tass--2020-08-31--Putin congratulates Armenia’s ex-President Kocharyan on his birthday

`` During the telephone conversation , Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated Armenia ’ s former President Robert Kocharyan on his birthday , '' it said .
MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone with Armenia ’ s former President Robert Kocharyan to congratulate him on his 66th birthday , the Kremlin press service said on Monday .
Court in Yerevan rules former president Robert Kocharyan to remain in custody Earlier , Putin ’ s congratulatory message was posted on the Kremlin website .
`` You are known in Russia as a prominent statesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia .
We highly appreciate your personal contribution to strengthening friendly and allied ties between our countries , '' the message reads .
He also wished Kocharyan good health , well-being and high spirits .
Robert Kocharyan was Armenian president from 1998 to 2008 .
In 2018 , the Armenian prosecution indicted Kocharyan on charge of attempted toppling of constitutional order in March 2008 along with a few other former notable officials .
They were accused of cracking down on an opposition rally following presidential elections in 2008 which saw ten people die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional charge of receiving a large bribe .
In June 2000 , Kocharyan was released from custody on a bail of $ 4 million .

"During the telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated Armenia’s former President Robert Kocharyan on his birthday," it said.
MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone with Armenia’s former President Robert Kocharyan to congratulate him on his 66th birthday, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.
Court in Yerevan rules former president Robert Kocharyan to remain in custody
Earlier, Putin’s congratulatory message was posted on the Kremlin website.
"You are known in Russia as a prominent statesman who did a lot to develop modern Armenia. We highly appreciate your personal contribution to strengthening friendly and allied ties between our countries," the message reads.
He also wished Kocharyan good health, well-being and high spirits.
Robert Kocharyan was Armenian president from 1998 to 2008.
In 2018, the Armenian prosecution indicted Kocharyan on charge of attempted toppling of constitutional order in March 2008 along with a few other former notable officials. They were accused of cracking down on an opposition rally following presidential elections in 2008 which saw ten people die. In 2019, Kocharyan faced an additional charge of receiving a large bribe.
In June 2000, Kocharyan was released from custody on a bail of $4 million.


tass--2020-08-31--COVID-19 herd immunity in 11 Russian regions surpasses 20%, sanitary watchdog says

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Herd immunity of Russians to the coronavirus infection after the first phase of a study conducted by the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing surpasses 20 % in 11 regions .
The highest immunity levels were detected in children of preschool and elementary school age , the agency ’ s press service reported on Monday .
`` Within the framework of phase one in June-August over 71,800 people were checked in 26 subjects of the Russian Federation .
According to the results of the study , in 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % , the highest levels of herd immunity were established for children of preschool ( ages 1-6 ) and early school ( ages 7-13 ) age ; the values for these age groups 1.3-2.1 times surpass the average level of herd immunity in the regions , '' the statement said .
Among social workers the highest level of herd immunity was detected in the sphere of healthcare and education .
`` The situation remains under control of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Herd immunity of Russians to the coronavirus infection after the first phase of a study conducted by the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing surpasses 20% in 11 regions. The highest immunity levels were detected in children of preschool and elementary school age, the agency’s press service reported on Monday.
"Within the framework of phase one in June-August over 71,800 people were checked in 26 subjects of the Russian Federation. According to the results of the study, in 11 regions the herd immunity level was over 20%, the highest levels of herd immunity were established for children of preschool (ages 1-6) and early school (ages 7-13) age; the values for these age groups 1.3-2.1 times surpass the average level of herd immunity in the regions," the statement said.
Among social workers the highest level of herd immunity was detected in the sphere of healthcare and education. "The situation remains under control of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing," the agency noted.


tass--2020-08-31--Kremlin hopes blogger Zhukov’s attackers will be found and punished

`` We hope that the attackers will be found and punished in accordance with the law , '' Peskov told reporters .
He called on the media not to rush to conclusions over the blogger ’ s critical stance on the Russian government .
`` We do not know who beat up Zhukov and we do not know why < … > , '' he stressed .
Yegor Zhukov was arrested on August 2 , 2019 , on charges of participating in mass riots in Moscow on July 27 , 2019 .
A month later , he was placed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , the Russian Investigative Committee dropped the initial charge , but instead accused him of public calls for extremism .
According to the case files , the new charges were based on Zhukov ’ s videos posted on YouTube .
The court said in its verdict that the blogger 's guilt was confirmed by search protocols in his house and expert evidence .
An expert of the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) Alexander Korshikov admitted that although he did not find any direct calls for violence in Zhukov ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the blogger stirred up violence .
The prosecutor demanded a four-year prison sentence for Zhukov .
The court gave him a three-year suspended sentence .
The blogger was also banned from creating and managing his own Internet pages for two years .

"We hope that the attackers will be found and punished in accordance with the law," Peskov told reporters. He called on the media not to rush to conclusions over the blogger’s critical stance on the Russian government. "We do not know who beat up Zhukov and we do not know why <…>," he stressed.
Yegor Zhukov was arrested on August 2, 2019, on charges of participating in mass riots in Moscow on July 27, 2019. A month later, he was placed under house arrest upon the investigators’ request. Later, the Russian Investigative Committee dropped the initial charge, but instead accused him of public calls for extremism. According to the case files, the new charges were based on Zhukov’s videos posted on YouTube. The court said in its verdict that the blogger's guilt was confirmed by search protocols in his house and expert evidence. An expert of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Korshikov admitted that although he did not find any direct calls for violence in Zhukov’s words, he drew a conclusion that the blogger stirred up violence. The prosecutor demanded a four-year prison sentence for Zhukov. The court gave him a three-year suspended sentence. The blogger was also banned from creating and managing his own Internet pages for two years.


tass--2020-08-31--2020 may become hottest year in history, says expert

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The current year ’ s average annual temperature may beat the record set @ @ @ @ @ becoming the hottest year on record , Research Director of the Russian state weather service @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So far , the average global temperature ranks second after 2016 , which @ @ @ @ @ record .
Could it be that the current year beats the record ?
There is @ @ @ @ @ he said during an online conference in Moscow .
However , Vilfand noted that the @ @ @ @ @ year could make a difference .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The current year’s average annual temperature may beat the record set in 2016, with 2020 becoming the hottest year on record, Research Director of the Russian state weather service Roman Vilfand said on Monday.
"So far, the average global temperature ranks second after 2016, which was the hottest year on record. Could it be that the current year beats the record? There is such a possibility," he said during an online conference in Moscow. However, Vilfand noted that the remaining four months of the year could make a difference.


tass--2020-08-31--Lukashenko says Belarusian government system should not be tied to president

MINSK , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has admitted that the current public system in the country is of an authoritarian nature , adding that it is necessary to build a system that would not be tied to the president , BelTA news agency informs , quoting Lukashenko ’ s statement made on the outcomes of the meeting with head of the republic ’ s Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo .
Earlier , Lukashenko had expressed readiness to hand over some of the presidential duties but only on the condition of a constitutional reform .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only take place after the new constitution is approved .
`` I believe that although we have a bit of an authoritarian system in the public life , nevertheless , the president protects and preserves courts .
But it is a personal thing while we have to make the system work regardless of personalities , including Lukashenko .
This is why I think in the new Constitution we have to properly reflect the system of our courts resulting from the experience of our work over the last quarter of the century .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you submit a proposal , sign it , '' Lukashenko stated , quoted by the agency .
The work on an updated version of the Constitution of Belarus is underway for the version to be put up for public discussion , the Belarusian president said on Monday during a working meeting with head of the republic ’ s Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo as cited by BelTA .
Lukashenko informed that specialists in Belarus , including judges of the Constitutional Court , are currently working on amendments to the country ’ s constitution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for public discussion .
`` The document will be put forward for the public to discuss it and express their opinion .
I would like to stress that everyone , especially those demanding those changes , should understand that every voter , including farmers , workers , teachers , physicians , specialists and those who have come of age and gather in the streets of peaceful , clean and cozy Minsk today , has one vote at the referendum on the Constitution , '' Lukashenko said , quoted by BelTA agency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of underage citizens , some of whom have also attended opposition rallies , can not be taken into account , although they have the right to express their opinion .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled out the possibility of going back to the 1994 version of the Belarusian Constitution .
`` The return , as some say , to the Constitution of 1994 is something that we have not just passed or lived through .
We have absorbed it .
We saw what was happening then .
The return is probably a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement forward .
I would like to see these changes move our society forward .
We will insist on such changes and offer them to our people , '' Lukashenko said , quoted by the agency .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
She is currently in Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .

MINSK, August 31. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has admitted that the current public system in the country is of an authoritarian nature, adding that it is necessary to build a system that would not be tied to the president, BelTA news agency informs, quoting Lukashenko’s statement made on the outcomes of the meeting with head of the republic’s Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo.
Earlier, Lukashenko had expressed readiness to hand over some of the presidential duties but only on the condition of a constitutional reform. He said that a new election in the republic can only take place after the new Constitution is approved.
"I believe that although we have a bit of an authoritarian system in the public life, nevertheless, the president protects and preserves courts. But it is a personal thing while we have to make the system work regardless of personalities, including Lukashenko. This is why I think in the new Constitution we have to properly reflect the system of our courts resulting from the experience of our work over the last quarter of the century. But in a responsible manner: if you submit a proposal, sign it," Lukashenko stated, quoted by the agency.
The work on an updated version of the Constitution of Belarus is underway for it to be put up for public discussion, the Belarusian president said on Monday during a working meeting with head of the republic’s Supreme Court Valentin Sukalo as cited by BelTA.
Lukashenko informed that specialists in Belarus, including judges of the Constitutional Court, are currently working on amendments to the country’s Constitution, after which the document will be put up for public discussion. "The document will be put forward for the public to discuss it and express their opinion. I would like to stress that everyone, especially those demanding those changes, should understand that every voter, including farmers, workers, teachers, physicians, specialists and those who have come of age and gather in the streets of peaceful, clean and cozy Minsk today, has one vote at the referendum on the Constitution," Lukashenko said, quoted by BelTA agency.
The Belarusian president added that the choice of underage citizens, some of whom have also attended opposition rallies, cannot be taken into account, although they have the right to express their opinion.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled out the possibility of going back to the 1994 version of the Belarusian Constitution. "The return, as some say, to the Constitution of 1994 is something that we have not just passed or lived through. We have absorbed it. We saw what was happening then. The return is probably a change, but it is not a movement forward. I would like to see these changes move our society forward. We will insist on such changes and offer them to our people," Lukashenko said, quoted by the agency.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. She is currently in Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.


tass--2020-08-31--'Press at War' photo exhibition opens in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The photo exhibition `` Press at War '' — a joint project by TASS , the Associated Press and the Press Association — kicked off on Monday in Moscow .
The exposition , timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII , is presented on the square in front of TASS headquarters .
According to TASS ' Department of Corporate Communications , in the selection of the Russian agency one can see , among other things , special correspondent Mikhail Strokov during an interview with a member of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a photograph of Konstantin Simonov , a correspondent for the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper , who reads his front-line poems to soldiers and officers .
The British Press Association presented photographs of the lives of subjects and the royal family in the UK during the war .
On one of them , King George VI and his wife stand at the bombed out Buckingham Palace , on the other— Princess Elizabeth receives instructions on how to maintain a car during military service .
The Associated Press photographs show Scripps Howard war correspondents Hal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pulitzer Prizes for their wartime columns .
Agency photographer Joe Rosenthal is filmed atop Japan 's Mount Suribachi where he took the famous photograph of the American flag hoisting on a Japanese-held island .
The Department clarified that the photos of Associated Press and Press Association are being demonstrated in Russia for the first time .
The relationship between TASS and the Associated Press was established in 1923 .
TASS has also been actively cooperating with Press Association for many years .
Journalists exchange photo and video materials , news articles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Associated Press regularly take part in the summits of world news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum ( SPIEF ) .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The photo exhibition "Press at War" — a joint project by TASS, the Associated Press and the Press Association — kicked off on Monday in Moscow. The exposition, timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, is presented on the square in front of TASS headquarters.
According to TASS' Department of Corporate Communications, in the selection of the Russian agency one can see, among other things, special correspondent Mikhail Strokov during an interview with a member of a tank crew after the battle. There is a photograph of Konstantin Simonov, a correspondent for the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, who reads his front-line poems to soldiers and officers.
The British Press Association presented photographs of the lives of subjects and the royal family in the UK during the war. On one of them, King George VI and his wife stand at the bombed out Buckingham Palace, on the other— Princess Elizabeth receives instructions on how to maintain a car during military service.
The Associated Press photographs show Scripps Howard war correspondents Hal Boyle and Ernie Pyle, who won the Pulitzer Prizes for their wartime columns. Agency photographer Joe Rosenthal is filmed atop Japan's Mount Suribachi where he took the famous photograph of the American flag hoisting on a Japanese-held island.
The Department clarified that the photos of Associated Press and Press Association are being demonstrated in Russia for the first time.
The relationship between TASS and the Associated Press was established in 1923. TASS has also been actively cooperating with Press Association for many years. Journalists exchange photo and video materials, news articles. The heads of the Press Association and the Associated Press regularly take part in the summits of world news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).


tass--2020-08-31--Kremlin says situation in Belarus under control, no need to use Russian police reserve

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Belarus is under control and there is no point talking about the possibility of using Russia ’ s reserve force of law enforcement officers , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` There are currently no plans to use this reserve force .
The Russian president has pointed out that it will be used as a measure of last resort if extremists attempt to destabilize the situation .
But we can see that the situation is under control so there is no point talking about it now , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` law enforcement agencies and the country ’ s authorities are keeping the situation under control , preventing provocations that can by staged in large crowds . ''
At the same time , Peskov explained that if the need arise to use the police reserve , it would not require the consent of Russia ’ s Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) because it was about `` Russia ’ s obligations ratified by parliament . ''
He said that those obligations referred to Russia ’ s agreements with Belarus made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Treaty Organization .
Putin said in an interview with TV news anchor Sergei Brilev on August 27 that Moscow and Minsk had agreed to form a reserve of Russian law enforcement officers .
The head of state added that the reserve would not be used `` unless the situation runs out of control and extremists cross certain red lines , using political slogans as an excuse , and start setting houses and banks on fire and trying to seize administrative buildings . ''
When commenting on Putin ’ s statement on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many officers made up the reserve force , only saying that the number was reasonable .
He added that Putin believed the reserve would not be put to use .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The situation in Belarus is under control and there is no point talking about the possibility of using Russia’s reserve force of law enforcement officers, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"There are currently no plans to use this reserve force. The Russian president has pointed out that it will be used as a measure of last resort if extremists attempt to destabilize the situation. But we can see that the situation is under control so there is no point talking about it now," Peskov noted.
According to him, "law enforcement agencies and the country’s authorities are keeping the situation under control, preventing provocations that can by staged in large crowds."
At the same time, Peskov explained that if the need arise to use the police reserve, it would not require the consent of Russia’s Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) because it was about "Russia’s obligations ratified by parliament." He said that those obligations referred to Russia’s agreements with Belarus made within the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
Putin said in an interview with TV news anchor Sergei Brilev on August 27 that Moscow and Minsk had agreed to form a reserve of Russian law enforcement officers. The head of state added that the reserve would not be used "unless the situation runs out of control and extremists cross certain red lines, using political slogans as an excuse, and start setting houses and banks on fire and trying to seize administrative buildings."
When commenting on Putin’s statement on August 28, Peskov declined to say how many officers made up the reserve force, only saying that the number was reasonable. He added that Putin believed the reserve would not be put to use.


tass--2020-08-31--Russian defense firm to develop tank support combat vehicle based on Armata platform

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) is working on a new version of a tank support combat vehicle based on the Armata standardized platform , Uralvagonzavod General Director Alexander Potapov told TASS on Monday .
`` If we speak about the tank support fighting vehicle , this combat module can be mounted on the Armata platform with the 57mm caliber as the next stage .
We are working on this option as well .
We will continue our R & D work in this direction , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get a 57mm gun and will receive a Russian name , possibly the Ilya Muromets , the general director said .
First batch of latest Armata tanks to arrive for Russian troops The previous version of the tank support combat vehicle is based on the T-72 tank and is called the Terminator .
Compared to it , the new version will have a Russian name , the company chief said .
`` The only thing is that the name Terminator is very popular .
But I still want a Russian name .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while we will have Ilya Muromets , Vladimir Monomakh or somethng else , '' the Uralvagonzavod chief said .
The Russian Army currently operates Terminator tank support combat vehicles mounted on the chassis of the T-72 tank .
The Terminator tank support combat vehicle features two 30mm 2A42 guns with an ammunition load of 900 rounds .
The combat vehicle is also armed with an Ataka-T anti-tank missile system , 30mm automatic grenade launchers and a large-caliber machine-gun .
The Terminator is designed to provide fire support for the armor in an offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel armed with man-portable anti-tank weapon systems .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) is working on a new version of a tank support combat vehicle based on the Armata standardized platform, Uralvagonzavod General Director Alexander Potapov told TASS on Monday.
"If we speak about the tank support fighting vehicle, this combat module can be mounted on the Armata platform with the 57mm caliber as the next stage. We are working on this option as well. We will continue our R&D work in this direction," he said.
The new combat vehicle will get a 57mm gun and will receive a Russian name, possibly the Ilya Muromets, the general director said.
The previous version of the tank support combat vehicle is based on the T-72 tank and is called the Terminator. Compared to it, the new version will have a Russian name, the company chief said.
"The only thing is that the name Terminator is very popular. But I still want a Russian name. Let Terminators be in the United States while we will have Ilya Muromets, Vladimir Monomakh or something else," the Uralvagonzavod chief said.
The Russian Army currently operates Terminator tank support combat vehicles mounted on the chassis of the T-72 tank.
The Terminator tank support combat vehicle features two 30mm 2A42 guns with an ammunition load of 900 rounds. The combat vehicle is also armed with an Ataka-T anti-tank missile system, 30mm automatic grenade launchers and a large-caliber machine-gun.
The Terminator is designed to provide fire support for the armor in an offensive, including the task of fighting enemy personnel armed with man-portable anti-tank weapon systems.


tass--2020-08-31--Russian authorities are to make major effort to offset coronavirus losses — Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s authorities will have to carry out a major effort on @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus despite the optimistic figures of the Ministry of Economic Development , Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
The Kremlin spokesman commented on an opinion poll carried out by the @ @ @ @ @ ombudsman on protecting entrepreneurs ’ rights , which predicted that 40 % of Russian businesses @ @ @ @ @ to pay taxes late this year .
`` Unfortunately , the crisis is still there @ @ @ @ @ be made in the future on minimizing the consequences of this crisis , '' Peskov @ @ @ @ @ , entrepreneurs are facing certain problems .
This concerns both small and medium-sized businesses and @ @ @ @ @ , as we know , there is a reason for optimism .
As you know @ @ @ @ @ Development published more upbeat figures of the economic recession compared with those that we had @ @ @ @ @ a plus , '' Peskov said .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russia’s authorities will have to carry out a major effort on reducing the economic losses inflicted by the coronavirus despite the optimistic figures of the Ministry of Economic Development, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
The Kremlin spokesman commented on an opinion poll carried out by the expert center under the Russian ombudsman on protecting entrepreneurs’ rights, which predicted that 40% of Russian businesses wouldn’t be able to pay taxes late this year.
"Unfortunately, the crisis is still there and an intensive effort will be made in the future on minimizing the consequences of this crisis," Peskov said. According to him, entrepreneurs are facing certain problems. This concerns both small and medium-sized businesses and major industries.
"Although, as we know, there is a reason for optimism. As you know, the Ministry of Economic Development published more upbeat figures of the economic recession compared with those that we had last week. This is a plus," Peskov said.


tass--2020-08-31--The 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting - MSVirtual2020 - To be Held September 11-13

MIDDLETON , Wis. , Aug. 31 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting , the largest international conference focused on Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) research , will be held in a virtual format from September 11-13 , 2020 , with a special encore session featuring Late-Breaking News and a COVID-19 Session on September 26 .
At this virtual conference – MSVirtual2020 – world class scientists , neurologists , clinicians and researchers from around the world will be presenting the latest research , clinical trial outcomes and technology and diagnostic advances in multiple sclerosis ( MS ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ editors , reporters , producers , and active freelance writers and bloggers , will allow access to the full program including plenary sessions , invited speakers and platform presentations .
Press Registration can be completed online here , or to expedite press registration , you can send a request directly to the Press Managers .
They can be reached at : lynn.blenkhorn @ ogilvy.com and emily.papp @ ogilvy.com .
They are also available to arrange interviews with participating leaders , presenters and experts that you may wish to connect with .
The MSVirtual2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Key topics will cover : • Cutting-edge research into the cause of MS , ranging from epigenetics and genetic factors , to defining the intricate immunological and pathological pathways that inform drug discovery and therapeutic interventions .
• Radiological advances and machine learning approaches and how these techniques can help us better understand MS. • Biomarkers of disease activity and response to therapy , which is critical for the future of personalized medicine in MS. • The outcomes of recent clinical trials of new agents and interventions , innovations in symptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on MS and COVID-19 .
• Opening Remarks : September 11 @ 9:00 a.m .
ET • The Honorable Donna F. Edwards , Former U.S. Representative , diagnosed with MS in 2017 • Opening Presentation by Professor Helen Tremlett on `` The MS prodrome '' • Closing Remarks : September 13th @ 2:30 p.m .
ET • Closing Presentation by Professor Frauke Zipp on `` New insights on immunopathogenesis '' MSVirtual2020 will be hosting a Newsroom on Newswise that will house various media materials including press releases , videos , infographics , bios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other assets .
Newswise will also host a few Zoom press events for media only that will allow registered journalists to access and ask live questions to ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS leaders and late breaking investigators .
The link to the MSVirtual2020 Newsroom is : here , or at the following link : https : //www.newswise.com/home/actrims .
The conference hashtag is : # MSVirtual2020 .
• Opening Press Conference with ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS Leaders with live Q & A ( Media only ) • Virtual Coffee Break with ACTRIMS President and Q & A ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask the President questions regarding key presentations , major research , clinical , technology and rehabilitation advances , and what 's next for MS • Early Availability of Embargoed Late Breaker Abstracts for Media Only ( Upon Request ) • Late-Breaker Press Event – Live Q & A with Late Breaker and COVID-19 Investigators ( Media only ) • Encore Event : Late Breaker Presentations ( Open to all attendees and media ) • Saturday , September 26th from 9-10:30 a.m .
ET • Encore Event : Covid-19 and MS Special Session ( @ @ @ @ @ @

MIDDLETON, Wis., Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting, the largest international conference focused on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, will be held in a virtual format from September 11-13, 2020, with a special encore session featuring Late-Breaking News and a COVID-19 Session on September 26.
At this virtual conference – MSVirtual2020 – world class scientists, neurologists, clinicians and researchers from around the world will be presenting the latest research, clinical trial outcomes and technology and diagnostic advances in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Media registration, which is open to editors, reporters, producers, and active freelance writers and bloggers, will allow access to the full program including plenary sessions, invited speakers and platform presentations. Press Registration can be completed online here, or to expedite press registration, you can send a request directly to the Press Managers. They can be reached at: lynn.blenkhorn@ogilvy.com and emily.papp@ogilvy.com. They are also available to arrange interviews with participating leaders, presenters and experts that you may wish to connect with.
The MSVirtual2020 program at a glance can be found here. Key topics will cover:
Cutting-edge research into the cause of MS, ranging from epigenetics and genetic factors, to defining the intricate immunological and pathological pathways that inform drug discovery and therapeutic interventions.
Radiological advances and machine learning approaches and how these techniques can help us better understand MS.
Biomarkers of disease activity and response to therapy, which is critical for the future of personalized medicine in MS.
The outcomes of recent clinical trials of new agents and interventions, innovations in symptomatic and rehabilitative therapy, and current research on MS and COVID-19.
Keynote speakers will include:
Opening Remarks: September 11 @9:00 a.m. ET The Honorable Donna F. Edwards , Former U.S. Representative, diagnosed with MS in 2017 Opening Presentation by Professor Helen Tremlett on " The MS prodrome"
Closing Remarks: September 13 th @ 2:30 p.m. ET Closing Presentation by Professor Frauke Zipp on " New insights on immunopathogenesis"
MSVirtual2020 will be hosting a Newsroom on Newswise that will house various media materials including press releases, videos, infographics, bios & photos of leaders and speakers, and other assets. Newswise will also host a few Zoom press events for media only that will allow registered journalists to access and ask live questions to ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS leaders and late breaking investigators. The link to the MSVirtual2020 Newsroom is: here, or at the following link: https://www.newswise.com/home/actrims. The conference hashtag is: #MSVirtual2020.
MSVirtual2020 Press Events:


tass--2020-08-31--Ukraine will block any attempts to maintain learning in Russian language — Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Any humanitarian steps by Russia aimed to maintain Russian as the language of @ @ @ @ @ by Ukraine , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted , commenting on Ukraine ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ the medium of education , taking away the opportunity of the Russian-speaking population to study @ @ @ @ @ , we can not take any humanitarian steps , because any steps will simply be @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov said in response to a question by TASS .
Ukraine ’ s @ @ @ @ @ refused to consider the bill proposed by Maxim Buzhansky , an MP representing the Servant @ @ @ @ @ calling on lawmakers to delay the switch of all schools in the country to Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ place on September 1 .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Any humanitarian steps by Russia aimed to maintain Russian as the language of school instruction will be blocked by Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted, commenting on Ukraine’s decision to make the Ukrainian language the medium of education, taking away the opportunity of the Russian-speaking population to study in Russian.
"Regretfully, we cannot take any humanitarian steps, because any steps will simply be blocked by the Ukrainian side," Peskov said in response to a question by TASS.
Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) refused to consider the bill proposed by Maxim Buzhansky, an MP representing the Servant of the People party, calling on lawmakers to delay the switch of all schools in the country to Ukrainian. The transition will take place on September 1.


tass--2020-08-31--Putin, Lukashenko to meet in Moscow by mid-September

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Belarusian presidents , Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko , will meet in Moscow in the coming two weeks , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` The date is being discussed , but the two presidents agreed yesterday that this will happen in the coming weeks .
Correspondingly , the meeting will definitely take place in the coming couple of weeks , '' Peskov said , answering a question about Lukashenko ’ s visit to Moscow for talks with Putin .
On Sunday , the Kremlin press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a phone conversation to hold a meeting in Moscow in the coming weeks .
This was the sixth conversation between the presidents lately .
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured 80.10 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered as his key rival , came in second with 10.12 % of the vote .
She refused to recognize the election results and fled to Lithuania .
Shortly after the exit poll results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country , which morphed into clashes with law enforcement officers in the first days .
The authorities demand the end of illegal rallies , while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition calls to continue protests .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The Russian and Belarusian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, will meet in Moscow in the coming two weeks, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"The date is being discussed, but the two presidents agreed yesterday that this will happen in the coming weeks. Correspondingly, the meeting will definitely take place in the coming couple of weeks," Peskov said, answering a question about Lukashenko’s visit to Moscow for talks with Putin.
On Sunday, the Kremlin press service reported that Putin and Lukashenko agreed in a phone conversation to hold a meeting in Moscow in the coming weeks. This was the sixth conversation between the presidents lately.
The presidential election in Belarus was held on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured 80.10% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered as his key rival, came in second with 10.12% of the vote. She refused to recognize the election results and fled to Lithuania. Shortly after the exit poll results were announced, mass protests broke out in the country, which morphed into clashes with law enforcement officers in the first days. The authorities demand the end of illegal rallies, while the Coordination Council set up by the opposition calls to continue protests.


tass--2020-08-31--Russia expels three Slovak diplomats in retaliatory move

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The ambassador of the Slovak Republic Peter Priputen on Monday was summoned to @ @ @ @ @ be told that three staffers of the Slovak embassy must leave Russia .
`` On @ @ @ @ @ of the Slovak Republic to Russia was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry .
A @ @ @ @ @ him over the groundless expulsion of three staffers of the Russian embassy in Slovakia in @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said .
`` We regard this unfriendly step by Bratislava as running counter to @ @ @ @ @ relations between our countries . ''
`` The ambassador was told that Russia on a @ @ @ @ @ a decision to expel three staffers of the Slovak embassy in Moscow , '' the @ @ @ @ @ August 10 , the Slovak Foreign Ministry said three Russian diplomats , suspected of spying @ @ @ @ @ country .
Prime Minister Igor Matovic said the decision was related with last year ’ @ @ @ @ @ Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The ambassador of the Slovak Republic Peter Priputen on Monday was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry to be told that three staffers of the Slovak embassy must leave Russia.
"On August 31, the ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Russia was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry. A resolute protest was expressed to him over the groundless expulsion of three staffers of the Russian embassy in Slovakia in August," the Foreign Ministry said. "We regard this unfriendly step by Bratislava as running counter to the traditional spirit of constructive relations between our countries."
"The ambassador was told that Russia on a basis of reciprocity has made a decision to expel three staffers of the Slovak embassy in Moscow," the Foreign Ministry said.
On August 10, the Slovak Foreign Ministry said three Russian diplomats, suspected of spying, were to leave the country. Prime Minister Igor Matovic said the decision was related with last year’s killing of Georgian citizen Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin.


tass--2020-08-31--Over 2,500 volunteers picked for Russian COVID-19 vaccine’s post-registration trials

IRKUTSK , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
More than 2,500 volunteers have been selected to take part in the third @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus vaccine ’ s trials , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Monday @ @ @ @ @ post-registration monitoring are now being formed .
More than 2,500 people have been chosen of @ @ @ @ @ be selected , '' the minister said .
On August 27 , Murashko announced that @ @ @ @ @ doses of the Sputnik V vaccine to the medical facilities for post-registration research had been @ @ @ @ @ 40,000 volunteers will take part in the third stage .
On August 11 , Russia @ @ @ @ @ the globe to register a vaccine against the coronavirus infection , named Sputnik V. The @ @ @ @ @ June-July .
The vaccine was developed by the Russian Health Ministry ’ s Gamaleya National @ @ @ @ @ Microbiology .
In all , over 160 vaccines are being developed worldwide with over 30 @ @ @ @ @ stage of clinical trials on humans .

IRKUTSK, August 31. /TASS/. More than 2,500 volunteers have been selected to take part in the third post-registration stage of the Russian coronavirus vaccine’s trials, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told reporters on Monday.
"The groups for post-registration monitoring are now being formed. More than 2,500 people have been chosen of the total of 40,000 to be selected," the minister said.
On August 27, Murashko announced that the supplies of the first doses of the Sputnik V vaccine to the medical facilities for post-registration research had been launched. A total of 40,000 volunteers will take part in the third stage.
On August 11, Russia became the first country across the globe to register a vaccine against the coronavirus infection, named Sputnik V. The vaccine underwent clinical trials in June-July. The vaccine was developed by the Russian Health Ministry’s Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. In all, over 160 vaccines are being developed worldwide with over 30 of them being at the stage of clinical trials on humans.


tass--2020-08-31--Press review: EU carbon tax to hit Russia and India pulls out of Russian military exercise

Uzbekistan ’ s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov announced that five Central Asian states - Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Kyrgyzstan , Turkmenistan and Tajikistan - were drawing up a document on friendship , good neighborly relations and cooperation in the 21st century .
It is expected to be signed at the upcoming leaders ' summit this autumn .
The third consultative meeting of the heads of state was initially scheduled for August in Bishkek , but was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic .
Now the parties are discussing the document and the format of holding the summit .
An agreement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second summit in November 2019 in Tashkent .
According to the top Uzbek diplomat , Afghanistan has been also invited to take part .
He stressed that Afghanistan ’ s security was important for stability and prosperity for the entire region .
So , the US concept of creating a Greater Central Asia is being fulfilled , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Andrei Kazantsev , a professor with the Higher School of Economics , believes that Afghanistan is unlikely to fully join the post-Soviet Central Asian region .
`` These are consultative meetings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean that the country will become part of post-Soviet Central Asia , '' he said .
Initially , the Central Asian format emerged from the 5+1 formula - five regional states plus the United States .
Instead of the US there can be the EU , Japan and even Russia , which said that it could use this framework in its interests .
`` So , there are no problems with holding talks on this platform with various states .
The meetings with Afghanistan will be held in this format , '' Kazantsev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states understand that they will have to iron out Afghanistan ’ s problems themselves .
This stance satisfies major players such as the US and the EU , the paper says .
Another problem is the growing interest of global players in Central Asia .
China has been boosting its economic presence in the region , and the US has presented its new concept for Central Asia , while the EU has adopted a new strategy .
However , the regional states still remain in Russia ’ s sphere of influence due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief researcher at the Market Problems Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences Nabi Ziyadullayev said .
`` Historically and economically our outlook is to be together and solve regional problems .
Meanwhile , the consultative format shows that it is not a rival to the Eurasian Economic Union , '' he noted .
Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has described the EU 's looming carbon tax , as a serious threat to Russia .
It ’ s no surprise as Europe is a key destination for Russia ’ s exports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential damage is still unknown , analysts put it at tens of billions of euro .
There are hints of protectionism in these EU moves , but the effective reaction to such steps could only be reducing emissions by introducing new technologies , Izvestia writes .
The idea of the EU ’ s carbon tax on imports had been in the works for several years , but it became a reality after the adoption of the European Green Deal this year .
The carbon tax , which was included in the document introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission president , is a logic way to offset the problem of increased spending by many EU enterprises on cutting emissions .
The measure is aimed at protecting European industry from foreign rivals , which are not planning to reduce carbon gas emissions .
Russia is the EU ’ s major trade partner and the possible introduction of tariffs is likely to make it vulnerable .
The fuel and energy sector plays a key role in Russian-EU trade .
Although it is difficult to imagine that the EU will fully give up Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , competition for Russian companies is expected to increase .
This serious threat could be offset only by pouring investment into developing industry and opting for more technological industries , said Olga Malikova , a professor at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration ( RANEPA ) .
`` In order to offset the damage from this tax , we should seek to introduce modern technologies , which imply minimizing any harmful effects on the environment , '' she said .
Meanwhile , Anton Grinstein , an expert at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia does not have many prospects to sort out the problem of the EU ’ s `` green '' tariffs .
The only thing that could help in the near future ( three-five years ) is higher oil prices .
Under this scenario , Russian companies could both earn and pay the tax and modernize their production , he pointed out .
Mass protests demanding the resignation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko continued in Minsk over the weekend .
On Saturday , numerous women held a march in downtown Minsk , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets several times and took 29 people into custody .
On Sunday , more massive rallies took place , which drew thousands .
The Interior Ministry said 129 people were detained .
Belarusian political scientist and leading expert at the Strategy think-tank Valery Karbalevich told Vedomosti that today there is no victor in the struggle between the protesters and the authorities in Belarus .
Meanwhile , officials in Minsk continue tightening the screws - arrests aren ’ t slowing down and purges in the state administration are in progress .
Despite this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallies .
`` Repression by the authorities has failed to intimidate or calm the protests , '' Karbalevich said .
The expert also believes that there have not been any real strikes in Belarus .
According to Andrei Suzdaltsev , a senior lecturer at the Higher School of Economics , neither the authorities nor the protesters have been able to gain the upper hand .
Meanwhile , constant arrests and beatings are occurring and people are being taken into custody not during the rallies but once they end .
The expert noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the demonstrators are marching peacefully without seizing administrative buildings or damaging infrastructure .
`` All this talk about some gunmen [ among the protesters ] are lies .
The protesters are not crossing any line , yet the Belarusian authorities have crossed it and continue their `` creeping terror . ''
Tensions are rising and this situation can not last forever , but now a fragile balance remains , he noted .
Although some low-ranking police officers stepped down in protest , the Belarusian security agencies are not split and Lukashenko has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s special services said .
In September , major military exercises are scheduled to be held in Russia ’ s Southern Military District , involving China , Pakistan , Iran , Myanmar and several Central Asian states .
India was also expected to send 200 troops , but it refused to participate citing the coronavirus pandemic .
Analysts in New Delhi link this decision to the June clashes on a disputed part of border with China , where 20 Indian troops were killed , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
These maneuvers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Shanghai Cooperation Organization , which includes China , Russia and all former Soviet republics in Central Asia , except for Turkmenistan , as well as India and Pakistan , who joined the group three years ago .
Does this decision mean that New Delhi is turning its back on the SCO ?
The embassy dismissed this suggestion , saying that next week India ’ s defense chief would visit Moscow and attend the SCO meeting .
Meanwhile , the situation on the control line between India and China after the June clashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s defiant absence from the Kavkaz-2020 maneuvers again raises issue over the SCO ’ s future after the accession of India and Pakistan .
Earlier , skeptics in China and Russia warned that granting membership to the two mutual rivals would make the organization unviable .
Vinay Shukla , an editor at India Strategic magazine , told the paper that India ’ s refusal to participate in the drills was not only a hint for Beijing and Islamabad .
The maneuvers will take part in the region , which includes Abkhazia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their military will join the drills .
Still , India does not recognize these republics as independent and does not want these drills to affect its ties with Georgia , he noted .
However , military expert Viktor Litovkin pointed out that the key reason behind India ’ s move was the conflict with China and Pakistan .
Vedomosti : New Japanese PM unlikely to closely cooperate with Russia Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down on August 28 , saying that he was unable to take the right decisions due to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days at his post , far longer than any of his predecessors at this post .
Yoshihide Suga , who currently serves as Chief Cabinet Secretary , is considered as Abe ’ s likely successor .
One of Abe ’ s major goals was to iron out the issue of a peace treaty with Russia , Vedomosti says .
The Japanese prime minister made every effort to complete talks with Russia and sign a treaty .
During his career , he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin 27 times .
The Kremlin expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting his serious contribution to fostering bilateral ties .
The lack of a peace deal with Russia is a key obstacle for normalization between Russia and Japan , and in the past years this has been of special importance .
China has advanced to the leading positions in the world and this puts all countries in another situation , political scientist Fyodor Lukyanov told the paper .
And this is especially important for Japan , the expert noted .
`` So the idea [ of Abe ] that the key obstacle [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be overcome and then other preconditions would be created for developing relations and building a more delicate balance between Japan and China , and Russia and China was certainly relevant . ''
Besides , there was certainly a good personal relationship between Putin and Abe , Lukyanov said .
`` But this was not enough , because the problem is in the category of those that are nearly unsolved . ''
It ’ s hard to sort out territorial disputes and the settlement of the Russian-Japanese dispute was initially doomed to failure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After Abe ’ s departure , there won ’ t be a personal factor in Russian-Japanese relations and the issue of signing a peace treaty will be removed from the agenda in the near future .
The new Japanese leader won ’ t have any moral commitments to Moscow and Russia ’ s recently adopted constitutional amendments closed the legal possibility of achieving agreements , Lukyanov said .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Post-Soviet Central Asian states invite Afghanistan to new consultative alliance
Read also Russia expects prisoner exchange in Afghanistan to be completed soon — diplomat
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov announced that five Central Asian states - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan - were drawing up a document on friendship, good neighborly relations and cooperation in the 21st century. It is expected to be signed at the upcoming leaders' summit this autumn. The third consultative meeting of the heads of state was initially scheduled for August in Bishkek, but was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic. Now the parties are discussing the document and the format of holding the summit. An agreement on drafting the deal was reached at the second summit in November 2019 in Tashkent. According to the top Uzbek diplomat, Afghanistan has been also invited to take part. He stressed that Afghanistan’s security was important for stability and prosperity for the entire region. So, the US concept of creating a Greater Central Asia is being fulfilled, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Andrei Kazantsev, a professor with the Higher School of Economics, believes that Afghanistan is unlikely to fully join the post-Soviet Central Asian region. "These are consultative meetings and including Afghanistan in this format does not mean that the country will become part of post-Soviet Central Asia," he said. Initially, the Central Asian format emerged from the 5+1 formula - five regional states plus the United States. Instead of the US there can be the EU, Japan and even Russia, which said that it could use this framework in its interests. "So, there are no problems with holding talks on this platform with various states. The meetings with Afghanistan will be held in this format," Kazantsev said. Meanwhile, the Central Asian states understand that they will have to iron out Afghanistan’s problems themselves. This stance satisfies major players such as the US and the EU, the paper says. Another problem is the growing interest of global players in Central Asia. China has been boosting its economic presence in the region, and the US has presented its new concept for Central Asia, while the EU has adopted a new strategy. However, the regional states still remain in Russia’s sphere of influence due to their shared history and humanitarian ties, chief researcher at the Market Problems Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences Nabi Ziyadullayev said. "Historically and economically our outlook is to be together and solve regional problems. Meanwhile, the consultative format shows that it is not a rival to the Eurasian Economic Union," he noted. Izvestia: EU’s carbon tax jeopardizes Russian trade
Read also Ex-PM: Russian companies will need support measures if EU introduces carbon tax
Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has described the EU's looming carbon tax, as a serious threat to Russia. It’s no surprise as Europe is a key destination for Russia’s exports. Although the exact sum of the potential damage is still unknown, analysts put it at tens of billions of euro. There are hints of protectionism in these EU moves, but the effective reaction to such steps could only be reducing emissions by introducing new technologies, Izvestia writes. The idea of the EU’s carbon tax on imports had been in the works for several years, but it became a reality after the adoption of the European Green Deal this year. The carbon tax, which was included in the document introduced by Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, is a logic way to offset the problem of increased spending by many EU enterprises on cutting emissions. The measure is aimed at protecting European industry from foreign rivals, which are not planning to reduce carbon gas emissions. Russia is the EU’s major trade partner and the possible introduction of tariffs is likely to make it vulnerable. The fuel and energy sector plays a key role in Russian-EU trade. Although it is difficult to imagine that the EU will fully give up Russian oil and gas in the near future, competition for Russian companies is expected to increase. This serious threat could be offset only by pouring investment into developing industry and opting for more technological industries, said Olga Malikova, a professor at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). "In order to offset the damage from this tax, we should seek to introduce modern technologies, which imply minimizing any harmful effects on the environment," she said. Meanwhile, Anton Grinstein, an expert at the Hamilton information and analytical center, notes that Russia does not have many prospects to sort out the problem of the EU’s "green" tariffs. The only thing that could help in the near future (three-five years) is higher oil prices. Under this scenario, Russian companies could both earn and pay the tax and modernize their production, he pointed out. Vedomosti: Belarusian authorities tighten the screws on protesters
Read also 140 protesters detained in Minsk on Sunday
Mass protests demanding the resignation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko continued in Minsk over the weekend. On Saturday, numerous women held a march in downtown Minsk, and during the demonstration police forces blocked the streets several times and took 29 people into custody. On Sunday, more massive rallies took place, which drew thousands. The Interior Ministry said 129 people were detained. Belarusian political scientist and leading expert at the Strategy think-tank Valery Karbalevich told Vedomosti that today there is no victor in the struggle between the protesters and the authorities in Belarus. Meanwhile, officials in Minsk continue tightening the screws - arrests aren’t slowing down and purges in the state administration are in progress. Despite this, just as before the opposition keeps holding rallies. "Repression by the authorities has failed to intimidate or calm the protests," Karbalevich said. The expert also believes that there have not been any real strikes in Belarus. According to Andrei Suzdaltsev, a senior lecturer at the Higher School of Economics, neither the authorities nor the protesters have been able to gain the upper hand. Meanwhile, constant arrests and beatings are occurring and people are being taken into custody not during the rallies but once they end. The expert noted that the protests in Belarus are massive and the demonstrators are marching peacefully without seizing administrative buildings or damaging infrastructure. "All this talk about some gunmen [among the protesters] are lies. The protesters are not crossing any line, yet the Belarusian authorities have crossed it and continue their "creeping terror." Tensions are rising and this situation cannot last forever, but now a fragile balance remains, he noted. Although some low-ranking police officers stepped down in protest, the Belarusian security agencies are not split and Lukashenko has not lost control, a former member of Russia’s special services said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: India backs out of Russia’s Kavkaz-2020 military drills
In September, major military exercises are scheduled to be held in Russia’s Southern Military District, involving China, Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar and several Central Asian states. India was also expected to send 200 troops, but it refused to participate citing the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts in New Delhi link this decision to the June clashes on a disputed part of border with China, where 20 Indian troops were killed, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. These maneuvers are being informally held within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes China, Russia and all former Soviet republics in Central Asia, except for Turkmenistan, as well as India and Pakistan, who joined the group three years ago. Does this decision mean that New Delhi is turning its back on the SCO? The embassy dismissed this suggestion, saying that next week India’s defense chief would visit Moscow and attend the SCO meeting. Meanwhile, the situation on the control line between India and China after the June clashes remains tense. Therefore, New Delhi’s defiant absence from the Kavkaz-2020 maneuvers again raises issue over the SCO’s future after the accession of India and Pakistan. Earlier, skeptics in China and Russia warned that granting membership to the two mutual rivals would make the organization unviable. Vinay Shukla, an editor at India Strategic magazine, told the paper that India’s refusal to participate in the drills was not only a hint for Beijing and Islamabad. The maneuvers will take part in the region, which includes Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It is possible that their military will join the drills. Still, India does not recognize these republics as independent and does not want these drills to affect its ties with Georgia, he noted. However, military expert Viktor Litovkin pointed out that the key reason behind India’s move was the conflict with China and Pakistan. Vedomosti: New Japanese PM unlikely to closely cooperate with Russia
Read also Japan to continue seeking peace treaty with Russia, Abe says


tass--2020-08-31--First large batches of COVID-19 vaccine to be supplied in September

`` As for vaccination against the coronavirus infection , right now simultaneously the increase in production and the post-registration observation are underway .
First of all , of course , the vaccines will be supplied for healthcare workers and instructors , this [ vaccination ] will be absolutely voluntary .
The first large batches will be supplied as early as September , '' the minister said .
He also added that currently several more vaccines against the coronavirus are at the clinical trials or at the registration stage .
`` That is why I think that we ’ ll reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll need to separate inoculation against the flu and against the coronavirus infection , '' he concluded .
On August 27 , the Healthcare Minister reported that the deliveries of the first doses of the vaccine against the coronavirus to medical institutions within the framework of post-registration trials have started already .
It is planned that in all , 40,000 volunteers will participate in Phase 3 trials .
Registered on August 11 , Russian Sputnik V preparation became the first vaccine against the coronavirus worldwide that obtained state registration .
The preparation was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry .
In all , over 160 vaccines are being developed worldwide with over 30 of them being at the stage of clinical trials on humans .

"As for vaccination against the coronavirus infection, right now simultaneously the increase in production and the post-registration observation are underway. First of all, of course, the vaccines will be supplied for healthcare workers and instructors, this [vaccination] will be absolutely voluntary. The first large batches will be supplied as early as September," the minister said.
He also added that currently several more vaccines against the coronavirus are at the clinical trials or at the registration stage. "That is why I think that we’ll reach maximal volumes in November-December. We’ll need to separate inoculation against the flu and against the coronavirus infection," he concluded.
On August 27, the Healthcare Minister reported that the deliveries of the first doses of the vaccine against the coronavirus to medical institutions within the framework of post-registration trials have started already. It is planned that in all, 40,000 volunteers will participate in Phase 3 trials.
Registered on August 11, Russian Sputnik V preparation became the first vaccine against the coronavirus worldwide that obtained state registration. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry. In all, over 160 vaccines are being developed worldwide with over 30 of them being at the stage of clinical trials on humans.


tass--2020-08-31--Tikhanovskaya plans to address UN Security Council on September 4

MINSK , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya plans to address the UN Security Council @ @ @ @ @ Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) on September 8 , her @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She plans to address the UN Security Council session on September 4 and @ @ @ @ @ Council of Europe on September 8 , '' the message informs .
`` At every @ @ @ @ @ and address , Svetlana talks about the situation in Belarus and the demands of the @ @ @ @ @ Alexander ] Lukashenko must leave , political prisoners and detained persons must be released .
@ @ @ @ @ Security Council and PACE sessions has not been specified .

MINSK, August 31. /TASS/. Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya plans to address the UN Security Council on September 4 and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on September 8, her press service informed on Monday.
"She plans to address the UN Security Council session on September 4 and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on September 8," the message informs. "At every meeting, during every discussion and address, Svetlana talks about the situation in Belarus and the demands of the people: [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko must leave, political prisoners and detained persons must be released."
The format of UN Security Council and PACE sessions has not been specified.


tass--2020-08-31--Putin, Abe stress importance of enhancing good neighborly relations

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a phone conversation highlighted the importance of continuing efforts on strengthening good neighborly relations between Russia and Japan , the Kremlin press service said on Monday .
`` Both sides stressed the importance of continuing efforts on strengthening good neighborly relations between Russia and Japan in the interests of the two countries ’ nations , security and stability of the entire Asia-Pacific Region , '' the statement reads .
Putin thanked Abe , with whom they held 26 personal meetings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribution to developing bilateral cooperation .
`` In light of Shinzo Abe ’ s decision to step down as prime minister , Vladimir Putin thanked him for the joint efforts and great personal contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation .
The Japanese prime minister , in turn , spoke highly of long-standing constructive interaction with the Russian president , '' the statement runs .
According to the Kremlin press service , the conversation was initiated by Russia .
Japan ’ s Kyodo news agency earlier reported about Putin-Abe phone conversation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed plans to hold talks on signing a peace treaty in the future .
However , the Kremlin did not give such details of the conversation .
The Russian president was the second world leader , with whom Abe held talks after announcing his upcoming resignation .
Earlier on Monday , he talked with US President Donald Trump .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a phone conversation highlighted the importance of continuing efforts on strengthening good neighborly relations between Russia and Japan, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.
"Both sides stressed the importance of continuing efforts on strengthening good neighborly relations between Russia and Japan in the interests of the two countries’ nations, security and stability of the entire Asia-Pacific Region," the statement reads.
Putin thanked Abe, with whom they held 26 personal meetings, for their joint work and great personal contribution to developing bilateral cooperation. "In light of Shinzo Abe’s decision to step down as prime minister, Vladimir Putin thanked him for the joint efforts and great personal contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation. The Japanese prime minister, in turn, spoke highly of long-standing constructive interaction with the Russian president," the statement runs.
According to the Kremlin press service, the conversation was initiated by Russia.
Japan’s Kyodo news agency earlier reported about Putin-Abe phone conversation. The report said that the two leaders had confirmed plans to hold talks on signing a peace treaty in the future. However, the Kremlin did not give such details of the conversation.
The Russian president was the second world leader, with whom Abe held talks after announcing his upcoming resignation. Earlier on Monday, he talked with US President Donald Trump.
Abe’s decision and peace treaty


tass--2020-08-31--Foreign customers file requests for Russia’s advanced tank support combat vehicle

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign customers have sent several requests for Russia ’ s latest Terminator tank @ @ @ @ @ Director of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer ( part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) Alexander @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have already received requests for the tank support combat vehicle as part @ @ @ @ @ , '' the general director said , adding that the combat vehicles had been demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ Army-2020 forum in Kubinka last week .
The Terminator tank support fighting vehicle proved its @ @ @ @ @ Syria , the Uralvagonzavod chief said .
The Terminator tank support combat vehicle features two @ @ @ @ @ ammunition load of 900 rounds .
The combat vehicle is also armed with an Ataka-T @ @ @ @ @ automatic grenade launchers and a large-caliber machine-gun .
The Terminator is designed to provide fire @ @ @ @ @ an offensive , including the task of fighting enemy personnel armed with man-portable air defense @ @

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Foreign customers have sent several requests for Russia’s latest Terminator tank support fighting vehicle, General Director of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) Alexander Potapov told TASS on Monday.
"We have already received requests for the tank support combat vehicle as part of military and technical cooperation," the general director said, adding that the combat vehicles had been demonstrated to foreign customers at the Army-2020 forum in Kubinka last week.
The Terminator tank support fighting vehicle proved its worth in combat operations in Syria, the Uralvagonzavod chief said.
The Terminator tank support combat vehicle features two 30mm 2A42 guns with an ammunition load of 900 rounds. The combat vehicle is also armed with an Ataka-T anti-tank missile system, 30mm automatic grenade launchers and a large-caliber machine-gun.
The Terminator is designed to provide fire support for the armor in an offensive, including the task of fighting enemy personnel armed with man-portable air defense systems.


tass--2020-08-31--Putin congratulates Kyrgyz president on Independence Day

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Independence @ @ @ @ @ service said .
President of Kyrgyzstan leaving Russia due to COVID-19 cases documented in his @ @ @ @ @ countries are progressing based on the spirit of strategic partnership and allied ties .
Bilateral @ @ @ @ @ as well as fruitful cooperation in various areas and efforts to coordinate our activities within @ @ @ @ @ the CSTO [ Collective Security Treaty Organization ] and the SCO [ Shanghai Cooperation Organization @ @ @ @ @ in his message to Jeenbekov .
The Russian president was also hopeful that through joint @ @ @ @ @ continue to boost ties and cooperation in the fight against threats and challenges to international @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` It is undoubtedly in the interests of the two friendly peoples , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Declaration of Independence was adopted on August 31 , 1991 .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Independence Day, the Kremlin press service said.
President of Kyrgyzstan leaving Russia due to COVID-19 cases documented in his delegation
"Relations between our countries are progressing based on the spirit of strategic partnership and allied ties. Bilateral political dialogue is increasing, as well as fruitful cooperation in various areas and efforts to coordinate our activities within the Eurasian Economic Union, the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] and the SCO [Shanghai Cooperation Organization]," Putin said in his message to Jeenbekov.
The Russian president was also hopeful that through joint efforts the two countries would continue to boost ties and cooperation in the fight against threats and challenges to international security, including the coronavirus pandemic.
"It is undoubtedly in the interests of the two friendly peoples," Putin emphasized.
Kyrgyzstan’s Declaration of Independence was adopted on August 31, 1991.


tass--2020-08-31--Abe, Putin confirm policy towards concluding Japan-Russia peace treaty — media

Lukashenko says agrees with Putin that situation in Belarus could be used against Russia In this case , Lukashenko said @ @ @ @ @ a theatre of war , `` where other people ’ s issues will be resolved @

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-08-31--First batch of latest Armata tanks to arrive for Russian troops

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of the latest T-14 ‘ Armata ’ tanks will arrive @ @ @ @ @ , CEO of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer ( part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` The first batch of vehicles will be delivered to the troops shortly @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Armata is of great interest both for the Russian Army and for @ @ @ @ @ inquiring about T-14 possible deliveries or the licensed production of this hardware , the Uralvagonzavod @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The first batch of the latest T-14 ‘Armata’ tanks will arrive for the Russian troops shortly, CEO of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) Alexander Potapov told TASS on Monday.
"The first batch of vehicles will be delivered to the troops shortly," the chief executive said.
The Armata is of great interest both for the Russian Army and for foreign customers, which are inquiring about T-14 possible deliveries or the licensed production of this hardware, the Uralvagonzavod chief said.


tass--2020-08-31--Moscow records more coronavirus cases in August compared with July

This is 6.6 % more than in July , when the crisis center confirmed 19,761 infections .
MOSCOW , August @ @ @ @ @ ’ s federal anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 21,059 new coronavirus cases in Moscow in August @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 34,953 people recovered in the Russian capital versus 28,771 last month .
The @ @ @ @ @ grew from 74.2 % to 81.6 % .
In August , the crisis center reported @ @ @ @ @ capital , while in July the death toll reached 664 .
The average mortality rate @ @ @ @ @ of August 31 stood at 1.84 % versus 1.85 % a month earlier .
The @ @ @ @ @ treatment dropped by 24.7 % from 57,731 to 43,476 in the past month .
Currently @ @ @ @ @ infected are ill in Moscow .

This is 6.6% more than in July, when the crisis center confirmed 19,761 infections.
MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russia’s federal anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 21,059 new coronavirus cases in Moscow in August, according to TASS estimates.
Some 34,953 people recovered in the Russian capital versus 28,771 last month. The share of recovered Moscow citizens grew from 74.2% to 81.6%.
In August, the crisis center reported 361 coronavirus deaths in the capital, while in July the death toll reached 664. The average mortality rate from the coronavirus infection as of August 31 stood at 1.84% versus 1.85% a month earlier.
The number of patients who continue treatment dropped by 24.7% from 57,731 to 43,476 in the past month. Currently, 16.6% of those infected are ill in Moscow.


tass--2020-08-31--Investigation into 32 Russians handed over to Moscow continues in Belarus

MINSK , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian investigators are pushing ahead with the probe into the case over suspected attempts to incite mass unrest , in which 33 Russian citizens were originally detained , including 32 individuals later handed over to Russia , the Belarusian Prosecutor General ’ s Office told TASS on Monday .
`` Preliminary investigation is in progress .
The Investigative Committee of Belarus is in charge , '' the prosecutor ’ s office said .
On July 29 , Belarus detained 33 Russian citizens .
Minsk said they were all members of a private military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were charged with involvement in attempts to stage mass unrest and would be tried under the same case as Sergei Tikhanovsky ( husband of presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya ) and Nikolai Statkevich ( Belarusian opposition activist ) .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculations that Moscow might have sent somebody to Belarus for destabilizing the situation as insinuations .
On August 14 , the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office said that on the basis of a request from Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov , filed on August 5 , 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were allowed to leave for Russia in accordance with the Minsk Convention on legal assistance and legal relations in civil , family and criminal cases as of January 22 , 1993 .
One Russian citizen , who has Belarusian citizenship , has remained in Belarus .

MINSK, August 31. /TASS/. Belarusian investigators are pushing ahead with the probe into the case over suspected attempts to incite mass unrest, in which 33 Russian citizens were originally detained, including 32 individuals later handed over to Russia, the Belarusian Prosecutor General’s Office told TASS on Monday.
"Preliminary investigation is in progress. The Investigative Committee of Belarus is in charge," the prosecutor’s office said.
On July 29, Belarus detained 33 Russian citizens. Minsk said they were all members of a private military company. The Belarusian Investigative Committee said they were charged with involvement in attempts to stage mass unrest and would be tried under the same case as Sergei Tikhanovsky (husband of presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya) and Nikolai Statkevich (Belarusian opposition activist). Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculations that Moscow might have sent somebody to Belarus for destabilizing the situation as insinuations.
On August 14, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office said that on the basis of a request from Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, filed on August 5, 32 Russian citizens, earlier detained in Belarus, were allowed to leave for Russia in accordance with the Minsk Convention on legal assistance and legal relations in civil, family and criminal cases as of January 22, 1993. One Russian citizen, who has Belarusian citizenship, has remained in Belarus.


tass--2020-08-31--Academy of Sciences: Norilsk’s detailed ecology monitoring may be done in 2021

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The Big Norilsk Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch may continue in 2021 , when scientists may organize detailed monitoring of Norilsk ’ s ecology , the expedition team ’ s leader Nikolai Yurkevich told TASS .
“ We truly hope those would be observations and monitoring for a few years , ” he said .
“ We have discussed certain joint projects with Taimyr ’ s Natural Resources and with the Norilsk Institute.
” Scientists have been discussing detailed monitoring due in 2021 , he added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our interests , and Nornickel also understands it clearly .
This year , we have focused on potential hydrocarbon contamination from the fuel spill .
During monitoring studies , we would focus on the wind rose contamination , which we have left out this year , ” the scientist added .
“ We will also return to the current locations to get more reliable data and to amass certain statistics.
” The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic , on how to preserve the nature .
The expedition ’ s key points are watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya , and Lake Pyasino .
The expedition ’ s term is five months – from July to November .
Before end of August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sediments , and later on they will make tests at labs .
First results may be expected in November-December , 2020 .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The Great Norilsk Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch may continue in 2021, when scientists may organize detailed monitoring of Norilsk’s ecology, the expedition team’s leader Nikolai Yurkevich told TASS.
“We truly hope those would be observations and monitoring for a few years,” he said. “We have discussed certain joint projects with Taimyr’s Natural Resources and with the Norilsk Institute.”
Scientists have been discussing detailed monitoring due in 2021, he added.
“I think, it would be in our interests, and Nornickel also understands it clearly. This year, we have focused on potential hydrocarbon contamination from the fuel spill. During monitoring studies, we would focus on the wind rose contamination, which we have left out this year,” the scientist added. “We will also return to the current locations to get more reliable data and to amass certain statistics.”
About expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic, on how to preserve the nature.
The expedition’s key points are watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya, and Lake Pyasino. The expedition’s term is five months – from July to November. Before end of August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch have collected samples of soils, plants and sediments, and later on they will make tests at labs. First results may be expected in November-December, 2020.


tass--2020-08-31--4,993 cases of COVID-19 infection detected in Russia over past 24 hours

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has @ @ @ @ @ 995,319 infections in all , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday .
According @ @ @ @ @ the daily growth has not exceeded 0.5 % for 16 days .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The number of COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 4,993, with 995,319 infections in all, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth has not exceeded 0.5% for 16 days.


tass--2020-08-31--One third of Russian companies had financial ‘safety cushion’ by pandemic start — poll

According to the research , the majority of entrepreneurs ( 62 % ) had no savings by the pandemic start .
Each third representative of the business ( 32 % ) informed that his or her company had certain savings and financial reserves .
The majority of business representatives ( 81 % ) , whose companies had reserves by the start of the pandemic , believe their amount is insufficient to tackle pandemic-related challenges .
MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Just one third of Russian companies had a financial ‘ safety cushion ’ by the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll performed by NAFI Analytical Center in August , available with TASS .
The ‘ safety cushion ’ of companies is small .
19 % among those having it indicated that financial reserves will be enough for less than a month in case the company loses all other revenues ; 39 % say that savings will cover not more than 3 months .
At the same time , 24 % informed that company ’ s savings will cover up to 6 months of operations and 6 % - up to 12 months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) reported the decline in the demand for their goods and services during the pandemic periods .
Entrepreneurs working in the trade sector ( 88 % ) more frequently informed about the shrinking demand .
Each fifth of polled persons said the demand during the pandemic period has not actually changed .
54 % of entrepreneurs believe it will take 12 months or more for the demand for their goods and services to recover .
Each fifth ( 22 % ) believes the demand will not recover earlier than in six months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Entrepreneurs used different ways of reducing costs in the challenging economic situation .
42 % of the polled persons slashed marketing and advertising costs .
One third of companies streamlined their staff .
26 % reduced salaries and wages .
22 % opted not to continue renting offices .

According to the research, the majority of entrepreneurs (62%) had no savings by the pandemic start. Each third representative of the business (32%) informed that his or her company had certain savings and financial reserves. The majority of business representatives (81%), whose companies had reserves by the start of the pandemic, believe their amount is insufficient to tackle pandemic-related challenges.
MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Just one third of Russian companies had a financial ‘safety cushion’ by the start of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, according to the poll performed by NAFI Analytical Center in August, available with TASS.
The ‘safety cushion’ of companies is small. 19% among those having it indicated that financial reserves will be enough for less than a month in case the company loses all other revenues; 39% say that savings will cover not more than 3 months. At the same time, 24% informed that company’s savings will cover up to 6 months of operations and 6% - up to 12 months.
The majority of businessmen (79%) reported the decline in the demand for their goods and services during the pandemic periods. Entrepreneurs working in the trade sector (88%) more frequently informed about the shrinking demand. Each fifth of polled persons said the demand during the pandemic period has not actually changed.
54% of entrepreneurs believe it will take 12 months or more for the demand for their goods and services to recover. Each fifth (22%) believes the demand will not recover earlier than in six months. Each tenth finds it difficult to answer.
Entrepreneurs used different ways of reducing costs in the challenging economic situation. 42% of the polled persons slashed marketing and advertising costs. One third of companies streamlined their staff. 26% reduced salaries and wages. 22% opted not to continue renting offices.


tass--2020-08-31--Islamic State financiers detained in five Russian regions

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has detained financiers of @ @ @ @ @ ( outlawed in Russia ) in five regions of the country , the FSB said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Federal Security Service has carried out a joint operation with the Investigative @ @ @ @ @ , the Federal Financial Monitoring Service and the National Guard , and exposed a clandestine @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , the Moscow , Dagestan and Krasnoyarsk regions and the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous region , @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic State terrorist organization outlawed in Russia , '' the statement reads .
Criminal @ @ @ @ @ six Russians under Article 205.1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ( abetting terrorism ) .
@ @ @ @ @ the detained were involved in the activities of a crime group whose members had been @ @ @ @ @ in Syria .
Communication means and payment tools that prove their illegal activities were seized @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained financiers of the Islamic State terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia) in five regions of the country, the FSB said in a statement on Monday.
"The Federal Security Service has carried out a joint operation with the Investigative Committee, the Interior Ministry, the Federal Financial Monitoring Service and the National Guard, and exposed a clandestine cell that was active in Moscow, the Moscow, Dagestan and Krasnoyarsk regions and the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous region, collecting and transferring money to the Islamic State terrorist organization outlawed in Russia," the statement reads.
Criminal cases have been opened against six Russians under Article 205.1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (abetting terrorism).
According to the FSB, the detained were involved in the activities of a crime group whose members had been convicted of funding terrorist organizations in Syria. Communication means and payment tools that prove their illegal activities were seized from the detained.


tass--2020-08-31--Almost 212,000 patients in Russia remain under observation due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , August 31 .
/TASS/ .
Almost 212,000 patients remain under medical observation in Russia due to the suspected @ @ @ @ @ press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ In the Russian Federation 211,940 people remain under medical observation , '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ , in all , over 36.6 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ tests were made .

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Almost 212,000 patients remain under medical observation in Russia due to the suspected novel coronavirus infection, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Monday.
"In the Russian Federation 211,940 people remain under medical observation," the statement said.
According to the agency, in all, over 36.6 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted. Over the past 24 hours, 259,000 tests were made.


tass--2020-08-31--Kokam Launching New Battery System for Global UPS Market

SEOUL , South Korea , Aug. 31 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kokam Co. , Ltd , a subsidiary of SolarEdge and a provider of lithium-ion batteries and integrated energy solutions , announced today the launch of a new advanced and cost-effective battery system for Uninterruptible Power Systems ( UPS ) .
Already active in the UPS battery market , Kokam is strengthening its position with new advanced battery system that uses innovative cell technology to increase the c-rate and energy density .
The advanced battery system , having a high power output of 8 C-rate , is designed to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , banks , and semi-conductor factories , where providing a seamless switchover to full power backup in the event of a power outage is crucial .
The advanced battery system has up to a 46 % smaller footprint and is up to 20 % lighter compared to the conventional lead-acid battery system .
With a simplistic and compact design for convenient maintenance , the new system further decreases the already low total cost of ownership , which is up to 40 % less than conventional lead-acid battery systems .
`` With data center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battery market is experiencing considerable expansion .
As a leading battery solution provider , Kokam is well positioned to support this market acceleration through technological innovation , '' stated Ike Hong , President of Kokam .
`` The launch of our new advanced battery system for the UPS battery market is aimed to provide a cost-effective and advanced solution to address the current grid stability challenges . ''
Kokam is already accepting pre-orders for its new UPS advanced battery system .
Kokam is a global market leader in manufacturing premium lithium-ion batteries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing technology allows Kokam to provide energy solutions of improved quality , performance , safety , and reliability .
Committed to solving energy storage challenges , Kokam develops customized cell technology for the most demanding energy storage applications and designs solutions that meet customers ' various capacity requirements .
Today , Kokam 's state-of-the-art battery solutions are deployed around the world and in a wide-variety of industries , including , electric vehicles ( EV ) , energy storage systems ( ESS ) , aerospace , marine and uninterrupted power supply ( UPS ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a NASDAQ traded company and global leader in smart energy .
Kokam is online at kokam.com .
SolarEdge is a global leader in smart energy technology .
By leveraging world-class engineering capabilities and with a relentless focus on innovation , SolarEdge creates smart energy solutions that power our lives and drive future progress .
SolarEdge developed an intelligent inverter solution that changed the way power is harvested and managed in photovoltaic ( PV ) systems .
The SolarEdge DC optimized inverter seeks to maximize power generation while lowering the cost of energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to advance smart energy , SolarEdge addresses a broad range of energy market segments through its PV , storage , EV charging , batteries , UPS , electric vehicle powertrains , and grid services solutions .

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kokam Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of SolarEdge and a provider of lithium-ion batteries and integrated energy solutions, announced today the launch of a new advanced and cost-effective battery system for Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS). Already active in the UPS battery market, Kokam is strengthening its position with new advanced battery system that uses innovative cell technology to increase the c-rate and energy density.
The advanced battery system, having a high power output of 8 C-rate, is designed to support mission-critical facilities, such as data centers, banks, and semi-conductor factories, where providing a seamless switchover to full power backup in the event of a power outage is crucial. The advanced battery system has up to a 46% smaller footprint and is up to 20% lighter compared to the conventional lead-acid battery system. With a simplistic and compact design for convenient maintenance, the new system further decreases the already low total cost of ownership, which is up to 40% less than conventional lead-acid battery systems.
"With data center growth and grid instability, the UPS battery market is experiencing considerable expansion. As a leading battery solution provider, Kokam is well positioned to support this market acceleration through technological innovation," stated Ike Hong, President of Kokam. "The launch of our new advanced battery system for the UPS battery market is aimed to provide a cost-effective and advanced solution to address the current grid stability challenges."
Kokam is already accepting pre-orders for its new UPS advanced battery system.
About Kokam:
Kokam is a global market leader in manufacturing premium lithium-ion batteries and advanced ESS solutions. Its patented cell manufacturing technology allows Kokam to provide energy solutions of improved quality, performance, safety, and reliability. Committed to solving energy storage challenges, Kokam develops customized cell technology for the most demanding energy storage applications and designs solutions that meet customers' various capacity requirements. Today, Kokam's state-of-the-art battery solutions are deployed around the world and in a wide-variety of industries, including, electric vehicles (EV), energy storage systems (ESS), aerospace, marine and uninterrupted power supply (UPS). Kokam is a subsidiary of SolarEdge, a NASDAQ traded company and global leader in smart energy. Kokam is online at kokam.com.
About SolarEdge:
SolarEdge is a global leader in smart energy technology. By leveraging world-class engineering capabilities and with a relentless focus on innovation, SolarEdge creates smart energy solutions that power our lives and drive future progress. SolarEdge developed an intelligent inverter solution that changed the way power is harvested and managed in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The SolarEdge DC optimized inverter seeks to maximize power generation while lowering the cost of energy produced by the PV system. Continuing to advance smart energy, SolarEdge addresses a broad range of energy market segments through its PV, storage, EV charging, batteries, UPS, electric vehicle powertrains, and grid services solutions.