tass--2020-08-11--Expulsion of Russian diplomats related to Berlin murder, Slovakian PM says

PRAGUE , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Slovakia has made the decision to expel Russian diplomats in connection with the murder of a Georgian national in Berlin , Slovakia ’ s Prime Minister Igor Matovic stated .
`` When a couple of days ago I was informed about the activities of some staff members of the Russian embassy [ in Slovakia ] and about confirmations of misuse of our ( Slovakian - TASS ) visas in order to commit murder in Germany , I immediately without hesitation understood that such actions can not remain without response , '' he stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
It didn ’ t divulge any other details .
Meanwhile , on the social networks the Slovak prime minister wrote : `` There are times when you have to set a red line even for friends .
Yes , Russians are our Slavic brothers , and Russia is our trading partner .
But this doesn ’ t change the fact that Slovakia is a sovereign state , and not a banana republic where diplomatic rules can be mocked . ''
Slovakia ’ s Foreign Ministry on August 10 confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Embassy in Bratislava over suspected espionage activity .
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would declare a tit-for-tat measure .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday didn ’ t exclude that US diplomats were involved in the expulsion A 40-year-old Georgian national was killed in Tiergarten on August 23 , 2019 , on the same day Berlin prosecutor ’ s office reported that a suspect was arrested .
According to their information , he was a 49-year-old Russian citizen .
The Russian side repeatedly denied Russia ’ s involvement @ @ @ @ @

PRAGUE, August 11. /TASS/. Slovakia has made the decision to expel Russian diplomats in connection with the murder of a Georgian national in Berlin, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Igor Matovic stated.
"When a couple of days ago I was informed about the activities of some staff members of the Russian embassy [in Slovakia] and about confirmations of misuse of our (Slovakian - TASS) visas in order to commit murder in Germany, I immediately without hesitation understood that such actions cannot remain without response," he stated as quoted by the TASR news agency on Tuesday. It didn’t divulge any other details.
Meanwhile, on the social networks the Slovak prime minister wrote: "There are times when you have to set a red line even for friends. Yes, Russians are our Slavic brothers, and Russia is our trading partner. But this doesn’t change the fact that Slovakia is a sovereign state, and not a banana republic where diplomatic rules can be mocked."
Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry on August 10 confirmed that the authorities were expelling three staff members of the Russian Embassy in Bratislava over suspected espionage activity. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would declare a tit-for-tat measure. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday didn’t exclude that US diplomats were involved in the expulsion
Murder in Berlin
A 40-year-old Georgian national was killed in Tiergarten on August 23, 2019, on the same day Berlin prosecutor’s office reported that a suspect was arrested. According to their information, he was a 49-year-old Russian citizen. The Russian side repeatedly denied Russia’s involvement in the Berlin incident.


tass--2020-08-11--Russia hopes to exchange information with Germany about Tiergarten murder — Lavrov

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has responded to all inquiries from Germany regarding the murder in Berlin ’ s Tiergarten and would like to receive further explanations from the German side , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday following talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas .
`` Our relevant agencies sent everything they could to our German colleagues , '' he said .
`` We would also like to receive confirmation or any proof of the claims that the German Public Prosecutor General ’ s office made when it said that Russia is directly involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear any specific answer . ''
In turn , Maas stressed that court is now studying the case .
`` We , the German government , agreed to wait until the court ’ s decision , '' he stressed .
`` The way it will classify this act will lay grounds for us to come up with our reaction .
And if [ Russia ’ s complicity ] will be underlined in the court decision , we will of course react accordingly . ''
A Georgian citizen , 40 , was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Berlin prosecution reported that it detained a suspect the same day .
According to the agency , the suspect is a 49-year-old Russian national identified as Vadim K. On June 18 , 2020 he was officially indicted .
The German Public Prosecutor General ’ s office is coming from the premise that `` at some point state bodies of the Russian central government ordered the indicted person to eliminate the Georgian citizen . ''
The Russian side has repeatedly denied claims that Moscow was complicit in the Berlin murder .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Russia has responded to all inquiries from Germany regarding the murder in Berlin’s Tiergarten and would like to receive further explanations from the German side, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday following talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas.
"Our relevant agencies sent everything they could to our German colleagues," he said. "We would also like to receive confirmation or any proof of the claims that the German Public Prosecutor General’s office made when it said that Russia is directly involved in this murder. We are yet to hear any specific answer."
In turn, Maas stressed that court is now studying the case. "We, the German government, agreed to wait until the court’s decision," he stressed. "The way it will classify this act will lay grounds for us to come up with our reaction. And if [Russia’s complicity] will be underlined in the court decision, we will of course react accordingly."
A Georgian citizen, 40, was killed in Tiergarten on August 23, 2019. The Berlin prosecution reported that it detained a suspect the same day. According to the agency, the suspect is a 49-year-old Russian national identified as Vadim K. On June 18, 2020, he was officially indicted. The German Public Prosecutor General’s office is coming from the premise that "at some point state bodies of the Russian central government ordered the indicted person to eliminate the Georgian citizen." The Russian side has repeatedly denied claims that Moscow was complicit in the Berlin murder.


tass--2020-08-11--Moscow to insist on soonest release of Russian journalists in Belarus, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will insist in its today ’ s contacts with Minsk that the situation around the detention of Russian journalists in Belarus be settled the soonest possible , Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday .
`` This situation needs to be settled based , first of all , on humane considerations .
During our contact with the Belarusian colleagues today , we will insist on the settlement of this situation the soonest possible , '' he stressed .
The Russian top diplomat recalled that many of those detained had no accreditation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and in conformity with all necessary procedures .
Lavrov expressed regret that journalists who are doing their job bona fide during mass riots , including in European Union nations , often find themselves in difficult situations and even are subject to violence .
`` That is why we will spare no effort , including in our bilateral contacts with all our partner nations , where Russian journalists work , to ensure non-discriminatory attitude to them , naturally , with understanding that everyone must obey by corresponding laws , '' he stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ international structures , including the OSCE , on an equal approach to all journalists without seeking to label some mass media as propagandistic .
It is very regrettable as it happened not only in Belarus , it is a common topic . ''
According to Lavrov , the topic of the detention of journalists in Belarus was not raised at his talks with Maas .
`` But now we will have a working breakfast .
I am sure we will be able to exchange opinion on that matter , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pegov were detained amid mass riots in Minsk on Sunday .
The Russian embassy in Minsk said later they had been released .
Media also reported the detention of Meduza journalists and a RIA Novosti press photographer .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Moscow will insist in its today’s contacts with Minsk that the situation around the detention of Russian journalists in Belarus be settled the soonest possible, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.
"This situation needs to be settled based, first of all, on humane considerations. During our contact with the Belarusian colleagues today, we will insist on the settlement of this situation the soonest possible," he stressed.
The Russian top diplomat recalled that many of those detained had no accreditation although applications had been filed in due time and in conformity with all necessary procedures.
Lavrov expressed regret that journalists who are doing their job bona fide during mass riots, including in European Union nations, often find themselves in difficult situations and even are subject to violence. "That is why we will spare no effort, including in our bilateral contacts with all our partner nations, where Russian journalists work, to ensure non-discriminatory attitude to them, naturally, with understanding that everyone must obey by corresponding laws," he stressed. "We will also insist, within international structures, including the OSCE, on an equal approach to all journalists without seeking to label some mass media as propagandistic. It is very regrettable as it happened not only in Belarus, it is a common topic."
According to Lavrov, the topic of the detention of journalists in Belarus was not raised at his talks with Maas. "But now we will have a working breakfast. I am sure we will be able to exchange opinion on that matter," he added.
Daily Storm journalists and defense correspondent Semyon Pegov were detained amid mass riots in Minsk on Sunday. The Russian embassy in Minsk said later they had been released. Media also reported the detention of Meduza journalists and a RIA Novosti press photographer.


tass--2020-08-11--Russia receives request for 1 bln COVID-19 vaccine doses from 20 states

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has received a request for the production of 1 bln doses of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology from 20 states , head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said during an online conference .
`` We see a great interest abroad towards the Russian vaccine produced by the Gamaleya Research Institute .
We have received preliminary requests for the purchase of over 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 states .
We are ready to ensure production of over 500 mln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in five countries , and we plan to increase our production capacity further , '' he stated .
According to Dmitriev , as of today , several Latin American , Middle Eastern and Asian states have expressed an interest in purchasing the Russian vaccine .
Several contracts have been finalized .
He noted that the RDIF had agreed to hold the third stage of clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine abroad with the UAE , Saudi Arabia and other states .
`` The third stage of clinical trials of the Russian vaccine will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached agreements on holding the corresponding trials of the Gamaleya [ Research Institute ] vaccine with our partners from the UAE , Saudi Arabia and a number of other states , '' he informed .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) and partners are working on a humanitarian assistance program for a number of developing countries so that people have equal access to the coronavirus vaccine , Kirill Dmitriev told the conference .
`` As we understand that vaccination of the population against coronavirus infection is the most acute issue primarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners are working on a humanitarian assistance program for a number of developing states .
We believe that people around the world should have equal access to vaccine , regardless of their financial situation , religion , place of residence or other factors , `` he said .
On August 11 , the Russian Health Ministry registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world .
The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Federal Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Russia has received a request for the production of 1 bln doses of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology from 20 states, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said during an online conference.
"We see a great interest abroad towards the Russian vaccine produced by the Gamaleya Research Institute. We have received preliminary requests for the purchase of over 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 states. We are ready to ensure production of over 500 mln vaccine doses along with our foreign partners in five countries, and we plan to increase our production capacity further," he stated.
According to Dmitriev, as of today, several Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian states have expressed an interest in purchasing the Russian vaccine. Several contracts have been finalized.
He noted that the RDIF had agreed to hold the third stage of clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine abroad with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other states.
"The third stage of clinical trials of the Russian vaccine will also take place abroad. We have reached agreements on holding the corresponding trials of the Gamaleya [Research Institute] vaccine with our partners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and a number of other states," he informed.
Humanitarian assistance
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and partners are working on a humanitarian assistance program for a number of developing countries so that people have equal access to the coronavirus vaccine, Kirill Dmitriev told the conference.
"As we understand that vaccination of the population against coronavirus infection is the most acute issue primarily for the poorest countries, RDIF and partners are working on a humanitarian assistance program for a number of developing states. We believe that people around the world should have equal access to vaccine, regardless of their financial situation, religion, place of residence or other factors, "he said.
On August 11, the Russian Health Ministry registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Federal Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund.


tass--2020-08-11--Opposition candidate Tikhanovskaya calls on Belarusian protesters to leave the streets

MINSK , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who fled for Lithuania on Tuesday , has called on her supporters to respect law , refrain from clashing with the police and stay at home .
`` Belarusians , I call for prudence and respect to law .
I don ’ t want bloodshed and violence .
I am asking you not to clash with the police , not to take to the streets , not to risk your lives .
Please , take care of yourself and your near and dear , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tut.by portal .
She thanked the Belarusian nationals for taking part in the election , noting that `` the Belarusian people have made their choice . ''
It was reported earlier that Tikhanovskaya had left Belarus for Lithuania .
In her video address , she said that it was her own decision .
Meanwhile , Maria Kolesnikova , member of Tikhanovskaya ’ s team , said during a press conference on Tuesday that the Belarusian opposition candidate ’ s address might have been recorded under pressure .
`` Tikhanovskaya ’ s call not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been done under pressure .
For three hours , Svetlana remained at one of the offices of the Central Election Commission with two high-ranking members of the law enforcement .
This message was recorded at that time , '' Kolesnikova said .
The political activist did not state with certainty that the video had been recorded under pressure , however , she did not rule out such a possibility .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the preliminary results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80.08 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his main opponent , came in second with 10.09 % .
She stated that she didn ’ t recognize these results , considering herself the elected head of state , and filed a complaint with the Central Election Committee .
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .
As a result , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 3,000 people were detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 11. /TASS/. Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled for Lithuania on Tuesday, has called on her supporters to respect law, refrain from clashing with the police and stay at home.
"Belarusians, I call for prudence and respect to law. I don’t want bloodshed and violence. I am asking you not to clash with the police, not to take to the streets, not to risk your lives. Please, take care of yourself and your near and dear," she said in a video address posted on the tut.by portal.
She thanked the Belarusian nationals for taking part in the election, noting that "the Belarusian people have made their choice."
It was reported earlier that Tikhanovskaya had left Belarus for Lithuania. In her video address, she said that it was her own decision.
Meanwhile, Maria Kolesnikova, member of Tikhanovskaya’s team, said during a press conference on Tuesday that the Belarusian opposition candidate’s address might have been recorded under pressure.
"Tikhanovskaya’s call not to go out on the streets may have been done under pressure. For three hours, Svetlana remained at one of the offices of the Central Election Commission with two high-ranking members of the law enforcement. This message was recorded at that time," Kolesnikova said. The political activist did not state with certainty that the video had been recorded under pressure, however, she did not rule out such a possibility.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the preliminary results provided by the Belarusian Central Election Committee, incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.08% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his main opponent, came in second with 10.09%. She stated that she didn’t recognize these results, considering herself the elected head of state, and filed a complaint with the Central Election Committee. After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. As a result, according to the republic’s Interior Ministry, about 3,000 people were detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-11--Over 2,000 people detained in Belarus in past 24 hours

MINSK , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Over 2,000 people were detained during protests in Belarus on Monday , the country ’ s Interior Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` Gatherings of people were detected in a number of cities on the night of August 10 to 11 .
The largest gatherings took place in Minsk , Brest , Mogilev and Novopolotsk , '' the statement reads .
`` More than 2,000 people were detained nationwide , particularly for taking part in unauthorized public events , '' the ministry added .
`` Twenty-one law enforcement officers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injures , five of them were taken to the hospital , '' the ministry pointed out .
According to the Interior Ministry , protesters in Minsk used petrol and smoke bombs , and some drivers `` deliberately sought to hinder traffic , making stops and honking . ''
`` Attempts were also made to block traffic by installing barriers , '' the document added .
`` In Minsk and Novopolotsk , law enforcement officers and members of internal military forces had to use special equipment to put an end to illegal activities , @ @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 11. /TASS/. Over 2,000 people were detained during protests in Belarus on Monday, the country’s Interior Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Gatherings of people were detected in a number of cities on the night of August 10 to 11. The largest gatherings took place in Minsk, Brest, Mogilev and Novopolotsk," the statement reads.
"More than 2,000 people were detained nationwide, particularly for taking part in unauthorized public events," the ministry added.
"Twenty-one law enforcement officers and a member of internal military forces suffered injures, five of them were taken to the hospital," the ministry pointed out.
According to the Interior Ministry, protesters in Minsk used petrol and smoke bombs, and some drivers "deliberately sought to hinder traffic, making stops and honking." "Attempts were also made to block traffic by installing barriers," the document added.
"In Minsk and Novopolotsk, law enforcement officers and members of internal military forces had to use special equipment to put an end to illegal activities," the ministry pointed out.


tass--2020-08-11--Putin notes Russia’s right to pull out of double taxation agreements

NOVO-OGARYOVO , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia can terminate double taxation agreements unilaterally if it fails to find understanding @ @ @ @ @ Putin said at a meeting with government members when commenting on the report by Deputy @ @ @ @ @ amendments made to a respective agreement with Cyprus .
`` It is necessary to continue @ @ @ @ @ partners , with a partnership approach , to inform colleagues in due time , make @ @ @ @ @ to everyone , will be correct .
However , if we fail to find understanding @ @ @ @ @ are reserving the right to terminate those agreements unilaterally , '' Putin said , adding @ @ @ @ @ to pull out of agreements on avoidance of double taxation unilaterally in accordance with the @ @ @ @ @ themselves .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, August 11. /TASS/. Russia can terminate double taxation agreements unilaterally if it fails to find understanding with partners, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with government members when commenting on the report by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk on amendments made to a respective agreement with Cyprus.
"It is necessary to continue that work with the remaining partners, with a partnership approach, to inform colleagues in due time, make proposals that will be clear to everyone, will be correct. However, if we fail to find understanding regarding our position, we are reserving the right to terminate those agreements unilaterally," Putin said, adding that Moscow has the right to pull out of agreements on avoidance of double taxation unilaterally in accordance with the international right and those deals themselves.


tass--2020-08-11--Russian COVID-19 vaccine to enter circulation on January 1, 2021

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Health Ministry has registered the vaccine against the coronavirus infection developed by the Gamaleya Research Center as a solution for injections .
It will appear in circulation starting on January 1 , 2021 , the website of the State Register of Pharmaceuticals reported on Tuesday .
Russia ’ s new daily coronavirus cases below 5,000 for the first time since April 23 Binnopharm JSC and the Gamaleya research center are listed as manufacturers .
It had been reported that the Gamaleya center had developed two forms of the vaccine - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported on Tuesday that the vaccine against the coronavirus infection will be produced in Russia on two sites .
According to him , currently with the assistance of the Industry and Trade Ministry and the Sberbank project office `` technical regulations are being worked through in order to scale the production on sites of several domestic manufacturers . ''
According to the latest statistics , over 20 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 736,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 897,599 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 703,175 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 15,131 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Russia’s Health Ministry has registered the vaccine against the coronavirus infection developed by the Gamaleya Research Center as a solution for injections. It will appear in circulation starting on January 1, 2021, the website of the State Register of Pharmaceuticals reported on Tuesday.
Russia’s new daily coronavirus cases below 5,000 for the first time since April 23
Binnopharm JSC and the Gamaleya research center are listed as manufacturers.
It had been reported that the Gamaleya center had developed two forms of the vaccine - a liquid and a freeze-dried one.
Russia’s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported on Tuesday that the vaccine against the coronavirus infection will be produced in Russia on two sites. According to him, currently with the assistance of the Industry and Trade Ministry and the Sberbank project office "technical regulations are being worked through in order to scale the production on sites of several domestic manufacturers."
According to the latest statistics, over 20 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 736,000 deaths have been reported. To date, 897,599 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 703,175 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 15,131 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-11--Press review: Will protests in Belarus continue and when will Russian oil industry recover

Vedomosti : Protests in Belarus may continue but have little chance of success Police and protesters continued to clash across Belarus after the country ’ s current leader Aleksandr Lukashenko emerged with an overwhelming victory in the recent presidential elections .
Experts told Vedomosti that while the protests in Belarus are unprecedented , the lack of coordination and planning would curb their momentum .
According to Lukashenko , `` forces from abroad '' are trying to organize street protests similar to those in Kiev dubbed `` the Maidan '' .
In his opinion , the instigators of the riots acted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic and Poland .
Meanwhile , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya ’ s opposition headquarters refused to accept the landslide victory by the incumbent president .
The Belarusian authorities continue to block the Internet , Vedomosti writes .
A resident of the Mogilev region told the newspaper that the internet has not been functioning for two days , with only bank transfers possible .
The authorities are preparing for more protests - riot police were occupying the center of Minsk , parking lots and subway stations were closed , a resident told the newspaper .
Andrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics , told Vedomosti that negotiations between the opposition and Lukashenko are hardly possible .
Any negotiations with Tikhanovskaya would be a step back for him and for his system .
According to the expert , the protesters have enough strength to fight , but their actions are not coordinated and they have no plan .
`` If everything develops exactly as last night , then the likelihood of this [ security agencies moving to the demonstrators ' camp ] is minimal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pressure , if someone proposes a specific plan , then the outcome may also change , '' the expert emphasized .
`` Elites can join the protest if they see an idea and a plan of action .
On the other hand , I have a feeling that only the breakaway elite can offer this plan , '' the expert noted .
According to Skriba , Lukashenko would also not flee - the Belarusian leader will remain in the country until the last moment .
Vedomosti : Russia ’ s oil industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s oil exports increased in value terms in June for the first time since the beginning of the year .
Compared with May , the figure increased by 43.2 % to over $ 5 bln , according to the Federal Customs Service .
The decline continued in annual terms , but its pace has noticeably slowed down .
Analysts and experts interviewed by Vedomosti do not expect the industry to recover before 2021 .
Coronavirus , the OPEC+ deal limiting oil supply , and November US elections will remain the main factors affecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The main factor that influenced growth of export revenues is associated with rising oil prices , Chief analyst at PSB bank Ekaterina Krylova told the newspaper .
In July , the average price of Russian Urals oil reached $ 43.9 per barrel , which is higher than the cut-off price set in the budget for the current year of $ 42.4 per barrel .
Krylova noted that the price recovery will play into the hands of oil companies in the second half of the year after the unsuccessful Q1 and Q2 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , profits and margins will fall across the sector .
Oil companies should be able to quickly resume investments , but only in a truly stable market situation .
This is more likely next year ’ s promise , '' she said .
In the baseline forecast , PSB expects to see the average annual Urals price to rise to $ 47 per barrel in 2021 .
According to the Director for Analysis of Financial Markets and Macroeconomics at Alfa Capital Management Company , Vladimir Bragin , export statistics reflect the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the coronavirus pandemic .
But the recovery in the oil market could take years , he added .
The expert told Vedomosti that the situation is generally unpredictable due to COVID-19 , but it will force oil workers to reduce the volume of investment projects .
Russia convinced the negotiators in Cyprus to change the agreement on double taxation - Cyprus agreed on raising the tax on dividends and interest to 15 % , instead of denouncing the deal altogether .
According to the Finance Ministry , Russia ’ s budget could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 2.04 bln ) annually from the adjusted deal .
Market participants told Kommersant they need to see the text of the new agreement and check it for exemptions .
Russia halted the process of denunciation of the agreement , announced a week ago .
Similar negotiations could be completed with Malta and Luxembourg by the end of August .
According to partner at PwC tax and legal practice Ekaterina Lazorina , the success of negotiations with Cyprus is a positive turn of events .
`` After the latest statement from Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our clients were worried that the negotiations had reached an impasse .
Then a wide range of participants would have suffered - not only investors , but also transport companies , the financial sector , IT , '' she said .
According to the Cypriot Ministry of Finance , interest payments on corporate bonds and public debt will be exempted from income tax .
`` This is significant for investors , '' Lazorina told the newspaper .
Meanwhile , the Russian Finance Ministry noted that additional revenues to Russia 's budget from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount to 130 - 150 bln rubles ( $ 1.77-2.04 bln ) annually .
The claims of the Association of Clinical Research Organizations to the registration process for the Russian coronavirus vaccine are based on lack of knowledge of the research results , Deputy Head of Russia ’ s healthcare watchdog Valentina Kosenko told RBC , commenting on the organization ’ s recent call to postpone registration until the successful completion of the third phase of clinical trials .
`` The vaccine can not be registered until the studies are completed - no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
According to Kosenko , the third , post-registration phase of vaccine research involves participation of several thousand volunteers , these will be extensive clinical studies that are allowed during a pandemic .
`` Russia is a country with a rich history of development and production of vaccines , and it is unlikely that the vaccine from the Gamaleya Center does not meet the established requirements , '' she said .
Kosenko also said that several hundred volunteers were vaccinated and there were no serious adverse reactions to the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawing conclusions without knowing any results . ''
The association earlier appealed to the Russian Ministry of Health to postpone registration of the first Russian vaccine against coronavirus until the successful completion of the third phase of clinical trials .
In particular , the members of the association noted that less than a hundred people took part in the trials , when during the third phase of testing , drugs are usually tested on several thousand people .
Izvestia : Abkhaz-Russian border will not be closed again due to COVID-19 The Abkhaz authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russia again , since the latest increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country is not connected with tourists , President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania said in an interview with Izvestia .
According to Bzhania , Abkhazia 's economic losses due to the pandemic and related restrictions are significant .
The situation was seriously aggravated by the disruption of the tourism industry , one of the key sectors of Abkhazia ’ s economy , which forms more than 35 % of its GDP .
Thus , another closing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bzhania told the newspaper .
According to the politician , the number of coronavirus cases indeed increased in the first days after the border opening , however , this had nothing to do with Russian tourists and was caused by neglected sanitary standards in one of the regional hospitals .
He said that medical specialists promptly prevented the spread of coronavirus and protected the citizens of Abkhazia and tourists .
As for any changes in relations with Georgia , Bzhania told the newspaper that Tbilisi refuses to sign a document on the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the agreement on the non-use of force .
He noted that it is important for Georgia to recognize the realities that have developed over the past decades - Abkhazia is an independent state with all the ensuing legal , political , and other consequences .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Vedomosti: Protests in Belarus may continue but have little chance of success Police and protesters continued to clash across Belarus after the country’s current leader Aleksandr Lukashenko emerged with an overwhelming victory in the recent presidential elections. Experts told Vedomosti that while the protests in Belarus are unprecedented, the lack of coordination and planning would curb their momentum.
According to Lukashenko, "forces from abroad" are trying to organize street protests similar to those in Kiev dubbed "the Maidan". In his opinion, the instigators of the riots acted from other countries, primarily the Czech Republic and Poland. Meanwhile, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya’s opposition headquarters refused to accept the landslide victory by the incumbent president. The Belarusian authorities continue to block the Internet, Vedomosti writes. A resident of the Mogilev region told the newspaper that the internet has not been functioning for two days, with only bank transfers possible. The authorities are preparing for more protests - riot police were occupying the center of Minsk, parking lots and subway stations were closed, a resident told the newspaper. Andrey Skriba, research fellow at the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics, told Vedomosti that negotiations between the opposition and Lukashenko are hardly possible. Any negotiations with Tikhanovskaya would be a step back for him and for his system. According to the expert, the protesters have enough strength to fight, but their actions are not coordinated and they have no plan. "If everything develops exactly as last night, then the likelihood of this [security agencies moving to the demonstrators' camp] is minimal. If something changes qualitatively in terms of pressure, if someone proposes a specific plan, then the outcome may also change," the expert emphasized. "Elites can join the protest if they see an idea and a plan of action. On the other hand, I have a feeling that only the breakaway elite can offer this plan," the expert noted. According to Skriba, Lukashenko would also not flee - the Belarusian leader will remain in the country until the last moment. Vedomosti: Russia’s oil industry might not recover before 2021 Russia’s oil exports increased in value terms in June for the first time since the beginning of the year. Compared with May, the figure increased by 43.2% to over $5 bln, according to the Federal Customs Service. The decline continued in annual terms, but its pace has noticeably slowed down. Analysts and experts interviewed by Vedomosti do not expect the industry to recover before 2021. Coronavirus, the OPEC+ deal limiting oil supply, and November US elections will remain the main factors affecting oil prices, the paper writes.
The main factor that influenced growth of export revenues is associated with rising oil prices, Chief analyst at PSB bank Ekaterina Krylova told the newspaper. In July, the average price of Russian Urals oil reached $43.9 per barrel, which is higher than the cut-off price set in the budget for the current year of $42.4 per barrel. Krylova noted that the price recovery will play into the hands of oil companies in the second half of the year after the unsuccessful Q1 and Q2. "However, by the end of the year, profits and margins will fall across the sector. Oil companies should be able to quickly resume investments, but only in a truly stable market situation. This is more likely next year’s promise," she said. In the baseline forecast, PSB expects to see the average annual Urals price to rise to $47 per barrel in 2021. According to the Director for Analysis of Financial Markets and Macroeconomics at Alfa Capital Management Company, Vladimir Bragin, export statistics reflect the overall positive dynamics of the global economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic. But the recovery in the oil market could take years, he added. The expert told Vedomosti that the situation is generally unpredictable due to COVID-19, but it will force oil workers to reduce the volume of investment projects. Kommersant: Russia, Cyprus agree to adjust double taxation deal Russia convinced the negotiators in Cyprus to change the agreement on double taxation - Cyprus agreed on raising the tax on dividends and interest to 15%, instead of denouncing the deal altogether. According to the Finance Ministry, Russia’s budget could additionally get up to 150 bln rubles ($2.04 bln) annually from the adjusted deal. Market participants told Kommersant they need to see the text of the new agreement and check it for exemptions.
Read also Russia halts denunciation of tax agreement with Cyprus
Russia halted the process of denunciation of the agreement, announced a week ago. Similar negotiations could be completed with Malta and Luxembourg by the end of August. According to partner at PwC tax and legal practice Ekaterina Lazorina, the success of negotiations with Cyprus is a positive turn of events. "After the latest statement from Russia’s Ministry of Finance, many of our clients were worried that the negotiations had reached an impasse. Then a wide range of participants would have suffered - not only investors, but also transport companies, the financial sector, IT," she said. According to the Cypriot Ministry of Finance, interest payments on corporate bonds and public debt will be exempted from income tax. "This is significant for investors," Lazorina told the newspaper. Meanwhile, the Russian Finance Ministry noted that additional revenues to Russia's budget from the Cyprus tax increase on dividends will amount to 130 - 150 bln rubles ($1.77-2.04 bln) annually. RBC: Russia's healthcare watchdog shrugs off COVID-19 vaccine naysayers The claims of the Association of Clinical Research Organizations to the registration process for the Russian coronavirus vaccine are based on lack of knowledge of the research results, Deputy Head of Russia’s healthcare watchdog Valentina Kosenko told RBC, commenting on the organization’s recent call to postpone registration until the successful completion of the third phase of clinical trials.


tass--2020-08-11--Doctors and teachers will be first to get Russian COVID-19 vaccine, health minister says

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Medical workers and teachers will be the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine @ @ @ @ @ Murashko said during a session between Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of the government @ @ @ @ @ the stage-by-stage civilian use of the vaccine .
First and foremost , we would like @ @ @ @ @ who come into contact with infected persons at work .
These are medical workers .
@ @ @ @ @ responsible for children ’ s health - teachers , '' the minister said .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Medical workers and teachers will be the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a session between Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of the government.
"We will begin the stage-by-stage civilian use of the vaccine. First and foremost, we would like to offer vaccination to those who come into contact with infected persons at work. These are medical workers. And also those who are responsible for children’s health - teachers," the minister said.


tass--2020-08-11--Tikhanovskaya confirms departure from Belarus in video address

MINSK , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in a video address published on YouTube on Tuesday confirmed her departure from Belarus , stressing that it was her own decision .
`` I made this decision completely on my own .
Neither friends , nor family , nor the [ electoral ] headquarters , nor Sergey [ Tikhanovsky , spouse - TASS ] could have influenced it in any way , '' she said .
`` I know that many will understand me , many will judge me , and many will hate me .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the choice I faced .
So , people , take care of yourselves , please .
Not a single life is worth what is going on now .
Children are the most important in our life , '' she added .
Earlier on Tuesday , the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus confirmed that Tikhanovskaya departed for Lithuania on Monday night through the Kotlovka checkpoint .
The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9 .
According to the preliminary data of the Belarusian Central Election Committee , incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent , was second with 10.09 % .
She stated that she didn ’ t accept these results , considered herself the elected head of state , and filed a complaint with the Central Election Committee .
After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9 , protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces .
As a result , according to the republic ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were detained , dozens of policemen and protesters were injured .

MINSK, August 11. /TASS/. Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in a video address published on YouTube on Tuesday confirmed her departure from Belarus, stressing that it was her own decision.
"I made this decision completely on my own. Neither friends, nor family, nor the [electoral] headquarters, nor Sergey [Tikhanovsky, spouse - TASS] could have influenced it in any way," she said.
"I know that many will understand me, many will judge me, and many will hate me. But, you know, God forbid to face the choice I faced. So, people, take care of yourselves, please. Not a single life is worth what is going on now. Children are the most important in our life," she added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus confirmed that Tikhanovskaya departed for Lithuania on Monday night through the Kotlovka checkpoint.
The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9. According to the preliminary data of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, incumbent president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko got 80.08% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered his main opponent, was second with 10.09%. She stated that she didn’t accept these results, considered herself the elected head of state, and filed a complaint with the Central Election Commission. After exit poll results were announced in the evening of August 9, protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other regions of the country, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. As a result, according to the republic’s Interior Ministry, about 3,000 people were detained, dozens of policemen and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-11--Russia is first to register COVID-19 vaccine worldwide, Putin says

NOVO-OGARYOVO , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin , opening a meeting with the state officials , reported of the registration in Russia of the first vaccine worldwide against the coronavirus infection .
`` As far as I know , this morning for the first time in the world a vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection was registered , '' the president said .
Putin also stated that one of his daughters had tested a Russian COVID-19 vaccine on herself and that she is feeling well .
The Russian leader noted that the first Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunity .
`` I know this very well , because one of my daughters got vaccinated , so in this sense , she took part in testing , '' Putin said .
He noted that after the first vaccine shot , his daughter had a 38°C fever , and on the next day , a fever slightly higher than 37°C .
`` And then , after the second shot , she had a slight fever again , and then everything was fine , she is feeling well and has a high [ antibody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian leader pointed out that `` some people do not have any symptoms at all '' after getting a vaccine shot .
Earlier the Health Minister stated that clinical trials of the vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry were over .
The Russian president has two daughters - Maria , born in 1985 , and Katerina , born in 1986 .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, August 11. /TASS/. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, opening a meeting with the state officials, reported of the registration in Russia of the first vaccine worldwide against the coronavirus infection.
"As far as I know, this morning for the first time in the world a vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection was registered," the president said.
Putin also stated that one of his daughters had tested a Russian COVID-19 vaccine on herself and that she is feeling well.
The Russian leader noted that the first Russian COVID-19 vaccine forms stable cell and antibody immunity.
"I know this very well, because one of my daughters got vaccinated, so in this sense, she took part in testing," Putin said. He noted that after the first vaccine shot, his daughter had a 38°C fever, and on the next day, a fever slightly higher than 37°C. "And then, after the second shot, she had a slight fever again, and then everything was fine, she is feeling well and has a high [antibody] count," the president informed.
The Russian leader pointed out that "some people do not have any symptoms at all" after getting a vaccine shot.
Earlier the Health Minister stated that clinical trials of the vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry were over.
The Russian president has two daughters - Maria, born in 1985, and Katerina, born in 1986.


tass--2020-08-11--Two Belarusian presidential candidates plan to challenge election results

MINSK , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian presidential candidate Andrei Dmitriyev plans to file a complaint with the Central @ @ @ @ @ results of the August 9 presidential election , as he himself told TASS on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ a complaint with the Central Election Commission tomorrow ( on August 12 ) at noon @ @ @ @ @ ’ s results should not be recognized , '' Dmitriyev said .
Presidential candidate Sergei @ @ @ @ @ similar complaint , his spokesperson Viktoria Strelkovskaya told TASS .

MINSK, August 11. /TASS/. Belarusian presidential candidate Andrei Dmitriyev plans to file a complaint with the Central Election Commission, challenging the results of the August 9 presidential election, as he himself told TASS on Tuesday.
"I will file a complaint with the Central Election Commission tomorrow (on August 12) at noon, requesting that the election’s results should not be recognized," Dmitriyev said.
Presidential candidate Sergei Cherechen is working on a similar complaint, his spokesperson Viktoria Strelkovskaya told TASS.


tass--2020-08-11--No grounds to postpone registration of Russian COVID-19 vaccine, expert says

British policy towards Russia consists of 95 % of deterrence and 5 % of dialogue , envoy says The ambassador @ @ @ @ @ relations between the UK and Russia as difficult

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-08-11--Russia’s new daily coronavirus cases below 5,000 for the first time since April 23

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases rose by 4,945 to 897,599 in the past @ @ @ @ @ crisis center said on Tuesday .
According to the crisis center , new daily cases @ @ @ @ @ first time since April 23 .
The daily coronavirus growth rate fell below 0.6 % @ @ @ @ @ a row .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases rose by 4,945 to 897,599 in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
According to the crisis center, new daily cases dropped below 5,000 for the first time since April 23. The daily coronavirus growth rate fell below 0.6% for the tenth day in a row.


tass--2020-08-11--Number of COVID-19 tests conducted in Russia surpasses 31 mln

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists have conducted a total of over 31 mln tests for the @ @ @ @ @ service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported @ @ @ @ @ 31 mln tests were conducted in the Russian Federation , '' the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours .
On August 7 , the sanitary watchdog reported that the @ @ @ @ @ country had surpassed 30 mln .
According to the agency , 239,495 people remain under @ @ @ @ @ date due to suspected novel coronavirus infection .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Russian specialists have conducted a total of over 31 mln tests for the coronavirus infection, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Tuesday.
"Over 31 mln tests were conducted in the Russian Federation," the statement said. 177,000 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.
On August 7, the sanitary watchdog reported that the number of tests in the country had surpassed 30 mln.
According to the agency, 239,495 people remain under medical observation in Russia to date due to suspected novel coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-08-11--Belarusian presidential candidate Tikhanovskaya in Lithuania, says Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is in Lithuania , the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is safe .
She is in Lithuania , '' @ @ @ @ @ In an interview with the national radio LRT , Linkevicius also said that Tikhanovskaya arrived @ @ @ @ @ hours in detention on the territory of Belarus .
`` The main thing is that @ @ @ @ @ she was detained in Belarus before and spent about seven hours in detention , '' @ @ @ @ @ has not yet specified how and for how long Tikhanovskaya arrived in Vilnius and what @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is in Lithuania, the country’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said on Tuesday.
"Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is safe. She is in Lithuania," he wrote on Twitter.
In an interview with the national radio LRT, Linkevicius also said that Tikhanovskaya arrived in Lithuania after spending seven hours in detention on the territory of Belarus.
"The main thing is that she is safe, since she was detained in Belarus before and spent about seven hours in detention," he said. The minister has not yet specified how and for how long Tikhanovskaya arrived in Vilnius and what she plans to do.


tass--2020-08-11--Brazil records over 22,000 new coronavirus cases

Nearly 70 % of those infected ( 2,163,812 ) have recovered and another 719,906 are active virus carriers .
The @ @ @ @ @ to 101,752 .
Some 1,455 cases and 48 deaths are recorded per 100,000 citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ of 304,535 new cases were confirmed , fewer than in the last two weeks of @ @ @ @ @ reached a record high of 319,653 and 313,364 .
Before that , the cases started @ @ @ @ @ since the start of the outbreak in the country .
The number of daily fatalities @ @ @ @ @ weeks was estimated at nearly 1,000 .
Brazil , where the first coronavirus case was @ @ @ @ @ is ranked second after the United States for the biggest number of COVID-19 cases and @ @ @ @ @ earlier predicted that the situation would stabilize by July and in August the infection spread @ @ @ @ @ According to the ministry , in June the country reached a plateau in the number @ @ @

Nearly 70% of those infected (2,163,812) have recovered and another 719,906 are active virus carriers. The death toll rose by 703 to 101,752. Some 1,455 cases and 48 deaths are recorded per 100,000 citizens.
Last week, a total of 304,535 new cases were confirmed, fewer than in the last two weeks of July, when this number reached a record high of 319,653 and 313,364. Before that, the cases started declining for the first time since the start of the outbreak in the country. The number of daily fatalities recorded in the past 11 weeks was estimated at nearly 1,000.
Brazil, where the first coronavirus case was confirmed on February 26, is ranked second after the United States for the biggest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. The Health Ministry earlier predicted that the situation would stabilize by July and in August the infection spread would begin to slow. According to the ministry, in June the country reached a plateau in the number of fatalities.


tass--2020-08-11--Four more sailors of Russian ship in Busan contract coronavirus

SEOUL , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
South Korean doctors confirmed that four more sailors of a Russian vessel docked in Busan tested positive for COVID-19 , Yonhap news agency reported citing the city ’ s health authorities .
`` Tests of four Indonesian sailors of the fishing vessel confirmed the coronavirus infection , '' the report said .
The news agency gave no details on the vessel , just noting that earlier four other COVID-19 cases were registered there .
The captain was among those ill .
This could be Korsar fishing vessel with 23 crew members and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Busan on August 5 .
During the medical checks several sailors tested positive for COVID-19 .
The sailors did not show any symptoms and were taken to a local hospital .
The other crew members were isolated on the vessel .
According to Yonhap , since early June more than 90 sailors of Russian vessels in Busan have tested positive for the coronavirus .
In July , the authorities ordered foreigners arriving in South Korea from the countries with a high risk of the coronavirus spread to show certificates confirming a negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern only citizens of six countries , including Bangladesh , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan .
However , earlier reports said this list could be extended .

SEOUL, August 11. /TASS/. South Korean doctors confirmed that four more sailors of a Russian vessel docked in Busan tested positive for COVID-19, Yonhap news agency reported citing the city’s health authorities.
"Tests of four Indonesian sailors of the fishing vessel confirmed the coronavirus infection," the report said. The news agency gave no details on the vessel, just noting that earlier four other COVID-19 cases were registered there. The captain was among those ill.
This could be Korsar fishing vessel with 23 crew members and the displacement of 722 tonnes, which arrived in Busan on August 5. During the medical checks several sailors tested positive for COVID-19. The sailors did not show any symptoms and were taken to a local hospital. The other crew members were isolated on the vessel.
According to Yonhap, since early June more than 90 sailors of Russian vessels in Busan have tested positive for the coronavirus.
In July, the authorities ordered foreigners arriving in South Korea from the countries with a high risk of the coronavirus spread to show certificates confirming a negative test for COVID-19. Such restrictions now concern only citizens of six countries, including Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. However, earlier reports said this list could be extended.


tass--2020-08-11--US NGO urges Belarus to ensure journalists’ security

NEW YORK , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
The Committee to Protect Journalists ( CPJ ) has called on the Belarusian authorities to ensure security of media representatives covering protests in the country , the US NGO based in New York said in a statement .
`` Belarusian authorities must stop attacking members of the press covering protests , and should ensure that police officers who attack journalists are held to account , '' Gulnoza Said , CPJ ’ s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator , was quoted as saying .
`` Journalists must be able to report on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s history freely and safely , '' she noted .
According to CPJ ’ s data , on Monday at least three journalists , who were covering the protests , were detained in Minsk and Grodno .
On Sunday , at least four reporters were attacked in Minsk and five were taken into custody .
Among those detained were journalists of Russia ’ s Komsomolskaya Pravda , Dozhd TV channel , Daily Storm , Meduza and other media outlets .
On August 9 , Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.08 % of votes .
His closest rival , housewife Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.09 % of votes .
The other three candidates managed to win less that to percent each .
After the exit poll results were announced on Sunday night , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
According to the Interior Ministry , some 3,000 people were detained and dozens of police and protesters were injured .

NEW YORK, August 11. /TASS/. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Belarusian authorities to ensure security of media representatives covering protests in the country, the US NGO based in New York said in a statement.
"Belarusian authorities must stop attacking members of the press covering protests, and should ensure that police officers who attack journalists are held to account," Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, was quoted as saying. "Journalists must be able to report on this pivotal moment in the country’s history freely and safely," she noted.
According to CPJ’s data, on Monday at least three journalists, who were covering the protests, were detained in Minsk and Grodno. On Sunday, at least four reporters were attacked in Minsk and five were taken into custody. Among those detained were journalists of Russia’s Komsomolskaya Pravda, Dozhd TV channel, Daily Storm, Meduza and other media outlets.
On August 9, Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991. According to the country’s Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.08% of votes. His closest rival, housewife Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.09% of votes. The other three candidates managed to win less that to percent each.
After the exit poll results were announced on Sunday night, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities, which spiraled into clashes with police. According to the Interior Ministry, some 3,000 people were detained and dozens of police and protesters were injured.


tass--2020-08-11--US hails Russian diplomats’ expulsion from Slovakia

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
The United States welcomed the decision of Slovakia ’ s authorities to expel @ @ @ @ @ country , State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus wrote on her Twitter page .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ actions taken by Slovakia to protect against threats that foreign malign actors pose to its @ @ @ @ @ .
Slovakia ’ s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that the authorities were expelling three @ @ @ @ @ Embassy in Bratislava over suspected espionage activity .
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. The United States welcomed the decision of Slovakia’s authorities to expel Russian diplomats from the European country, State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus wrote on her Twitter page.
"The United States applauds the recent actions taken by Slovakia to protect against threats that foreign malign actors pose to its sovereignty," Ortagus said.
Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that the authorities were expelling three staff members of the Russian Embassy in Bratislava over suspected espionage activity. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would declare a tit-for-tat measure.


tass--2020-08-12--Preparations for testing Russian coronavirus vaccine to begin in Brazil next week

RIO DE JANEIRO , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Parana Institute of Technology ( TECPAR ) in Brazil will request technical documents for Russia ’ s coronavirus vaccine next week with an aim to start preparations for its trials , a state official told TASS on Tuesday .
`` We believe that after signing a framework agreement tomorrow [ on Wednesday ] , Tecpar will be able to prepare a request for protocols to the Russian authorities next week .
After that , we can make a request to the regulator , '' said Guto Silva , the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s governor .
He said that more details about the timeframe of the framework agreement ’ s implementation , as well as issues of deliveries , access to relevant Russian technologies and the possibility to produce the vaccine in Brazil will be discussed on Wednesday during an online conference between Parana Governor Ratinho Junior and Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) head Kirill Dmitriev .
According to Silva , Tecpar has sufficient research base for holding lab tests of the Russian vaccine , while its ties with the Brazilian Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fiocruz ) provide an opportunity for trials at the federal level .
`` We are interested in becoming a center for spreading this vaccine .
Importantly , the federal government shares our stance , '' he said .
Brazil media reported on Tuesday that the Parana state government and RDIF were preparing to sign an agreement to test and produce the Russian vaccine .
Shortly after , Brazil ’ s national sanitary watchdog Anvisa said it had not yet received applications for testing and registration of the vaccine .
Earlier on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
According to Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko , the vaccine dubbed Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
Putin also revealed that one of his daughters received the injection and is feeling well .
According to Kirill Dmitriyev , the director general of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , Russia received preliminary applications to purchase more than one billion doses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He noted that Latin American , Middle Eastern and Asian countries are most interested to buy it .

RIO DE JANEIRO, August 12. /TASS/. The Parana Institute of Technology (TECPAR) in Brazil will request technical documents for Russia’s coronavirus vaccine next week with an aim to start preparations for its trials, a state official told TASS on Tuesday.
"We believe that after signing a framework agreement tomorrow [on Wednesday], Tecpar will be able to prepare a request for protocols to the Russian authorities next week. After that, we can make a request to the regulator," said Guto Silva, the head of the Civil House of the southern state’s governor.
He said that more details about the timeframe of the framework agreement’s implementation, as well as issues of deliveries, access to relevant Russian technologies and the possibility to produce the vaccine in Brazil will be discussed on Wednesday during an online conference between Parana Governor Ratinho Junior and Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) head Kirill Dmitriev.
According to Silva, Tecpar has sufficient research base for holding lab tests of the Russian vaccine, while its ties with the Brazilian Health Ministry’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) provide an opportunity for trials at the federal level.
"We are interested in becoming a center for spreading this vaccine. Importantly, the federal government shares our stance," he said.
Brazil media reported on Tuesday that the Parana state government and RDIF were preparing to sign an agreement to test and produce the Russian vaccine. Shortly after, Brazil’s national sanitary watchdog Anvisa said it had not yet received applications for testing and registration of the vaccine.
Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. According to Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, the vaccine dubbed Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. Putin also revealed that one of his daughters received the injection and is feeling well.
According to Kirill Dmitriev, the director general of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia received preliminary applications to purchase more than one billion doses of the Russian vaccine from 20 countries. He noted that Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian countries are most interested to buy it.


tass--2020-08-12--Russia’s Aerospace Forces to start receiving attack drones in 2021 — deputy commander

MOSCOW , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
Combat unmanned aerial vehicles , capable of striking enemy positions with high-precision projectiles , will enter service with Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces next year , Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Sergei Dronov said .
`` Next year , the troops will start receiving multi-purpose long-range unmanned aerial vehicles , capable not only of conducting aerial survey but also of striking enemy facilities with high-precision projectiles , '' Dronov said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
In his words , the Russian troops currently have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and medium range .
According to Dronov , the use of combat unmanned aerial vehicles in Syria demonstrated their capacity to carry out high-precision strikes .
`` The efficiency of unmanned aviation was confirmed during a special operation in the Syrian Arab Republic .
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles ensured high-precision strikes to facilities of illegal armed groups , '' the Russian military official said .
He went on to say that the extensive use of drones will help to reduce losses among the personnel .
In his words , the UAV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of tasks ( surveillance , attack , transportation and others ) , to boost the capacities of manned aircraft or in situations when the use of manned aircraft is limited or less efficient .
During the development of UAVs , special attention is paid to integrating them into a single system with manned aircraft , Dronov added .
Russia ’ s Okhotnik heavy attack drone developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau performed its debut flight on August 3 , 2019 .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry did not specify at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
The flight lasted over 20 minutes under an operator ’ s control .
On September 27 , 2019 the Okhotnik performed a flight together with a Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet .
The drone maneuvered in the air in the automated mode at an altitude of around 1,600 meters and its flight lasted over 30 minutes .
The Okhotnik features stealth technology and the flying wing design ( it lacks the tail ) and has a take-off weight of 20 tonnes .
The drone has a jet engine and is capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the data of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , the drone has anti-radar coating and is outfitted with equipment for electro-optical , radar and other types of reconnaissance .

MOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. Combat unmanned aerial vehicles, capable of striking enemy positions with high-precision projectiles, will enter service with Russia’s Aerospace Forces next year, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Sergei Dronov said.
"Next year, the troops will start receiving multi-purpose long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, capable not only of conducting aerial survey but also of striking enemy facilities with high-precision projectiles," Dronov said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
In his words, the Russian troops currently have in service unmanned aerial vehicles of short and medium range.
According to Dronov, the use of combat unmanned aerial vehicles in Syria demonstrated their capacity to carry out high-precision strikes.
"The efficiency of unmanned aviation was confirmed during a special operation in the Syrian Arab Republic. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles ensured high-precision strikes to facilities of illegal armed groups," the Russian military official said.
He went on to say that the extensive use of drones will help to reduce losses among the personnel.
In his words, the UAV fleet is used to solve a wide range of tasks (surveillance, attack, transportation and others), to boost the capacities of manned aircraft or in situations when the use of manned aircraft is limited or less efficient.
During the development of UAVs, special attention is paid to integrating them into a single system with manned aircraft, Dronov added.
Russia’s Okhotnik heavy attack drone developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau performed its debut flight on August 3, 2019. Russia’s Defense Ministry did not specify at the time the military aerodrome where the drone took off. The flight lasted over 20 minutes under an operator’s control. On September 27, 2019 the Okhotnik performed a flight together with a Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. The drone maneuvered in the air in the automated mode at an altitude of around 1,600 meters and its flight lasted over 30 minutes.
The Okhotnik features stealth technology and the flying wing design (it lacks the tail) and has a take-off weight of 20 tonnes. The drone has a jet engine and is capable of developing a speed of around 1,000 km/h.
According to the data of Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drone has anti-radar coating and is outfitted with equipment for electro-optical, radar and other types of reconnaissance.


tass--2020-08-12--Over 40 injured in street clashes in Beirut - Red Cross

BEIRUT , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
About 40 people were injured when police and army units drove out protestors from Beirut city center on Tuesday night , the Lebanese Red Cross said .
Law enforcement units used tear gas and rubber bullets against the crowd after protestors started throwing stones and firecrackers at them .
As a result , a total of 42 people were injured on both sides .
Ten of them were taken to hospital , the rest received first aid on site .
`` Police forces are determined to put an end to riots in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martyrs ' Square , '' the Internal Security Forces said in a statement .
Monday ’ s resignation of the cabinet of technocrats failed to ease political tensions in the country .
Currently , protestors demand resignation of Lebanese President Michel Aoun , dissolution of parliament and early elections .
The cabinet of technocrats was formed on January 21 and received a vote of confidence on February 11 .
Diab ’ s government was supported by the parliamentary majority led by the pro-presidential Free Patriotic Movement ( FPM ) and the Shiite Amal-Hezbollah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to participate in the cabinet and joined the opposition .

BEIRUT, August 12. /TASS/. About 40 people were injured when police and army units drove out protestors from Beirut city center on Tuesday night, the Lebanese Red Cross said.
Law enforcement units used tear gas and rubber bullets against the crowd after protestors started throwing stones and firecrackers at them.
As a result, a total of 42 people were injured on both sides. Ten of them were taken to hospital, the rest received first aid on site.
Earlier, the Internal Security Forces requested peaceful protestors to leave.
"Police forces are determined to put an end to riots in the city and request peaceful protestors to leave Martyrs' Square," the Internal Security Forces said in a statement.
Monday’s resignation of the cabinet of technocrats failed to ease political tensions in the country. Currently, protestors demand resignation of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, dissolution of parliament and early elections.
The cabinet of technocrats was formed on January 21 and received a vote of confidence on February 11. Diab’s government was supported by the parliamentary majority led by the pro-presidential Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and the Shiite Amal-Hezbollah tandem. Parties of the pro-Western camp declined to participate in the cabinet and joined the opposition.


tass--2020-08-12--Belarusian law enforcement officers quell protests in Minsk residential districts

MINSK , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
Protests in Minsk against the result of presidential elections in Belarus moved to residential districts on Tuesday as almost the entire city center was blocked by riot police and security officers .
According to TASS correspondents , hundreds of people took to the streets in the residential districts of Malinovka in the southwest , Uruchye in the northeast and Serebryanka in the south .
Almost immediately , police reinforcements arrived there to quell the unrest , including with the use of stun grenades and rubber bullets .
In some places , protestors tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were quickly thwarted .
According to eyewitnesses , police and security forces are responding in a more decisive and tougher way than the day before .
Many passers-by who did not take part in the protest were apprehended .
Officers stop cars and detain passengers who wear white bracelets - a symbol of the protest .
Journalists are also being treated in a tough manner , with several cases of use of force against accredited journalists being reported .
On August 9 , Belarus held its presidential election .
Preliminary results show incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80.08 % of the votes , while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % of the ballots cast .
The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each .
After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9 , many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
The national interior ministry said some 3,000 people had been detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
Moreover , law enforcement officers detained a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , refused to recognize them and said that she believes herself to be the elected president .
She also filed a complaint with the national election commission .

MINSK, August 12. /TASS/. Protests in Minsk against the result of presidential elections in Belarus moved to residential districts on Tuesday as almost the entire city center was blocked by riot police and security officers.
According to TASS correspondents, hundreds of people took to the streets in the residential districts of Malinovka in the southwest, Uruchye in the northeast and Serebryanka in the south. Almost immediately, police reinforcements arrived there to quell the unrest, including with the use of stun grenades and rubber bullets. In some places, protestors tried to erect barricades, but those attempts were quickly thwarted.
According to eyewitnesses, police and security forces are responding in a more decisive and tougher way than the day before. Many passers-by who did not take part in the protest were apprehended. Officers stop cars and detain passengers who wear white bracelets - a symbol of the protest.
Journalists are also being treated in a tough manner, with several cases of use of force against accredited journalists being reported.
On August 9, Belarus held its presidential election. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the votes, while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09% of the ballots cast. The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each. After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. The national interior ministry said some 3,000 people had been detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. Moreover, law enforcement officers detained a few reporters. Tikhanovskaya challenged the results, refused to recognize them and said that she believes herself to be the elected president. She also filed a complaint with the national election commission.


tass--2020-08-12--Date of UN Security Council’s P5 summit yet to be set, preparations underway — Lavrov

MOSCOW , August 12 .
/TASS/ .
The date of the summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council ( P5 ) is yet to be set , preparations for the event are still under way , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper published on Wednesday .
`` We are currently working on aspects of the forthcoming event .
There is no exact date so far , '' Lavrov said .
According to the minister , Russia is determined to achieve practical results rather than hold the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit - with a solid foundation of the UN Charter - will allow launching a serious and direct conversation of the leaders on principles of interaction in global affairs and ways to solve the humanity ’ s most pressing problems , and move closer to agreeing common rules of conduct , including with an aim to preserve global peace and prevent a large-scale military confrontation , '' he said .
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum on January 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested organizing a summit of the five permanent members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia suggests discussing collective principles in international affairs , arms control and other security issues as well as overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. The date of the summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) is yet to be set, preparations for the event are still under way, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper published on Wednesday.
"We are currently working on aspects of the forthcoming event. There is no exact date so far," Lavrov said.
According to the minister, Russia is determined to achieve practical results rather than hold the meeting as soon as possible.
"The summit - with a solid foundation of the UN Charter - will allow launching a serious and direct conversation of the leaders on principles of interaction in global affairs and ways to solve the humanity’s most pressing problems, and move closer to agreeing common rules of conduct, including with an aim to preserve global peace and prevent a large-scale military confrontation," he said.
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested organizing a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020. Russia suggests discussing collective principles in international affairs, arms control and other security issues as well as overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-08-12--Twelve more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Twelve more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 4,610 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 4,611 .
The crisis center once again warned against leaving home and indulging in @ @ @ @ @ a respiratory disease .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow , which was the most serious @ @ @ @ @ stabilized .
By today , Moscow has reported 248,922 confirmed coronavirus cases , including 694 @ @ @ @ @ As many as 191,598 patients have recovered , including 1,043 during the day .
A @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city .

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Twelve more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 4,610, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
"Twelve coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,611.
The crisis center once again warned against leaving home and indulging in self-medicating when having symptoms of a respiratory disease.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious in Russia, has visibly stabilized. By today, Moscow has reported 248,922 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 694 during the past day. As many as 191,598 patients have recovered, including 1,043 during the day. A campaign of voluntary testing for coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city.


tass--2020-08-12--Minsk protests move from city center to residential districts

MINSK , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Protests against the results of the presidential elections in Belarus shifted from downtown Minsk to residential districts on the outskirts of the capital on Tuesday evening .
A TASS correspondent reported that law enforcement units had started to disperse a rally in the Malinovka district in the southwest of the Belarusian capital .
Earlier , about 300 people chanting `` Go away ! ''
gathered on the Dzerzhinsky Avenue in the area .
Buses with riot police units arrived on site shortly after .
Officers in full kit , carrying riot shields , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metro station , making detentions .
Protestors , who are mostly young people , rushed to hide in the nearby Pavlov Park .
Some time later , police units managed to take the situation under control .
A TASS correspondent heard sounds similar to those made by rubber bullets .
Besides , about 350 people gathered in the Uruchye district on Minsk ’ s western outskirts .
Police units have been deployed in the area , but only sporadic detentions have so far been reported .
A group of young people was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pushkin Avenue and Ponomarenko Street .
Later , police used flash-bang grenades to disperse protesters in Uruchye where about 500 people gathered for an unauthorized rally , a TASS correspondent reported .
On August 9 , Belarus held its presidential election .
Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08 % of the votes , while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09 % of the ballots cast .
The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each .
After exit poll results were revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police .
The national interior ministry said some 3,000 people had been detained , dozens of police officers and protesters were injured .
Moreover , law enforcement officers detained a few reporters .
Tikhanovskaya challenged the results , refused to recognize them and said that she believes herself to be the elected president .
She also filed a complaint with the national election commission .

MINSK, August 11. /TASS/. Protests against the results of the presidential elections in Belarus shifted from downtown Minsk to residential districts on the outskirts of the capital on Tuesday evening.
A TASS correspondent reported that law enforcement units had started to disperse a rally in the Malinovka district in the southwest of the Belarusian capital. Earlier, about 300 people chanting "Go away!" gathered on the Dzerzhinsky Avenue in the area.
Buses with riot police units arrived on site shortly after. Officers in full kit, carrying riot shields, moved along the avenue towards the Malinovka metro station, making detentions. Protestors, who are mostly young people, rushed to hide in the nearby Pavlov Park.
Some time later, police units managed to take the situation under control. A TASS correspondent heard sounds similar to those made by rubber bullets.
Besides, about 350 people gathered in the Uruchye district on Minsk’s western outskirts. Police units have been deployed in the area, but only sporadic detentions have so far been reported. A group of young people was seen erecting a barricade at the intersection of the Pushkin Avenue and Ponomarenko Street.
Later, police used flash-bang grenades to disperse protesters in Uruchye where about 500 people gathered for an unauthorized rally, a TASS correspondent reported.
On August 9, Belarus held its presidential election. Preliminary results show incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko securing his reelection with 80.08% of the votes, while his biggest rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10.09% of the ballots cast. The other three candidates failed to get more than two percent each. After exit poll results were revealed late on August 9, many cities and towns across the country saw mass protests that in some cases turned into clashes with the police. The national interior ministry said some 3,000 people had been detained, dozens of police officers and protesters were injured. Moreover, law enforcement officers detained a few reporters. Tikhanovskaya challenged the results, refused to recognize them and said that she believes herself to be the elected president. She also filed a complaint with the national election commission.


tass--2020-08-12--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 216,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
More than 216,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on August 11 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 19.93 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 11 , as many as 19,936,210 novel coronavirus cases and 732,499 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 216,033 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,268 .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 10,697,832 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 106,903 and the number of deaths - by 2,277 and reached 390,850 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,606,373 and the number of fatalities is 217,278 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 21,315 and the number of deaths - by 267 .
Southeast Asia has 2,691,452 cases and 54,633 fatalities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of cases grew by 58,679 and the number of deaths - by 956 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 4,999,815 ) , Brazil ( 3,035,422 ) , India ( 2,268,675 ) , Russia ( 897,599 ) , South Africa ( 562,598 ) , Mexico ( 480,278 ) , Peru ( 478,024 ) , Colombia ( 387,481 ) , Chile ( 375,044 ) , and Iran ( 328,844 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

GENEVA, August 11. /TASS/. More than 216,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on August 11, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 19.93 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 11, as many as 19,936,210 novel coronavirus cases and 732,499 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 216,033 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,268.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 10,697,832. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 106,903 and the number of deaths - by 2,277 and reached 390,850.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,606,373 and the number of fatalities is 217,278. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 21,315 and the number of deaths - by 267.
Southeast Asia has 2,691,452 cases and 54,633 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 58,679 and the number of deaths - by 956.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (4,999,815), Brazil (3,035,422), India (2,268,675), Russia (897,599), South Africa (562,598), Mexico (480,278), Peru (478,024), Colombia (387,481), Chile (375,044), and Iran (328,844).
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--2020-08-12--Number of coronavirus cases in Africa exceeds one million — WHO

PRETORIA , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
More than 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the @ @ @ @ @ the overall number of such cases exceeding one million , the World Health Organization ’ @ @ @ @ @ Office for Africa said on Tuesday .
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa @ @ @ @ @ with 310,348 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts @ @ @ @ @ fatalities registered in the past 24 hours .
Some 745,000 patients have recovered .
South @ @ @ @ @ number of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 563,598 and 10,621 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 5,035 and 95,666 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second after @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases ( 46,867 cases and 945 fatalities ) .
Next is Ghana ( 41,212 @ @ @ @ @ .

PRETORIA, August 11. /TASS/. More than 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of such cases exceeding one million, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 1,057,397, with 310,348 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 23,601, with 343 fatalities registered in the past 24 hours. Some 745,000 patients have recovered.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 563,598 and 10,621, respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 5,035 and 95,666, respectively. As many as 1,312 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (46,867 cases and 945 fatalities). Next is Ghana (41,212 cases and 215 deaths).


tass--2020-08-11--Urals prices falling in Europe after discounts made by Saudi Arabia

MOSCOW , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Spot prices of Russia ’ s Urals oil blend started going down after Saudi Arabia had lowered oil prices for European buyers .
The Urals price in the Mediterranean ( CIF August ) reached $ 45.9 a barrel on August 5 but dropped to $ 44,1 per barrel by the end of the week , S & P Global Platts told TASS .
The premium against the Brent benchmark also dropped from $ 0.6 per barrel to $ 0.2 per barrel .
The Urals price in Northwestern Europe ( CIF Rotterdam ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 and declined later on .
The Russian export oil blend is traded with the discount against Brent in this region as early as from the end of July .
`` We have observed another week , during which spot Urals differentials have weakened versus Forward Dated Brent , despite demand for the grade improving at lower prices .
European refineries seeking sour crudes have found value in Urals again with early August-loading cargoes appearing to find buyers relatively quickly , '' Iain Stevenson , EMEA Crude Oil Pricing , S & P @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` However , the bearish pressure was refreshed as Saudi Aramco dropped its September official selling prices for term crude supplies to Northwest Europe and the Mediterranean by more than $ 2/barrel for most grades on August 6 .
Competitive pricing from the Middle East combined with more concentrated numbers of Urals cargoes in the second half of this month are both expected to be influential for spot prices in the coming days , '' Stevenson says .
More relaxed OPEC+ production cuts will continue to feed into the market , he @ @

MOSCOW, August 11. /TASS/. Spot prices of Russia’s Urals oil blend started going down after Saudi Arabia had lowered oil prices for European buyers.
The Urals price in the Mediterranean (CIF August) reached $45.9 a barrel on August 5 but dropped to $44,1 per barrel by the end of the week, S&P Global Platts told TASS. The premium against the Brent benchmark also dropped from $0.6 per barrel to $0.2 per barrel. The Urals price in Northwestern Europe (CIF Rotterdam) was above $45 a barrel on August 5 and declined later on. The Russian export oil blend is traded with the discount against Brent in this region as early as from the end of July.
"We have observed another week, during which spot Urals differentials have weakened versus Forward Dated Brent, despite demand for the grade improving at lower prices. European refineries seeking sour crudes have found value in Urals again with early August-loading cargoes appearing to find buyers relatively quickly," Iain Stevenson, EMEA Crude Oil Pricing, S&P Global Platts, says in a comment.
"However, the bearish pressure was refreshed as Saudi Aramco dropped its September official selling prices for term crude supplies to Northwest Europe and the Mediterranean by more than $2/barrel for most grades on August 6. Competitive pricing from the Middle East combined with more concentrated numbers of Urals cargoes in the second half of this month are both expected to be influential for spot prices in the coming days," Stevenson says. More relaxed OPEC+ production cuts will continue to feed into the market, he added.


tass--2020-08-11--Lithuania ready to grant asylum to Belarusian opposition candidate Tikhanovskaya

VILNIUS , August 11 .
/TASS/ .
Lithuania is ready to grant political asylum to Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who left Belarus on Tuesday , Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Tuesday .
`` Lithuania is ready to grant asylum to the representative of the Belarusian opposition [ Tikhanovskaya ] and her family until she takes a decision about her further political and personal activities , '' the presidential press service quoted him as saying .
According to the press service , the president had a telephone conversation with Tikhanovskaya and asked her about her plans for the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and attention , '' it said .
Tikhanovskaya and Maria Moroz , her campaign manager , left Belarus for Lithuania earlier on Tuesday .
According to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius , a national one-year visa was granted to Tikhanovskaya .
Tikhanovskaya and Moroz arrived in Lithuania with their children .
The Lithuanian president stressed that his country `` is always ready to give shelter to forces striving for freedom and democracy . ''
Lithuanian Interior Minister Rita Tamasuniene said earlier the country expected a growth in applications for asylum from Belarusian opposition @ @

VILNIUS, August 11. /TASS/. Lithuania is ready to grant political asylum to Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who left Belarus on Tuesday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Tuesday.
"Lithuania is ready to grant asylum to the representative of the Belarusian opposition [Tikhanovskaya] and her family until she takes a decision about her further political and personal activities," the presidential press service quoted him as saying.
According to the press service, the president had a telephone conversation with Tikhanovskaya and asked her about her plans for the future. "She thanked Lithuania for support and attention," it said.
Tikhanovskaya and Maria Moroz, her campaign manager, left Belarus for Lithuania earlier on Tuesday. According to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius, a national one-year visa was granted to Tikhanovskaya. Tikhanovskaya and Moroz arrived in Lithuania with their children.
The Lithuanian president stressed that his country "is always ready to give shelter to forces striving for freedom and democracy."
Lithuanian Interior Minister Rita Tamasuniene said earlier the country expected a growth in applications for asylum from Belarusian opposition activists.