The case
A criminal case was launched in January this year, after the body of a newborn male was discovered in a settlement in the suburban region outside Moscow. The case, initially classified as involuntary manslaughter, was later upped with heavier counts. The suspects are now being charged in several cases of illicit baby trafficking.
According to the investigation, the deceased toddler, born in December 2019, was being looked after by a babysitter, along with three other infants, also born to surrogate mothers. Detectives believe that the children stayed there while their biological parents - foreign citizens – filled out the paperwork to relocate the newborn children abroad.
The preliminary forensic examination indicates that the toddler died from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. The detectives looking into the case requested all relevant documents from the law firm that handled the surrogate motherhood programs. The three other toddlers were taken away and placed in a local infant hospital.


tass--2020-07-18--Russian pharmaceutical company signs deal to release Oxford vaccine against coronavirus

MOSCOW , July 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian pharmaceutical company R-Pharm signed an agreement on production of a coronavirus vaccine developed by British-Swedish AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford .
The company plans to supply the drug to 30-50 countries , Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Russian company Alexey Repik said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel .
`` We formalized this intention in the form of a signed agreement on production and supply of a vaccine that was developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford , using the technological capabilities of R-Pharm to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will act as a kind of hub for vaccine supplies to a huge number of countries - to 30 , 40 , 50 countries , including the countries of the Middle East , including the countries of Southeast Asia , European countries , of course , the CIS , and Russia , '' Repik said .
The pharmaceutical company noted that the vaccine is currently undergoing research , which should determine how well it protects against coronavirus , and estimate its safety and immune response in humans .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 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 .

MOSCOW, July 18. /TASS/. Russian pharmaceutical company R-Pharm signed an agreement on production of a coronavirus vaccine developed by British-Swedish AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. The company plans to supply the drug to 30-50 countries, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Russian company Alexey Repik said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel.
"We formalized this intention in the form of a signed agreement on production and supply of a vaccine that was developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, using the technological capabilities of R-Pharm to implement the project. Moreover, R-Pharm will act as a kind of hub for vaccine supplies to a huge number of countries - to 30, 40, 50 countries, including the countries of the Middle East, including the countries of Southeast Asia, European countries, of course, the CIS, and Russia," Repik said.
The pharmaceutical company noted that the vaccine is currently undergoing research, which should determine how well it protects against coronavirus, and estimate its safety and immune response in humans.
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.


tass--2020-07-18--Oil price of $40-43 per barrel more or less balanced - Novak

MINSK , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Energy considers the current oil price of $ 40-43 per barrel more or less balanced and does not expect price changes after the weakening of the OPEC+ production restrictions , Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters .
`` No , we do not expect it , because the market is already conscious of it , '' he said , answering a question about whether a change in oil prices is expected in connection with the transition of OPEC+ to some growth in production .
Speaking about the price expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oil price ] has been holding for a month at the level of $ 40-43 , the price is more or less balanced . ''
Oil companies will independently make decisions on the supply of additional oil produced in connection with the growth of production under OPEC+ , but it is important to ensure the Russian market first , Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters .
`` Of course , companies make decisions regarding the execution of their contracts , agreements , but it is important for us to provide for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in summer .
We are increasing it by about 400,000 barrels [ per day ] , '' Novak said , answering a question about how much oil can go to the domestic market and how much to export , after Russia begins to increase production as part of the weakening of OPEC+ quotas .
Earlier , Novak said that Russian oil companies , as was previously assumed under the OPEC+ deal , would be able to increase production by 400,000 barrels per day in August 2020 in proportion to their production level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 1 , it assumes a reduction in oil production by the alliance countries by 9.7 mln bpd during May-July .
Russia and Saudi Arabia , according to the agreements , will reduce oil production by equal shares - 2.5 mln bpd from the base level of 11 mln bpd .
The agreements will be in effect for two years , but from August to December 2020 , 7.7 mln bpd will be cut within the framework of the deal , and from January 2021 to the end of April 2022 - 5.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parameters may be revised in December 2021 .
In June , Russia completed the OPEC+ deal to reduce oil production by 99 % , reducing oil and condensate production by 16.6 % to 38.16 mln tonnes .
In August , a smooth transition to production recovery will begin , as stipulated in the agreement .
At the same time , companies will increase their volumes in proportion to the level of their production .

MINSK, July 17. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Energy considers the current oil price of $40-43 per barrel more or less balanced and does not expect price changes after the weakening of the OPEC+ production restrictions, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.
"No, we do not expect it, because the market is already conscious of it," he said, answering a question about whether a change in oil prices is expected in connection with the transition of OPEC+ to some growth in production.
Speaking about the price expectations, Novak said that "now [the oil price] has been holding for a month at the level of $40-43, the price is more or less balanced."
Extra oil supplies
Oil companies will independently make decisions on the supply of additional oil produced in connection with the growth of production under OPEC+, but it is important to ensure the Russian market first, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.
"Of course, companies make decisions regarding the execution of their contracts, agreements, but it is important for us to provide for the domestic market, it usually grows in summer. We are increasing it by about 400,000 barrels [per day]," Novak said, answering a question about how much oil can go to the domestic market and how much to export, after Russia begins to increase production as part of the weakening of OPEC+ quotas.
Earlier, Novak said that Russian oil companies, as was previously assumed under the OPEC+ deal, would be able to increase production by 400,000 barrels per day in August 2020 in proportion to their production level.
The OPEC+ agreement entered into force on May 1, it assumes a reduction in oil production by the alliance countries by 9.7 mln bpd during May-July. Russia and Saudi Arabia, according to the agreements, will reduce oil production by equal shares - 2.5 mln bpd from the base level of 11 mln bpd. The agreements will be in effect for two years, but from August to December 2020, 7.7 mln bpd will be cut within the framework of the deal, and from January 2021 to the end of April 2022 - 5.8 mln bpd. The deal’s parameters may be revised in December 2021.
In June, Russia completed the OPEC+ deal to reduce oil production by 99%, reducing oil and condensate production by 16.6% to 38.16 mln tonnes. In August, a smooth transition to production recovery will begin, as stipulated in the agreement. At the same time, companies will increase their volumes in proportion to the level of their production.


tass--2020-07-18--S&P's decision to maintain Russia's rating speaks of country’s macrostability - minister

MOSCOW , July 18 .
/TASS/ .
S & P 's decision to maintain the long-term credit rating of Russia confirms that the policy pursued by the Russian authorities ensures macroeconomic stability in the face of a volatile external environment , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters .
`` The decision of S & P Global Ratings to maintain Russia 's long-term foreign currency credit rating at 'BBB- ' with a stable outlook serves as further confirmation that the government 's policy ensures macroeconomic stability against an extremely volatile external environment , '' Siluanov said .
It was reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & P ) global rating agency confirmed Russia ’ s sovereign credit rating at BBB-with a `` stable '' outlook .
According to Siluanov , S & P ’ s decision on Russia 's rating indicates that the Russian economy is successfully absorbing external shocks .
`` The confirmation of Russia 's credit rating at the previous level is evidence that conservative budget planning , inflation targeting policy , and strict adherence to the budget rule , preservation of which was recently confirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin , allow the Russian economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siluanov added .
In addition , according to Siluanov , in more than 80 % of cases , international rating agencies made decisions to downgrade the credit ratings of countries - exporters of raw materials .

MOSCOW, July 18. /TASS/. S&P's decision to maintain the long-term credit rating of Russia confirms that the policy pursued by the Russian authorities ensures macroeconomic stability in the face of a volatile external environment, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters.
"The decision of S&P Global Ratings to maintain Russia's long-term foreign currency credit rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlook serves as further confirmation that the government's policy ensures macroeconomic stability against an extremely volatile external environment," Siluanov said.
It was reported earlier that Standard & Poor's (S&P) global rating agency confirmed Russia’s sovereign credit rating at BBB-with a "stable" outlook.
According to Siluanov, S&P’s decision on Russia's rating indicates that the Russian economy is successfully absorbing external shocks. "The confirmation of Russia's credit rating at the previous level is evidence that conservative budget planning, inflation targeting policy, and strict adherence to the budget rule, preservation of which was recently confirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, allow the Russian economy to successfully absorb external shocks," Siluanov added.
In addition, according to Siluanov, in more than 80% of cases, international rating agencies made decisions to downgrade the credit ratings of countries - exporters of raw materials.


tass--2020-07-18--S&P confirms Russia's BBB-rating with ‘stable’ outlook

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Standard & Poor 's ( S & P ) global rating agency confirmed Russia ’ s sovereign credit rating at BBB-with a `` stable '' outlook , the agency said in a report .
The decline in oil prices , reduction of oil output under the OPEC+ deal , and the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to a decrease in the Russian economy by 4.8 % in 2020 , the report said .
However , a strong political framework , as well as the level of external and internal balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with these shocks , the agency 's experts said .
The agency noted that despite the numerous economic shocks caused by the coronavirus pandemic , the impact on Russia 's GDP in 2020 will be lower than in developed countries partly due to the economic structure , with a lesser role for the service sectors and small and medium enterprises .
According to the agency ’ s forecasts , the growth of the Russian economy in 2021 may reach 4.5 % and 3.3 % in 2022 .
With this recovery path , Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels by early 2022 .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Standard & Poor's (S&P) global rating agency confirmed Russia’s sovereign credit rating at BBB-with a "stable" outlook, the agency said in a report.
The decline in oil prices, reduction of oil output under the OPEC+ deal, and the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to a decrease in the Russian economy by 4.8% in 2020, the report said. However, a strong political framework, as well as the level of external and internal balance, should allow the economy to cope with these shocks, the agency's experts said.
The agency noted that despite the numerous economic shocks caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the impact on Russia's GDP in 2020 will be lower than in developed countries partly due to the economic structure, with a lesser role for the service sectors and small and medium enterprises. According to the agency’s forecasts, the growth of the Russian economy in 2021 may reach 4.5% and 3.3% in 2022. With this recovery path, Russia's real GDP will return to 2019 levels by early 2022.


tass--2020-07-18--Total number of coronavirus deaths in Moscow reaches 4,285

MOSCOW , July 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus deaths in Moscow increased by 14 , the operational @ @ @ @ @ monitoring of the situation with the coronavirus reported on Saturday .
`` 14 patients died @ @ @ @ @ them were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for coronavirus , '' the headquarters said @ @ @ @ @ patients with confirmed coronavirus died in Moscow .
As of July 17 , over 232,000 @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , almost 170,000 patients recovered in the city .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by @ @ @ @ @ reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, July 18. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus deaths in Moscow increased by 14, the operational headquarters for the control and monitoring of the situation with the coronavirus reported on Saturday.
"14 patients died in Moscow, all of them were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for coronavirus," the headquarters said.
In total, 4,285 patients with confirmed coronavirus died in Moscow.
As of July 17, over 232,000 coronavirus cases were reported in Moscow, almost 170,000 patients recovered in the city.
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.


tass--2020-07-18--US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 contradict international law - EU

BRUSSELS , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and threats of sanctions by the United States , as they affect the interests of European companies , including Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream gas pipelines .
Such measures go against the international law , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement .
`` I am deeply concerned at the growing use of sanctions , or the threat of sanctions , by the United States against European companies and interests .
We have witnessed this developing trend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the International Criminal Court and most recently the Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream projects .
As a matter of principle the European Union opposes the use of sanctions by third countries on European companies carrying out legitimate business .
Moreover , it considers the extraterritorial application of sanctions to be contrary to international law , '' the statement said .
`` European policies should be determined here in Europe not by third countries , '' Borrell noted .
`` Where common foreign and security policy goals are shared , there is great value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners .
We have seen many positive examples of this and will continue to coordinate where we can .
Where policy differences exist , the European Union is always open to dialogue .
But this can not take place against the threat of sanctions , '' he said .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier that Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream will be covered by the Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( CAATSA ) .
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two lines of a gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bln cubic meters per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
At the moment , the project is 93 % complete .
The halt in the project was due to the fact that in December 2019 , due to US sanctions , Swiss company Allseas stopped work on the pipeline ’ s construction .

BRUSSELS, July 17. /TASS/. The European Union firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and threats of sanctions by the United States, as they affect the interests of European companies, including Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream gas pipelines. Such measures go against the international law, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement.
"I am deeply concerned at the growing use of sanctions, or the threat of sanctions, by the United States against European companies and interests. We have witnessed this developing trend in the cases of Iran, Cuba, the International Criminal Court and most recently the Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream projects. As a matter of principle the European Union opposes the use of sanctions by third countries on European companies carrying out legitimate business. Moreover, it considers the extraterritorial application of sanctions to be contrary to international law," the statement said.
"European policies should be determined here in Europe not by third countries," Borrell noted. "Where common foreign and security policy goals are shared, there is great value in the coordination of targeted sanctions with partners. We have seen many positive examples of this and will continue to coordinate where we can. Where policy differences exist, the European Union is always open to dialogue. But this cannot take place against the threat of sanctions," he said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier that Nord Stream 2 and Turkstream will be covered by the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
The Nord Stream 2 project includes the construction of two lines of a gas pipeline with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to Germany. At the moment, the project is 93% complete. The halt in the project was due to the fact that in December 2019, due to US sanctions, Swiss company Allseas stopped work on the pipeline’s construction.


tass--2020-07-18--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 237,000 in past day - WHO

TASS , July 18 .
More than 237,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 17 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 13.6 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 17 , as many as 13,616,593 novel coronavirus cases and 585,727 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 237,743 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,682 .
The WHO statistics is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,154,840 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 137,989 and the number of deaths - by 3,554 and reached 297,855 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,008,972 and the number of fatalities is 205,482 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 21,719 and the number of deaths - by 476 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,346,982 cases and 33,281 fatalities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 15,089 and the number of deaths - by 505 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 3,472,659 ) , Brazil ( 1,966,748 ) , India ( 1,003,832 ) , Russia ( 759,203 ) , Peru ( 337,724 ) , South Africa ( 324,221 ) , Chile ( 323,698 ) , Mexico ( 317,635 ) , the United Kingdom ( 292,556 ) , and Iran ( 267,061 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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, July 18. More than 237,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on July 17, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 13.6 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on July 17, as many as 13,616,593 novel coronavirus cases and 585,727 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 237,743 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,682.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 7,154,840. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 137,989 and the number of deaths - by 3,554 and reached 297,855.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,008,972 and the number of fatalities is 205,482. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 21,719 and the number of deaths - by 476.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,346,982 cases and 33,281 fatalities as of July 17. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 15,089 and the number of deaths - by 505.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (3,472,659), Brazil (1,966,748), India (1,003,832), Russia (759,203), Peru (337,724), South Africa (324,221), Chile (323,698), Mexico (317,635), the United Kingdom (292,556), and Iran (267,061).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) 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--2020-07-17--Armenian army needs no assistance to control situation on border with Azerbaijan

`` The joint Russian-Armenian contingent has its own plan of activities .
At the moment , the Armenian armed forces can cope and are coping with the situation and the issue of involving either the CSTO or the joint contingent is not on the agenda , '' he said .
YEREVAN , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s army manages to control the situation on the border with Azerbaijan and needs assistance neither from the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) nor the joint Russian-Armenian military contingent , Armenian Defense Ministry Spokesman Artsrun Ovannisyan said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen .
Yerevan has said four Armenian soldiers were killed and ten more were wounded .
On July 17 , both sides reported that the situation on the border was relatively calm .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @

"The joint Russian-Armenian contingent has its own plan of activities. At the moment, the Armenian armed forces can cope and are coping with the situation and the issue of involving either the CSTO or the joint contingent is not on the agenda," he said.
YEREVAN, July 17. /TASS/. Armenia’s army manages to control the situation on the border with Azerbaijan and needs assistance neither from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) nor the joint Russian-Armenian military contingent, Armenian Defense Ministry Spokesman Artsrun Ovannisyan said on Friday.
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. Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen. Yerevan has said four Armenian soldiers were killed and ten more were wounded.
On July 17, both sides reported that the situation on the border was relatively calm.
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--2020-07-17--‘Strange things’ happen in Belarus during presidential campaign, Lukashenko says

MINSK , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko disclosed that `` strange things '' happen in the Republic during the presidential campaign .
`` I think we will exchange some opinions and questions tete-a-tete .
I wil tell you what happens [ in Belarus ] now , during the electoral period .
Very strange things happen .
Sometime I begin to think at length , out of my own experience , where does this all come from .
And I come up with all kinds of thing , I ’ ll tell you later , '' Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Mikhail Mishustin Friday .
Belarusian presidential elections will take place on August 9 .
On Tuesday , the Central Electoral Commission registered five candidates .
Mass actions of solidarity took place in Minsk and other cities after the Commission denied registration to main opposition leaders Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo .
Earlier , Lukashenko claimed foreign meddling in the Belarusian elections .
According to the president , his opponents demand clear and fair elections , but act unfairly themselves , and that there are `` puppeteers behind them , including from Russia @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, July 17. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko disclosed that "strange things" happen in the Republic during the presidential campaign.
"I think we will exchange some opinions and questions tete-a-tete. I wil tell you what happens [in Belarus] now, during the electoral period. Very strange things happen. Sometime I begin to think at length, out of my own experience, where does this all come from. And I come up with all kinds of thing, I’ll tell you later," Lukashenko said during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin Friday.
Belarusian presidential elections will take place on August 9. On Tuesday, the Central Electoral Commission registered five candidates. Mass actions of solidarity took place in Minsk and other cities after the Commission denied registration to main opposition leaders Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo. Earlier, Lukashenko claimed foreign meddling in the Belarusian elections. According to the president, his opponents demand clear and fair elections, but act unfairly themselves, and that there are "puppeteers behind them, including from Russia and Poland.".


tass--2020-07-17--Russian, UAE top diplomats discuss situation in Libya, development of bilateral ties

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Settlement of the conflict in Libya and further strengthening of bilateral ties were @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov of Russia and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan @ @ @ @ @ ( UAE ) , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after their telephone conversation @ @ @ @ @ ’ foreign ministers discussed current issues of further strengthening of comprehensive Russian-UAE ties , '' @ @ @ @ @ Special attention was focused on issues of practical implementation of agreements reached during Russian President @ @ @ @ @ visit to Abu Dhabi on October 15 , 2019 , and other bilateral top-level contacts @ @ @ @ @ diplomats also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa .
@ @ @ @ @ opinion in favor of the prompt cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive political settlement of @ @ @ @ @ hotbeds of tension in the region , '' the ministry said , adding that the @ @ @ @ @ UAE side .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Settlement of the conflict in Libya and further strengthening of bilateral ties were among the topics discussed by Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov of Russia and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"The two countries’ foreign ministers discussed current issues of further strengthening of comprehensive Russian-UAE ties," the ministry said. "Special attention was focused on issues of practical implementation of agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Abu Dhabi on October 15, 2019, and other bilateral top-level contacts."
The two top diplomats also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa. "The ministers expressed common opinion in favor of the prompt cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive political settlement of conflict in Libya and other hotbeds of tension in the region," the ministry said, adding that the conversation was initiated by the UAE side.


tass--2020-07-17--Number of coronavirus cases in Africa exceeds 663,000, WHO reports

PRETORIA , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
More than 38,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 663,000 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Friday .
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 663,648 , with 38,348 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 14,386 , with 614 fatalities registered during the day .
As many as 343,000 patients have recovered .
South Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 324,221 and 4,669 , respectively .
Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 4,120 and 85,771 , respectively .
As many as 1,052 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases ( 34,854 cases and 769 fatalities ) .
Next is Ghana ( 26,125 cases and 139 deaths ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 13,964,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 593,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 8,295,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe @

PRETORIA, July 17. /TASS/. More than 38,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 663,000, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Friday.
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 663,648, with 38,348 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 14,386, with 614 fatalities registered during the day. As many as 343,000 patients have recovered.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 324,221 and 4,669, respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 4,120 and 85,771, respectively. As many as 1,052 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (34,854 cases and 769 fatalities). Next is Ghana (26,125 cases and 139 deaths).
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 13,964,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 593,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,295,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-17--Pandemic throws African economies 10 years back, says expert

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic and disruption of the OPEC+ deal talks have significantly weakened African economies which require significant help , Nataliya Zaiser , Valdai Internation Discussion Club expert and Chair of the Africa Business Initiative Union Board , told TASS Friday .
`` The pandemic introduced major changes < … > , throwing Africa back by ten years .
Suspension of the air travel is one of the key factors .
In turn , this directly affects key revenue sectors of African states , such as international tourism , business and production exports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that the pandemic affected many sectors of the African economy , including agricultural imports and exports , textile industry , tourism , international transportation and energy .
`` South Africa , as a leader in the infection spreading on the continent , is keeping international and domestic borders shut , which significantly hinders the return of tourist flows into neighboring countries - Mozambique , Namibia , Botswana and Zimbabwe .
Even if these countries have their own airports , their scales are incomparable , '' the expert added .
Another negative factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruption of OPEC+ negotiations this March , since energy and infrastructure are the key industries for oil producers of Africa which their neighbors depend on .
`` The disruption of the OPEC+ deal talks , which unfortunately coincided with coronavirus , heavily affected economies of Nigeria , Angola , Algeria , Libya and other countries .
Some foreign companies started selling off their assets in Africa .
This means an outflow of investments , a significant blow to the already-weak and insufficient energy system of African states and waning social support for populations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge facing the countries on the continent is the national debts that need to be paid off to international credit organization such as the IMF and the World Bank , as well as budgets allocated by Europeans , Zaiser believes .
`` Despite the fact that the European Union periodically declares the need to back Africa , financial flows and conditions for funds to be transferred can be significantly reviewed , '' she added .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic and disruption of the OPEC+ deal talks have significantly weakened African economies which require significant help, Nataliya Zaiser, Valdai Internation Discussion Club expert and Chair of the Africa Business Initiative Union Board, told TASS Friday.
"The pandemic introduced major changes <…>, throwing Africa back by ten years. Suspension of the air travel is one of the key factors. In turn, this directly affects key revenue sectors of African states, such as international tourism, business and production exports," she noted.
Zaiser pointed out that the pandemic affected many sectors of the African economy, including agricultural imports and exports, textile industry, tourism, international transportation and energy. "South Africa, as a leader in the infection spreading on the continent, is keeping international and domestic borders shut, which significantly hinders the return of tourist flows into neighboring countries - Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Even if these countries have their own airports, their scales are incomparable," the expert added.
Another negative factor that further undermines the situation is the disruption of OPEC+ negotiations this March, since energy and infrastructure are the key industries for oil producers of Africa which their neighbors depend on. "The disruption of the OPEC+ deal talks, which unfortunately coincided with coronavirus, heavily affected economies of Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Libya and other countries. Some foreign companies started selling off their assets in Africa. This means an outflow of investments, a significant blow to the already-weak and insufficient energy system of African states and waning social support for populations," the expert explained.
Another challenge facing the countries on the continent is the national debts that need to be paid off to international credit organization such as the IMF and the World Bank, as well as budgets allocated by Europeans, Zaiser believes. "Despite the fact that the European Union periodically declares the need to back Africa, financial flows and conditions for funds to be transferred can be significantly reviewed," she added.


tass--2020-07-17--Boardriders Responds To The Recent WSL Tour Changes

HUNTINGTON BEACH , California and ST. JEAN DE LUZ , France , July 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boardriders Inc. , a leading global action sports and lifestyle company that designs , produces and distributes branded apparel , footwear and accessories under the Quiksilver , Billabong , ROXY , DC Shoes , RVCA and Element brands announced its reaction today to the recent World Surf League ( WSL ) Championship Tour ( CT ) reconfiguration .
The WSL 's cancellation of the 2020 CT due to COVID-19 and enhancements to the 2021 CT have led to a significant restructuring of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regrettably and understandably led to the CT not stopping in Hossegor , France in 2021 .
However , given their commitment to France and France 's importance to global surf culture , Quiksilver and ROXY have worked with the WSL to secure the continuation of two decades of professional surfing in Nouvelle-Aquitaine by sponsoring a new Challenger Series ( CS ) event to occur in the region in the fall of 2021 .
Garry Wall , Quiksilver Global General Manager commented : `` We were excited and relieved to be able to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep an annual world-class event coming to France 's famed waves and beaches .
We are all working in very uncertain and fluid times , but our collective commitment to France and Europe overall remains steadfast . ''
In addition to the support of the France CS event , Boardriders ' brands are also sponsoring a number of other events in the 2021 CT season including the Billabong Pipe Masters on Oahu , the Maui Pro Presented by ROXY on Maui , the Quiksilver Pro G-Land in Indonesia , and the Gold Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Souvras , ROXY General Manager commented : `` I am excited that the breadth of Boardriders ' portfolio allows us to continue to support the development of surfing at a global scale , through both events like these , as well as sponsoring and showcasing our amazing athletes who compete in them . ''
Boardriders , Inc. , is a leading action sports and lifestyle company that designs , produces and distributes branded apparel , footwear and accessories for Boardriders around the world .
The Company 's apparel and footwear brands represent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired by a passion for outdoor action sports .
The Company 's Quiksilver , Billabong , ROXY , DC Shoes , RVCA , and Element brands have authentic roots and heritage in surf , snow and skate .
The Company 's products are sold in more than 110 countries in a wide range of distribution , including surf shops , skate shops , snow shops , its proprietary Boardriders shops and other Company-owned retail stores , other specialty stores , select department stores and through various e- commerce channels .
For additional information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.quiksilver.com , www.billabong.com , www.roxy.com , www.dcshoes.com , www.rvca.com , www.elementbrand.com .

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California and ST. JEAN DE LUZ, France, July 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boardriders Inc., a leading global action sports and lifestyle company that designs, produces and distributes branded apparel, footwear and accessories under the Quiksilver, Billabong, ROXY, DC Shoes, RVCA and Element brands announced its reaction today to the recent World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) reconfiguration.
The WSL's cancellation of the 2020 CT due to COVID-19 and enhancements to the 2021 CT have led to a significant restructuring of the 2021 Tour season, which has regrettably and understandably led to the CT not stopping in Hossegor, France in 2021. However, given their commitment to France and France's importance to global surf culture, Quiksilver and ROXY have worked with the WSL to secure the continuation of two decades of professional surfing in Nouvelle-Aquitaine by sponsoring a new Challenger Series (CS) event to occur in the region in the fall of 2021. Garry Wall, Quiksilver Global General Manager commented: "We were excited and relieved to be able to work hand in hand with the WSL to keep an annual world-class event coming to France's famed waves and beaches. We are all working in very uncertain and fluid times, but our collective commitment to France and Europe overall remains steadfast."
In addition to the support of the France CS event, Boardriders' brands are also sponsoring a number of other events in the 2021 CT season including the Billabong Pipe Masters on Oahu, the Maui Pro Presented by ROXY on Maui, the Quiksilver Pro G-Land in Indonesia, and the Gold Coast Presented by Billabong in Australia. Emilie Souvras, ROXY General Manager commented: "I am excited that the breadth of Boardriders' portfolio allows us to continue to support the development of surfing at a global scale, through both events like these, as well as sponsoring and showcasing our amazing athletes who compete in them."
About Boardriders Inc.:
Boardriders, Inc., is a leading action sports and lifestyle company that designs, produces and distributes branded apparel, footwear and accessories for Boardriders around the world. The Company's apparel and footwear brands represent a casual lifestyle for young-minded people who are inspired by a passion for outdoor action sports. The Company's Quiksilver, Billabong, ROXY, DC Shoes, RVCA , and Element brands have authentic roots and heritage in surf, snow and skate. The Company's products are sold in more than 110 countries in a wide range of distribution, including surf shops, skate shops, snow shops, its proprietary Boardriders shops and other Company-owned retail stores, other specialty stores, select department stores and through various e- commerce channels. For additional information, please visit our brand websites at www.quiksilver.com, www.billabong.com, www.roxy.com, www.dcshoes.com, www.rvca.com, www.elementbrand.com.
CONTACT: Sitrick and Company: Stuart Pfeifer, +1.310.788.2850; spfeifer@sitrick.com; Anita-Marie Laurie, +1.310.788.2850; anitamarie@sitrick.com


tass--2020-07-17--Impossible to make Moscow restricted-area city, says mayor

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is afraid of coronavirus cases imported from outside of the city , since it is impossible to make Moscow a city of restricted access anyway , he said Friday .
`` We are not afraid that someone can bring something to us , Moscow is the biggest national transport hub .
Millions of people constantly travel here for work , leave , go on business trips or holidays .
It is not possible to turn Moscow into a closed-down city , '' he noted .
He also expressed confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign destinations are currently closed for tourists .
`` We can see it in flows of tourists to Crimea , Sevastopol , Sochi , Krasnodar Region and even Siberia .
This is a great chance for the Russian tourist industry to mature and realize its advantages and capabilities , '' Sobyanin added .
The spread of coronavirus in Moscow has significantly slowed down in the last few weeks , the number of newly identified infections in the city is commensurate with figures from early April .
At the same time , some other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 13,964,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , so far , over 8,295,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 759,203 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 539,373 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 12,123 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is afraid of coronavirus cases imported from outside of the city, since it is impossible to make Moscow a city of restricted access anyway, he said Friday.
"We are not afraid that someone can bring something to us, Moscow is the biggest national transport hub. Millions of people constantly travel here for work, leave, go on business trips or holidays. It is not possible to turn Moscow into a closed-down city," he noted.
He also expressed confidence in revival of domestic tourism, as foreign destinations are currently closed for tourists.
"We can see it in flows of tourists to Crimea, Sevastopol, Sochi, Krasnodar Region and even Siberia. This is a great chance for the Russian tourist industry to mature and realize its advantages and capabilities," Sobyanin added.
The spread of coronavirus in Moscow has significantly slowed down in the last few weeks, the number of newly identified infections in the city is commensurate with figures from early April. At the same time, some other Russian regions are still reporting worrying numbers.
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 13,964,200 people have been infected worldwide and more than 593,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 8,295,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 759,203 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 539,373 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 12,123 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-17--Russian, Chinese top diplomats discuss preparations for UNSC permanent members’ summit

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Preparations for a summit of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council were among the topics discussed by Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after their telephone conversation .
`` The ministers discussed a number of current issues of the bilateral and international agenda , including preparations for a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members , the situation in the sphere of global security , the situation in various world regions , the processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) and BRICS ( an association of Brazil , Russia , India , China , and South Africa ) under Russia ’ s presidency this year , '' the ministry said .
The Russian minister informed his counterpart about Russia ’ s dialogue with the United States on problems of arms control `` in the context of maintaining strategic stability . ''
Wang Yi , in turn , informed Lavrov about the results of Thursday ’ s videoconference of the tops diplomats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on issues of anti-coronavirus efforts , the two foreign ministers expressed mutual commitment to further close cooperation in combating the pandemic , including within the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and other international formats .
`` The conversation was held in the constructive atmosphere of trust and confirmed that the two countries have similar approaches to all matters discussed , as well as Moscow ’ s and Beijing ’ s commitment to the policy of settling problems on the global arena via an equal dialogue and balance of interests on the basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Preparations for a summit of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council were among the topics discussed by Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"The ministers discussed a number of current issues of the bilateral and international agenda, including preparations for a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members, the situation in the sphere of global security, the situation in various world regions, the processes of integration on the Eurasian continent, the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS (an association of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) under Russia’s presidency this year," the ministry said.
The Russian minister informed his counterpart about Russia’s dialogue with the United States on problems of arms control "in the context of maintaining strategic stability."
Wang Yi, in turn, informed Lavrov about the results of Thursday’s videoconference of the tops diplomats in the Central Asia Plus China format.
Touching on issues of anti-coronavirus efforts, the two foreign ministers expressed mutual commitment to further close cooperation in combating the pandemic, including within the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international formats.
"The conversation was held in the constructive atmosphere of trust and confirmed that the two countries have similar approaches to all matters discussed, as well as Moscow’s and Beijing’s commitment to the policy of settling problems on the global arena via an equal dialogue and balance of interests on the basis on respecting the United Nations Charter," the ministry said.


tass--2020-07-17--Russian authorities eye necessary infrastructures at Arctic tourist attractions

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic will analyze points of tourist attraction in the Arctic and will decide before the yearend how to organize infrastructures there , Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov said on Thursday .
According to the ministry , by 2035 , up to 3 million people will be visiting the Arctic every year .
The authority has been working on a strategy for development of tourism in the Russian Arctic zone .
`` We have been working on development of places of tourist attraction in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This work continues with every region - from Karelia to Chukotka .
We have picked such places of attraction and now we see for every place , for every territory what infrastructures should be organized there to have those places accessible and trips there affordable . ''
Before the yearend , the ministry will finalize this work and will begin an active stage to attract investors in projects , the deputy minister said .
The Russian Arctic offers to tourists unique opportunities , he continued , but `` accessibility of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logistics are too high , we also lack hotels , leisure and other facilities , '' he added .
Earlier , the ministry and the tourism and local authorities have outlined priority measures to develop tourism in the Arctic , which would become an integral part of the macroregion ’ s development strategy to 2035 .

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. Russia’s Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic will analyze points of tourist attraction in the Arctic and will decide before the yearend how to organize infrastructures there, Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov said on Thursday.
According to the ministry, by 2035, up to 3 million people will be visiting the Arctic every year. The authority has been working on a strategy for development of tourism in the Russian Arctic zone.
"We have been working on development of places of tourist attraction in the Arctic," the official said. "This work continues with every region - from Karelia to Chukotka. We have picked such places of attraction and now we see for every place, for every territory what infrastructures should be organized there to have those places accessible and trips there affordable."
Before the yearend, the ministry will finalize this work and will begin an active stage to attract investors in projects, the deputy minister said.
The Russian Arctic offers to tourists unique opportunities, he continued, but "accessibility of those products remains very low, expenses on logistics are too high, we also lack hotels, leisure and other facilities," he added.
Earlier, the ministry and the tourism and local authorities have outlined priority measures to develop tourism in the Arctic, which would become an integral part of the macroregion’s development strategy to 2035.


tass--2020-07-17--Belarus to remain ‘close and native’ country for Russia, Lukashenko says

MINSK , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus always was and still is a close and native country for Russia , President Alexander Lukashenko said .
`` We are not going to go anywhere away from Russia , as some try to present .
We are located on this piece of land .
It was always close and native for a Russian man , a Russian citizen .
It will always be like this even if we would like it to be otherwise .
The peoples will decide how to live without us .
But it would be nice if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Belarusian leader underscored during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin Friday .
According to Lukashenko , Belarus insists on compliance with all union agreements .
`` There is a list from both our and the Russian sides .
We must comply with these agreements and build our relations solely on basis of equality , '' he claimed .
Lukashenko noted that he studied this topic very closely as a historian .
`` Unions built on unequal basis do not exist for long , '' Lukashenko said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible to capture a country and to subdue it for 100-150 years , like in the Middle Ages , and there is no need for that .
And Russia has enough lands , if we speak about Russia , '' Lukashenko said .
`` But if someone outside our country , from the other side , thinks in such things and concepts , I believe his life would not be long-lasting .
`` .

MINSK, July 17. /TASS/. Belarus always was and still is a close and native country for Russia, President Alexander Lukashenko said.
"We are not going to go anywhere away from Russia, as some try to present. We are located on this piece of land. It was always close and native for a Russian man, a Russian citizen. It will always be like this even if we would like it to be otherwise. The peoples will decide how to live without us. But it would be nice if we were present during this process," the Belarusian leader underscored during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin Friday.
According to Lukashenko, Belarus insists on compliance with all union agreements.
"There is a list from both our and the Russian sides. We must comply with these agreements and build our relations solely on basis of equality," he claimed.
Lukashenko noted that he studied this topic very closely as a historian.
"Unions built on unequal basis do not exist for long," Lukashenko said, adding that times have changed.
"It is impossible to capture a country and to subdue it for 100-150 years, like in the Middle Ages, and there is no need for that. And Russia has enough lands, if we speak about Russia," Lukashenko said. "But if someone outside our country, from the other side, thinks in such things and concepts, I believe his life would not be long-lasting.".


tass--2020-07-17--Dollar reaching 72 rubles first time from June 7 - trading data

MOSCOW , July 17 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar added 0.66 % and climbed to 72 rubles during the trading @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
The dollar was at the level of 72 rubles last time on @ @ @ @ @ and amounted later to 71.96 rubles ( +0.6 % ) .
The euro added 0.89 @ @ @ @ @ Brent oil futures with delivery in September lost 0.88 % down to $ 42.99 on @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 17. /TASS/. The dollar added 0.66% and climbed to 72 rubles during the trading session on the Moscow Exchange on Friday.
The dollar was at the level of 72 rubles last time on June 7 of this year and amounted later to 71.96 rubles (+0.6%). The euro added 0.89% to 82.2 rubles.
Brent oil futures with delivery in September lost 0.88% down to $42.99 on the London-based ICE.


tass--2020-07-17--Nornickel invests another 10 billion rubles in fighting COVID-19

TASS , July 17 .
Nornickel will invest another 10 billion rubles ( $ 139 million ) in fighting the coronavirus infection in regions of its presence , the company ’ s press service said on Friday .
Thus , Nornickel ’ s investments in 2020 in fighting the pandemic will make 20 billion rubles ( $ 278 million ) .
Nornickel ’ s facilities are located in the Norilsk Industrial District ( north of the Krasnoyarsk Region ) , in the Murmansk Region and the Trans-Baikal Region .
Earlier , the company invested in fighting the coronavirus infection 10.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new package of measures for protection from COVID-19 ; its cost is about 10 billion rubles to the yearend .
The measures include providing anti-virus security at the industrial facilities , support for employees , assistance to medical institutions , as well as to small and medium-sized businesses .
Thus , Nornickel will invest totally more than 20 billion rubles in fighting the pandemic and its consequences in 2020 , '' the release reads .
According to the company ’ s press service , the purpose for second package of measures is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of situation .
The program ’ s first step was when the company offered urgent support to Norilsk in response to a request from the city administration .
For example , Nornickel organizes shipment of computer tomography equipment to Norilsk .
The company reported earlier , it had bought more than 160,000 tests for coronavirus infection and more than 100 thousand rapid tests for antibodies .
Two permanent and seven mobile laboratories , almost 400 thermal imagers , and a large amount of personal protective equipment have been delivered to the regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cargo deliveries to Norilsk for small and medium-sized businesses , expenses on utility services for non-profit organizations , and provided entrepreneurs with personal protective equipment and food packages .

TASS, July 17. Nornickel will invest another 10 billion rubles ($139 million) in fighting the coronavirus infection in regions of its presence, the company’s press service said on Friday.
Thus, Nornickel’s investments in 2020 in fighting the pandemic will make 20 billion rubles ($278 million).
Nornickel’s facilities are located in the Norilsk Industrial District (north of the Krasnoyarsk Region), in the Murmansk Region and the Trans-Baikal Region. Earlier, the company invested in fighting the coronavirus infection 10.5 billion rubles.
"The company has a new package of measures for protection from COVID-19; its cost is about 10 billion rubles to the yearend. The measures include providing anti-virus security at the industrial facilities, support for employees, assistance to medical institutions, as well as to small and medium-sized businesses. Thus, Nornickel will invest totally more than 20 billion rubles in fighting the pandemic and its consequences in 2020," the release reads.
According to the company’s press service, the purpose for second package of measures is to get prepared for a possible negative development of situation. The program’s first step was when the company offered urgent support to Norilsk in response to a request from the city administration. For example, Nornickel organizes shipment of computer tomography equipment to Norilsk.
The company reported earlier, it had bought more than 160,000 tests for coronavirus infection and more than 100 thousand rapid tests for antibodies. Two permanent and seven mobile laboratories, almost 400 thermal imagers, and a large amount of personal protective equipment have been delivered to the regions. The group's enterprises have subsidized cargo deliveries to Norilsk for small and medium-sized businesses, expenses on utility services for non-profit organizations, and provided entrepreneurs with personal protective equipment and food packages.


tass--2020-07-17--Sea hunters’ school in Chukotka begins practice classes

TASS , July 17 .
First practice classes were organized in Chukotka ’ s school of Young Sea Hunters .
The classes were organized at ethnic villages - Inchoun and Uelen - on the Arctic Ocean .
Kids between 9 and 13 years of age together with teachers learn how to hunt and butcher sea animals , how to cook national dishes and forecast the weather , the school ’ s teacher Evgeny SivSiv told TASS .
The Young Sea Hunter project continues for a few years .
However , until now , the locals have organized classes and equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , the district authorities supported an application from the school organizers and allocated 1.2 million rubles ( $ 17,000 ) for the program ’ s further development .
`` We have been training children for quite a time , and this year we have received a subsidy - more than one million rubles to buy equipment , water-proof warm outfit for the kids , tents , dishes , instruments .
The financing is for five years , but we have already bought everything necessary - we shall use everything carefully , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons , '' SivSiv said .
`` Our task is to teach children and teenagers the hunting skills of Chukotka ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples and to preserve continuity of generations .
This year , the weather is favorable and five days a week we have practice classes on the ocean coast next to teams of professional hunters . ''
Hunting sea animals in Chukotka is not for fun , it is a most important component of the indigenous peoples ’ life .
The animals ’ meat and fat are traditional food for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sea hunters , the region ’ s official supervising indigenous peoples Valentina Dolganskaya told TASS .
`` Professional sea hunters - residents of coastal villages , hunt grey , bowhead , beluga whales , walruses , ringed seal and bearded seal , '' she said .
`` Hunting bowhead whale , which is on the Red Data Book , is permitted only for Chukotka ’ s indigenous peoples and exclusively for personal consumption .
All sea animal hunting at the national villages is for food of the indigenous peoples and for their everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the edge of mainland First pupils , who have joined the sea hunting school in 2020 , were 15 children from Uelan and Inchoun villages , including two girls .
The girls will make traditional knives for women , pekulya , which the locals use to butcher meat .
They have cooked bearded seal and treated the dish to people who live in far-away villages .
`` It ’ s my second year here , and my favorite class is shooting .
Evgeny Borisovich ( SivSiv ) says I am doing well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s two-time champion in dog sledding , while I prefer hunting sea animals .
I haven ’ t decided what I shall do later , but I think these skills would be handy .
This is how our ancestors lived , and they survived only thanks to the ocean , '' the school ’ s student Ilya Poyagirdin , 10 years of age , told TASS .
SivSiv told us , teaching how to hunt whales is not the only objective of this educational project .
`` We want our children to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowadays good clothes and footwear are not a problem , but girls should know how to skin , how to make something of this skin - this skill would be very useful .
Here , in Chukotka , there are people who make of skin and fur fashionable outfits , and they have orders months to go , '' he said .
Before late August , the students will make equipment for hunters , will forecast weather , and will watch birds and animals .
`` We understand , not all of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they all , living here , need to know how to survive in the Arctic conditions , '' the teacher said .
How to remember the origin The students spend time in the coastal area , they shoot at targets , light fires , learn how to set up a tent , navigate the terrain and survive in extreme conditions , including when meeting a wild animal .
They spend much time at workout facilities .
`` When the boys were butchering a walrus , the seven year-olds begged to join us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons we can not take small children .
They should grow up first .
The project ’ s term is five years , and later on , if we manage , we shall continue it .
At the season ’ s end , we shall award the best , will give presents to them , and will expect them back next year .
Clearly , young people from far-away villages prefer to move closer to cities , but we want them to keep memories about childhood , and to make sure they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Chukotka ’ s authorities have registered 68 NGOs , representing the North ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples , where 60 are local communities , and nine of those are in sea animal hunting .
Sea animal hunting and breeding deer are the only ethnic sectors in the region ’ s agriculture , where the indigenous peoples work .
About 300 professional sea animal hunters live in the region .

TASS, July 17. First practice classes were organized in Chukotka’s school of Young Sea Hunters. The classes were organized at ethnic villages - Inchoun and Uelen - on the Arctic Ocean. Kids between 9 and 13 years of age together with teachers learn how to hunt and butcher sea animals, how to cook national dishes and forecast the weather, the school’s teacher Evgeny SivSiv told TASS.
The Young Sea Hunter project continues for a few years. However, until now, the locals have organized classes and equipped children at their own expense. In April, the district authorities supported an application from the school organizers and allocated 1.2 million rubles ($17,000) for the program’s further development.
"We have been training children for quite a time, and this year we have received a subsidy - more than one million rubles to buy equipment, water-proof warm outfit for the kids, tents, dishes, instruments. The financing is for five years, but we have already bought everything necessary - we shall use everything carefully, so that to use it also in coming seasons," SivSiv said. "Our task is to teach children and teenagers the hunting skills of Chukotka’s low-numbered indigenous peoples and to preserve continuity of generations. This year, the weather is favorable and five days a week we have practice classes on the ocean coast next to teams of professional hunters."
Hunting sea animals in Chukotka is not for fun, it is a most important component of the indigenous peoples’ life. The animals’ meat and fat are traditional food for the Eskimos and Chukchi - the ancient sea hunters, the region’s official supervising indigenous peoples Valentina Dolganskaya told TASS.
"Professional sea hunters - residents of coastal villages, hunt grey, bowhead, beluga whales, walruses, ringed seal and bearded seal," she said. "Hunting bowhead whale, which is on the Red Data Book, is permitted only for Chukotka’s indigenous peoples and exclusively for personal consumption. All sea animal hunting at the national villages is for food of the indigenous peoples and for their everyday needs and ethnic crafts."
School on the edge of mainland
First pupils, who have joined the sea hunting school in 2020, were 15 children from Uelan and Inchoun villages, including two girls. The girls will make traditional knives for women, pekulya, which the locals use to butcher meat. They have cooked bearded seal and treated the dish to people who live in far-away villages.
"It’s my second year here, and my favorite class is shooting. Evgeny Borisovich (SivSiv) says I am doing well. My uncle is the region’s two-time champion in dog sledding, while I prefer hunting sea animals. I haven’t decided what I shall do later, but I think these skills would be handy. This is how our ancestors lived, and they survived only thanks to the ocean," the school’s student Ilya Poyagirdin, 10 years of age, told TASS.
SivSiv told us, teaching how to hunt whales is not the only objective of this educational project.
"We want our children to remember where they come from. Clearly, nowadays good clothes and footwear are not a problem, but girls should know how to skin, how to make something of this skin - this skill would be very useful. Here, in Chukotka, there are people who make of skin and fur fashionable outfits, and they have orders months to go," he said.
Before late August, the students will make equipment for hunters, will forecast weather, and will watch birds and animals. "We understand, not all of them in future will become professional hunters, but they all, living here, need to know how to survive in the Arctic conditions," the teacher said.
How to remember the origin
The students spend time in the coastal area, they shoot at targets, light fires, learn how to set up a tent, navigate the terrain and survive in extreme conditions, including when meeting a wild animal. They spend much time at workout facilities.
"When the boys were butchering a walrus, the seven year-olds begged to join us. But I understand - for safety reasons we cannot take small children. They should grow up first. The project’s term is five years, and later on, if we manage, we shall continue it. At the season’s end, we shall award the best, will give presents to them, and will expect them back next year. Clearly, young people from far-away villages prefer to move closer to cities, but we want them to keep memories about childhood, and to make sure they will survive on the mainland," SivSiv said.
Chukotka’s authorities have registered 68 NGOs, representing the North’s low-numbered indigenous peoples, where 60 are local communities, and nine of those are in sea animal hunting. Sea animal hunting and breeding deer are the only ethnic sectors in the region’s agriculture, where the indigenous peoples work. About 300 professional sea animal hunters live in the region.