tass--2020-09-13--Russia records 5,499 coronavirus cases in the past day

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 5,449 in the past day , reaching 1,062,811 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday .
According to its data , in the past 29 days the daily growth rate did not exceed 0.5 % .
Some new 650 cases were recorded in Moscow , 206 in St. Petersburg , 166 in the Moscow Region , 162 in the Rostov Region and 159 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
The lowest growth rates in the past day were registered in the Nenets Autonomous Region ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow Region and Smolensk Regions , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % ) , the Republic of Tatarstan and the Chuvash Republic and the Tula Region ( 0.3 % ) .
Currently , some 168,008 people are undergoing treatment in Russia .
The number of coronavirus patients who recovered in Russia rose by 2,690 in the past day to 876,225 .
A total of 82.4 % of those infected have recovered .
In the past day , 900 patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow , 158 in the Moscow Region , 104 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgorod Region and 80 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
The number of deaths from the coronavirus in Russia climbed by 94 in the past day versus 119 a day earlier and the total death toll reached 18,578 .
According to the crisis center , some 1.75 % of those infected in Russia died .
In the past day , 20 patients died in St. Petersburg , 14 in Moscow and five in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Krasnodar Region .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 5,449 in the past day, reaching 1,062,811, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday.
According to its data, in the past 29 days the daily growth rate did not exceed 0.5%.
Some new 650 cases were recorded in Moscow, 206 in St. Petersburg, 166 in the Moscow Region, 162 in the Rostov Region and 159 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The lowest growth rates in the past day were registered in the Nenets Autonomous Region (0%), Moscow, the Moscow Region and Smolensk Regions, the Chechen Republic (0.2%), the Republic of Tatarstan and the Chuvash Republic and the Tula Region (0.3%).
Currently, some 168,008 people are undergoing treatment in Russia.
Deaths and recoveries
The number of coronavirus patients who recovered in Russia rose by 2,690 in the past day to 876,225. A total of 82.4% of those infected have recovered.
In the past day, 900 patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow, 158 in the Moscow Region, 104 in St. Petersburg, 87 in the Belgorod Region and 80 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The number of deaths from the coronavirus in Russia climbed by 94 in the past day versus 119 a day earlier and the total death toll reached 18,578. According to the crisis center, some 1.75% of those infected in Russia died.
In the past day, 20 patients died in St. Petersburg, 14 in Moscow and five in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Krasnodar Region.


tass--2020-09-13--Jewish Autonomous Region records highest voter turnout in elections

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
The highest voter turnout in the early elections of top officials in the @ @ @ @ @ and September 12 was recorded in the Jewish Autonomous Region , Chairperson of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday .
`` The lowest turnout - 15.94 % was recorded in the @ @ @ @ @ turnout was in the Jewish Autonomous Region - 57.89 % , '' Pamfilova said at @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. The highest voter turnout in the early elections of top officials in the Russian regions on September 11 and September 12 was recorded in the Jewish Autonomous Region, Chairperson of the Russian Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova said on Sunday.
"The lowest turnout - 15.94% was recorded in the Irkutsk Region and the highest turnout was in the Jewish Autonomous Region - 57.89%," Pamfilova said at the CEC information center.


tass--2020-09-13--US Department of Commerce, Rosatom poised to extend uranium agreement

WASHINGTON , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
The US Department of Commerce and Russia ’ s nuclear state corporation Rosatom initialed a draft amendment to extend the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian Federation , which expires this year .
The amendment , if finalized , will extend the deal to 2040 and `` reduce US reliance on uranium from Russia '' for the next 20 years .
According to US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross , the proposed amendment `` will contribute to the restoration of America ’ s nuclear energy advantage and protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Department of Commerce is seeking to finalize the deal no later than October 5 , 2020 .
The Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian Federation was signed in 1992 , with a series of amendments added in 1994 , 1996 , 1997 and 2008 .
Under the agreement , the amount of Russian uranium products entering the US market is restricted by special quotas regulating the commercial export of Russian uranium .
These quotas were set in 2008 for the last time and are valid through 2020 @

WASHINGTON, September 13. /TASS/. The US Department of Commerce and Russia’s nuclear state corporation Rosatom initialed a draft amendment to extend the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian Federation, which expires this year.
The amendment, if finalized, will extend the deal to 2040 and "reduce US reliance on uranium from Russia" for the next 20 years.
According to US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the proposed amendment "will contribute to the restoration of America’s nuclear energy advantage and protect the domestic industry from dumped Russian uranium."
The Department of Commerce is seeking to finalize the deal no later than October 5, 2020.
The Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian Federation was signed in 1992, with a series of amendments added in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 2008. Under the agreement, the amount of Russian uranium products entering the US market is restricted by special quotas regulating the commercial export of Russian uranium. These quotas were set in 2008 for the last time and are valid through 2020.


tass--2020-09-13--Russia holds single voting day to elect regional, local authorities

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
On Sunday , Russia is holding a single voting day to elect regional and local authorities , as well as four members of the lower chamber of the Russian parliament representing single-seat constituencies .
The single voting day is held in Russia on the second Sunday of September .
Citizens elect governors and members of regional legislators , city mayors and city legislatures , as well as members of municipal representational bodies .
Besides , additional elections to the State Duma are held in single-seat constituencies .
This year , elections will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The early vote has already begun in the majority of Russian regions on September 11 .
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic , a decision has been made to organize the vote on September 11 and 12 .
This year , elections will be held in 83 Russian regions out of 85 , with the North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria and Russia ’ s second largest city of St. Petersburg being the only exceptions .
During the 2020 Single Voting Day , heads of 18 Russian regions and five mayors of major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about 171,000 candidates for various offices are running in the polls .
They represent 36 political parties .
About 40,000 candidates are self-designated .
The Central Election Commission has taken serious epidemiological precautions at polling stations , similar to those in place during the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments , which took place between June 25 and July 1 .
Premises of polling stations are being regularly decontaminated .
Voters need to undergo a body temperature check when entering a polling station .
Personal protection equipment is provided to every voter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be monitored by more than 237,000 observers .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. On Sunday, Russia is holding a single voting day to elect regional and local authorities, as well as four members of the lower chamber of the Russian parliament representing single-seat constituencies.
The single voting day is held in Russia on the second Sunday of September. Citizens elect governors and members of regional legislators, city mayors and city legislatures, as well as members of municipal representational bodies. Besides, additional elections to the State Duma are held in single-seat constituencies.
This year, elections will be held at more than 56,000 polling stations.
The early vote has already begun in the majority of Russian regions on September 11. Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, a decision has been made to organize the vote on September 11 and 12.
This year, elections will be held in 83 Russian regions out of 85, with the North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria and Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg being the only exceptions.
During the 2020 Single Voting Day, heads of 18 Russian regions and five mayors of major cities will be elected.
In total, about 171,000 candidates for various offices are running in the polls. They represent 36 political parties. About 40,000 candidates are self-designated.
The Central Election Commission has taken serious epidemiological precautions at polling stations, similar to those in place during the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments, which took place between June 25 and July 1. Premises of polling stations are being regularly decontaminated. Voters need to undergo a body temperature check when entering a polling station. Personal protection equipment is provided to every voter and member of electoral commissions.
The voting will be monitored by more than 237,000 observers.


tass--2020-09-13--Open fire put out in South Russian apartment block, 90 flats damaged

KRASNODAR , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Firefighters extinguished open fire in an eight-storey apartment building in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar , the Emergency Situations Ministry ’ s directorate in the Krasnodar Territory said on Sunday .
`` Open fire was put out at at 6:00 Moscow time , '' the directorate said in a statement .
Earlier , it was reported that at 5:30 Moscow time the fire had been contained at the area of 4,400 square meters .
The directorate ’ s chief , Oleg Volynkin , told reporters on site that almost 90 apartments were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 88 apartments were damaged .
The eighth floor burned out completely , '' he said .
According to the official , careless handling of fire is seen as the most likely cause of the blaze .
`` The fire broke out in an apartment on the seventh floor .
Apparently , [ the reason ] is careless handling of fire , '' he said , adding that the fire quickly spread to the eighth floor ( attic floor ) , which is built entirely of wood .
According to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at approximately 02:15 Moscow time on Sunday .
First firefighting squads arrived six minutes later .
By that time , the fire engulfed an area of about 800 square meters .
About 300 people were evacuated from the burning house and are currently staying at a temporary shelter .
According to preliminary information , no one was injured .

KRASNODAR, September 13. /TASS/. Firefighters extinguished open fire in an eight-storey apartment building in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, the Emergency Situations Ministry’s directorate in the Krasnodar Territory said on Sunday.
"Open fire was put out at at 6:00 Moscow time," the directorate said in a statement.
Earlier, it was reported that at 5:30 Moscow time the fire had been contained at the area of 4,400 square meters.
The directorate’s chief, Oleg Volynkin, told reporters on site that almost 90 apartments were damaged by the fire.
"A total of 88 apartments were damaged. The eighth floor burned out completely," he said.
According to the official, careless handling of fire is seen as the most likely cause of the blaze.
"The fire broke out in an apartment on the seventh floor. Apparently, [the reason] is careless handling of fire," he said, adding that the fire quickly spread to the eighth floor (attic floor), which is built entirely of wood.
According to the Russian emergencies ministry, the fire broke out at approximately 02:15 Moscow time on Sunday. First firefighting squads arrived six minutes later. By that time, the fire engulfed an area of about 800 square meters. About 300 people were evacuated from the burning house and are currently staying at a temporary shelter. According to preliminary information, no one was injured.


tass--2020-09-13--At least 28 killed in wildfires raging in western US states - TV

NEW YORK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
At least 28 people were killed in wildfires raging in western US @ @ @ @ @ The majority of deaths were registered in California , where , according to CNN , @ @ @ @ @ Most of the fatalities occurred in the past few days .
In total , more @ @ @ @ @ in western US states .
California , Oregon and Washington have been hardest-hit .
The @ @ @ @ @ is estimated at more than 1.9 million hectares .
On Saturday , White House Deputy @ @ @ @ @ US President Donald Trump would travel to California on September 14 to hear the local @ @ @ @ @ situation .

NEW YORK, September 13. /TASS/. At least 28 people were killed in wildfires raging in western US states, CNN reported.
The majority of deaths were registered in California, where, according to CNN, 19 people have died. Most of the fatalities occurred in the past few days.
In total, more than 100 wildfires are raging in western US states. California, Oregon and Washington have been hardest-hit. The overall area of the disaster is estimated at more than 1.9 million hectares.
On Saturday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said US President Donald Trump would travel to California on September 14 to hear the local authorities’ report on the situation.


tass--2020-09-13--Modernization of Sea Launch space facility to begin in two months — Roscosmos

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Reconstruction and modernization of the Sea Launch space complex , currently based in Russia ’ s Far East , is expected to begin in November 2020 , Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said in a video posted on YouTube .
`` I think that [ we need to ] solve all problems , legal issues , and to start modernizing the facility , '' Rogozin said .
Earlier this week , Roscosmos said in a statement that its top management along with industry experts had assessed the Sea Launch ’ s readiness for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rockets .
According to Rogozin , a Soyuz-5 rocket , with the capacity to deliver up to 18 tonnes of payload to the orbit when launched from the Baikonur and Vostochny space centers , will be able to lift more than 20 tonnes if launched from the sea-based facility positioned at the equator .
Since 2016 , S7 Group ( the holding company that integrates S7 Space Transport Systems ) has been the owner of the assets of the Sea Launch rocket and space compound where 36 launches ( including 32 successful ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
The sea compound comprises the Odyssey floating launch platform and the assembly and command vessel where rockets are assembled and control of pre-launch operations is exercised .
This spring , the command ship and the floating platform were taken from the United States to Russia ’ s Far East .
On March 17 , the Sea Launch Commander ship arrived to Slavyanka and berthed at the Slavyanka Shipyard .
The Odyssey spacecraft launch platform arrived to the port a couple of weeks later , on March 30 .
Russian Deputy Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 that the reconstruction of the facility would require about 35 billion rubles ( roughly $ 470 million ) and is expected to be over in 2023-2024 .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Reconstruction and modernization of the Sea Launch space complex, currently based in Russia’s Far East, is expected to begin in November 2020, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said in a video posted on YouTube.
"I think that [we need to] solve all problems, legal issues, and to start modernizing the facility," Rogozin said.
Earlier this week, Roscosmos said in a statement that its top management along with industry experts had assessed the Sea Launch’s readiness for missions of the prospective Soyuz-5 and Soyuz-6 rockets.
According to Rogozin, a Soyuz-5 rocket, with the capacity to deliver up to 18 tonnes of payload to the orbit when launched from the Baikonur and Vostochny space centers, will be able to lift more than 20 tonnes if launched from the sea-based facility positioned at the equator.
Since 2016, S7 Group (the holding company that integrates S7 Space Transport Systems) has been the owner of the assets of the Sea Launch rocket and space compound where 36 launches (including 32 successful) were carried out before being suspended in 2014. The sea compound comprises the Odyssey floating launch platform and the assembly and command vessel where rockets are assembled and control of pre-launch operations is exercised.
This spring, the command ship and the floating platform were taken from the United States to Russia’s Far East. On March 17, the Sea Launch Commander ship arrived to Slavyanka and berthed at the Slavyanka Shipyard. The Odyssey spacecraft launch platform arrived to the port a couple of weeks later, on March 30.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters on August 24 that the reconstruction of the facility would require about 35 billion rubles (roughly $470 million) and is expected to be over in 2023-2024.


tass--2020-09-13--Russian serviceman injured in Syria dies in Moscow hospital

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Sergeant of the Guards Mikhail Milshin , who was seriously injured in a @ @ @ @ @ on August 18 , died in a Moscow hospital , a medical source told TASS @ @ @ @ @ was transferred to the Burdenko hospital in critical condition , and was connected to a @ @ @ @ @ source said .
`` Regretfully , the serviceman passed away . ''
An improvised roadside @ @ @ @ @ the city of Deir ez-Zor when a Russian military convoy was returning to its base @ @ @ @ @ August 18 .
According to Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , a military adviser in @ @ @ @ @ was killed while two servicemen were wounded .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Sergeant of the Guards Mikhail Milshin, who was seriously injured in a roadside bomb blast in Syria on August 18, died in a Moscow hospital, a medical source told TASS on Sunday.
"Milshin was transferred to the Burdenko hospital in critical condition, and was connected to a lung ventilator," the source said. "Regretfully, the serviceman passed away."
An improvised roadside bomb exploded 15 km from the city of Deir ez-Zor when a Russian military convoy was returning to its base after a humanitarian mission on August 18. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, a military adviser in the rank of a major-general was killed while two servicemen were wounded.


tass--2020-09-13--Russian investigators launch criminal case into light plane crash near Moscow

MOSCOW , September 12 .
/TASS/ .
A criminal case was launched into Saturday ’ s crash of a small plane near Moscow , in which two people died , the Russian Investigative Committee said .
`` A criminal case was launched under part 3 , article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code ( Violation of the Rules for Traffic Safety and Operation of the Railway , Air , or Water Transportation Systems ) , '' the committee said .
On Saturday , a privately owned twin-seat Evektor-Aerotechnik SportStar plane , which took off from the Chernogolovka airfield , crashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village of Dushonovo .
The plane ’ s pilot and owner , born in 1969 , and his passenger , died .
Plane wreckage and a deployed parachute were found on the water surface .
A spokesperson for the Moscow Interregional Transport Prosecutor ` s Office , Yekaterina Korotkova , said no permissions to fly in the crash zone had been issued .
`` The plane presumably took off from Chernogolovka .
According to preliminary information , permissions for a flight in this area were not issued , '' she said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under way .
The press service of Russia ’ s Federal Air Transport Agency ( Rosaviatsiya ) said the circumstances surrounding the accident are being established .

MOSCOW, September 12. /TASS/. A criminal case was launched into Saturday’s crash of a small plane near Moscow, in which two people died, the Russian Investigative Committee said.
"A criminal case was launched under part 3, article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code (Violation of the Rules for Traffic Safety and Operation of the Railway, Air, or Water Transportation Systems)," the committee said.
On Saturday, a privately owned twin-seat Evektor-Aerotechnik SportStar plane, which took off from the Chernogolovka airfield, crashed into a flooded sand pit near the village of Dushonovo. The plane’s pilot and owner, born in 1969, and his passenger, died. Plane wreckage and a deployed parachute were found on the water surface.
A spokesperson for the Moscow Interregional Transport Prosecutor`s Office, Yekaterina Korotkova, said no permissions to fly in the crash zone had been issued.
"The plane presumably took off from Chernogolovka. According to preliminary information, permissions for a flight in this area were not issued," she said, adding that a prosecutor’s investigation is under way.
The press service of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) said the circumstances surrounding the accident are being established.


tass--2020-09-13--Volunteers develop durable immunity to coronavirus after receiving Kazakh vaccine

NUR-SULTAN , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Durable immunity to novel coronavirus has been formed in Kazakh scientists , who @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , the Kazakh Education and Science ministry ’ s press service said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ accumulative immunity was formed in scientists of the Scientific Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan , who developed and @ @ @ @ @ the Kazakh vaccine against the novel coronavirus , '' the ministry said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ page .
The institute ’ s director , Kunsulu Zakarya , said volunteers and scientists @ @ @ @ @ continued their work .
Earlier , the World Health Organization added QazCovid-in into its list @ @ @ @ @ pre-clinical trials .
Seven of its developers , including Zakarya , have become the first @ @ @ @ @ The Institute for Biological Safety Problems also selected over 600 volunteers for clinical trials .

NUR-SULTAN, September 13. /TASS/. Durable immunity to novel coronavirus has been formed in Kazakh scientists, who tested a local vaccine against COVID-19, the Kazakh Education and Science ministry’s press service said.
"On the 42nd day, accumulative immunity was formed in scientists of the Scientific Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who developed and tested on themselves QazCovid-in, the Kazakh vaccine against the novel coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement, posted on its Facebook page.
The institute’s director, Kunsulu Zakarya, said volunteers and scientists were in good health and continued their work.
Earlier, the World Health Organization added QazCovid-in into its list of candidate vaccines with permissible pre-clinical trials. Seven of its developers, including Zakarya, have become the first volunteers to test it. The Institute for Biological Safety Problems also selected over 600 volunteers for clinical trials.


tass--2020-09-13--Large fire breaks out at apartment building in south Russia’s Krasnodar

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
A residential house in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar caught fire on Sunday night , a spokesperson for the Russian emergencies ministry told TASS .
`` The fire broke out at the attic floor of an eight-storey residential building < … > The fire has spread to the area of 800 square meters , it is ranked a category-four fire , '' he said .
Later , an emergencies ministry spokesperson told TASS that the area of the fire more than tripled , reaching approximately 2,500 square meters .
The emergency situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry directorate in southern Russia ’ s Krasnodar Region after a major fire broke out in the city early on Sunday .
`` At the moment , 175 people are engaged in the firefighting effort , '' a spokesperson for the Russian emergencies ministry told TASS .
`` The emergency situation regime has been declared for the Emergency Situations Ministry ’ s directorate in the Krasnodar Territory . ''
Firefighters have so far been unable to contain the blaze .
About 300 people have been evacuated from the burning building .
No information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. A residential house in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar caught fire on Sunday night, a spokesperson for the Russian emergencies ministry told TASS.
"The fire broke out at the attic floor of an eight-storey residential building <…> The fire has spread to the area of 800 square meters, it is ranked a category-four fire," he said.
Later, an emergencies ministry spokesperson told TASS that the area of the fire more than tripled, reaching approximately 2,500 square meters.
The emergency situation regime has been declared for the Emergencies Ministry directorate in southern Russia’s Krasnodar Region after a major fire broke out in the city early on Sunday.
"At the moment, 175 people are engaged in the firefighting effort," a spokesperson for the Russian emergencies ministry told TASS. "The emergency situation regime has been declared for the Emergency Situations Ministry’s directorate in the Krasnodar Territory."
Firefighters have so far been unable to contain the blaze.
About 300 people have been evacuated from the burning building. No information about casualties is available at the moment.


tass--2020-09-14--WHO reports record one-day increase in coronavirus cases across the globe

MOSCOW , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the globe has amounted to 28,637,952 , increasing by 307,930 in the past 24 hours , a record one-day increase , the World Health Organization reported on Sunday .
According to WHO data made public on Sunday , the number of fatalities grew by 5,537 in 24 hours , to a total of 917,417 .
The WHO statistics is based on only officially confirmed data on infections and fatalities supplied by the states .
The region of North and South America reports the highest number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases reported in the past 24 hours .
The death toll there grew by 3,308 , totaling 508,705 .
Southeast Asia reports 5,377,062 COVID-19 cases and 92,391 deaths with 101,119 new cases in the past 24 hours and 1,270 fatalities .
The European region is placed third as to the number of coronavirus cases , which has amounted to 4,796,426 .
As many as 225,494 coronavirus patients have died in Europe .
The United States tops the list as to the number of coronavirus cases - 6,386,832 .
Then goes India ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia ( 1,063,811 ) , Peru ( 716,670 ) , Colombia ( 702,088 ) , Mexico ( 658,299 ) , South Africa ( 648,214 ) , Spain ( 566,326 ) and Argentina ( 535,705 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, September 14. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the globe has amounted to 28,637,952, increasing by 307,930 in the past 24 hours, a record one-day increase, the World Health Organization reported on Sunday.
According to WHO data made public on Sunday, the number of fatalities grew by 5,537 in 24 hours, to a total of 917,417. The WHO statistics is based on only officially confirmed data on infections and fatalities supplied by the states.
The region of North and South America reports the highest number of infections - 14,699,174, including 132,464 new coronavirus cases reported in the past 24 hours. The death toll there grew by 3,308, totaling 508,705. Southeast Asia reports 5,377,062 COVID-19 cases and 92,391 deaths with 101,119 new cases in the past 24 hours and 1,270 fatalities.
The European region is placed third as to the number of coronavirus cases, which has amounted to 4,796,426. As many as 225,494 coronavirus patients have died in Europe.
The United States tops the list as to the number of coronavirus cases - 6,386,832. Then goes India (4,754,356), Brazil (4,282,164), Russia (1,063,811), Peru (716,670), Colombia (702,088), Mexico (658,299), South Africa (648,214), Spain (566,326) and Argentina (535,705).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-09-14--About 80,000 people to be involved in Kavkaz-2020 military drill

MOSCOW , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
About 80,000 people will be involved in the Kavkaz-2020 command and staff exercise , scheduled to be held in Russia from September 21 to September 26 , the Russian Defense Ministry told journalists on Monday .
`` Overall about 80,000 people are expected to be involved in the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff exercise ( including combat support units , combat service support units and technical support units , as well as air defense and naval units , and special troops ( the Federal National Guard Troops Service and the Ministry for Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It said that up to 250 tanks , up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs , as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems will be used in the exercise on firing grounds .
The exercise will be held under the command of Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov .
The Russian Defense Ministry told that military from six countries will take part in the upcoming Kavkaz-2020 command and staff exercise .
`` Military units from Armenia , Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to train joint actions within force groupings , up to 1,000 foreign military overall , '' the ministry added .
Representatives from Azerbaijan , Indonesia , Iran , Kazakhstan , Tajikistan and Sri Lanka plan to participate as observers , it specified .
The Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper wrote that about 100 Chinese military have arrived in Russia ’ s Astrakhan region to participate in the Kavkaz-2020 command and staff exercise .
`` Two Y-20 military transport aircraft of the Chinese Air Force with military of the Chinese People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Astrakhan region , '' it said , adding that the planes had airlifted about 100 military as well as military hardware .
Prior to leaving for Russia , the Chinese military were tested for coronavirus .
Russian medics control the wearing of masks and compliance with epidemiological measures .

MOSCOW, September 14. /TASS/. About 80,000 people will be involved in the Kavkaz-2020 command and staff exercise, scheduled to be held in Russia from September 21 to September 26, the Russian Defense Ministry told journalists on Monday.
"Overall about 80,000 people are expected to be involved in the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff exercise (including combat support units, combat service support units and technical support units, as well as air defense and naval units, and special troops (the Federal National Guard Troops Service and the Ministry for Emergency Situations)," the ministry said.
It said that up to 250 tanks, up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs, as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems will be used in the exercise on firing grounds.
The exercise will be held under the command of Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov.
Participants from other countries
The Russian Defense Ministry told that military from six countries will take part in the upcoming Kavkaz-2020 command and staff exercise.
"Military units from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan were invited to train joint actions within force groupings, up to 1,000 foreign military overall," the ministry added.
Representatives from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka plan to participate as observers, it specified.
The Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper wrote that about 100 Chinese military have arrived in Russia’s Astrakhan region to participate in the Kavkaz-2020 command and staff exercise.
"Two Y-20 military transport aircraft of the Chinese Air Force with military of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on board have arrived in the Astrakhan region," it said, adding that the planes had airlifted about 100 military as well as military hardware.
Prior to leaving for Russia, the Chinese military were tested for coronavirus. Russian medics control the wearing of masks and compliance with epidemiological measures.


tass--2020-09-14--Russia to advance cooperation and dialogue at Human Rights Council session, says envoy

GENEVA , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian delegation will work constructively on all tracks at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council that opens in Geneva on Monday , seeking cooperation and dialogue based on mutual respect among the partners , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Gennady Gatilov told TASS .
`` The session is expected to be busy , '' the diplomat stressed .
`` A number of mandates of the Council ’ s special procedures will be extended , including on hazardous waste , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth as well as on enforced disappearances , '' he specified .
`` We expect difficult discussion on the situation in certain countries , including Venezuela , Yemen , Syria and Belarus , '' Gatilov said .
`` Our fundamental stance remains unchanged , '' he stressed .
`` During the session , we will work constructively along all trajectories , seeking from our partners cooperation and dialogue based on mutual respect .
We will speak out resolutely against attempts to politicize the Human Rights Council , to bring in the topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international agenda on the human rights track , '' he said .
`` We are not planning for now to submit draft resolutions on our own behalf at the upcoming session , '' the envoy went on to say .
`` However , we will act as co-authors of a number of initiatives on the themes that Russia traditionally supports , '' he stressed .
These are resolutions on action against racism , racial discrimination , xenophobia and intolerance , denunciation of individual sanctions from the point of view of their negative effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will `` actively contribute to advancing initiatives in the sphere of economic , social and cultural rights , as well as the right to development , '' he added .
He also stressed certain issues in the functioning of UN human rights institutions that must be addressed .
`` These are certain issues in the activity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights , financial situation in the UN human rights dimension and the activity of special procedures that don ’ t quite fit within the frameworks approved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among other concerns Gatilov listed the activity of the special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions , violating the mandate , as well as `` the absence of results in the activity of the special rapporteur charged with protecting the right to privacy '' .
`` We will specifically focus on these issues , '' the diplomat summed up .

GENEVA, September 14. /TASS/. The Russian delegation will work constructively on all tracks at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council that opens in Geneva on Monday, seeking cooperation and dialogue based on mutual respect among the partners, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Gennady Gatilov told TASS.
"The session is expected to be busy," the diplomat stressed. "A number of mandates of the Council’s special procedures will be extended, including on hazardous waste, individual coercive measures, the right to the truth as well as on enforced disappearances," he specified. "We expect difficult discussion on the situation in certain countries, including Venezuela, Yemen, Syria and Belarus," Gatilov said.
"Our fundamental stance remains unchanged," he stressed. "During the session, we will work constructively along all trajectories, seeking from our partners cooperation and dialogue based on mutual respect. We will speak out resolutely against attempts to politicize the Human Rights Council, to bring in the topics that have nothing to do with the international agenda on the human rights track," he said.
"We are not planning for now to submit draft resolutions on our own behalf at the upcoming session," the envoy went on to say. "However, we will act as co-authors of a number of initiatives on the themes that Russia traditionally supports," he stressed. These are resolutions on action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, denunciation of individual sanctions from the point of view of their negative effect on human rights. The Russian delegation will "actively contribute to advancing initiatives in the sphere of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the right to development," he added.
He also stressed certain issues in the functioning of UN human rights institutions that must be addressed. "These are certain issues in the activity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, financial situation in the UN human rights dimension and the activity of special procedures that don’t quite fit within the frameworks approved by the collective bodies," he explained. Among other concerns Gatilov listed the activity of the special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, violating the mandate, as well as "the absence of results in the activity of the special rapporteur charged with protecting the right to privacy". "We will specifically focus on these issues," the diplomat summed up.


tass--2020-09-13--Eleven more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day - crisis center

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Eleven more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ nearing 5,000 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 4,993 .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow , which was the most serious among @ @ @ @ @ significantly improved .
By today , Moscow has reported more than 271,000 confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
To date , 1,062,811 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 18,578 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Eleven more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities nearing 5,000, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday.
"Eleven coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,993.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious among other Russian regions, has significantly improved. By today, Moscow has reported more than 271,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. Some 229,500 patients have recovered.
To date, 1,062,811 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 876,225 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 18,578 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-13--Over 90,000 COVID patients receiving treatment at hospitals in Russia - health minister

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
More than 90,000 coronavirus patients are currently receiving treatment at hospitals across Russia , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Sunday .
`` We must not forget that the epidemic is not over and more than 90,000 people are receiving treatment at hospitals .
We see that medics have learnt how to control the disease much better than at the initial stage , '' he said in an interview with the Vesti Nedeli weekly news roundup on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
According to the minister , in order to prevent serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a doctor in due time .
`` Special attention , naturally , should be paid to the most vulnerable patients - those having endocrinal diseases , hypertonia and excessive weight , '' he added .
`` In general , we see than healthy lifestyles and control over one ’ s own health is important < … > to minimize health risks and avoid complications .
So , it is important to stick to healthy lifestyles actually every day , '' he stressed .
To date , 1,062,811 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 18,578 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. More than 90,000 coronavirus patients are currently receiving treatment at hospitals across Russia, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Sunday.
"We must not forget that the epidemic is not over and more than 90,000 people are receiving treatment at hospitals. We see that medics have learnt how to control the disease much better than at the initial stage," he said in an interview with the Vesti Nedeli weekly news roundup on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
According to the minister, in order to prevent serious complications, it is important to call a doctor in due time. "Special attention, naturally, should be paid to the most vulnerable patients - those having endocrinal diseases, hypertonia and excessive weight," he added.
"In general, we see than healthy lifestyles and control over one’s own health is important <…> to minimize health risks and avoid complications. So, it is important to stick to healthy lifestyles actually every day," he stressed.
To date, 1,062,811 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 876,225 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 18,578 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-13--Slight growth in coronavirus morbidity reported in some Russian regions - health minister

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
A slight growth in COVID-19 morbidity is observed in some of Russian regions but the general coronavirus situation in Russia is stable , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Sunday .
`` We see that the situation is quite stable , however certain changes in terms of the number of patients are observed in a number of regions as people are returning from summer vacations , '' he said in an interview with the Vesti Nedeli weekly news roundup on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
The minister once again stressed the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for non-skipping vaccination against flu to avoid serious complications in case of combination of several infections .
`` The circulation of several types of contagious agents and concurrent infections are the most unfavorable combinations .
So , we insist that it is necessary to make oneself safe in this period and get inoculated against flu , to get inoculated against pneumococcus if one is in a risk group .
It will give additional protection to the organism , '' he added .
`` I general , we say that it is necessary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , it must be born in mind that in case symptoms of the disease are developed , one must not expose others to risks and stay in isolation .
This will make it possible to localize the spread of the infection , '' he stressed .
To date , 1,062,811 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 876,225 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 18,578 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. A slight growth in COVID-19 morbidity is observed in some of Russian regions but the general coronavirus situation in Russia is stable, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Sunday.
"We see that the situation is quite stable, however certain changes in terms of the number of patients are observed in a number of regions as people are returning from summer vacations," he said in an interview with the Vesti Nedeli weekly news roundup on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
The minister once again stressed the importance of observing all sanitary rules and called for non-skipping vaccination against flu to avoid serious complications in case of combination of several infections.
"The circulation of several types of contagious agents and concurrent infections are the most unfavorable combinations. So, we insist that it is necessary to make oneself safe in this period and get inoculated against flu, to get inoculated against pneumococcus if one is in a risk group. It will give additional protection to the organism," he added.
"I general, we say that it is necessary to get prepared for this period. And, of course, it must be born in mind that in case symptoms of the disease are developed, one must not expose others to risks and stay in isolation. This will make it possible to localize the spread of the infection," he stressed.
To date, 1,062,811 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 876,225 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 18,578 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-13--Tikhanovskaya calls on protesters in Belarus to refrain from use of force

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Former candidate for Belarusian president Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has once again called on protesters to refrain from the use of force against law enforcers .
`` History has a lot of examples when peaceful protests led to the overthrow of regimes , '' she said in a live YouTube address .
`` And knowing how much the Belarusian people wants it , we will be able to do it .
Our principled position is that we must not use violence in response to violence . ''
According to Tikhanovskaya , the key goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new elections .
She said however she doesn ’ t know so far what she will do in case of rerun elections .
Tens of thousands of people took part in protests in Minsk on Sunday .
According to tut.by , several dozens of people were detained during protests in Grodno .
It also said that protests had been held in other Belarusian cities , including Mogilev , Baranovichi , and Vitebsk .
Grassroots protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential elections .
According to the official results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes but refused to recognize the voting outcome .
She soon left Belarus for Lithuania .
In the first days , the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers .
.
The authorities demand illegal rallies be stopped , while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition calls for further protests .

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. Former candidate for Belarusian president Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has once again called on protesters to refrain from the use of force against law enforcers.
"History has a lot of examples when peaceful protests led to the overthrow of regimes," she said in a live YouTube address. "And knowing how much the Belarusian people wants it, we will be able to do it. Our principled position is that we must not use violence in response to violence."
According to Tikhanovskaya, the key goal of the opposition Coordination Council is the organization of new elections. She said however she doesn’t know so far what she will do in case of rerun elections.
Tens of thousands of people took part in protests in Minsk on Sunday. According to tut.by, several dozens of people were detained during protests in Grodno. It also said that protests had been held in other Belarusian cities, including Mogilev, Baranovichi, and Vitebsk.
Grassroots protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential elections. According to the official results released by the Central Election Commission, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes but refused to recognize the voting outcome. She soon left Belarus for Lithuania. In the first days, the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers. . The authorities demand illegal rallies be stopped, while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition calls for further protests.


tass--2020-09-13--Single voting day over in Russia

Single voting day over in Russia

KALININGRAD , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Voting on Russia ’ s single election day on Sunday is over , with polling stations in the westernmost Kaliningrad region being closed at 21:00 Moscow time .
The single voting day is held in Russia on the second Sunday of September .
Citizens elect governors and members of regional legislators , city mayors and city legislatures , as well as members of municipal representational bodies .
Besides , by-elections to the State Duma , or the lower house of the national parliament , are held in single-seat constituencies .
This year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling stations .
The early vote was organized on September 11 and 12 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Elections of various levels were held in 83 Russian regions on Sunday , the single voting day , which was preceded by early voting on September 11 and 12 .
Four regions - the Republic of Tatarstan , the Kursk , Penza , and Yaroslavl regions - elected members of the State Duma .
Eleven regions elected their legislatures , and eighteen regions held direct elections of their top officials .
Heads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nenets and Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Areas .
Chairwoman of the Russian Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova characterized Sunday ’ s elections as competitive , open and transparent .
According to First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy , no violations capable of impacting the voting outcome were reported during the day .

KALININGRAD, September 13. /TASS/. Voting on Russia’s single election day on Sunday is over, with polling stations in the westernmost Kaliningrad region being closed at 21:00 Moscow time.
The single voting day is held in Russia on the second Sunday of September. Citizens elect governors and members of regional legislators, city mayors and city legislatures, as well as members of municipal representational bodies. Besides, by-elections to the State Duma, or the lower house of the national parliament, are held in single-seat constituencies.
This year, elections were held at more than 56,000 polling stations.
The early vote was organized on September 11 and 12 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Elections of various levels were held in 83 Russian regions on Sunday, the single voting day, which was preceded by early voting on September 11 and 12. Four regions - the Republic of Tatarstan, the Kursk, Penza, and Yaroslavl regions - elected members of the State Duma. Eleven regions elected their legislatures, and eighteen regions held direct elections of their top officials. Heads of regions were elected by local legislatures in the Nenets and Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Areas.
Chairwoman of the Russian Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova characterized Sunday’s elections as competitive, open and transparent. According to First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy, no violations capable of impacting the voting outcome were reported during the day.


tass--2020-09-13--SCO winning bigger authority within international formats - Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) is consolidating its authority within such international formats as the United Nations and the Group of Twenty , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin program on the Rossiya-1 television channel on Sunday .
`` The Shanghai Cooperation Organization ensures stability and creates conditions for economic and social development in its member nations .
Apart from that , this organization is adding its voice to international discussions within the United Nations and Group of Twenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this voice is quite constructive .
As a matter of fact , it is an alternative to those who is seeking domination in global affairs .
First of all , they are our Western colleagues . ''
A two-day meeting of the SCO foreign ministers finished in Moscow on Thursday .
The ministers adopted a number of documents that would be submitted to the SCO summit due in November .
`` The documents that were approved by the SCO foreign ministers are a major step in terms of current discussions at international venues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , '' Lavrov said .
`` The SCO insists that this world should be fair , democratic , and based on respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all the nations without exception . ''
The Russian top diplomat stressed that the organization comes out with important and useful initiatives , stands for a new , multi-polar world relying on the United Nations Charter .
`` It is a very promising format .
BY the way , it is proved by the fact that many nations want to join the SCO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners , '' he added .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. /TASS/. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is consolidating its authority within such international formats as the United Nations and the Group of Twenty, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin program on the Rossiya-1 television channel on Sunday.
"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization ensures stability and creates conditions for economic and social development in its member nations. Apart from that, this organization is adding its voice to international discussions within the United Nations and Group of Twenty," he said. "And this voice is quite constructive. As a matter of fact, it is an alternative to those who is seeking domination in global affairs. First of all, they are our Western colleagues."
A two-day meeting of the SCO foreign ministers finished in Moscow on Thursday. The ministers adopted a number of documents that would be submitted to the SCO summit due in November. "The documents that were approved by the SCO foreign ministers are a major step in terms of current discussions at international venues about how the present-day world should look like," Lavrov said. "The SCO insists that this world should be fair, democratic, and based on respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all the nations without exception."
The Russian top diplomat stressed that the organization comes out with important and useful initiatives, stands for a new, multi-polar world relying on the United Nations Charter. "It is a very promising format. BY the way, it is proved by the fact that many nations want to join the SCO as full-fledged members, observers and dialogue partners," he added.


tass--2020-09-13--Belarus’ Interior Ministry: Police officer fired warning shot in air during Minsk protest

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian interior ministry has confirmed media reports that a police officer had fired a warning shot into the air during a rally in Minsk on Sunday .
`` Some internet sources reported at about 18:00 local time that a sound resembling that of a gunshot had been heard in Minsk , '' the ministry ’ s spokeswoman , Olga Chemodanova , wrote on her Telegram channel .
“ As policemen were taking several protest activists into custody in downtown Minsk , other demonstrators , at least 100 of them , tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fired from a slide-action gun into the air to stop the unlawful action . ''
She also said that more than 400 protesters had been detained in Minsk on Sunday .
`` As of 19:00 local time , the demonstrations have ended in almost all Belarusian cities , except for Minsk .
Several hundred people were detained , '' she wrote .
`` More than 400 people were detained in various parts of Minsk . ''
Earlier , the ministry said that 250 protesters had been taken into custody in the Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flash and sound grenades had been used against the protesters .
`` Law enforcement officers did not use flash and sound grenades , '' she stressed .
Tens of thousands of people took part in Sunday ’ s protests in the Belarusian capital of Minsk .
According to tut.by , dozens were detained during the protests in Grodno .
It also said that rallies had been held in other Belarusian cities , including Mogilev , Baranovichi , and Vitebsk .
Demonstrations have been sweeping across Belarus following the August 9 presidential elections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , garnering 10.12 % of the ballot , but refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome .
She soon left Belarus for Lithuania .
In the first days , the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the police .
The opposition is urging the protesters to carry on demonstrating , while the authorities are demanding that the illegal rallies be stopped .

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. The Belarusian interior ministry has confirmed media reports that a police officer had fired a warning shot into the air during a rally in Minsk on Sunday.
"Some internet sources reported at about 18:00 local time that a sound resembling that of a gunshot had been heard in Minsk," the ministry’s spokeswoman, Olga Chemodanova, wrote on her Telegram channel.
“As policemen were taking several protest activists into custody in downtown Minsk, other demonstrators, at least 100 of them, tried to prevent the arrests. A warning shot was fired from a slide-action gun into the air to stop the unlawful action."
She also said that more than 400 protesters had been detained in Minsk on Sunday. "As of 19:00 local time, the demonstrations have ended in almost all Belarusian cities, except for Minsk. Several hundred people were detained," she wrote. "More than 400 people were detained in various parts of Minsk."
Earlier, the ministry said that 250 protesters had been taken into custody in the Belarusian capital.
She rejected Euroradio reports that flash and sound grenades had been used against the protesters. "Law enforcement officers did not use flash and sound grenades," she stressed.
Tens of thousands of people took part in Sunday’s protests in the Belarusian capital of Minsk. According to tut.by, dozens were detained during the protests in Grodno. It also said that rallies had been held in other Belarusian cities, including Mogilev, Baranovichi, and Vitebsk.
Demonstrations have been sweeping across Belarus following the August 9 presidential elections. According to the official results released by the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, garnering 10.12% of the ballot, but refused to recognize the election’s outcome. She soon left Belarus for Lithuania. In the first days, the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the police. The opposition is urging the protesters to carry on demonstrating, while the authorities are demanding that the illegal rallies be stopped.


tass--2020-09-13--Specialists decide not to adjust ISS orbit due to US satellite - Roscosmos

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state space corporation Roscosmos said on Sunday its specialists have @ @ @ @ @ orbit of the International Space Station ( ISS ) because of a US former military @ @ @ @ @ the basis of data analysis , the ISS mission control specialists have taken a decision @ @ @ @ @ maneuver , '' Roscosmos said .
According to Roscosmos , the Automated Warning System on @ @ @ @ @ , or ASPOS OKP , indicates that the former US military satellite BRICSat-2 poses no @ @ @ @ @ Station .
According to Roscosmos , the Russian side has repeatedly warned about the threat @ @ @ @ @ and `` suggests special regulations be worked out . ''
The experimental communications satellite BRICSat-2 @ @ @ @ @ a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in 2019 .
The satellite ’ s operator was the @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday the ISS ’ could be adjusted in a timespan from 00:00 to 01:00 @ @ @ @ @ because of the BRICSat-2 satellite .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos said on Sunday its specialists have decided not to adjust the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS) because of a US former military satellite BRICSat-2.
"On the basis of data analysis, the ISS mission control specialists have taken a decision not to conduct the avoidance maneuver," Roscosmos said.
According to Roscosmos, the Automated Warning System on Hazardous Situations in Outer Space, or ASPOS OKP, indicates that the former US military satellite BRICSat-2 poses no threat to the International Space Station.
According to Roscosmos, the Russian side has repeatedly warned about the threat posed by low-orbit satellite groupings and "suggests special regulations be worked out."
The experimental communications satellite BRICSat-2 was put into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in 2019. The satellite’s operator was the US Navy.
Roscosmos said on Saturday the ISS’ could be adjusted in a timespan from 00:00 to 01:00 Moscow time on September 14 because of the BRICSat-2 satellite.


tass--2020-09-13--No violations capable of impacting voting outcome registered in Russia - interior ministry

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s interior ministry has registered no violations during the single elections day in Russia that can impact the results of polls , First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy said on Sunday .
`` As of now , no public order violations capable of impacting the voting in the country have been registered , '' he told the Central Election Commission .
He also said that no serious violations of the electoral laws had been reported .
According to Gorovoy , ministry has received a total of 2,539 reports about violations during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
`` Most of complaints were about violations during the canvassing campaign , destruction of canvassing materials , vote buying , meddling with the work of election commissions , '' he said .
The ministry , in his words , plans to finish a check into these complaints by next Wednesday .
Elections of various levels are being held in 83 Russian regions on Sunday , the single voting day , which was preceded by early voting on September 11 and 12 .
Four regions - the Republic of Tatarstan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yaroslavl regions - are electing members of the State Duma , or lower house of the national parliament .
Eleven regions are electing their legislatures , and eighteen regions are holding direct elections of their top officials .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Russia’s interior ministry has registered no violations during the single elections day in Russia that can impact the results of polls, First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy said on Sunday.
"As of now, no public order violations capable of impacting the voting in the country have been registered," he told the Central Election Commission.
He also said that no serious violations of the electoral laws had been reported.
According to Gorovoy, ministry has received a total of 2,539 reports about violations during this year’s elections campaign from across the country. "Most of complaints were about violations during the canvassing campaign, destruction of canvassing materials, vote buying, meddling with the work of election commissions," he said.
The ministry, in his words, plans to finish a check into these complaints by next Wednesday.
Elections of various levels are being held in 83 Russian regions on Sunday, the single voting day, which was preceded by early voting on September 11 and 12. Four regions - the Republic of Tatarstan, the Kursk, Penza, and Yaroslavl regions - are electing members of the State Duma, or lower house of the national parliament. Eleven regions are electing their legislatures, and eighteen regions are holding direct elections of their top officials.


tass--2020-09-13--Police use water cannon against protesters in Belarus’ Brest

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Law enforcers used a water cannon against protesters in the Belarusian city of Brest , tut.by said on its Telegram channel on Sunday .
According to tut.by , after the use of a water cannon in central Brest , riot police began to detain protest activists .
It also said that several dozen people had been detained during protests in Grodno .
Apart from that , protest rallies and marches are held on Sunday in a number of other Belarusian cities , including Mogilev , Baranovichi , and Vitebsk .
Tens of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Minsk .
Grassroots protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential elections .
According to the official results released by the Central Election Commission , the incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes but refused to recognize the voting outcome .
She soon left Belarus for Lithuania .
In the first days , the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers .
The opposition is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are demanding the end of illegal rallies .

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. Law enforcers used a water cannon against protesters in the Belarusian city of Brest, tut.by said on its Telegram channel on Sunday.
According to tut.by, after the use of a water cannon in central Brest, riot police began to detain protest activists.
It also said that several dozen people had been detained during protests in Grodno. Apart from that, protest rallies and marches are held on Sunday in a number of other Belarusian cities, including Mogilev, Baranovichi, and Vitebsk. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered for a protest action in Minsk.
Grassroots protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential elections. According to the official results released by the Central Election Commission, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes but refused to recognize the voting outcome. She soon left Belarus for Lithuania. In the first days, the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers. The opposition is calling to continue protests while the authorities are demanding the end of illegal rallies.


tass--2020-09-13--Military trucks deployed to block road before demonstrators in Minsk

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Military trucks have been deployed to block the avenue leading to Minsk ’ @ @ @ @ @ bid to stop tens of thousands of demonstrators marching in that direction in protests against @ @ @ @ @ 9 presidential polls .
Police have also deployed water cannons and fences .
The protesters @ @ @ @ @ fence .
No aggressive actions have been reported on either of the sides .
Minsk @ @ @ @ @ home to many of Belarusian high-ranking officials .
One of the government residences in located @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. Military trucks have been deployed to block the avenue leading to Minsk’s Drozdy neighborhood in a bid to stop tens of thousands of demonstrators marching in that direction in protests against the results on the August 9 presidential polls.
Police have also deployed water cannons and fences. The protesters have come up to the fence. No aggressive actions have been reported on either of the sides.
Minsk’s Drozdy neighborhood is home to many of Belarusian high-ranking officials. One of the government residences in located in the area too.


tass--2020-09-13--Tens of thousands of protesters gather near Hero City Minsk monument in central Minsk

MINSK , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
Tens of thousands of people gathered near Minsk ’ s Victory Park and the Hero City Minsk monument for another rally to protests against the results of the August 9 presidential polls , despite law enforcers ’ attempts to stop the rally , a TASS correspondent reported from the site .
According to the TASS correspondent , protesters continue to arrive to the site from different parts of the city where riot police tried to detain activists several hours ago .
By now , the avenue around the monument is filled with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence is located in vicinity and demonstrators used to march down to it during Sunday ’ s protests .
This time however the protesters are refraining from moving in that direction .
Police have been reinforced in the area but no clashes or detentions have been seen so far .
The Belarusian capital city again reports problems with internet access .
Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS earlier the police had been tasked to prevent Sunday ’ s unauthorized rally .
According to Chemodanova , about 250 people have already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Grassroots protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential elections .
According to the official results released by the Central Election Commission , the incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes but refused to recognize the voting outcome .
She soon left Belarus for Lithuania .
In the first days , the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers .
The opposition is calling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of illegal rallies .

MINSK, September 13. /TASS/. Tens of thousands of people gathered near Minsk’s Victory Park and the Hero City Minsk monument for another rally to protests against the results of the August 9 presidential polls, despite law enforcers’ attempts to stop the rally, a TASS correspondent reported from the site.
According to the TASS correspondent, protesters continue to arrive to the site from different parts of the city where riot police tried to detain activists several hours ago.
By now, the avenue around the monument is filled with people.
Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko’s residence is located in vicinity and demonstrators used to march down to it during Sunday’s protests. This time however the protesters are refraining from moving in that direction.
Police have been reinforced in the area but no clashes or detentions have been seen so far.
The Belarusian capital city again reports problems with internet access.
Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS earlier the police had been tasked to prevent Sunday’s unauthorized rally. According to Chemodanova, about 250 people have already been detained in different parts of the city.
Grassroots protests have been held in Belarus since the August 9 presidential elections. According to the official results released by the Central Election Commission, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes but refused to recognize the voting outcome. She soon left Belarus for Lithuania. In the first days, the rallies morphed into fierce clashes between the protesters and the law enforcement officers. The opposition is calling to continue protests while the authorities are demanding the end of illegal rallies.


tass--2020-09-13--UNGA’s resolution on pandemic to contribute to boosting global solidarity, Russia says

MOSCOW , September 13 .
/TASS/ .
The UN General Assembly ’ s adoption of the resolution for a `` comprehensive and coordinated response '' to the COVID-19 pandemic will become an important contribution to enhancing global solidarity and give an impetus to international cooperation , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday .
`` We are convinced that this positive decision of the most representative UN body will become an important contribution to strengthening global solidarity and give a new impetus to international cooperation in combating the most pressing challenge for the modern time , '' the ministry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 the resolution for a `` comprehensive and coordinated response '' to the COVID-19 pandemic was passed in New York at the UN General Assembly by the majority of votes .
A total of 169 countries , including Russia , voted in favor of the document while two countries - the United States and Israel - voted against , and two others - Ukraine and Hungary - abstained .
`` Although some provisions of this resolution were contradictory , its adoption showed commitment of the global community to enhancing multilateral engagement and cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its negative consequences , '' according to the statement .
The ministry highlighted that the adopted resolution `` in a resolute and unambiguous manner supported the UN secretary-general ’ s calls to cease fire and stop unilateral forceful measures against developing states , especially amid the COVID-19 challenge for everyone . ''
`` The preservation of these illegal sanctions measures against the developing countries does not only bring sufferings and prevent the implementation of rights to health , nutrition and life itself but also impedes a global response to the pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of including this provision in the resolution while 13 countries voted against and 60 abstained , '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. The UN General Assembly’s adoption of the resolution for a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the COVID-19 pandemic will become an important contribution to enhancing global solidarity and give an impetus to international cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
"We are convinced that this positive decision of the most representative UN body will become an important contribution to strengthening global solidarity and give a new impetus to international cooperation in combating the most pressing challenge for the modern time," the ministry said.
The ministry recalled that on September 11 the resolution for a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the COVID-19 pandemic was passed in New York at the UN General Assembly by the majority of votes. A total of 169 countries, including Russia, voted in favor of the document while two countries - the United States and Israel - voted against, and two others - Ukraine and Hungary - abstained.
"Although some provisions of this resolution were contradictory, its adoption showed commitment of the global community to enhancing multilateral engagement and cooperation both in containing the pandemic and overcoming its negative consequences," according to the statement.
The ministry highlighted that the adopted resolution "in a resolute and unambiguous manner supported the UN secretary-general’s calls to cease fire and stop unilateral forceful measures against developing states, especially amid the COVID-19 challenge for everyone."
"The preservation of these illegal sanctions measures against the developing countries does not only bring sufferings and prevent the implementation of rights to health, nutrition and life itself but also impedes a global response to the pandemic. The Russian Federation and 83 like-minded fellows voted in favor of including this provision in the resolution while 13 countries voted against and 60 abstained," the ministry said.


tass--2020-09-14--OPEC states complied with output cut deal by 103% in August despite oil production growth

MOSCOW , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
OPEC countries increased oil production by 0.76 mln barrels per day in August to 24.05 mln barrels per day mainly due to the production growth in Saudi Arabia , the UAE and Kuwait .
Nevertheless , the growth in production turned out to be smaller than the planned volume envisaged by the oil production cut agreement , which means that , in August , the OPEC agreement was fulfilled by 103 % , the organization said in its September report .
Ten out of 13 OPEC members participate in the OPEC+ oil production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Venezuela are freed from restrictions .
In August , the production of the parties to the transaction amounted to only 21.67 mln barrels per day ( bpd ) , which is 130,000 bpd less than the planned value .
However , in previous months , the terms of the deal were not strictly fulfilled by all countries , therefore , in August-September , they are to compensate for the admitted overproduction .
In particular , Iraq , which received most complaints about failing to comply with the terms , reduced production by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bpd instead of increasing production in August .
Meanwhile , Saudi Arabia increased oil production by 0.475 mln bpd , to 8.89 mln bpd , the UAE - by 180,000 bpd , to 2.7 mln bpd and Kuwait - by 127,000 bpd , up to 2.28 mln bpd in August .
Of these countries , only the UAE increased production more than planned .
In Venezuela , oil production remained at the level of the previous month - 340,000 bpd , similarly in Iran - 1.94 mln bpd and Libya - 106,000 bpd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production in an updated form has been in effect since May .
Until the end of July , the alliance countries reduced oil production by 9.7 mln bpd , with each country 's quota having been reduced by 23 % from the base level .
Since August , the restrictions have eased and until the end of the year , only 7.7 mln bpd will fall under the reduction .

MOSCOW, September 14. /TASS/. OPEC countries increased oil production by 0.76 mln barrels per day in August to 24.05 mln barrels per day mainly due to the production growth in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. Nevertheless, the growth in production turned out to be smaller than the planned volume envisaged by the oil production cut agreement, which means that, in August, the OPEC agreement was fulfilled by 103%, the organization said in its September report.
Ten out of 13 OPEC members participate in the OPEC+ oil production cut deal, as Iran, Libya and Venezuela are freed from restrictions.
In August, the production of the parties to the transaction amounted to only 21.67 mln barrels per day (bpd), which is 130,000 bpd less than the planned value. However, in previous months, the terms of the deal were not strictly fulfilled by all countries, therefore, in August-September, they are to compensate for the admitted overproduction.
In particular, Iraq, which received most complaints about failing to comply with the terms, reduced production by another 100,000 bpd, to 3.65 mln bpd instead of increasing production in August.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia increased oil production by 0.475 mln bpd, to 8.89 mln bpd, the UAE - by 180,000 bpd, to 2.7 mln bpd and Kuwait - by 127,000 bpd, up to 2.28 mln bpd in August. Of these countries, only the UAE increased production more than planned.
In Venezuela, oil production remained at the level of the previous month - 340,000 bpd, similarly in Iran - 1.94 mln bpd and Libya - 106,000 bpd.
The OPEC+ agreement on cutting oil production in an updated form has been in effect since May. Until the end of July, the alliance countries reduced oil production by 9.7 mln bpd, with each country's quota having been reduced by 23% from the base level. Since August, the restrictions have eased and until the end of the year, only 7.7 mln bpd will fall under the reduction.


tass--2020-09-14--Putin tells Macron ungrounded accusations over Navalny case inappropriate

Kremlin to other countries : Don ’ t tell Russia how to investigate Navalny case MOSCOW , September 14 .
@ @ @ @ @ Putin pointed to his French counterpart , Emmanuel Macron , that ungrounded accusations against Russia @ @ @ @ @ blogger Alexei Navalny are inappropriate , the Kremlin press service said on Monday after a @ @ @ @ @ leaders .
`` The sides discussed in detail the situation around the so-called Navalny case @ @ @ @ @ inappropriateness of unsubstantiated , ungrounded accusations of the Russian side in this context , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, that ungrounded accusations against Russia over the hospitalization of opposition blogger Alexei Navalny are inappropriate, the Kremlin press service said on Monday after a telephone conversation between the two leaders.
"The sides discussed in detail the situation around the so-called Navalny case. Vladimir Putin stressed the inappropriateness of unsubstantiated, ungrounded accusations of the Russian side in this context," it said.
"It was stressed that in order to clarify what really happened German specialists must hand over biomaterials and official findings derived from the analysis of Navalny’s samples to Russia. They should also establish joint work with Russian medics," the press service said.
"The sides agreed to work towards establishing parameters of possible cooperation with European partners on that matter," it added.
Navalny 'poisoning' saga
Navalny felt sick on August 20 while flying from Tomsk to Moscow, prompting the plane to make an emergency landing in Omsk. The opposition politician was taken to hospital in a state of coma and was connected to a ventilator. He was airlifted to the Berlin-based Charite clinic on August 22. Its doctors said that indicators of poisoning had been found in his body.
The German government said on September 2 that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent of the Novichok family. Following this, Berlin and its Western partners demanded Moscow clarify the circumstances of the incident and warned they would look at possible sanctions against Moscow.
The Russian side stresses that it is interested in a thorough investigation of the incident and is ready for all-round cooperation with Germany on that matter. Apart from that, Moscow points to the fact that no toxic agent had been spotted in Navalny’s samples before he was taken to Germany whereas the latter has given no evidence to back its theory.
Charite medics said on September 7 Navalny had been taken out of the medically-induced coma and was being disconnected from the ventilator.
On September 14, the German government said that three independent laboratories, including the ones in France and Sweden, had confirmed the presence of Novichok-type substances in Navalny’s samples.
The German side said earlier it had referred Navalny’s samples to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). However, Russia’s mission to that organization said on September 10 that this statement had nothing to do with the real state of things.


tass--2020-09-14--Russia remains at 40th place on COVID-19 incidence per 100,000 people

Russia calls on Apple Inc. not to indulge Ukraine in regard to Russian apps Kiev violates international obligations insisting on @ @ @ @ @ AppStore , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

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tass--2020-09-14--OPCW experts personally took Navalny’s samples — German Foreign Office

BERLIN , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
Experts of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , according to its rules , personally took samples from Russian blogger Alexei Navalny for further investigation , German Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson Maria Adebahr stated at a briefing in Berlin .
She emphasized that such issues are regulated by the OPCW rules and that `` it is a completely formal procedure . ''
`` Guided by this , the OPCW personally took samples from Navalny and will launch the procedure in accordance with Paragraph VIII 38 ( e ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spokesperson noted .
Answering the question whether the reporters understood correctly that the OPCW experts visited the Charite clinic and took samples from the blogger , she answered in the affirmative .
She also specified that all laboratories participating in testing of Navalny ’ s samples collected them personally .
Earlier on Monday , the German government stated that three independent laboratories , including the ones in France and Sweden , confirmed the presence of a substance from the Novichok family in Navalny ’ s samples .
Russian blogger Alexei Navalny was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he suddenly felt ill in mid-flight traveling from Tomsk to Moscow .
He fell into a coma and was then hooked up to a lung ventilator .
Later , he was taken to Berlin and admitted to the Charite clinic .
On September 2 , the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Berlin and its Western partners called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident and warned they would look into possible sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navalny ’ s departure to Germany no traces of poisonous substances had been found in his samples , while Berlin provided no proof of its version .
On September 7 , German medics announced that they were able to take Navalny out of his coma and that they gradually plug him off the ventilators .
The Russian side stated that it was interested in a comprehensive investigation of the Navalny case and is ready for cooperation with Germany .
Previously , Germany claimed that it handed over Navalny ’ s test results to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weapons ( OPCW ) ; however , Russian mission at the organization reported that the officials ’ claims regarding sending materials to the OPCW do not correspond to reality .

BERLIN, September 14. /TASS/. Experts of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), according to its rules, personally took samples from Russian blogger Alexei Navalny for further investigation, German Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson Maria Adebahr stated at a briefing in Berlin.
She emphasized that such issues are regulated by the OPCW rules and that "it is a completely formal procedure." "Guided by this, the OPCW personally took samples from Navalny and will launch the procedure in accordance with Paragraph VIII 38 (e) of the Chemical Weapons Convention," the spokesperson noted. Answering the question whether the reporters understood correctly that the OPCW experts visited the Charite clinic and took samples from the blogger, she answered in the affirmative.
She also specified that all laboratories participating in testing of Navalny’s samples collected them personally.
Earlier on Monday, the German government stated that three independent laboratories, including the ones in France and Sweden, confirmed the presence of a substance from the Novichok family in Navalny’s samples.
Navalny’s ‘poisoning’ saga
Russian blogger Alexei Navalny was hospitalized in Omsk on August 20 after he suddenly felt ill in mid-flight traveling from Tomsk to Moscow. He fell into a coma and was then hooked up to a lung ventilator. Later, he was taken to Berlin and admitted to the Charite clinic.
On September 2, the German government said that German military toxicologists had found that Navalny had been exposed to a nerve agent belonging to the Novichok family. Berlin and its Western partners called on Moscow to clarify the circumstances of the incident and warned they would look into possible sanctions against Moscow. Russia stressed that before Navalny’s departure to Germany no traces of poisonous substances had been found in his samples, while Berlin provided no proof of its version. On September 7, German medics announced that they were able to take Navalny out of his coma and that they gradually plug him off the ventilators.
The Russian side stated that it was interested in a comprehensive investigation of the Navalny case and is ready for cooperation with Germany.
Previously, Germany claimed that it handed over Navalny’s test results to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW); however, Russian mission at the organization reported that the officials’ claims regarding sending materials to the OPCW do not correspond to reality.


tass--2020-09-14--Putin, Lukashenko begin talks in Sochi

Putin, Lukashenko begin talks in Sochi

SOCHI , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus have begun talks @ @ @ @ @ Sea resort city of Sochi , Putin ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS @ @ @ @ @ talks have kicked off , '' he said .
Lukashenko arrived in Sochi at about @ @ @ @ @ is his first foreign visit after the August 9 presidential polls that sparked ongoing mass @ @ @ @ @ service said earlier that the Sochi talks would focus on key issues of further development @ @ @ @ @ and allied relations .
Special attention is expected to be focused on the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ trade-and-economic , energy , cultural-and-humanitarian spheres , and prospects for the development of integration processes @ @ @ @ @ According to the Kremlin spokesman , no documents are to be signed .
According to @ @ @ @ @ talks will be held in the tete-a-tete format .

SOCHI, September 14. /TASS/. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus have begun talks in Russia’s Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Monday.
"The talks have kicked off," he said.
Lukashenko arrived in Sochi at about 11:00 Moscow time. It is his first foreign visit after the August 9 presidential polls that sparked ongoing mass protests.
The Kremlin press service said earlier that the Sochi talks would focus on key issues of further development of the Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership and allied relations. Special attention is expected to be focused on the implementation of large-scale joint projects in the trade-and-economic, energy, cultural-and-humanitarian spheres, and prospects for the development of integration processes within the Union State. According to the Kremlin spokesman, no documents are to be signed. According to BelTA news agency, the talks will be held in the tete-a-tete format.


tass--2020-09-14--Central Election Commission registers over 1,300 complaints during election campaign

`` To date , the Central Election Commission has received 1,301 written complaints from various participants in the electoral process .
Notably , there were nearly twice as many complaints over the same period last year on the single voting day , '' she said .
According to Pamfilova , most of the complaints `` are related to election campaigns at municipal elections . ''
`` The lower the campaign ’ s level is , the higher passions run , the more complaints are filed , '' she noted .
Elections of various levels were held in 83 Russian regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was preceded by early voting on September 11 and 12 .
The decision to organize early voting was taken by the Central Election Commission on July 24 to minimize health risks amid the coronavirus epidemic .
Four entities - the Republic of Tatarstan , the Kursk , Penza , and Yaroslavl regions - elected members of the State Duma ( parliament 's lower house ) .
Eleven regions voted on local legislators , and eighteen regions held direct elections of their top officials .
Heads of regions were elected by local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous Areas .

"To date, the Central Election Commission has received 1,301 written complaints from various participants in the electoral process. Notably, there were nearly twice as many complaints over the same period last year on the single voting day," she said.
According to Pamfilova, most of the complaints "are related to election campaigns at municipal elections." "The lower the campaign’s level is, the higher passions run, the more complaints are filed," she noted.
Elections of various levels were held in 83 Russian regions on Sunday, the single voting day, which was preceded by early voting on September 11 and 12. The decision to organize early voting was taken by the Central Election Commission on July 24 to minimize health risks amid the coronavirus epidemic. Four entities - the Republic of Tatarstan, the Kursk, Penza, and Yaroslavl regions - elected members of the State Duma (parliament's lower house). Eleven regions voted on local legislators, and eighteen regions held direct elections of their top officials. Heads of regions were elected by local legislative assembles in the Nenets and Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Areas.


tass--2020-09-14--Coordination council of Belarusian opposition says wants to be heard in Russia

MINSK , September 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Coordination council of the Belarusian opposition seeks to make its point of view heard in Moscow and calls `` on all partners and allies , including Russia , '' to support the political dialogue in the republic , the council said in a statement published on its website Monday .
`` It is important for us so that the opinion of a significant part of the Belarusian society is heard and taken into account in Russia .
The position of our foreign policy partners and allies , undoubtedly , has significant importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of Belarus and the future of Belarusian-Russian relations .
[ … ] Meanwhile , sincere support of a real , not fake , political dialogue will facilitate prompt normalization of the situation in Belarus and development of relations between Belarus and Russia , '' the statement reads .
The organization added that it advocates comprehensive development of relations between Minsk and Moscow .
`` The Coordination council has never proclaimed and does not proclaim now its intent to worsen relations between Russia and Belarus .
[ … ] We support development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement says .
The Coordination council ’ s establishment was initiated by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya following the presidential elections that took place on August 9 .
According to the Central Electoral Commission , incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko won with 80.10 % of votes .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second , with 10.12 % of votes .
She refused to recognize the results ; shortly after the elections , she left the country .
Immediately after the results were announced , mass protests sparked across Belarus , causing clashes with the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian opposition ’ s Coordination council urges to continue protesting until the authorities agree to hold repeat elections , while the authorities demand for the unauthorized rallies to stop .

MINSK, September 14. /TASS/. The Coordination council of the Belarusian opposition seeks to make its point of view heard in Moscow and calls "on all partners and allies, including Russia," to support the political dialogue in the republic, the council said in a statement published on its website Monday.
"It is important for us so that the opinion of a significant part of the Belarusian society is heard and taken into account in Russia. The position of our foreign policy partners and allies, undoubtedly, has significant importance for the Belarusian people, for the future of Belarus and the future of Belarusian-Russian relations. […] Meanwhile, sincere support of a real, not fake, political dialogue will facilitate prompt normalization of the situation in Belarus and development of relations between Belarus and Russia," the statement reads.
The organization added that it advocates comprehensive development of relations between Minsk and Moscow.
"The Coordination council has never proclaimed and does not proclaim now its intent to worsen relations between Russia and Belarus. […] We support development of Russian-Belarusian relations in all fields," the statement says.
The Coordination council’s establishment was initiated by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya following the presidential elections that took place on August 9. According to the Central Electoral Commission, incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko won with 80.10% of votes. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second, with 10.12% of votes. She refused to recognize the results; shortly after the elections, she left the country. Immediately after the results were announced, mass protests sparked across Belarus, causing clashes with the law enforcement during the initial days. The Belarusian opposition’s Coordination council urges to continue protesting until the authorities agree to hold repeat elections, while the authorities demand for the unauthorized rallies to stop.