tass--2020-08-20--US push to reimpose sanctions on Iran can lead to crisis within UNSC — Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
The United States ’ push to reimpose sanctions against Iran can lead to a deep crisis within the United Nations Security Council , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` We are seriously concerned that Washington ’ s actions , which we consider to be reckless , can lead to a crisis , perhaps a very deep crisis , within the [ UN ] Security Council , '' she emphasized .
`` Unfortunately , it seems that it doesn ’ t at all bother our American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We urge all countries to strongly resist that , '' Zakharova said .
According to her , `` US initiatives to renew the UN Security Council ’ s resolutions on sanctions against Iran , which were revoked following the 2015 signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on Iran ’ s nuclear program , lack legal basis and will inevitably fail . ''
The Russian diplomat went on to say that the US had no right to take advantage of the UN Security Council ’ s authority to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been blatantly violating UN Security Council Resolution 2231 since May 2018 , when Washington unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA , introduced sanctions on Iran and started pressing other countries , preventing them from implementing their obligations stemming from the UN Security Council ’ s decisions , which is absolutely illegal , '' Zakharova noted .
`` Russia condemns US plans to continue its policy course aimed at destroying the JCPOA and undermining Resolution 2231 , '' she concluded .
According to the US Department of State , Secretary of State Michael Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York on Thursday to notify the Security Council of Washington ’ s decision to begin the process of restoring sanctions on Iran .
On August 14 , the Security Council failed to adopt a US draft resolution on extending an arms embargo on Iran as Russia and China voted against it while most other countries abstained from voting .

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. The United States’ push to reimpose sanctions against Iran can lead to a deep crisis within the United Nations Security Council, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
"We are seriously concerned that Washington’s actions, which we consider to be reckless, can lead to a crisis, perhaps a very deep crisis, within the [UN] Security Council," she emphasized. "Unfortunately, it seems that it doesn’t at all bother our American colleagues," she added. "We urge all countries to strongly resist that," Zakharova said.
According to her, "US initiatives to renew the UN Security Council’s resolutions on sanctions against Iran, which were revoked following the 2015 signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program, lack legal basis and will inevitably fail."
The Russian diplomat went on to say that the US had no right to take advantage of the UN Security Council’s authority to achieve its own goals. "The US has been blatantly violating UN Security Council Resolution 2231 since May 2018, when Washington unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA, introduced sanctions on Iran and started pressing other countries, preventing them from implementing their obligations stemming from the UN Security Council’s decisions, which is absolutely illegal," Zakharova noted. "Russia condemns US plans to continue its policy course aimed at destroying the JCPOA and undermining Resolution 2231," she concluded.
According to the US Department of State, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will visit the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday to notify the Security Council of Washington’s decision to begin the process of restoring sanctions on Iran. On August 14, the Security Council failed to adopt a US draft resolution on extending an arms embargo on Iran as Russia and China voted against it while most other countries abstained from voting.


tass--2020-08-20--Russian Su-30SM fighter scrambled to intercept two NATO planes over Black Sea

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
A Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet was scrambled to intercept two spy planes of the French Navy and the UK Air Force and prevent them from violating the Russian state border , Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center reported on Thursday .
`` A Su-30SM fighter from the Southern Military District ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify the air targets and prevent them from violating the Russian state border , '' it said .
Russian airspace control systems detected two air targets over the neutral waters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state border on August 20 , the Center said .
`` The Russian fighter ’ s crew approached the aerial objects at a safe distance and identified them as a French Navy Atlantique-2 reconnaissance aircraft and a UK Air Force Sentinel R1 surveillance plane , '' the National Defense Control Center said .
The French and UK spy planes were not allowed to violate the Russian state border , it stressed .
The Russian fighter ’ s entire flight proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s state border , the Su-30SM fighter safely returned to its home airfield , the statement says .
On August 19 , a Russian Su-27 fighter shadowed a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane over the Black Sea .
Also on August 19 , a Su-27 fighter was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea .

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. A Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet was scrambled to intercept two spy planes of the French Navy and the UK Air Force and prevent them from violating the Russian state border, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Thursday.
"A Su-30SM fighter from the Southern Military District’s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify the air targets and prevent them from violating the Russian state border," it said.
Russian airspace control systems detected two air targets over the neutral waters of the Black Sea approaching Russia’s state border on August 20, the Center said.
"The Russian fighter’s crew approached the aerial objects at a safe distance and identified them as a French Navy Atlantique-2 reconnaissance aircraft and a UK Air Force Sentinel R1 surveillance plane," the National Defense Control Center said.
The French and UK spy planes were not allowed to violate the Russian state border, it stressed.
The Russian fighter’s entire flight proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace. After the NATO planes flew away from Russia’s state border, the Su-30SM fighter safely returned to its home airfield, the statement says.
On August 19, a Russian Su-27 fighter shadowed a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane over the Black Sea. Also on August 19, a Su-27 fighter was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea.


tass--2020-08-20--Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine trials reveal no serious side effects

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
No serious side effects have been identified in medical records of volunteers who took part in clinical trials of the Russian coronavirus vaccine dubbed Sputnik V , Denis Logunov , the deputy research director at the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , said Thursday .
`` The vaccine was administered to healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 60 and showed a very good profile of safety .
Not a single serious side effect was registered , '' he told an online conference discussing the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ side effects are pain in the injection spot , hypothermia in some volunteers and headache .
`` All these undesirable effects were qualified as insignificant , '' the deputy director noted .
He added that just like in pre-clinical trials the center employees studied the vaccine ’ s efficiency by stimulation of immune response .
`` [ The research ] showed that 100 % of participating volunteers had developed antibodies in high quantities , '' Logunov underlined .
`` Moreover , 100 % of volunteers developed virus-neutralizing antibodies , '' he emphasized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ types of the vaccine - freeze-dried and liquid .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V , which was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry .
The injection passed clinical trials in June-July .
The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections .
According to Kirill Dmitriyev , CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one billion doses of the breakthrough vaccine from 20 countries .
He noted that Latin American , Middle Eastern and Asian countries are most interested in buying it , while a number of contracts has already been finalized .

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. No serious side effects have been identified in medical records of volunteers who took part in clinical trials of the Russian coronavirus vaccine dubbed Sputnik V , Denis Logunov, the deputy research director at the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, said Thursday.
"The vaccine was administered to healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 60 and showed a very good profile of safety. Not a single serious side effect was registered," he told an online conference discussing the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world.
According to Logunov, the most common side effects are pain in the injection spot, hypothermia in some volunteers and headache. "All these undesirable effects were qualified as insignificant," the deputy director noted.
He added that just like in pre-clinical trials the center employees studied the vaccine’s efficiency by stimulation of immune response. "[The research] showed that 100% of participating volunteers had developed antibodies in high quantities," Logunov underlined. "Moreover, 100% of volunteers developed virus-neutralizing antibodies," he emphasized, adding that the clinical trials featured both types of the vaccine - freeze-dried and liquid.
On August 11, Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V, which was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry. The injection passed clinical trials in June-July. The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections.
According to Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia received preliminary applications to purchase more than one billion doses of the breakthrough vaccine from 20 countries. He noted that Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian countries are most interested in buying it, while a number of contracts has already been finalized.


tass--2020-08-20--Russia to continue bilateral dialogue with US on all space issues — diplomat

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to continue to discuss the space issue with the US within the framework of a bilateral expert group , Spokeswoman for Russia ’ s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday commenting on the publication of the US Space Force doctrine by the Pentagon .
`` The document confirms the aggressive direction of Washington in the sphere of space , the determination to achieve military superiority up to the total dominance in space .
The outer space is considered by the American side exclusively as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` We see an opportunity to remove mutual concerns within the framework of the Russian-American working group on space security whose first meeting took place in Vienna on July 27 and we confirm our readiness to discuss further all issues of space activities in the bilateral format , '' the diplomat added .
The spokeswoman drew attention to the fact that the use of space research exclusively in peaceful purposes remains a priority for Russia as well as prevention of an arms race in outer space .
`` As opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue the goals of domineering and superiority .
We are interested instead in maintaining the strategic balance in order to strengthen the international security . ''
She referred to the Russian-Chinese treaty draft on the prevention of stationing arms in space , use of force or threats against space objects .
All existing issues and contradictions on the subject of arms in space should be resolved within the framework of the Disarmament Conference , the spokeswoman stressed .
According to her , Russia thoroughly analyzes the possible consequences of `` Washington ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Space Force doctrine , published on Monday , this type of armed forces in case of defending the national interests may employ not only defensive but offensive actions as well .
The 64-page document which became the first capstone publication of the US Space Force , for instance , notes that `` when warranted , offensive operations are designed to achieve a relative advantage by negating an adversary ’ s ability to access , or exploit the space domain and are therefore essential to achieving space superiority . ''

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Russia is ready to continue to discuss the space issue with the US within the framework of a bilateral expert group, Spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday commenting on the publication of the US Space Force doctrine by the Pentagon.
"The document confirms the aggressive direction of Washington in the sphere of space, the determination to achieve military superiority up to the total dominance in space. The outer space is considered by the American side exclusively as the arena to conduct warfare," she said.
"We see an opportunity to remove mutual concerns within the framework of the Russian-American working group on space security whose first meeting took place in Vienna on July 27 and we confirm our readiness to discuss further all issues of space activities in the bilateral format," the diplomat added.
The spokeswoman drew attention to the fact that the use of space research exclusively in peaceful purposes remains a priority for Russia as well as prevention of an arms race in outer space. "As opposed to the US, we do not pursue the goals of domineering and superiority. We are interested instead in maintaining the strategic balance in order to strengthen the international security."
She referred to the Russian-Chinese treaty draft on the prevention of stationing arms in space, use of force or threats against space objects. All existing issues and contradictions on the subject of arms in space should be resolved within the framework of the Disarmament Conference, the spokeswoman stressed. According to her, Russia thoroughly analyzes the possible consequences of "Washington’s aggressive endeavors."
According to the US Space Force doctrine, published on Monday, this type of armed forces in case of defending the national interests may employ not only defensive but offensive actions as well. The 64-page document which became the first capstone publication of the US Space Force, for instance, notes that "when warranted, offensive operations are designed to achieve a relative advantage by negating an adversary’s ability to access, or exploit the space domain and are therefore essential to achieving space superiority."


tass--2020-08-20--Belarus beefs up border security with special focus on Western borders

MINSK , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian State Border Committee is beefing up border security , with special @ @ @ @ @ s Western borders , the committee ’ s spokesman Anton Bychkovsky informed TASS on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ current situation in the country , border officials are increasing state border security .
Special @ @ @ @ @ the Western direction , '' the spokesman noted .

MINSK, August 20. /TASS/. The Belarusian State Border Committee is beefing up border security, with special focus on the country’s Western borders, the committee’s spokesman Anton Bychkovsky informed TASS on Thursday.
"Due to the current situation in the country, border officials are increasing state border security. Special focus has been placed on the Western direction," the spokesman noted.


tass--2020-08-20--Putin tells European Council president meddling in Belarus’ affairs is counterproductive

MOSCOW , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the outcome of the EU summit on Belarus with European Council President Charles Michel , the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Thursday .
`` Michel briefed [ Putin ] on the outcome of the August 19 summit of the European Union , dedicated to events in Belarus .
Russia pointed out that any pressure on the leadership of the sovereign Belarusian state and foreign interference in domestic processes taking place in the country were counterproductive , '' the statement reads .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that it is in the interests of both Russia and the European Union that the situation in Belarus returns to normal as soon as possible . ''
Michel said in conclusions published after a video conference of the members of the European Council on August 19 that the European Council did not recognize the results of the August 9 presidential election in Belarus .
The EU called for the release of prisoners and an end to violence against protesters and announced plans to `` impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsification of election results . ''
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote whereas his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the outcome of the EU summit on Belarus with European Council President Charles Michel, the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Thursday.
"Michel briefed [Putin] on the outcome of the August 19 summit of the European Union, dedicated to events in Belarus. Russia pointed out that any pressure on the leadership of the sovereign Belarusian state and foreign interference in domestic processes taking place in the country were counterproductive," the statement reads.
According to the Kremlin press service, "it was confirmed that it is in the interests of both Russia and the European Union that the situation in Belarus returns to normal as soon as possible."
Michel said in conclusions published after a video conference of the members of the European Council on August 19 that the European Council did not recognize the results of the August 9 presidential election in Belarus. The EU called for the release of prisoners and an end to violence against protesters and announced plans to "impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence, repression and the falsification of election results."
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote whereas his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.


tass--2020-08-20--China's Hainan introduces coconut producers association

HAIKOU , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Coconut Producers Association has held a founding meeting on Hainan , reported the Hainan Daily .
The new association includes 89 enterprises and 35 businessmen engaged in the cultivation of palm trees , seed production , production of coconut water , fiber , coal from walnut shells and other products .
The goals of the institution include the standardization of the production of these products , their certification , as well as the creation of an international industry brand .
The organization plans to create a platform for cooperation between government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiated by the natural rubber manufacturer Hainan Rubber Group .
The Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture and other organizations also took part in its creation .
The Hainan Coconut Producers Association has established local offices in Wenchang , Dingan County and Yangpu Economic Development Region .
In addition , it has foreign offices in Vietnam , Cambodia , Indonesia , as well as the Philippines and Sri Lanka .
Coconut is one of the most important products of Hainan 's agricultural industry ; about 223 million nuts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the moment , the area of coconut plantations on this tropical island exceeds 33,300 hectares , which is about 98 % of national figures for China , and the total production in value terms reaches about 20 billion yuan ( about $ 2.9 billion ) .

HAIKOU, August 20. /TASS/. The Coconut Producers Association has held a founding meeting on Hainan, reported the Hainan Daily.
The new association includes 89 enterprises and 35 businessmen engaged in the cultivation of palm trees, seed production, production of coconut water, fiber, coal from walnut shells and other products. The goals of the institution include the standardization of the production of these products, their certification, as well as the creation of an international industry brand. The organization plans to create a platform for cooperation between government and industry representatives.
The new association was initiated by the natural rubber manufacturer Hainan Rubber Group. The Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agriculture and other organizations also took part in its creation.
The Hainan Coconut Producers Association has established local offices in Wenchang, Dingan County and Yangpu Economic Development Region. In addition, it has foreign offices in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, as well as the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Coconut is one of the most important products of Hainan's agricultural industry; about 223 million nuts of this type are grown here annually. At the moment, the area of coconut plantations on this tropical island exceeds 33,300 hectares, which is about 98% of national figures for China, and the total production in value terms reaches about 20 billion yuan (about $ 2.9 billion).


tass--2020-08-20--Criminal case opened against Belarusian opposition for attempt to seize power

`` Yes , we confirm that a criminal case has been opened into that [ the creation of the council ] under Section 361 of the Criminal Code , '' the Prosecutor General ’ s Office said .
It provides for responsibility for `` calling for actions aimed at causing damage to the national security of the Republic of Belarus . ''
It implies liability in the form of imprisonment for up to 5 years .
Commenting on the setting up of the Coordination Council by a group of Belarusian citizens , Prosecutor General Alexander Konyuk said that `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for by law , and their activities are unconstitutional . ''
He also noted that `` a number of citizens who realized that their actions were illegal , announced their withdrawal from the council and said they disagreed with its action program . ''
`` The creation and activities of such a body are aimed at seizing state power and causing damage to the security of the Republic of Belarus , '' he stressed .
The creation of the Coordination Council was initiated by ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on August 14 .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election announced by the Central Election Commission , according to which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Tikhanovskaya fled Belarus .
According to latest reports , she is currently in Lithuania .
The opposition headquarters earlier said that the council ’ s objective would be to ensure the transition of power in Belarus .

"Yes, we confirm that a criminal case has been opened into that [the creation of the council] under Section 361 of the Criminal Code," the Prosecutor General’s Office said.
It provides for responsibility for "calling for actions aimed at causing damage to the national security of the Republic of Belarus." It implies liability in the form of imprisonment for up to 5 years.
Commenting on the setting up of the Coordination Council by a group of Belarusian citizens, Prosecutor General Alexander Konyuk said that "the creation of such bodies is not provided for by law, and their activities are unconstitutional." He also noted that "a number of citizens who realized that their actions were illegal, announced their withdrawal from the council and said they disagreed with its action program." "The creation and activities of such a body are aimed at seizing state power and causing damage to the security of the Republic of Belarus," he stressed.
The creation of the Coordination Council was initiated by ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on August 14. She refused to recognize the outcome of the presidential election announced by the Central Election Commission, according to which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Tikhanovskaya, who was considered his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Tikhanovskaya fled Belarus. According to latest reports, she is currently in Lithuania. The opposition headquarters earlier said that the council’s objective would be to ensure the transition of power in Belarus.


tass--2020-08-20--Belaruskali plant’s strike committee did not cancel strike — trade union

MINSK , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
The strike committee of Belaruskali did not cancel the strike , despite the fact that the company ’ s management earlier announced the resumption of work of all its divisions , Chairman of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union Maxim Poznyakov told TASS .
`` The strike committee extended the strike and adjusted its demands , including the demand to abolish the contract system , '' the head of the trade union said .
He admitted that some of the staff had resumed work though .
`` There are those who went down into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In general , the situation is controversial , people will continue to go out to the square , '' the head of the independent trade union said .
On Wednesday , the company said that all seven mines of Belaruskali as well as three processing plants are operating as planned , stressing the importance of maintaining the stable operation of the enterprise .
Belaruskali is one of the largest suppliers of potash fertilizers to the world market .
It sells its products through the Belarusian Potash Company .
Presidential elections in Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by large-scale protests that ran for several days .
According to the Interior Ministry , more than 6,000 people were detained while several dozen law enforcement officers and protesters were injured .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote whereas his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
She did not recognize the results of the vote .

MINSK, August 20. /TASS/. The strike committee of Belaruskali did not cancel the strike, despite the fact that the company’s management earlier announced the resumption of work of all its divisions, Chairman of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union Maxim Poznyakov told TASS.
"The strike committee extended the strike and adjusted its demands, including the demand to abolish the contract system," the head of the trade union said. He admitted that some of the staff had resumed work though.
"There are those who went down into the mine, but are not working. In general, the situation is controversial, people will continue to go out to the square," the head of the independent trade union said.
On Wednesday, the company said that all seven mines of Belaruskali as well as three processing plants are operating as planned, stressing the importance of maintaining the stable operation of the enterprise.
Belaruskali is one of the largest suppliers of potash fertilizers to the world market. It sells its products through the Belarusian Potash Company.
Presidential elections in Belarus were held on August 9 as immediately followed by large-scale protests that ran for several days.
According to the Interior Ministry, more than 6,000 people were detained while several dozen law enforcement officers and protesters were injured. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote whereas his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. She did not recognize the results of the vote.


tass--2020-08-20--Rosneft starts jet fuel sales in Stuttgart Airport

MOSCOW , August 20 /TASS/ .
Rosneft Deutschland GmbH , a Rosneft subsidiary , has started into-plane fuel supplies in @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian oil producer said on Thursday .
The company plans further increase in @ @ @ @ @ in Germany and on the European market as a whole .
Rosneft Deutschland clinched several @ @ @ @ @ since the beginning of its marketing operations in Germany in 2019 , the company says @ @ @ @ @ Aeroflot for fuel supplies in Schonefeld Airport .
Each third scheduled passenger flight from Berlin @ @ @ @ @ Deutschland , Rosneft says .
Rosneft is the third largest player on the German refining @ @ @ @ @ in three refineries ( PCK - 54.17 % ; MiRO - 24 % ; and @ @ @ @ @ with the total capacity of ownership shares equaling 12.8 mln tonnes per year .

MOSCOW, August 20 /TASS/. Rosneft Deutschland GmbH, a Rosneft subsidiary, has started into-plane fuel supplies in Germany’s Stuttgart Airport, the Russian oil producer said on Thursday.
The company plans further increase in production and jet fuel sales in Germany and on the European market as a whole. Rosneft Deutschland clinched several deals for jet fuel sales since the beginning of its marketing operations in Germany in 2019, the company says, including the contract with Aeroflot for fuel supplies in Schonefeld Airport.
Each third scheduled passenger flight from Berlin is now refueled by Rosneft Deutschland, Rosneft says.
Rosneft is the third largest player on the German refining market and is the shareholder in three refineries (PCK - 54.17%; MiRO - 24%; and Bayernoil - 28.57%) with the total capacity of ownership shares equaling 12.8 mln tonnes per year.


tass--2020-08-20--EU Council President talks to Putin after EU summit on Belarus

BRUSSELS , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
European Council head Charles Michel in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ summit on Belarus , he posted on Twitter .
`` Yesterday EU expressed solidarity with @ @ @ @ @ their desire to determine their own future .
Today I reiterated this to President Putin @ @ @ @ @ way forward : through political inclusive dialogue & a peaceful and democratic process , '' @ @ @ @

BRUSSELS, August 20. /TASS/. European Council head Charles Michel in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the EU emergency summit on Belarus, he posted on Twitter.
"Yesterday EU expressed solidarity with the people of Belarus in their desire to determine their own future. Today I reiterated this to President Putin. There is only one way forward: through political inclusive dialogue & a peaceful and democratic process," his statement said.


tass--2020-08-20--Investment in Hainan's companies modernization up by 5.6% in July

HAIKOU , August 20 .
/TASS/ .
Investment in fixed assets — a key indicator of modernization and optimization of companies ' activities — grew by 5.6 % from January to July on Hainan , reported the regional statistical office .
According to a report , the dynamics was 2.6 percentage points higher than in the January- June period .
In the structure of financing , the costs of ensuring the security of enterprises have increased especially noticeably .
Expenditures on equipment amid the pandemic and a temporary decline in business activity were lower than in the same period last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as noted , there has been a steady upward trend .
`` This year has turned out to be different from the previous ones .
< ... > However , despite numerous difficulties and serious challenges , Hainan continues to stick to the principles of development , follow the path of transformation and intensive growth , '' reads a commentary on statistics , published on the official page of the propaganda department of the provincial party committee on WeChat .
According to the document , over seven months investments in fixed assets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector ( 2.1 times ) and industrial production ( 12.3 % ) increased especially significantly .
At the same time , in the service sector they increased less significantly — by 3.6 % .
According to the authorities , the share of funds allocated for the purchase and renovation of real estate in the region continues to fluctuate at 40 % , which `` indicates an effective distribution of capital investments in the growth of the gross regional product . ''

HAIKOU, August 20. /TASS/. Investment in fixed assets — a key indicator of modernization and optimization of companies' activities — grew by 5.6% from January to July on Hainan, reported the regional statistical office.
According to a report, the dynamics was 2.6 percentage points higher than in the January- June period. In the structure of financing, the costs of ensuring the security of enterprises have increased especially noticeably. Expenditures on equipment amid the pandemic and a temporary decline in business activity were lower than in the same period last year, however over the recent months, as noted, there has been a steady upward trend.
"This year has turned out to be different from the previous ones. <...> However, despite numerous difficulties and serious challenges, Hainan continues to stick to the principles of development, follow the path of transformation and intensive growth," reads a commentary on statistics, published on the official page of the propaganda department of the provincial party committee on WeChat.
According to the document, over seven months investments in fixed assets of Hainan companies related to the agricultural sector (2.1 times) and industrial production (12.3%) increased especially significantly. At the same time, in the service sector they increased less significantly — by 3.6%. According to the authorities, the share of funds allocated for the purchase and renovation of real estate in the region continues to fluctuate at 40%, which "indicates an effective distribution of capital investments in the growth of the gross regional product."


tass--2020-08-21--Union State Parliamentary Assembly denounces meddling in Belarus’s internal affairs

MOSCOW , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
Artificial escalation of the situation around the recent presidential elections in Belarus contradicts international law , and attempts of foreign meddling in the republic ’ s internal affairs are unacceptable , the Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia said in its statement , published on the Russian State Duma ( parliament 's lower house ) website Friday .
`` We believe that artificial escalation of tensions around the outcome of the election contradicts the letter and the spirit of the international law .
We note that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unacceptable and we speak against any attempts to destabilize the social and political situation in the Republic of Belarus , '' the statement reads .
The Council underscores that the recent elections were `` open , competitive and ensured free declaration of will of the people of Belarus . ''
The statement underscores that Alexander Lukashenko is the president-elect and that the vote took place in compliance with the country ’ s Constitution .
`` The election campaign was observed by a large number of international observers , including from the Parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CIS Interparliametnary Assembly .
No facts that challenge the legitimacy of the Belarusian presidential elections were discovered , '' the statement runs .
The Council calls on all countries `` to respect the sovereign choice of the Belarusian people . ''
`` All issues must be resolved constructively , within the current legal framework .
We are certain that the Belarusian people will exercise wisdom at this important moment , and will preserve peace and stability for the sake of their Homeland ’ s prosperity , '' the parliamentarians concluded .

MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. Artificial escalation of the situation around the recent presidential elections in Belarus contradicts international law, and attempts of foreign meddling in the republic’s internal affairs are unacceptable, the Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia said in its statement, published on the Russian State Duma (parliament's lower house) website Friday.
"We believe that artificial escalation of tensions around the outcome of the election contradicts the letter and the spirit of the international law. We note that meddling in internal affairs of a state is unacceptable and we speak against any attempts to destabilize the social and political situation in the Republic of Belarus," the statement reads.
The Council underscores that the recent elections were "open, competitive and ensured free declaration of will of the people of Belarus." The statement underscores that Alexander Lukashenko is the president-elect and that the vote took place in compliance with the country’s Constitution.
"The election campaign was observed by a large number of international observers, including from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State and the CIS Interparliametnary Assembly. No facts that challenge the legitimacy of the Belarusian presidential elections were discovered," the statement runs.
The Council calls on all countries "to respect the sovereign choice of the Belarusian people."
"All issues must be resolved constructively, within the current legal framework. We are certain that the Belarusian people will exercise wisdom at this important moment, and will preserve peace and stability for the sake of their Homeland’s prosperity," the parliamentarians concluded.
Elections in Belarus


tass--2020-08-21--Lukashenko accuses US and Europe of orchestrating Belarusian protests

MINSK , August 21 .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused the US and Europe of organizing the protests in his country , BelTA news agency informed on Friday .
`` The US is planning and directing it , and the Europeans are playing along , '' he said , adding that `` a special center '' has been established near Warsaw .
`` You know , when there is unrest nearby and tanks and planes begin to move , this is no coincidence , '' the president pointed out .
He noted that Western states are trying to play the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the only remaining link '' in the `` Baltic-Black Sea corridor , '' which includes three Baltic states , Ukraine and Belarus .
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
Several thousand people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement officers and protesters have been injured .
Tikhanovskaya did not recognize the results of the election .
She left Belarus for Lithuania and established the Coordination Council for the transition of power in Belarus .
On August 19 , an emergency EU summit on Belarus was held .
Leaders of 27 EU states , as well as heads of the European Commission , the European Parliament and the European Council approved a statement on the outcomes of the summit , which says that the EU does not recognize the results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop to police violence and for a transparent investigation of police violations .
The EU plans to introduce sanctions against several Belarusian officials in the near future .
The US also stated that the Belarusian election was not in line with the standards of free democratic elections reflecting the will of the people , calling on the Belarusian government to actively cooperate with the Coordination Council established by the opposition .

MINSK, August 21. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused the US and Europe of organizing the protests in his country, BelTA news agency informed on Friday.
"The US is planning and directing it, and the Europeans are playing along," he said, adding that "a special center" has been established near Warsaw. "You know, when there is unrest nearby and tanks and planes begin to move, this is no coincidence," the president pointed out.
He noted that Western states are trying to play the Belarusian card against Russia, calling Belarus "the only remaining link" in the "Baltic-Black Sea corridor," which includes three Baltic states, Ukraine and Belarus.
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. Several thousand people have been detained, and dozens of law enforcement officers and protesters have been injured.
Tikhanovskaya did not recognize the results of the election. She left Belarus for Lithuania and established the Coordination Council for the transition of power in Belarus.
On August 19, an emergency EU summit on Belarus was held. Leaders of 27 EU states, as well as heads of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council approved a statement on the outcomes of the summit, which says that the EU does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election, calls for a stop to police violence and for a transparent investigation of police violations. The EU plans to introduce sanctions against several Belarusian officials in the near future.
The US also stated that the Belarusian election was not in line with the standards of free democratic elections reflecting the will of the people, calling on the Belarusian government to actively cooperate with the Coordination Council established by the opposition.


tass--2020-08-21--No obstacles to transporting Navalny to Germany for treatment, says Kremlin

`` This is a matter of an exclusively medical decision .
There are probably some formal procedures to be complied with , I know nothing about these formalities .
However , no one sees any obstacles in this case , except for < … > the attending physician ’ s decision who is responsible for the patient ’ s health , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
The transportation of Russian blogger Alexei Navalny who was earlier taken to a hospital in Omsk to Germany for treatment depends on doctors ’ decision , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
He stressed that the Kremlin was unaware of any instructions or orders prohibiting Navalny ’ s transportation .
`` No , the Kremlin knows nothing about that , '' Peskov said answering a question on the issue .
The Kremlin spokesman also noted that there was no need for a separate report to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Navalny ’ s condition .
`` I just see no reason for a report so far , '' he said .
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navalny ’ s representatives , `` there were only some social media reports , but extra bureaucracy is unnecessary here . ''
He recalled that a plane from Germany had arrived in Omsk , and German doctors were invited to take part in consultations together with Russian specialists and to get all necessary information on the issue .
`` I don ’ t know whether they went there or not , but our doctors are in touch with them , '' he added .

"This is a matter of an exclusively medical decision. There are probably some formal procedures to be complied with, I know nothing about these formalities. However, no one sees any obstacles in this case, except for <…> the attending physician’s decision who is responsible for the patient’s health," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. The transportation of Russian blogger Alexei Navalny who was earlier taken to a hospital in Omsk to Germany for treatment depends on doctors’ decision, there are no other obstacles to that, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
He stressed that the Kremlin was unaware of any instructions or orders prohibiting Navalny’s transportation. "No, the Kremlin knows nothing about that," Peskov said answering a question on the issue.
The Kremlin spokesman also noted that there was no need for a separate report to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Navalny’s condition. "I just see no reason for a report so far," he said.
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that there were no formal requests for help from Navalny’s representatives, "there were only some social media reports, but extra bureaucracy is unnecessary here." He recalled that a plane from Germany had arrived in Omsk, and German doctors were invited to take part in consultations together with Russian specialists and to get all necessary information on the issue. "I don’t know whether they went there or not, but our doctors are in touch with them," he added.


tass--2020-08-21--Putin has no plans to discuss Navalny’s condition with Merkel, says spokesman

MOSCOW , August 21./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning to discuss with German Chancellor Angela Merkel the @ @ @ @ @ Navalny , who is in a coma , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on @ @ @ @ @ he is not planning this , '' the spokesman said when asked whether the Russian @ @ @ @ @ the situation with the German chancellor .
On August 20 , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt @ @ @ @ @ is in a coma .
Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a @ @

MOSCOW, August 21./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning to discuss with German Chancellor Angela Merkel the condition of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny, who is in a coma, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.
"No, he is not planning this," the spokesman said when asked whether the Russian leader was going to discuss the situation with the German chancellor.
On August 20, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill in mid-flight. Navalny is in a coma. Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a ventilator.


tass--2020-08-21--Lukashenko promises to resolve situation in Belarus in upcoming days, media reports say

MINSK , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko promised to settle the situation in the republic in the upcoming days , BelTA news agency reports .
`` Someone does not like [ the current situation ] in Minsk , e lsewhere .
It is natural .
But it should not concern you , it is my problem , which I must solve and we do .
And , believe me , we will solve it in upcoming days , '' Lukashenko said during his meeting with agricultural workers Friday .
He also noted that the situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be viewed as a catastrophe .
The Belarusian leader underscored that destruction of a country must be avoided at all costs .
`` [ We ] know what the country cost us , '' Lukashenko said .
The presidential elections in Belarus took place on August 9 .
According to the Central Electoral Commission , Alexander Lukashenko won with 80.1 % of support , following by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , his main rival , who secured 10.12 % of votes .
She refused to recognize the results of the election and initiated creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power in Belarus .
Immediately after the election results were announced , protests engulfed Belarus , which promptly escalated into clashes with the law enforcement .

MINSK, August 21. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko promised to settle the situation in the republic in the upcoming days, BelTA news agency reports.
"Someone does not like [the current situation] in Minsk, e lsewhere. It is natural. But it should not concern you, it is my problem, which I must solve and we do. And, believe me, we will solve it in upcoming days," Lukashenko said during his meeting with agricultural workers Friday.
He also noted that the situation in the country is politicized and should not be viewed as a catastrophe.
The Belarusian leader underscored that destruction of a country must be avoided at all costs.
"[We] know what the country cost us," Lukashenko said.
The presidential elections in Belarus took place on August 9. According to the Central Electoral Commission, Alexander Lukashenko won with 80.1% of support, following by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, his main rival, who secured 10.12% of votes. She refused to recognize the results of the election and initiated creation of the Coordination Council, tasked with transfer of power in Belarus. Immediately after the election results were announced, protests engulfed Belarus, which promptly escalated into clashes with the law enforcement.


tass--2020-08-21--No grounds yet to open criminal case after blogger Navalny’s hospitalization— source

MOSCOW , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
There no grounds so far for initiating criminal proceedings after the hospitalization of @ @ @ @ @ a law enforcement source told TASS .
Navalny ’ s condition may be caused by @ @ @ @ @ '' There are no grounds for opening a criminal case , no crime elements have @ @ @ @ @ interlocutor said .
Alexander Murakhovsky , the chief physician of the Omsk hospital where Navalny @ @ @ @ @ said that the blogger ’ s condition could have been caused by metabolic disorders due @ @ @ @ @ blood sugar .
The doctor also noted that neither oxybutyrates nor barbiturates were detected in @ @ @ @ @ On August 20 , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying @ @ @ @ @ emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill in mid-flight .
Navalny is in @ @ @ @ @ said that he had been connected to a ventilator .

MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. There are no grounds so far for initiating criminal proceedings after the hospitalization of Russian blogger Alexei Navalny, a law enforcement source told TASS.
Navalny’s condition may be caused by metabolic disorder, doctor says
"There are no grounds for opening a criminal case, no crime elements have been identified," the interlocutor said.
Alexander Murakhovsky, the chief physician of the Omsk hospital where Navalny is being treated, earlier said that the blogger’s condition could have been caused by metabolic disorders due to a fast drop in blood sugar.
The doctor also noted that neither oxybutyrates nor barbiturates were detected in Navalny’s body.
On August 20, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying the Russian blogger made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill in mid-flight. Navalny is in a coma. Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a ventilator.


tass--2020-08-21--German specialists to check Alexey Navalny’s condition - chief medic

OMSK , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
German medical specialists who arrived to Omsk will examine Alexey Navalny ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , chief medical officer of a hospital , where the Russian blogger has been hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ invited German specialists , who arrived to Omsk on an intensive care plane , so @ @ @ @ @ patient ’ s condition and the results of our own tests .
They are currently @ @ @ @ @ he said .
On August 20 , Navalny ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh disclosed that @ @ @ @ @ en route from Tomsk to Moscow , conducted an emergency landing in Omsk , because @ @ @ @ @ The blogger was hospitalized , he is currently in coma .
According to earlier report @ @ @ @ @ a ventilator .

OMSK, August 21. /TASS/. German medical specialists who arrived to Omsk will examine Alexey Navalny’s condition, says Alexander Murakhovsky, chief medical officer of a hospital, where the Russian blogger has been hospitalized to.
"We also invited German specialists, who arrived to Omsk on an intensive care plane, so that they could check the patient’s condition and the results of our own tests. They are currently headed our way," he said.
On August 20, Navalny’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh disclosed that Navalny’s plane, en route from Tomsk to Moscow, conducted an emergency landing in Omsk, because Navalny suddenly felt bad. The blogger was hospitalized, he is currently in coma. According to earlier report, he was put on a ventilator.


tass--2020-08-21--Navalny’s condition may be caused by metabolic disorder, doctor says

OMSK , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
The sudden illness of Russian blogger Alexei Navalny may have been caused by a metabolic disorder , Alexander Murakhovsky , chief of medicine of the Omsk hospital where the blogger is being treated , said on Friday .
`` Today we have some working diagnoses .
The main one we are arriving at is the disorder in the carbohydrate balance , that is , a metabolic disorder .
It may have been caused by a sudden drop in blood sugar levels , '' he said in a comment made public by the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the doctor , Navalny ’ s condition is considered unstably serious and may become worse during a plane ’ s takeoff or landing .
The doctor also stated that no oxybutyrates or barbiturates were detected in Navalny ’ s body .
As for the traces of a `` dangerous substance '' mentioned earlier by the representatives of Alexei Navalny ’ s anti-corruption foundation , they were present not in the blogger ’ s body but on his skin and clothes .
This means that it was `` usual industrial chemicals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As for the media reports about some chemical component being tested , actually it wasn ’ t a biological material but materials from the surface of skin , clothes and nails .
We conducted a number of tests , this is the usual industrial chemistry which is used , for example , in plastic glasses .
I confirm again that this component was found neither in the blood nor in other biological materials , but on the surface of the skin or clothes , '' he commented .
Earlier , Ivan Zhdanov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation , quoting transport police , reported that a substance dangerous to others was found in Navalny ’ s body .
Later a source in the law enforcement disproved this information to TASS .
On August 20 , the blogger ’ s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying Navalny from Tomsk to Moscow made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill mid-flight .
He has been hospitalized and is in a coma .
Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a lung ventilator .

OMSK, August 21. /TASS/. The sudden illness of Russian blogger Alexei Navalny may have been caused by a metabolic disorder, Alexander Murakhovsky, chief of medicine of the Omsk hospital where the blogger is being treated, said on Friday.
"Today we have some working diagnoses. The main one we are arriving at is the disorder in the carbohydrate balance, that is, a metabolic disorder. It may have been caused by a sudden drop in blood sugar levels," he said in a comment made public by the press service of the regional Healthcare Ministry.
According to the doctor, Navalny’s condition is considered unstably serious and may become worse during a plane’s takeoff or landing.
The doctor also stated that no oxybutyrates or barbiturates were detected in Navalny’s body. As for the traces of a "dangerous substance" mentioned earlier by the representatives of Alexei Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation, they were present not in the blogger’s body but on his skin and clothes. This means that it was "usual industrial chemicals," according to the chief physician.
"As for the media reports about some chemical component being tested, actually it wasn’t a biological material but materials from the surface of skin, clothes and nails. We conducted a number of tests, this is the usual industrial chemistry which is used, for example, in plastic glasses. I confirm again that this component was found neither in the blood nor in other biological materials, but on the surface of the skin or clothes," he commented.
Earlier, Ivan Zhdanov, lawyer of Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, quoting transport police, reported that a substance dangerous to others was found in Navalny’s body. Later a source in the law enforcement disproved this information to TASS.
On August 20, the blogger’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that the plane carrying Navalny from Tomsk to Moscow made an emergency landing in Omsk after he suddenly felt ill mid-flight. He has been hospitalized and is in a coma. Earlier reports said that he had been connected to a lung ventilator.


tass--2020-08-21--Tikhanovskaya says will return to Belarus when it is safe for her

VILNIUS , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya will return to Belarus when it is safe for her there , she said during a press conference in Vilnius on Friday .
Earlier , Tikhanovskaya left Belarus for Lithuania .
She claimed that it was her own decision to leave .
However , members of the opposition suggested that she might have been pressured to flee the country .
On Tuesday , Olga Kovalkova , Tikhanovskaya ’ s authorized representative , said that the former candidate would return to Belarus in the near future as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there at the moment .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said she supports all forms of peaceful protest , hoping for dialogue between the Belarusian people and the government and for a new election .
`` I hope that common sense will prevail , that people will be heard , that the government will agree to begin dialogue and that a new fair election is held , '' she stated .
When asked about the opposition ’ s goals , Tikhanovskaya said that `` violence must stop , political prisoners must be released , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I support all protesters , all peaceful ways of defending one ’ s rights , including the right to an election and the right to freedom of speech .
I hope and I believe that the government will hear its own people .
We have always been told that the president loves his country and his people , and he sees clearly now that people want change , '' she stated .
The former presidential runner-up also informed that Russian authorities had made no attempts to contact her over the developments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get in touch with me . ''
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
Several thousand people have been detained , while dozens of law enforcement officers and protesters have been injured .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transition of power in the republic .
Its first session took place on August 19 .
On August 20 , the Belarusian Prosecutor General ’ s Office launched a criminal case over the creation of the Coordination Council , deeming its activity as a call for the seizure of power .

VILNIUS, August 21. /TASS/. Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya will return to Belarus when it is safe for her there, she said during a press conference in Vilnius on Friday.
Earlier, Tikhanovskaya left Belarus for Lithuania. She claimed that it was her own decision to leave. However, members of the opposition suggested that she might have been pressured to flee the country.
On Tuesday, Olga Kovalkova, Tikhanovskaya’s authorized representative, said that the former candidate would return to Belarus in the near future as "nothing presents a threat to her" there at the moment.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said she supports all forms of peaceful protest, hoping for dialogue between the Belarusian people and the government and for a new election. "I hope that common sense will prevail, that people will be heard, that the government will agree to begin dialogue and that a new fair election is held," she stated.
When asked about the opposition’s goals, Tikhanovskaya said that "violence must stop, political prisoners must be released, and a new election must be held."
"I support all protesters, all peaceful ways of defending one’s rights, including the right to an election and the right to freedom of speech. I hope and I believe that the government will hear its own people. We have always been told that the president loves his country and his people, and he sees clearly now that people want change," she stated.
The former presidential runner-up also informed that Russian authorities had made no attempts to contact her over the developments in Belarus. "There were no attempts to get in touch with me."
Belarus held a presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while his main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. Several thousand people have been detained, while dozens of law enforcement officers and protesters have been injured. The Belarusian opposition established a Coordination Council for the transition of power in the republic. Its first session took place on August 19. On August 20, the Belarusian Prosecutor General’s Office launched a criminal case over the creation of the Coordination Council, deeming its activity as a call for the seizure of power.


tass--2020-08-21--Opposition politician down on compromise with Lukashenko on reform of Belarus constitution

According to Valery Tsepkalo , the promises of a constitutional reform are a guise for stalling for time '' No compromises .
Lukashenko has been promising a constitutional reform for 10 years yet every time was returning proposals for revision , '' the former presidential candidate who was denied registration by the Central Election Commission stated on Friday during a video conference with journalists .
According to him , the promises of a constitutional reform are a guise for stalling for time .
He also noted that nobody even `` knows the essence of the amendments '' proposed for Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier Lukashenko had stated readiness to redistribute presidential powers but only within the framework of the constitutional reform .
According to him , new elections are possible only after the approval of the new Belarusian constitution .
According to Valery Tsepkalo , the Belarusian opposition failed to reach its goals .
`` Unfortunately , it happened so that we had to leave Belarus .
You all know the reasons very well .
We tried to focus on informing foreign public , both Western and Russian , about what is going on in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cease to exist in the republic , and that a normal , worthy democratic election could be held , '' he said .
This did not happen , Tsepkalo lamented .
He added that the West should have recognized Tikhanovskaya as president and ideally , declare Alexander Lukashenko persona non grata in Belarus instead of just deeming the elections undemocratic and not in line with international standards .
The opposition in Belarus says it is not looking to repeat the Ukrainian scenario of 2014 for a transfer of power , and insists that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Valery Tsepkalo .
`` We don ’ t want the Ukrainian scenario , '' he stressed .
`` A revolution took place in Ukraine , and this revolution was outside the framework of the electoral cycle , '' said Tespkalo .
Belarus , for its part , had an election , and the opposition wants `` to find a legal way to get out of this situation , '' the politician pointed out .
`` All scenarios except for this one are undesirable for our country .
Nobody wants bloodshed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s final data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities , which spiraled into clashes with police .
The protests dragged on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people ended up in custody .

According to Valery Tsepkalo, the promises of a constitutional reform are a guise for stalling for time
MINSK, 21 августа. /ТАСС/. One of the leaders of Belarusian opposition Valery Tsepkalo, a former candidate who failed to enter the Belarusian presidential race, has spoken against a compromise with incumbent Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko on the issue of a constitutional reform.
"No compromises. Lukashenko has been promising a constitutional reform for 10 years yet every time was returning proposals for revision," the former presidential candidate who was denied registration by the Central Election Commission stated on Friday during a video conference with journalists. According to him, the promises of a constitutional reform are a guise for stalling for time. He also noted that nobody even "knows the essence of the amendments" proposed for Lukashenko's review or dismissed by him. Earlier Lukashenko had stated readiness to redistribute presidential powers but only within the framework of the constitutional reform. According to him, new elections are possible only after the approval of the new Belarusian constitution. Opposition falling short of its goals
Read also Criminal case opened against Belarusian opposition for attempt to seize power
According to Valery Tsepkalo, the Belarusian opposition failed to reach its goals. "Unfortunately, it happened so that we had to leave Belarus. You all know the reasons very well. We tried to focus on informing foreign public, both Western and Russian, about what is going on in the republic, so that the regime would cease to exist in the republic, and that a normal, worthy democratic election could be held," he said. This did not happen, Tsepkalo lamented. He added that the West should have recognized Tikhanovskaya as president and ideally, declare Alexander Lukashenko persona non grata in Belarus instead of just deeming the elections undemocratic and not in line with international standards. 'No' to Ukrainian scenario
Read also Belarus workers taking part in protests against election results


tass--2020-08-21--Shanghai Electric Accelerates the Progress of Integrated Coal Mine Power Project

SHANGHAI , Aug. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The first charter plane arranged by Shanghai Electric and Air China took off from Shanghai 's Pudong International Airport on August 4 , taking the first batch of construction team consisting of hundreds of Shanghai Electric 's workers , engineers and managers to Pakistan as part of the support to speed up the progress of Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power project , a major energy project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC ) .
The construction progress of the project has been interrupted by the pandemic-induced travel restrictions which have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter the country , causing a substantial shortage of the on-site workforce and slowing down the overall progress .
The construction projects in Dubai and Pančevo are also facing the same challenge .
With the assistance and guidance of the Shanghai municipal government , Shanghai Electric coordinated with Air China to arrange multiple charter planes for thousands of technical and managerial staff to accelerate the progress of the three major projects .
All flights are operated with the highest health and safety measures throughout the journey to guarantee the safety of all construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 tons supplies including personal protective equipment , daily necessities , office essentials and emergency drugs were also shipped to the destinations .
The team was received by the company 's officials at Jinnah International Airport on August 4 and will replace the local Chinese engineers and managers whose return were delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic .
All construction personnel will follow the quarantine measures in accordance with the local regulations upon arrival .
The construction procedures are required to operate in line with the anti-pandemic guidelines , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place by Shanghai Electric to create a bio-secure working environment , protecting the safety and health of all on-site workers .
Located in Thar Desert in the southeastern part of Pakistan 's Sindh Province , Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power Project covers an area of over 9,000 square kilometers with the coal mine expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 7.8 million tons and two 660-megawatt coal-fired power plants capable of providing affordable and reliable electricity for 4 million Pakistani households .
`` As a priority project of both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the completion of Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power Project will go a long way in advancing Pakistan 's energy development .
However , the COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented difficulty to the construction operations , '' said Mr. Song Zaile , Executive Director of Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company ( PVT ) Ltd ( SPV of Shanghai Electric in Pakistan ) .
`` To address the challenges , we have been working on many fronts to keep the disruption caused by this global health crisis at a minimum while adopting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus transmission , '' he added .

SHANGHAI, Aug. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The first charter plane arranged by Shanghai Electric and Air China took off from Shanghai's Pudong International Airport on August 4, taking the first batch of construction team consisting of hundreds of Shanghai Electric's workers, engineers and managers to Pakistan as part of the support to speed up the progress of Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power project, a major energy project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The construction progress of the project has been interrupted by the pandemic-induced travel restrictions which have made it difficult for the workers to enter the country, causing a substantial shortage of the on-site workforce and slowing down the overall progress. The construction projects in Dubai and Pančevo are also facing the same challenge.
With the assistance and guidance of the Shanghai municipal government, Shanghai Electric coordinated with Air China to arrange multiple charter planes for thousands of technical and managerial staff to accelerate the progress of the three major projects. All flights are operated with the highest health and safety measures throughout the journey to guarantee the safety of all construction personnel. The first batch of over 4 tons supplies including personal protective equipment, daily necessities, office essentials and emergency drugs were also shipped to the destinations.
The team was received by the company's officials at Jinnah International Airport on August 4 and will replace the local Chinese engineers and managers whose return were delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. All construction personnel will follow the quarantine measures in accordance with the local regulations upon arrival. The construction procedures are required to operate in line with the anti-pandemic guidelines, and the infection prevention measures have been put in place by Shanghai Electric to create a bio-secure working environment, protecting the safety and health of all on-site workers.
Located in Thar Desert in the southeastern part of Pakistan's Sindh Province, Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power Project covers an area of over 9,000 square kilometers with the coal mine expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 7.8 million tons and two 660-megawatt coal-fired power plants capable of providing affordable and reliable electricity for 4 million Pakistani households.
"As a priority project of both the 'Belt and Road' initiative and CPEC, the completion of Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power Project will go a long way in advancing Pakistan's energy development. However, the COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented difficulty to the construction operations," said Mr. Song Zaile, Executive Director of Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company (PVT) Ltd (SPV of Shanghai Electric in Pakistan).
"To address the challenges, we have been working on many fronts to keep the disruption caused by this global health crisis at a minimum while adopting the upgraded anti-pandemic measures to prevent on-site virus transmission," he added.


tass--2020-08-21--Press review: Navalny’s alleged poisoning and global prospects for Russia’s Covid vaccine

Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was hospitalized on Thursday in Omsk .
He is reported to be in a coma .
The politician felt unwell during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow , and the plane had to make an emergency landing .
Navalny ’ s supporters are confident that the politician was poisoned , Kommersant reports .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed their readiness to provide aid to the Russian opposition figure .
Experts interviewed by Kommersant note that Navalny ’ s suspected poisoning might damage the image of the Russian government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials is to do everything possible to ensure the politician ’ s recovery and to carry out a thorough investigation .
In the days leading up to the incident , Alexei Navalny was on a trip to Siberia , where he met with candidates set to take part in the fall elections and with his supporters .
On August 15 , he visited Novosibirsk , after which he left for Tomsk .
Ksenia Fadeeva , the coordinator of the Tomsk office of Navalny ’ s supporters , said she met with the politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked absolutely healthy and felt well , and in the evening , he left the hotel for the airport . ''
`` There is no doubt that Navalny was poisoned due to his political stance and activity , '' head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation ’ s ( an organization founded by Navalny ) legal department Vyacheslav Gimadi said .
He added that the foundation ’ s lawyers had addressed the Russian Investigative Committee with a demand to launch criminal proceedings over the attempted murder of a political figure and an assassination attempt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ service did not reply to Kommersant ’ s request for comment .
For his part , political analyst Yevgeny Minchenko pointed out that the Kremlin ’ s image would be damaged significantly in case of serious repercussions to Navalny ’ s health after this incident .
He reminded that the murder of opposition figure Boris Nemtsov in February 2015 `` dealt a serious blow to the government ’ s reputation . ''
Meanwhile , political expert Alexei Makarkin told the newspaper that a `` difficult '' outcome of Navalny ’ s story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the politician ’ s figure is not related to their agenda .
However , it can lead to a surge in protest votes during the Russian State Duma ( lower house ) election or lead to mass protests even now .
`` Public repercussions will be rather tough , people won ’ t forget that , '' he added .
`` Navalny is a person that stirs strong emotions among our people , although it is difficult to surprise them at this point , '' the expert said .
In order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that all conditions for the politician ’ s recovery are met and that an objective investigation into the incident is carried out , experts note .
Russia will test its COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology on 40,000 volunteers , Kirill Dmitriev , who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund , announced on Thursday .
Besides Russia , international clinical trials will be held in Saudi Arabia , the Philippines , the UAE , and possibly Brazil and India .
Russia is set to launch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers getting vaccinated at the same time .
Israel is also considering joining the clinical trials of the Russian vaccine , with the Hadassah University Hospital , namely its Moscow branch in Skolkovo , possibly forming part of the research .
Medical Director of Hadassah Skolkovo Polina Stepenskaya explained to Rossiyskaya Gazeta why Israeli specialists , who are working on a COVID-19 vaccine themselves , are ready to cooperate with their Russian colleagues .
`` The development of a vaccine in Israel is still at the lab stage .
It is unclear when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated .
`` I hope that our clinic will have the opportunity to take part in this work .
However , I would like to say that international cooperation , along with the joint work of researchers and medics from various states is what can speed up the search for a vaccine and drugs that can combat the new infection .
So we are open to any joint endeavor , both in Israel and in Russia .
Our Hadassah branch in Skolkovo is very interested in this project . ''
`` We could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotbed of infection , if there is an outbreak in the area at the time , and then analyze whether they get infected naturally .
This is the perfect option .
As far as I am aware , Russia plans to do something similar now , offering to vaccinate doctors and teachers who agree to it .
The goal is clear : both have a high chance of coming into contact with patients and children infected with the coronavirus .
Those who wish to receive a vaccine will get it , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who got infected anyway among those who received the vaccine and those who did not , '' Stepenskaya explained .
Kommersant : Prospects for Belarusian opposition remain dim as the West plays it safe The Coordination Council on the transition of power set up by the Belarusian opposition is now facing criminal charges over suspected calls to seize power .
The council ’ s leadership decided to go all in , demanding to meet with the law enforcement bodies urgently and claiming that all actions of the council are within Belarusian law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries can play a significant role in this political strife , however , it remains undecisive .
While Lithuania and Poland talk about recognizing opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya as the elected leader , the EU on the whole has not even called on Minsk to hold another election .
Washington chooses not to aggravate relations with Belarus either .
Former Belarusian Charge d ’ Affaires in Switzerland Pavel Matsukevich , who has not been appointed to a new position due to his critical stance of the government , said that the West does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya as president .
`` I am sure that all the ballots have been destroyed , which is why the calls for a vote recount are unrealistic , '' he pointed out .
`` So it is impossible to recognize Tikhanovskaya as president . ''
According to him , if the EU and the US recognize the Coordination Council as a legitimate body , it might only hurt the opposition .
`` This organization is not very respected in Belarus .
When I hear statements by the members of the council , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing that their every word can be used against them .
Their phrases must be turned into slogans , and instead , they are carefully mulling over their words . ''
The diplomat noted that the Belarusian opposition might achieve success if the majority of factory workers join their cause .
`` It is impossible to put the lava back inside the volcano , however , the lava can cool down , '' Belarusian political analyst Alexander Feduta told the newspaper , noting that arrests of prominent Belarusian opposition figures may still fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also stoke the lava , and many of those injured are still in hospitals .
And finally , the attempt to put pressure on the workers may also play its role . ''
The fate of President Alexander Lukashenko will be decided in October , Feduta suggests , when his current presidential term officially runs out .
Turkey and Egypt continue expanding their military presence in Libya and near its borders , sources close to the situation informed Izvestia .
MIM-23 Hawk missiles , Korkut anti-aircraft guns and S-300 missile systems are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of a recent agreement concluded between Turkey , Qatar and Libya ’ s Government of National Accord .
Members of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) have demanded that all foreign troops leave the country , deeming the pact to be a declaration of war .
Experts confirm that this step undermines the existing peace initiatives and may lead to more civil war in the country .
`` We see that Turkey is widening its efforts on promoting its interests in Libya , on drawing in its allies , on expanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces , namely Qatar , '' Senior Research Fellow of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies in the Russian Academy of Sciences Boris Dolgov told Izvestia .
He noted that Turkey is carrying out a steady and consistent policy line .
Ankara seeks to position itself as the region ’ s center of power , Dolgov added .
On August 17 , Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and head of the Turkish General Staff Yasar Guler visited Tripoli .
Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah , Qatar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time .
After the trilateral talks with Fayez al-Sarraj , who heads Libya ’ s Government of National Accord , they signed an agreement on military cooperation .
Dolgov noted that this deal would lead to an escalation of tensions , as the establishment of military bases is another violation of previous agreements by Libya , including the Berlin conference and previous attempts at reaching a peace agreement .
The Russian military plans to remain in Syria for a long time , based on a recent agreement signed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical rehabilitation center for Russian military pilots would be established in the Syrian province of Latakia .
However , this news might be met with controversy after reports of the death of a Russian general in Syria , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
There are many questions regarding the reported bombing of a Russian military convoy in Syria .
Moscow has repeatedly stated that it ended active military action in Syria .
And then a death of a general is reported , along with several injuries among Russian military officers accompanying him .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militants in the Idlib de-escalation zone , and blasts are reported regularly along the patrol route of the Russian military , the newspaper points out .
It seems that Turkey only says that it coordinates its military actions with Russia , but , in reality , it organizes military action not only against the Syrian government , but against Russian troops as well .
Ankara ’ s military activity will only increase , Nezavisimaya Gazeta points out in its analysis of the situation .
The expert community thinks that sooner or later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass offensive in the Idlib de-escalation zone to rid the territory of militants for good .
Russian air power may provide support to Assad ’ s army .
If this happens , Ankara , which has a greater military contingency in Syria , is set to impede Russia ’ s efforts in this area , and new clashes with Russian troops are inevitable .
`` The rehabilitation center in the Mediterranean for our pilots covering 8 hectares of territory with the buildings located there and the sea itself - this is all great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am confused about the word `` rehabilitation , '' Russian military expert Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Ovchinnikov told the newspaper .
According to him , Russia ’ s army brass understands very well that the work of their pilots in the region is not over .
The rehabilitation center is located near the Hmeymim military airbase .
`` However , will it be more effective than our military pilots being sent to Crimea or Sochi for R & R ? ''
the expert wondered .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these @ @ @

Kommersant: Alexei Navalny hospitalized after suspected poisoning
Read also Plane for Navalny’s possible transportation to Germany lands in Omsk
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was hospitalized on Thursday in Omsk. He is reported to be in a coma. The politician felt unwell during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow, and the plane had to make an emergency landing. Navalny’s supporters are confident that the politician was poisoned, Kommersant reports. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed their readiness to provide aid to the Russian opposition figure. Experts interviewed by Kommersant note that Navalny’s suspected poisoning might damage the image of the Russian government, adding that the best thing for Russian officials is to do everything possible to ensure the politician’s recovery and to carry out a thorough investigation. In the days leading up to the incident, Alexei Navalny was on a trip to Siberia, where he met with candidates set to take part in the fall elections and with his supporters. On August 15, he visited Novosibirsk, after which he left for Tomsk. Ksenia Fadeeva, the coordinator of the Tomsk office of Navalny’s supporters, said she met with the politician on August 19, and "he looked absolutely healthy and felt well, and in the evening, he left the hotel for the airport." "There is no doubt that Navalny was poisoned due to his political stance and activity," head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation’s (an organization founded by Navalny) legal department Vyacheslav Gimadi said. He added that the foundation’s lawyers had addressed the Russian Investigative Committee with a demand to launch criminal proceedings over the attempted murder of a political figure and an assassination attempt. The Russian Investigative Committee’s press service did not reply to Kommersant’s request for comment. For his part, political analyst Yevgeny Minchenko pointed out that the Kremlin’s image would be damaged significantly in case of serious repercussions to Navalny’s health after this incident. He recalled that the murder of opposition figure Boris Nemtsov in February 2015 "dealt a serious blow to the government’s reputation." Meanwhile, political expert Alexei Makarkin told the newspaper that a "difficult" outcome of Navalny’s story is unlikely to affect the regional elections, as the politician’s figure is not related to their agenda. However, it can lead to a surge in protest votes during the Russian State Duma (lower house) election or lead to mass protests even now. "Public repercussions will be rather tough, people won’t forget that," he added. "Navalny is a person that stirs strong emotions among our people, although it is difficult to surprise them at this point," the expert said. In order to minimize the damage, the Kremlin must ensure that all conditions for the politician’s recovery are met and that an objective investigation into the incident is carried out, experts note. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Russia to launch large-scale international trials of COVID-19 vaccine Russia will test its COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology on 40,000 volunteers, Kirill Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, announced on Thursday. Besides Russia, international clinical trials will be held in Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, the UAE, and possibly Brazil and India. Russia is set to launch the trials next week, with doctors and teachers getting vaccinated at the same time.
Israel is also considering joining the clinical trials of the Russian vaccine, with the Hadassah University Hospital, namely its Moscow branch in Skolkovo, possibly forming part of the research. Medical Director of Hadassah Skolkovo Polina Stepenskaya explained to Rossiyskaya Gazeta why Israeli specialists, who are working on a COVID-19 vaccine themselves, are ready to cooperate with their Russian colleagues. "The development of a vaccine in Israel is still at the lab stage. It is unclear when clinical trials might begin," Stepenskaya stated. "I hope that our clinic will have the opportunity to take part in this work. However, I would like to say that international cooperation, along with the joint work of researchers and medics from various states is what can speed up the search for a vaccine and drugs that can combat the new infection. So we are open to any joint endeavor, both in Israel and in Russia. Our Hadassah branch in Skolkovo is very interested in this project." "We could vaccinate about 15,000-20,000 people located in any hotbed of infection, if there is an outbreak in the area at the time, and then analyze whether they get infected naturally. This is the perfect option. As far as I am aware, Russia plans to do something similar now, offering to vaccinate doctors and teachers who agree to it. The goal is clear: both have a high chance of coming into contact with patients and children infected with the coronavirus. Those who wish to receive a vaccine will get it, and then experts will analyze the share of those who got infected anyway among those who received the vaccine and those who did not," Stepenskaya explained. Kommersant: Prospects for Belarusian opposition remain dim as the West plays it safe
The Coordination Council on the transition of power set up by the Belarusian opposition is now facing criminal charges over suspected calls to seize power. The council’s leadership decided to go all in, demanding to meet with the law enforcement bodies urgently and claiming that all actions of the council are within Belarusian law, Kommersant reports. The stance of Western countries can play a significant role in this political strife, however, it remains undecisive. While Lithuania and Poland talk about recognizing opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya as the elected leader, the EU on the whole has not even called on Minsk to hold another election. Washington chooses not to aggravate relations with Belarus either. Former Belarusian Charge d’Affaires in Switzerland Pavel Matsukevich, who has not been appointed to a new position due to his critical stance of the government, said that the West does not have any legal mechanism to recognize Tikhanovskaya as president. "I am sure that all the ballots have been destroyed, which is why the calls for a vote recount are unrealistic," he pointed out. "So it is impossible to recognize Tikhanovskaya as president." According to him, if the EU and the US recognize the Coordination Council as a legitimate body, it might only hurt the opposition. "This organization is not very respected in Belarus. When I hear statements by the members of the council, it sounds like they are already testifying, knowing that their every word can be used against them. Their phrases must be turned into slogans, and instead, they are carefully mulling over their words." The diplomat noted that the Belarusian opposition might achieve success if the majority of factory workers join their cause. "It is impossible to put the lava back inside the volcano, however, the lava can cool down," Belarusian political analyst Alexander Feduta told the newspaper, noting that arrests of prominent Belarusian opposition figures may still fire up the protest. "New deaths can also stoke the lava, and many of those injured are still in hospitals. And finally, the attempt to put pressure on the workers may also play its role." The fate of President Alexander Lukashenko will be decided in October, Feduta suggests, when his current presidential term officially runs out. Izvestia: Libyan civil war may re-ignite following Turkey-Qatar-Sarraj talks
Read also Libyan crisis in focus of Lavrov's conversation with Egyptian top diplomat
Turkey and Egypt continue expanding their military presence in Libya and near its borders, sources close to the situation informed Izvestia. MIM-23 Hawk missiles, Korkut anti-aircraft guns and S-300 missile systems are being deployed as tensions rise in the wake of a recent agreement concluded between Turkey, Qatar and Libya’s Government of National Accord. Members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) have demanded that all foreign troops leave the country, deeming the pact to be a declaration of war. Experts confirm that this step undermines the existing peace initiatives and may lead to more civil war in the country. "We see that Turkey is widening its efforts on promoting its interests in Libya, on drawing in its allies, on expanding Ankara’s influence through its allied forces, namely Qatar," Senior Research Fellow of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies in the Russian Academy of Sciences Boris Dolgov told Izvestia. He noted that Turkey is carrying out a steady and consistent policy line. Ankara seeks to position itself as the region’s center of power, Dolgov added. On August 17, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and head of the Turkish General Staff Yasar Guler visited Tripoli. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s defense chief, joined them for the first time. After the trilateral talks with Fayez al-Sarraj, who heads Libya’s Government of National Accord, they signed an agreement on military cooperation. Dolgov noted that this deal would lead to an escalation of tensions, as the establishment of military bases is another violation of previous agreements by Libya, including the Berlin conference and previous attempts at reaching a peace agreement. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia set to thwart Turkey’s attacks on Syria
Read also Russian investigators launch case over general's death in Syria


tass--2020-08-21--Latest heavy flamethrowers to arrive for Russian troops by year-end

MOSCOW , August 21 .
/TASS/ .
The latest TOS-2 ‘ Tosochka ’ heavy flamethrower that rolled through Moscow ’ s Red Square for the first time during the Victory Parade on June 24 will arrive for Russian troops by the end of the year , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday .
`` The new TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system characterized by increased range and firepower is set to arrive for the troops until the end of the year , '' the defense chief said at the ministry ’ s board meeting .
During the Kavkaz-2020 ( Caucasus-2020 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops will practice firing the new flamethrowers , Shoigu said .
`` This system will considerably boost the combat capabilities of force groupings in strategic areas , '' the defense chief said .
The effort to develop the nuclear , chemical and biological ( NBC ) protection troops that will be armed with TOS-2 heavy flamethrowers remains a major area of the Armed Forces ’ activity , Shoigu said .
`` By late 2025 , this figure [ the share of advanced weapons in the NBC troops ] is due to reach 85 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The TOS-2 ‘ Tosochka ’ is a derivative of the TOS-1A ‘ Solntsepyok ’ ( ‘ Scorching Sun ’ ) heavy flamethrower system with improved performance characteristics .
As compared to its predecessor , it is mounted on the wheeled chassis of the Ural truck with the increased carrying and cross-country capability .
The system has an increased range of launching rockets .
The TOS-2 has fully automated sighting , firing and fire control systems .
The heavy flamethrower is outfitted with a crane and , therefore , needs no transporter-loader vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warfare system against precision weapons .

MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. The latest TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ heavy flamethrower that rolled through Moscow’s Red Square for the first time during the Victory Parade on June 24 will arrive for Russian troops by the end of the year, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.
"The new TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system characterized by increased range and firepower is set to arrive for the troops until the end of the year," the defense chief said at the ministry’s board meeting.
During the Kavkaz-2020 (Caucasus-2020) strategic command and staff drills, the troops will practice firing the new flamethrowers, Shoigu said.
"This system will considerably boost the combat capabilities of force groupings in strategic areas," the defense chief said.
The effort to develop the nuclear, chemical and biological (NBC) protection troops that will be armed with TOS-2 heavy flamethrowers remains a major area of the Armed Forces’ activity, Shoigu said.
"By late 2025, this figure [the share of advanced weapons in the NBC troops] is due to reach 85%," the defense chief said.
The TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ is a derivative of the TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ (‘Scorching Sun’) heavy flamethrower system with improved performance characteristics. As compared to its predecessor, it is mounted on the wheeled chassis of the Ural truck with the increased carrying and cross-country capability. The system has an increased range of launching rockets. The TOS-2 has fully automated sighting, firing and fire control systems.
The heavy flamethrower is outfitted with a crane and, therefore, needs no transporter-loader vehicle. The TOS-2 also features an electronic warfare system against precision weapons.